The absorption chiller technology and its implementation

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to study the absorption chiller process as a substitute to the conventional chilling process (Vapor-compression cycle) and the possibility of its adoption in the Lebanese market.An overview on the conventional traditional vapor-compression cycle (thermodynamics and general information) and the different types of air conditioning systems (Window air conditioning system, split system and chilled water system or vapor compression chiller system) give an idea about the huge electricity consumption of these conventional air conditioning systems.The ecological damage and the strong global economic state caused by the increasing of oil prices are good reasons to study the possibility of an alternative chilling system. The absorption chillers are independent from electricity consumption as they rely on free energy sources. There are different types of absorption chillers: single effect, double effect and triple effect. A general glance at their history and their thermodynamics are presented to help understanding the process. The worldwide use of absorption chillers is increasing as they consume free energy and waste energy resulting from different processes and industries, and consequently save money and power. In Lebanon the complexity of the current electricity sector and the considerable rate of the cooling consumption from the total electricity consumption in the country and especially in Beirut, leads to a case study on the possibility of the adoption of absorption chiller in the city. The study covers the potential free energy sources to feed absorption chillers in order to reduce the electricity consumption and the pollution of the capital. In conclusion, the absorption chiller is the new age of cooling system based on the advantages determined in the thesis below.