What does an "ice-crackling" sound from an absorption chiller indicate?

The "ice-crackling" sound from an absorption chiller typically indicates that no condenser water is flowing. This sound usually occurs when the refrigerant is experiencing a phase change or is overheating, which can lead to the formation of ice crystals in the system. When there is a lack of proper cooling caused by insufficient condenser water flow, the heat exchange process becomes inefficient, leading to these sounds as the refrigerant struggles to maintain its proper state.

Understanding this phenomenon is critical, as it can help operators identify potential issues early on before more significant damage occurs to the chiller system.

In contrast, if chilled-water flow is established, the system should operate smoothly without unusual noises. Similarly, while a refrigerant leak would normally present signs such as a drop in system pressure or efficiency, it is not typically associated with the ice-crackling sound. An internal pressure that is balanced would also not create this sound, as the system would be functioning correctly without any phase change-related issues.