Differences between lithium bromide refrigerators and ammonia refrigerators

Lithium bromide refrigerators use steam or hot water, while ammonia refrigerators rely on electrical power. Lithium bromide systems are energy-efficient; ammonia refrigerators provide a much better cooling effect than lithium bromide chillers, and it is also possible to control the temperature precisely. Lithium bromide chillers are inexpensive, whereas ammonia refrigerators are relatively expensive. Ammonia refrigerators are generally difficult to maintain but operate stably. Lithium bromide refrigerators are greatly affected by temperature conditions – winter is particularly challenging for them – but they are easy to maintain

Lithium bromide refrigeration machine. The advantages include: simple structure, stable operation, low vibration, low noise, and safety. The disadvantage is: lithium bromide causes strong corrosion to steel ； The cooling water consumption is very high, about twice that of compressive types; without an inexpensive heat source, using this type of refrigerator is less economical than compressive types. The advantages of ammonia refrigerators include a low standard boiling temperature, moderate pressures in the condenser and evaporator, a high cooling capacity per unit volume, a large specific heat of fusion, a high latent heat of vaporization, low throttling losses, easy detection in the event of leaks, and low cost. The disadvantages are that it is toxic, has an irritating odor, is corrosive to copper and its alloys in the presence of water, and poses an explosion risk when mixed with air in certain proportions

The advantages of lithium bromide refrigerators include being environmentally friendly, operating smoothly, and being safe. The disadvantages are: high price, short service life, and the need for steam or hot water. (Fuel can also be used.) The advantage of ammonia refrigerators is that they can achieve low temperatures (–40 degrees), and they are inexpensive. The downside is that it is toxic and poses a safety risk

Does anyone have data on the cooling capacity of lithium bromide refrigeration systems, as well as the consumption amounts of hot water and cooling water?

In the current domestic market, screw-type chillers/cold water units account for around 80% of the market share.

Some factories are actually planning to phase out ammonia refrigerators, as ammonia is highly toxic and causes serious harm to workers

Different uses: Lithium bromide units are mainly used for civilian purposes, while ammonia refrigeration is primarily used for industrial applications； Speaking solely of evaporative latent heat, ammonia is definitely higher than lithium bromide.

They are all absorption chillers. The key point is that ammonia refrigeration can achieve low-temperature cooling, while lithium bromide can only produce cold water above 0°C. Ammonia is a toxic and harmful gas, while lithium bromide is liquid at normal conditions and is essentially non-toxic.