SUSTAINABLE SMALL CHILLERS FOR AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL APPLICATIONS

Project SummaryUSDA NIFA SBIR Phase 1 Proposal FY 2022Submitted by: Energy Concepts Company LLCWith collaboration from University of Alaska FairbanksAlaska Center for Energy and PowerAnd supported by Gaia Energy Research; Cambridge Capital; and Sunrise Concentrating SolarPowerSUSTAINABLE SMALL CHILLERS FOR AGRICULTURAL AND RURALAPPLICATIONSThis project will develop an innovative refrigeration cycle to allow small scale refrigeration withlow emissions and high energy efficiency. The innovations expand on the propane firedDiffusion Absorption Chillers (DAC) already used in millions of RVs allowing these cycles to bepowered by heat from renewable energy sources such as solar thermal geothermal wasteheat biogas or biomass. This chiller has no moving parts and uses refrigerants with no globalwarming and zero ozone depleting potential. The innovations involve modifying the generator totake in more heat and improve efficiency; and optimizing the bubble pump to allow operation over awider temperature range and higher capacity. The innovations are primarily in the generator / rectifierportion of the cycle hence the name "Diffusion Absorption Cycle with Generator Recitifier" or DACGR.This will enable walk-in size or larger coolers and allow sub-freezing temperatures. Airconditioning heat pumping medical storage and drying are also possible with DACGRproviding low energy storage and cooling options for millions of rural and urban users. Theproposed DACGR systems would specifically benefit agricultural communities especially thosewith less reliable grid electricity and/or high utility rates.The proposed DACGR innovations will be modeled designed fabricated and tested in Phase I.Potential applications for community cold storage in Alaska utilizing power plant waste heat orrenewable energy will be developed.Energy Concepts is a world leader in absorption cycles and will apply know-how developed inindustrial applications to the smaller scale diffusion absorption refrigerator. University ofAlaska including the Alaska Center for Energy and Power has keen interest in promotingenergy efficiency renewable energy sustainability and resilience in rural Alaskan communities.It has direct knowledge of existing energy systems that can be integrated to provide energyneutral chilling. Energy Concepts industrial partners- Gaia Energy Research Institute CambridgeCapital and Sunrise CSP- can provide commercialization assistance with subsequent futureawards turning this innovation into a commercial product.