Vapour Absorption Chillers

Two-Stage Absorption Chiller

Advanced dual-cycle absorption technology for maximum efficiency and superior energy savings

Two-Stage Absorption Chiller
  • Cooling capacity30–3,300 TR
  • EfficiencyCOP 1.1–1.4
  • Hot water input138–180°C
  • Energy sourceGas / Steam / Exhaust

Overview

About the Two-Stage Absorption Chiller

Two-Stage Absorption Chiller

A two-stage absorption chiller is an advanced cooling system that uses two sequential absorption-regeneration cycles to extract more energy from the driving heat source. This dual-cycle design achieves a higher Coefficient of Performance (COP) than single-stage models - typically 1.1–1.4 versus 0.7–0.8 - delivering more cooling per unit of input energy while using lithium bromide and water as natural, zero-GWP working fluids.

The BROAD Two-Stage Absorption Chiller is an advanced, dual-cycle system designed for high efficiency, reliability, and superior energy savings in industrial and commercial HVAC applications. Using innovative lithium bromide-water absorption technology and a two-stage process, it achieves an outstanding Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 1.1–1.4 while maintaining precise temperature control and robust part-load operation.

How the Two-Stage Process Works

In a two-stage absorption chiller, the driving heat source (gas flame, steam, hot water, or exhaust gas) first enters a high-temperature generator, where it vaporises refrigerant (water) from the concentrated lithium bromide solution. The remaining heat from this first stage then passes to a second, lower-temperature generator, where it drives a second round of vaporisation. This cascading process extracts significantly more useful cooling from the same heat input compared to a single-stage machine.

For example, a facility with 10 MW of available waste heat at 180°C can produce approximately 12–14 MW of cooling with a two-stage chiller, versus only 7–8 MW with a single-stage unit - nearly doubling the cooling output without any additional fuel consumption. This makes two-stage technology the preferred choice for facilities prioritising energy efficiency and return on investment.

Key specifications

Performance at a glance

Cooling capacity
30–3,300 TR
Efficiency
COP 1.1–1.4
Hot water input
138–180°C
Energy source
Gas / Steam / Exhaust

How it works

The absorption cycle, step by step

  1. 1

    Heat input

    Steam, hot water, exhaust gas or a gas/oil burner heats the generator. No compressor is needed.

  2. 2

    Generator

    The heat boils water vapour (the refrigerant) out of the lithium bromide solution.

  3. 3

    Condenser & evaporator

    The vapour condenses, then evaporates under deep vacuum, pulling heat out of the chilled-water circuit.

  4. 4

    Absorber

    Concentrated lithium bromide re-absorbs the vapour and the solution returns to the generator.

  5. 5

    Chilled water out

    Chilled water leaves for process cooling or air conditioning, with water as a zero-ODP, zero-GWP refrigerant.

Model finder

Model Specifications

Any
30 TR3,300 TR
ModelCooling CapacityDimensions (L×W×H)Energy Input
BZ Model (Gas Fired)30–3,300 TRVaries by capacityGas (0.16–0.51 kg/cm²)
BS Model (Steam Driven)30–3,300 TRVaries by capacitySteam (4.2–10.5 kg/cm²)
BE Model (Exhaust Driven)40–3,300 TRVaries by capacityExhaust (280–532°C)
BH Model (Hot Water Driven)30–3,300 TRVaries by capacityHot Water (138–180°C)

Engineering

Key Features

Two-Stage Absorption Cycle

Dual-cycle design delivers enhanced efficiency and consistent performance, especially under varying load conditions.

Exceptional COP & Part-Load Efficiency

Achieves COP of 1.1–1.4 - significantly more cooling per unit of input energy, maximising operational savings.

Wide Application Range

Serves cooling, heating, and domestic hot water needs in large buildings, process industries, and district cooling systems.

Crystallisation Resistance

Advanced system design with anti-crystallisation controls reduces risk of lithium bromide crystallisation, improving uptime.

Precise Temperature Control

Low thermal input requirements and accurate temperature modulation for further energy optimisation.

Business case

Core Benefits

Superior Efficiency

Two-stage cycle reduces high-grade energy consumption compared to single-stage, delivering more cooling per rupee spent on fuel.

Reliable Performance

Engineered for demanding, energy-critical environments with 25+ year operational lifespans and minimal mechanical wear.

Environmental Compliance

Enhanced contribution to sustainability goals - zero-ODP refrigerant, ultra-low NOx, and lower carbon intensity per TR of cooling.

Where it’s used

Applications

  • Large Commercial Buildings
  • Industrial Process Cooling
  • District Energy Systems
  • Hospitals & Campuses
  • Hotels
  • Continuous Cooling Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What COP range does a BROAD two-stage absorption chiller achieve?
BROAD two-stage absorption chillers achieve a COP (Coefficient of Performance) in the range of 1.1 to 1.4, depending on the model and driving heat source. This is significantly higher than single-stage chillers, which typically achieve 0.7–0.8 COP. The two-stage design extracts more cooling from the same heat input by using a cascading dual-generator process.
What is the difference between a two-stage and a single-stage absorption chiller?
The primary difference is efficiency. A two-stage chiller uses two sequential generators to extract heat in two stages, achieving roughly 40–70% higher COP than a single-stage unit. Single-stage chillers are simpler and suited to facilities with lower-grade heat sources (below 100°C), while two-stage chillers require higher-temperature inputs (steam at 4–10 kg/cm², hot water at 138–180°C, or direct gas firing) but deliver significantly more cooling per unit of fuel consumed.
What heat sources can drive a BROAD two-stage chiller?
BROAD two-stage chillers are available in four drive configurations: the BZ model (direct gas/oil-fired, 0.16–0.51 kg/cm² gas pressure), the BS model (steam-driven, 4.2–10.5 kg/cm²), the BE model (exhaust-gas-driven, 280–532°C), and the BH model (hot-water-driven, 138–180°C). Multi-energy models can switch between sources for maximum operational flexibility.

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