Lithium bromide

Lithium bromide is an ionic compound with formula LiBr, composed of lithium cations and bromide anions. Its strong affinity for water makes it useful in absorption cooling and air dehumidification.

Absorption refrigerator: A cooling system that uses heat to drive refrigerant through an absorption cycle. Lithium bromide solutions absorb water vapor in common water–lithium bromide cooling cycles.
Water–lithium bromide refrigeration cycle: An absorption refrigeration cycle using water as refrigerant and lithium bromide solution as absorbent. This is the principal cooling cycle in which lithium bromide's hygroscopic behavior is exploited.
Ionic compound: A substance composed of positively and negatively charged ions held together by electrostatic attraction. Lithium bromide's Li⁺ and Br⁻ ions make it an ionic compound.
Ammonia–water absorption refrigeration: An absorption refrigeration cycle using ammonia as refrigerant and water as absorbent. Unlike water–lithium bromide systems, it can provide subzero refrigeration but uses toxic ammonia.
Absorption heat pump: A heat pump driven mainly by thermal energy rather than mechanical compression. Lithium bromide–water cycles can provide heating as well as chilled water.
Hygroscopy: The tendency of a substance to absorb water vapor from its surroundings. Lithium bromide's strong hygroscopy drives its role as an absorbent and desiccant.
Lithium: A soft, highly reactive alkali metal with atomic number 3. Lithium supplies the positive ion in LiBr.
Lithium chloride: An inorganic lithium salt with formula LiCl, used in drying and humidity-control applications. It is another hygroscopic lithium salt, but chloride-based solutions have different operating properties.
Desiccant dehumidification: Moisture removal from air by a material that attracts and retains water vapor. Concentrated lithium bromide absorbs humidity from air in liquid-desiccant systems.
Absorption refrigeration: Refrigeration in which a refrigerant is absorbed into a liquid and later separated using heat. Lithium bromide is a standard absorbent in water-based absorption refrigeration.

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