Chillers are being used as heat pumps, outfitted with heat-recovery systems, used in building electrification projects, and installed in arrays to cool data centers.
By splitting the absorption process into two steps, lithium bromide solution concentrations are lower in the system, enabling lower hot water temperatures within the generator, lower hot water flow rates, and the elimination of crystallization risk within the chiller.
In addition to taking up less space, smaller chillers can be more easily installed, weigh less, and pose fewer shipping, rigging, and building-construction challenges. They can also be more energy efficient, with the same or even greater cooling capacity.
Chiller OEMs have been preparing for a refrigerant phasedown, and they are identifying alternative refrigerants that are efficient, safe, and cost-effective.