What is an Absorption Cooling System?

One of the two primary HVAC methods is through an absorption cooling system; the other is a compressor cooling system.

Both use a refrigerant that boils at a very low temperature. As it boils and evaporates, the refrigerant removes heat from water, which is then used to chill the building space.

They differ in the refrigerant they use and the way the refrigerant is converted back to liquid (from gas). Traditional absorption systems typically use ammonia, while commercial HVAC units use a lithium bromide solution.

The absorption system uses either a direct heat source (such as a gas burner) or an indirect source (such as recaptured waste heat from a water heater or gas turbine). By contrast, the compression system relies on an electric-powered compressor, which can be louder and costlier. As such, absorption systems are often preferred when electricity is unreliable or expensive.

For more information, see also the following entries:

• :Building:
• :Compressor Cooling System:
• :HVAC:
• :Refrigerant: