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Exploring the Versatility of Absorption Chillers: Turning Waste

Heat into Cool Solutions

In the realm of sustainable technology, Absorption Chillers stand out as ingenious devices
capable of transforming waste heat into valuable resources such as cold or hot water. Among
these, the BROAD Absorption Chiller offers a spectrum of types, each with unique applications
ranging from cooling to heating, leveraging various heat sources including residual hot water
from production processes, hot air exhausts, or steam discharges from power plants or boilers.
Let's delve into the classifications and types based on temperature and heat source:

1. Utilizing High-Temperature Waste Heat (Above 70°C):


BROAD Single Stage Absorption Chiller When waste heat registers above 70°C, sourced
from hot water or low-pressure steam below 0.3 MPa, it becomes a suitable heat source for the
BROAD Single Stage Absorption Chiller primarily used for cooling purposes. Medium
temperature water can be widely found in nature and in industrial processes, such as thermal
drainage (e.g. steam congdensate, chemical reaction drainage), power plant (e.g. generator jacket
water), geothermal water, etc. Medium temperature water already has a certain temperature and
can be used directly for cooling, heating or steam production. This configuration achieves a
Coefficient of Performance (COP) ranging from 0.5 to 0.8, efficiently converting waste heat into
cooling solutions.
Utilization Mode
Hot water above 70°C can drive a hot water absorption chiller for cooling. If the temperature of the hot
water is higher, then the chiller will be more efficient and the investment will be lower. The chiller model
and cooling capacity can be determined based on the following table.

Unit hot water cooling capacity can be produced when each ton of medium temperature water is
cooled down by 1℃. For example, when 100 tons of 100 ℃ medium temperature water are
cooled down to 55 ℃, we can choose a triple generation hot water chiller, cooling capacity = 100
* (100 -55) * 0.7 = 3,150kW; It can also be estimated by COP, such as 100 * (100-55) * 1.163 *
0.6 = 3,140kW (the heat output of 1 ton water with temperature drop of 1 ℃ is 1.163kW)
Application

a. BROAD Single Stage Hot Water

Hankook Tires, Factory, Tennessee


The facility ingeniously harnesses waste steam generated during the tire curing process,
repurposing it to reclaim condensate for heat exchange at a toasty 185°F (85°C). What's more,
they employ the cutting-edge BROAD BDH250 Double Section chiller to transform this
reclaimed 185°F (85°C) hot water into a refreshing cooling supply for both the factory floors and
office spaces. Picture a chilled water oasis flowing at a crisp 43°F (5.6°C), providing a cool
respite amid the hustle and bustle. Not stopping there, this innovative system efficiently reduces
the heat source temperature to a comfortable 131°F (55°C), ensuring every ounce of waste heat
is put to productive use.

Application Value
Recovered residual heat from steam condensate for process cooling, solving the waste heat
treatment challenge. Using BROAD Triple Generation chiller technology to provide cooling
services for process and office buildings, reducing the plant's power consumption. The stable
operation of the chiller throughout the year is equivalent to an annual saving of 1,060 tons of
standard coal, reducing carbon emissions by 2,642 tons and equal to planting 144,000 trees.

b. BROAD Single Stage Hot Water Chiller from condensate Steam

Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co. Ltd.

Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co. Ltd. stands as a prime testament to the fruitful collaboration
between two Fortune 500 giants, Sinopec and BASF, in a perfectly balanced 50:50 partnership.
Nestled in Nanjing, near the bustling Nanjing Chemical Industry Park, the company specializes
in the production of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol, both known for their flammable and
explosive nature. Given the stringent safety and explosion-proof requirements of the site, all
personnel must undergo rigorous chemical safety training and don protective gear before
venturing into the premises.

In their quest for top-tier refrigeration equipment, Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co. Ltd.
embarked on a global quest for the best suppliers. After exhaustive technical evaluations and site
inspections, BASF's meticulous technical experts from Germany were captivated by BROAD's
unparalleled research and manufacturing prowess, coupled with its stellar product performance.
Thus, the decision was made to entrust BROAD with the task.

