Method and Apparatus for Monitoring and Controlling Absorption Cooling Units

An absorption cooler and a controller. The cooler comprises a mixture of ammonia, water and hydrogen gas. A boiler section drives refrigeration, a rectifier section separates and distills ammonia vapor and steam, and a condenser assembly liquefies ammonia vapor. Cooling occurs from an evaporator. A bypass tube connects the condenser with an absorber vessel. A first sensor in contact with the rectifier section establishes a first sensing zone for monitoring temperature to determine unlevel operation. A second sensing zone monitors condenser temperature and a third sensing zone monitors bypass tube temperature. The controller is responsive to the sensors and activates or deactivates the cooler or components in response. When unsafe vapor temperature at the exit of the condenser is sensed, auxiliary fans increase airflow, but if vapor temperature fails to drop, the refrigeration cycle is no longer continuous and power is interrupted.