Analysis of the long-term suitability of ammonia chillers.

Low-charge, packaged, ammonia chillers provide a natural refrigerant option for the chiller market facing pressure to reduce the global warming impact of their systems. However, to make the most significant impact initially and for the life of the system, ammonia chillers must be able to deliver premium efficiency to assure the lowest indirect impact to the environment. Ammonia’s availability is not at risk of becoming scarce like hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) synthetic refrigerants; however, energy codes are always becoming more stringent and the most advantageous systems will stand the test of time from a chemical perspective and from a performance perspective. This paper looks at the life cycle costs of air-cooled, low-charge packaged ammonia chillers as compared to market alternatives. Ownership costs will be studied as they derive from capital costs, running costs, and costs for refrigerant, maintenance, and useful lifespan. Other factors will be explored such as design considerations, refrigerant availability, and facility operational impacts.