Trigeneration refers to the production of combined heat, power and cooling from a single source of energy. The heat produced by a cogeneration installation (CHP) is used to generate chilled water for air conditioning or refrigeration. An absorption chiller is linked to combined heat-power (CHP) production to provide this functionality. In such installations electricity and cooling can be used autonomously.
Absorption chillers provide an economical and environmental alternative to conventional refrigeration. The combination of energy efficient and low-emission power equipment with absorption chillers provides high energy efficiency while eliminating of harmful refrigerants and reducing air emissions in general. There are various configurations of CHP units in which refrigeration can be derived.
Advantages over conventional refrigeration:
Absorption refrigeration technology offers several advantages when compared to traditional refrigeration technology:
- Heat operation, using relatively high energy efficiency
- Production of electricity that can be introduced into the power grid or used to meet the power requirements of the power plant
- During cold seasons, heat can be used to meet the heat requirements
- Absorption chillers do not have moving parts, so there is no wear and maintenance costs are low.
- Low operating and life cycle costs
- The use of water as a refrigerant replaces the use of substances harmful to ozone