Thermally-Activated Technologies

Absorption Cooling and Refrigeration Systems

Advanced technology ammonia-water absorption equipment (for residential and small commercial applications - typically less than 15 RT) has been developed in the laboratory with DOE and gas industry support. This ammonia-water absorption technology is able to provide below-freezing refrigeration temperatures using high temperature recovered heat from power generation equipment (for example from a microturbine). This technology feature enables refrigeration and freezer DE applications. These heat pump systems also offer 40% to 50% higher heating efficiency than the best existing furnaces or boilers for heating small buildings in the winter.

For the residential and light commercial space conditioning market, the technology is based on the ammonia-water absorption cycle with generator-absorber recuperative heat exchange. Performance levels (1.5 COPh and 0.7 COPc) favor a primary market in the northern half of the country due to its exceptional heating efficiency. A second solid sorption (“chemi-sorption”) technology is intended to penetrate the commercial refrigeration market.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this section or the CHP Technologies Program in general, please contact us.