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Gas Powered Air Conditioning Absorption vs. Engine-Drive
Abstract
It used to be that the only alternative to costly electric
air conditioning was the double-effect gas-fired
absorption chiller/heaters. Beginning in the 1980's,
they were the "star" equipment promoted by gas
companies throughout the nation. Although not a
new technology at the time, neither was the gas
engine. But now in the 19901s, gas engine-drive
(GED) chillers have "hit" the air conditioning market
with a "bang". In the Lone Star Gas Company area
in 1995, GED chillers are now being considered in as
many projects as are Absorption. units. Where once
the only studies being analyzed were absorption vs.
electric chiller operation costs. Now, the choice is:
Why, Where, and How to choose between gas fired
Absorption and GED chillers.
WHY Absorption or Engine ? . Absorption uses the most environmentally
friendly refrigerant - water. . Absorption chillers are chiller/heaters
Absorption chillers are manufactured by the
four US major manufacturers
Absorption chillers have few moving parts . Engine chillers provide "free" hot water
Engine chillers retrofit with DX systems . Engine chillers use less gas per ton
WHERE Do Absorption And Engine Chillers
Belong? . Absorption: Office buildings, restaurants,
industries, churches, universities . Engine: Hospitals, universities, hotels,
apartments, industries
HOW To Choose Between Absorption And Engine
Chillers?
Energy cost
Operation and maintenance costs
Equipment cost
Environmental concerns
Thermal requirements . Space requirements
Staff experience
Citation
Phillips, J. N. (1996). Gas Powered Air Conditioning Absorption vs. Engine-Drive. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6696.