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Steam VAM Chillers Explained: Turning Your Factory's Waste Steam into Free Cooling
Steam VAM Chillers Explained: Turning Your Factory's Waste Steam into Free Cooling
Quick Links: Understanding Steam VAM | How It Works | Single vs Double Effect | Applications | Economics & ROI | BROAD Advantages
Understanding Steam VAM Chillers
Steam VAM (Vapor Absorption Machine) chillers use thermal energy from steam instead of electricity to drive a lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration cycle. They transform waste or low-grade steam into chilled water (~7°C), ideal for process cooling or air conditioning.
- ✓ Zero electricity consumption for refrigeration (only small pump motors)
- ✓ Utilizes waste or low-grade steam otherwise rejected
- ✓ Quiet operation with minimal maintenance
- ✓ 20+ year operational life with proper care
How Steam VAM Chillers Work
The cycle operates across four main components:
Steam (0.2-2.5 kg/cm²) heats the dilute LiBr solution (55-60%). Water evaporates, leaving concentrated solution (~64-66%) for the absorber.
Condensate returns for boiler feedwater recovery.
Water vapor from the generator is cooled using cooling tower water, condensing back to liquid water at low temperature.
Near-vacuum pressure (~1 kPa) lowers water boiling point to 4-7°C. Facility's warm return water (12°C) flows through evaporator tubes, exiting as chilled water (7°C).
Concentrated LiBr absorbs water vapor from the evaporator, releasing heat removed by cooling tower water, diluting the solution, and maintaining vacuum.
Solution pump circulates diluted LiBr back to generator to continue the cycle.
Single-Effect vs Double-Effect: Choosing the Right Configuration
| Type | Steam Pressure | COP | Steam Consumption (kg/ton-hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Effect | 0.2-2.5 kg/cm² | 0.70-0.75 | 16-18 |
| Double-Effect | 8-12 kg/cm² | 1.20-1.35 | 9-10 |
Tip: Double-effect uses steam ~45-50% more efficiently but requires higher pressure sources.
Where Your Waste Steam is Hiding & Real-World Applications
- ✓ Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) – Install double-effect VAM upstream to use high-pressure steam.
- ✓ Vented Flash Steam – Capture flash steam with single-effect VAM for low-grade heat recovery.
- ✓ Seasonal Boiler Operation – Provide cooling even when heating demand is low.
- ✓ Process Waste Steam – Route exhaust steam to VAM generator for final energy extraction.
Industries Benefiting from Steam VAM:
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Clean room cooling, sterilization, reduces electric demand.
- Food Processing & Dairy: Cold storage and process cooling, eliminates electric chiller load.
- Textile Mills: Maintains optimal manufacturing temperature, reduces power costs by 40%.
- Hospitals & Healthcare: Air conditioning, backup cooling, supports green certifications.
The Economics: Calculating Your Steam VAM ROI
- Capital Investment: ₹4.7-5.8 crores (500 TR unit including auxiliaries)
- Annual Electricity Savings: ₹1.89 crores
- Demand Charge Reduction: ₹43 lakhs annually
- Steam Fuel Cost: Zero if waste/low-value steam; account if dedicated steam
- Payback Period: 2-3 years (waste steam), 3-5 years (low-pressure dedicated steam)
BROAD's Steam VAM Technology Advantages
- ✓ Industry-Leading COP: 0.72-0.75 single-effect, 1.25-1.35 double-effect, 4-7% higher than competitors
- ✓ Advanced Corrosion Protection: Proprietary materials ensure 20+ year tube life
- ✓ Crystallization Prevention: Multi-stage monitoring prevents LiBr solidification
- ✓ Flexible Steam Integration: Handles wide pressure ranges, variable steam quality, multiple sources
- ✓ Global Proven Performance: 25,000+ installations worldwide in critical industries
Discover how BROAD Steam VAM chillers can cut electricity costs, optimize boilers, and boost operational reliability.
BROAD Air Conditioning India Pvt. Ltd. (BROAD India) is a subsidiary of BROAD Group.
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