Operation Synopsis of Gas-Fired Double-Effect Absorption Chillers

Abstract

Absorption refrigeration systems are one of the oldest systems available. The fundamentals of absorption refrigeration were formulated about 1777, and the first successful absorption machine was developed in 1850. The first U.S. patent for an absorption refrigeration system was issued in 1860. Absorption systems can use many different heat sources to produce the refrigeration effect: natural gas, steam, solar, and oil. While absorption systems were popular in the U.S. in the early part of the 20th century, their use declined in the mid twentieth century for several reasons: (1) increased reliability of vapor compression systems, (2) dropping electric prices (in real dollars), and (3) rapidly increasing gas prices. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in absorption refrigeration and cooling. Natural gas prices have moderated while electric prices continue to rise. The reliability and performance of absorption systems have been substantially improved with new technology from Japan. This paper summarizes the results of the operation of three absorption systems located in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area.