The project's ingenious design harnesses 98°C steam condensate from the production process to
power a BROAD single-stage hot water chiller, generating a whopping 7MW of 16°C chilled
water for the EOEG unit's process cooling needs. Positioned within an explosion-proof area, the
chiller boasts ExdeibⅡBT4 and IP55 electrical protection ratings, ensuring compliance with
stringent safety standards.
Reliability is paramount in this continuous operation, with the chiller working tirelessly 24/7,
365 days a year, only pausing during plant-wide overhauls. Its compact design necessitates
installation close to production equipment, leaving no room for backup units. With a potential
daily loss exceeding $1 million in case of a shutdown, reliability is non-negotiable.

Moreover, the chiller's resilience shines as it braves the elements, operating outdoors in
temperatures ranging from -14°C to 43°C. Despite fluctuations in heat source and cooling water
temperatures, it maintains a steady performance, deviating no more than 4%.

The chiller's construction adheres to rigorous "Made in Germany" standards, meticulously


detailed across nearly 1,000 pages by BASF. Every aspect undergoes scrutiny, from welding and
material composition to performance testing, overseen by renowned third-party firms to ensure
quality and precision.
BROAD's commitment extends beyond manufacturing excellence; its comprehensive after-sales
service, including a global monitoring system, guarantees prompt intervention in case of any
glitches, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

Since its inception in 2011, the chiller has not experienced a single downtime, marking a
remarkable milestone in the absorption chiller industry. It not only slashes the customer's energy
costs by over $1.6 million annually but also serves as a testament to BROAD's unmatched
capabilities in meeting the most demanding standards. Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co. Ltd.'s
unwavering trust in BROAD stems from the chiller's ability to exceed expectations, underscoring
its position as the unrivaled choice in the industry.
2. Harnessing Moderate-Temperature Waste Heat (160-200°C)
BROAD Double Stage Absorption Chiller Waste heat ranging between 160 to 200°C,
derived from hot water or steam under 1 MPa, finds its purpose in the BROAD Double Stage
Absorption Chiller. This versatile setup serves as a cooling, heating, or hot water generator with
a COP of 1.4 to 1.5, showcasing enhanced efficiency in resource utilization.

Application

BROAD Steam Absorption Chiller from condensate steam

PT. Indorama Synthetics Tbk


As Indonesia's leading textile manufacturer, PT. Indorama Synthetics utilizes coal-fired
boilers to generate steam for electricity. Recognizing the shift towards sustainable energy, PT.
Indorama collaborates with PT. PLN Persero to construct a power plant, generating 1 x 60 MW,
split equally between PT. Indorama Polychem and PT. Indorama Synthetics Tbk. The latter
receives 1 x 30 MW. Condensate steam at 7 bar pressure from the power plant's steam turbine is
repurposed through a BROAD absorption chiller to produce chilled water with a cooling
capacity of 1570kW(447RT). This initiative not only showcases a commitment to renewable
energy but also bolsters overall energy efficiency, replacing an aging absorption chiller from a
Korean brand.
3. Tapping into High-Temperature Exhausts (250-600°C):
High-Temperature Absorption Chiller Exhausts with temperatures ranging from 250 to
600°C present a valuable heat source for absorption chillers, capable of serving cooling,
room heating, or hot water generation purposes. Efficiency varies with temperature;
achieving a COP of 1.5 at 500°C and 0.8 at 300°C, making 500°C the optimal temperature
for maximizing efficiency.

Application

BROAD Exhaust Absorption Chiller for cooling in factory

Glass Factory : Sisecam Pasabahce, Turkey


Recover heat of low temperature exhaust gas(450°C ) from glass melting furnace to drive one
unit of BROAD exhaust chiller with 4,210kW of cooling capcacity to produce chilled water for
process cooling. For this case the company can achieve annual CO2 emission reduction: 4,724t,
Annual standard coal saving: 1,830t and Annual equivalent tree planted: 262,444

Conclusion:
In essence, the versatility of Absorption Chillers, particularly exemplified by the BROAD series,
underscores their significance in energy efficiency and waste heat utilization. By seamlessly
integrating with various heat sources and offering multiple functionalities, these chillers pave the
way for sustainable cooling, heating, and hot water solutions across diverse industrial and
commercial settings.

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