Technology

Key Features & Advantages

Choosing an Ammonia Absorption system offers distinct operational and environmental benefits:

Eco-Friendly Performance: Uses Ammonia, a natural and eco-friendly refrigerant that replaces hazardous, ozone-depleting CFCs.
Massive Energy Savings: Converts waste heat, solar, or geothermal energy into useful refrigeration, significantly cutting electricity costs.
Extreme Reliability: Features no major moving parts except a dependable centrifugal pump, leading to noiseless operation and minimal maintenance.
Operational Longevity: Designed for a lifespan of at least 25 years, with many plants operating efficiently for over 40 years.
Wide Temperature Range: Capable of delivering refrigeration temperatures from +5°C down to –60°C.
Smart Control: Fully automated via PLC-based systems, allowing for quick restarts and seamless load modulation.

Versatile Heat Source Integration

AARPs are designed to fit perfectly into Integrated Energy Systems and Cogeneration (CHRP) plants. They can be driven by a variety of low-cost heat sources:

Waste Heat: Recovered from industrial processes.
Steam: Generated from Biomass, Agrofuels, Coal, or Natural Gas.
Renewables: Solar thermal and geothermal energy.
Hot Water: Driving heat sources as low as 85°C.

AARP Configurations

1. Single-Stage Absorption & Desorption

Ideal for standard refrigeration needs ranging from +5°C to -55°C. This system uses a solution heat exchanger to preheat strong ammonia solution, maximizing thermal efficiency.

2. Two-Stage Absorption

Used when a facility requires two different refrigeration temperatures simultaneously. This configuration:

Reduces solution circulation losses.
Achieves improved COP (Coefficient of Performance) compared to two separate plants.
Allows for lower refrigeration temperatures using relatively lower-temperature heat sources.

3. Air-Cooled Heat Rejection

A unique technical feature that allows AARPs to operate in water-starved regions.

Type 1: Uses air-cooled remote radiators for heat rejection while keeping the internal condenser water-cooled.
Type 2: Features a direct air-cooled ammonia condenser for maximum water savings.

Comparative Superiority

AARP vs. LiBr Chillers

While Lithium Bromide (LiBr) chillers are common, Ammonia systems offer significant advantages for chilled water applications:

Durability: AARP uses robust carbon steel and all-welded construction, whereas LiBr systems often suffer from copper tube corrosion and vacuum leaks.
Pressure: AARPs operate at positive pressure, eliminating the constant "vacuum maintenance" required by LiBr units.
Range: LiBr is limited to temperatures above +7°C, while AARP can go as low as -60°C.

AARP vs. Electrical Compressor-driven Chillers

AARP systems operate on waste heat or inexpensive fuels, eliminating the high electricity demand associated with compressor‑driven chillers.
AARP units have very low maintenance requirements because they contain no reciprocating components. Compressor‑based chillers, on the other hand, face regular wear and tear due to their reciprocating compressors, leading to higher maintenance costs.
AARP efficiency remains consistent even at part load, whereas compressor‑based chillers experience a significant drop in efficiency when operating below full load.
AARP systems can be installed outdoors with ease, while compressor‑driven chillers typically require indoor housing or dedicated mechanical rooms.

Industrial Applications