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LiBr Absorption Chiller Cycle: A Deep Dive into Lithium Bromide Technology
LiBr Absorption Chiller Cycle: A Deep Dive into Lithium Bromide Technology
Quick Links: The 4-Stage Cycle | Single vs. Double Effect | The BROAD Edge | Get Guidance
How do facilities achieve powerful cooling without massive electricity bills? The answer is the lithium bromide (LiBr) absorption chiller—an elegant technology that transforms heat into cold using chemistry, not compressors.
The Chemistry: No Compressors Required
Instead of synthetic refrigerants and high-power motors, LiBr chillers use two safe, stable substances:
- Water: Acts as the refrigerant (eco-friendly).
- Lithium Bromide: Acts as the absorbent (a molecular sponge).
The result? Zero GWP, Zero ODP, and non-toxic operation ideal for industrial and commercial safety.
The 4-Stage Magic: Creating Cold from Heat
The cycle operates under a high vacuum (approx. 1/100th atmospheric pressure), allowing water to boil at just 4-7°C.
Heat source (Steam/Gas/Exhaust) boils the dilute LiBr solution. Water vapor separates, leaving concentrated LiBr behind.
Water vapor travels here and is cooled by cooling tower water, condensing back into liquid refrigerant.
The Core Step: Liquid water enters the high-vacuum chamber and boils instantly at 4°C. This evaporation pulls heat from your building's chilled water loop.
Concentrated LiBr sprays into this chamber, absorbing the water vapor from the evaporator to maintain the vacuum. The solution returns to the generator to restart the cycle.
Single-Effect vs. Double-Effect
| Type | Heat Source | Performance (COP) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Effect | Hot Water (80-95°C) Low Pressure Steam |
0.7 - 0.75 |
| Double-Effect | High Pressure Steam Direct Fired (Gas/Oil) |
1.2 - 1.4 |
Why BROAD Leads in LiBr Technology
With 35,000+ units globally, BROAD has engineered solutions to the common pitfalls of absorption technology:
- 🛡️ Corrosion Immunity: LiBr can be corrosive. BROAD uses proprietary inhibitors and oxygen-free welding to ensure 25+ year life.
- ❄️ Crystallization Prevention: Auto-monitoring prevents solution solidification, a common failure mode in older designs.
- ⚡ Optimized Efficiency: Advanced heat exchanger geometry maximizes heat transfer, reducing fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Where LiBr Dominates
- 🏭 Waste Heat Recovery: Steel, Cement, Petrochem.
- ♨️ Steam-Rich Plants: Textiles, Food Processing.
- 🔥 Gas-Rich Areas: Replacing expensive grid power.
- 🌱 Green Buildings: LEED/BREEAM certification.
Maintenance Reality
Contrary to myth, LiBr chillers are simpler than electric ones.
- Electric Chillers: Compressors, motor windings, oil changes, vibration issues.
- LiBr Chillers: Only one moving part (canned pump). No heavy vibration. Maintenance is primarily chemistry monitoring and tube cleaning.
Whether you have waste heat or gas, BROAD has a LiBr solution for you.
BROAD Air Conditioning India Pvt. Ltd. (BROAD India) is a subsidiary of BROAD Group.
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