Trigeneration can be defined as producing mechanical (electrical), heat and cooling energy simultaneously from one energy source. Absorption chiller that converts heat energy to cooling energy is invented by French scientist Ferdinand Carré in 1858 by using water + sulfuric acid. In 1926 Albert Einstein and his student Leó Szilárd developed it in alternative design, also known as, Einstein refrigerator and patented in 1930.
Absorption chillers consist of very few moving parts and need only heat energy. In absorption chillers, chilling principle is rely on vaporization-condensation cycle. There are four main heat transfer surfaces such as, evaporator, absorber, generator, and condenser. In a simple absorption chilling system, typically lithium bromide – water is used as a solution which is common in many commercial institutions.
Certain facilities with examples of trigeneration;
Hospitals and Universities,
Hotels, Office Buildings and Airports,
Industrial and Regional Heating Facilities,