Overview
A direct-fired absorption chiller is a thermal cooling system that burns natural gas or light fuel oil in an integrated burner to drive the lithium bromide-water absorption cycle. Unlike waste-heat or steam-driven models, it operates independently of any external heat source - making it ideal for facilities without boilers or excess process heat, while still eliminating the need for electricity-hungry mechanical compressors.
The BROAD Direct-Fired Vapour Absorption Chiller is a premium, thermally-driven HVAC solution engineered for industrial and commercial environments seeking reliable, energy-efficient, and non-electric cooling and heating. This advanced system leverages natural gas or light fuel oil to deliver high-capacity cooling and hot water with minimal electricity demand and ultra-low emissions - making it ideal for large facilities, data centres, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and sites with unstable power supply.
With a cooling capacity range of 233 kW to 11,630 kW (66–3,300 RT) and hot water output up to 65°C, the direct-fired chiller utilises state-of-the-art lithium bromide-water absorption technology. Its dual-fuel burner achieves NOx emissions below 10 ppm - among the lowest in the industry - ensuring compliance with India's strictest environmental regulations while delivering substantial electricity savings.
Key specifications
How it works
Steam, hot water, exhaust gas or a gas/oil burner heats the generator. No compressor is needed.
The heat boils water vapour (the refrigerant) out of the lithium bromide solution.
The vapour condenses, then evaporates under deep vacuum, pulling heat out of the chilled-water circuit.
Concentrated lithium bromide re-absorbs the vapour and the solution returns to the generator.
Chilled water leaves for process cooling or air conditioning, with water as a zero-ODP, zero-GWP refrigerant.
Model finder
| Model | Cooling Capacity | Dimensions (L×W×H) | Energy Input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct-Fired Series | 66 - 3,300 TR | Varies by Capacity | Natural Gas / Light Oil |
Engineering
Operates on natural gas or light fuel oil with seamless switching - ultra-low NOx emissions below 10 ppm.
Built for decades of reliable operation with advanced materials that resist the corrosive effects of lithium bromide.
Automatic non-condensable gas purging and vacuum maintenance for stable, long-term performance without manual intervention.
Automated capacity modulation and crystallisation prevention ensure optimal efficiency across fluctuating load profiles.
Adaptable for space cooling, process cooling, hot water supply, and supplementary heating from a single unit.
Business case
Operates at optimal efficiency even under partial loads, saving costs and power versus electric compressor-based chillers.
Ultra-low NOx emissions and zero-ODP refrigerant support sustainability targets and environmental compliance.
Proven deployments across Asia, Europe, and India with 25+ year operational lifespans and minimal mechanical wear.
Flexible fuel choices, low energy demand, and advanced capacity modulation deliver rapid return on investment.
Where it’s used
Case studies
Selected projects from across India.
TextileSurat, Gujarat· 2019–20
1,200 TR · 7-month payback
1,200 TR of process cooling from waste CP steam
Read case study
SteelBellary, Karnataka
500 TR Cooling Capacity
500 TR cooling capacity via waste heat recovery
Read case study
Oil & GasVadodara, Gujarat
Waste Heat Recovery
Refinery waste heat converted into chilled water
Read case studyGet custom pricing and engineering specifications for the Direct-Fired Vapour Absorption Chiller.