Adsorption cooling
The Illustrated Guide to Renewable Technologies BG 1/2008, By Kevin Pennycook, published by BSRIA in March 2008, states: ‘Adsorption chillers, like absorption chillers, are driven by an external heat source; however they have the advantage that the required input temperature is between 60oC and 95oC. This means that relatively low cost flat-plate solar collectors can be used to provide the heat source to drive the refrigerant process. An adsorption chiller consists of a pressure vessel divided into four chambers. These are the evaporator (lower chamber), the generator/receiver (second and third chambers) and the condenser (top chamber). The generator and receiver are linked by valves which automatically open depending on the pressure differences within the chiller. Adsorption chillers use water as the cooling medium and silica gel as the adsorbent. At low pressures, water vapourises at low temperatures. Silica gel can bond large amounts of water without loss, reversibly (and without increasing in volume), releasing the water again when heat is applied.’
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.