KIMM researchers develop 10 kW chemical adsorption heat pump prototype

Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) have developed a 10 kW chemical adsorption heat pump prototype designed for cooling applications in commercial buildings, factories, and data centers.

Unlike conventional heat pumps that rely on electrically powered mechanical compressors, this thermally driven system utilizes the reversible attraction between a solid adsorbent and a refrigerant vapor. The system uses ammonia as a natural refrigerant and features an electrochemical compressor with no moving parts.

A key advancement of this prototype is its ability to operate using waste heat at approximately 40°C. This is significantly lower than the 70°C or higher heat sources typically required by conventional adsorption cooling systems. By converting low-temperature industrial waste heat into useful cooling, the system requires minimal electricity, which is primarily used only for auxiliary equipment such as valves, pumps, and controls.