absorptionjäähdytys

Absorption cooling, or absorption refrigeration, is a type of cooling that uses a heat source instead of a mechanical compressor to provide the cooling effect. This is achieved through a thermodynamic cycle that involves an absorbent and a refrigerant. The most common systems utilize water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide as the absorbent, or ammonia as the refrigerant and water as the absorbent.

The absorption cycle typically consists of four main components: the generator, the condenser, the evaporator, and the absorber. In the generator, the refrigerant is heated and vaporized from the absorbent. This vapor then travels to the condenser, where it is cooled and liquefied. The liquid refrigerant then moves to the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the space to be cooled, thus producing the cooling effect. Finally, the refrigerant vapor returns to the absorber, where it is absorbed back into the absorbent solution, completing the cycle.

A key advantage of absorption cooling is its ability to utilize waste heat or low-grade heat sources, such as solar thermal energy or the exhaust heat from industrial processes. This can lead to significant energy savings compared to conventional compression refrigeration systems, which rely on electricity to power compressors. Absorption chillers are often used in applications where a readily available heat source exists and electricity is either expensive or less reliable. Examples include large commercial buildings, industrial plants, and areas with abundant solar or geothermal resources. The technology is also known for its quiet operation due to the absence of a mechanical compressor.