A course to discover a smarter way to cool with Propane-Powered Absorption

The shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient building systems has brought alternative cooling technologies into the spotlight—especially those that reduce reliance on electricity and lower environmental impact. One such solution is absorption cooling powered by propane, the focus of a course offered by the Continuing Education Center, in partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

Unlike traditional vapor-compression systems, absorption cooling relies on heat to drive the refrigeration cycle. This heat, provided by propane combustion, activates a thermochemical process involving a refrigerant–absorbent pair (typically water and ammonia), resulting in effective cooling with very low electricity consumption.

What makes propane-powered absorption systems particularly relevant today is their ability to:

• operate efficiently in off-grid or electricity-constrained environments;
• significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to propane’s ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP);
• integrate seamlessly with waste heat or renewable thermal sources, enhancing overall building efficiency.

The course highlights how this technology supports building decarbonization goals while maintaining comfort and reliability. It also provides practical insights for design professionals looking to incorporate low-emission HVAC systems into commercial or industrial projects.

Whether you're an architect, MEP engineer, or sustainability consultant, this course offers valuable knowledge on how to leverage propane and absorption technology for next-generation cooling.

👉 Learn more and access the course here.