Absorption cooling is a type of cooling system that uses heat energy, rather than electricity, to drive the cooling process. It works by using a refrigerant (usually water) and an absorbent material (typically lithium bromide) to create a cycle of evaporation and condensation that removes heat from the air. The process requires a heat source to drive the evaporation, which can come from various sources such as waste heat, solar energy, or biomass.
In a paper mill absorption cooling can be a sensible choice because it can utilize waste heat generated by the papermaking process as a heat source for the absorption chiller. By utilizing this waste heat, the mill can reduce its energy consumption and lower its operating costs compared to traditional mechanical cooling systems that rely on electricity. This can be especially beneficial for paper mills that generate a significant amount of waste heat, as the absorption chiller can help to recover and repurpose this heat for cooling purposes.
In addition to its energy efficiency benefits, absorption cooling also has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional cooling systems that use synthetic refrigerants. Absorption chillers can use natural refrigerants such as water, reducing the risk of environmental harm in the event of a refrigerant leak. Additionally, absorption cooling can help to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the paper mill by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity.
Overall, absorption cooling can be a smart choice for paper mills looking to reduce their energy consumption, lower their operating costs, and minimize their environmental impact.