🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <bryan.821356900@winternet.com>,
Bryan Andersen <bryan@subzero.winternet.com> wrote:
>Through a HVAC contractors book I found out that salt water systems
>are used for many large buildings to chill water for pumping through
>forced air radiator systems, however they have fallen out of favor
>because of their tendacy to clog up.  Someone would need to check the
>evaporator section daily for clogs, and break them up if they formed.

Smaller units I think circulate ethylene-glycol mixes. Apparantly
too, a lithium-bromide/water mix may be substituted for ammonia .

>I've been interested in because it seams like it would be a good way to
>provide low energy cooling for an RV.

As others have pointed out, gravity circulation has some problems on RVs.
Although RV refrigerators are common, I am told they have shorter lives.
Also, does not provide quick cooling. 

>                                         I'd like references so I can
>look them up.  Also manufacturers that make absorbtion cooling devices like
>refrigerators and whole house AC units.  One of the things I'm really
>interested in is the actual tempeture needed for the heat source? 

Refrigerators are made by Servel/Dometic, Consul, and Sibir among others.
Refrigerator sources might include Lehmans (Kidron Oh.), RV and
off-grid supply houses. In addition to refrigerators, gas fueled
freezers are also available.

I had looked house chillers ~5 years ago, but cannot now find my
literature. Probably HVAC suppliers, propane and NG companies would
be good starting points. Coleman apparantly used to make a
through-the-wall AC unit that sounds most like what you want.
Might still be specs on it.

>I'm wondering about this is because in my RV design I'm using a hot water
>boiler for heating and hot water.  Also as much waste heat as possible
>from the engine and generator will be dumped into the boiler's tank. 
>Is 180-200 F temp water high enough for the heat source in an ammonia
>absorbtive air-conditioner?  What is high enough?  Are there chemical
>combinations which will work with a 180-200 F heat source?

It was my understanding that this is practical on large stationary cogen
units, and can even theoretically be solar/thermal driven, but I doubt
if I would undertake your RV project due to motion problems, weight, bulk
and lack of a good commercially available starting point. Suspect you
would have to fabricate most of your plumbing.

Sorry I could not be more help, hope I am overly pessimistic, and please
let me know what you conclude. 

Rob Kleinschmidt

>Bryan Andersen           <-O.O O.O-+  Diversity is the spice of life.