Heat rejection coolers for absorption chillers – theory and field test results.

Coolers are the most relevant components of absorption chiller systems regarding electricity and water consumption as well as operational costs, space requirement, and noise emission. While evaporative cooling towers can supply lower temperatures, package type dry coolers are significantly cheaper in investment, operation and maintenance. In the last few years, single effect absorption chillers have been developed to operate with dry coolers. In a field test 25 chillers were tested in 16 different locations throughout Germany. Using dry coolers instead of wet coolers facilitates the overall installation. Project results show the energy efficiency potential of absorption chillers in combination with dry coolers. Three strategies reduced the electrical energy consumption by 70 % on average, without negative side effects for absorption chillers. The annual specific electricity demand of 0.028 kWel/kWth,0 was even lower than typical values for wet cooling towers.