Developments in geothermal energy in Mexico—Part twenty six: Experimental assessment of an ammonia/water absorption cooler operating on low enthalpy geothermal energy

Abstract

Mexico possesses large amounts of geothermal brine at temperatures which are too low to enable electricity to be generated efficiently and economically. Most of the geothermal fields in Mexico are located near important agricultural areas. Perishable food losses in Mexico, resulting from inadequate handling and cold storage facilities, vary from 35 to 50%. In order to prove the technical feasibility of operating heat-driven absorption cooling systems on low enthalpy geothermal energy, a prototype ammonia/water absorption cooler was installed in the Cerro Prieto geothermal field, where the ambient temperatures exceed 40°C and the cooling water temperatures reach 30°C. The unit has operated successfully with evaporative cooling loads exceeding the design value. The experimental data obtained will provide an excellent basis for the design of large scale heat-driven absorption refrigeration systems.