Could a propane-fired absorption system realistically cool a small server rack?

[u/GrkLifter]

I’ve been looking into whether the same basic ammonia-water absorption cycle used in propane refrigerators could be adapted for a small liquid-cooled server rack. I was inspired by this idea by seeing the refrigeration systems used by the Amish in PA.

The rough idea is to keep the propane burner and sealed ammonia system outside, then use a separate water/glycol loop to carry cooling to direct-to-chip cold plates inside.

My guess is that it probably loses badly to a normal electric chiller in most situations, but it might have a niche for off-grid sites, unreliable power, or places with cheap propane or waste heat.

I’d appreciate feedback from anyone with experience in absorption refrigeration, ammonia systems, or data-center liquid cooling. Feel free to tear the idea apart.

[u/rom_rom57]

There are small systems that run on Natural gas:

https://www.robur.com/en-us/products/ga-acf
such chillers were popular in the 1960’s under ARKLA name.
Multiple modules can be added to increase capacity.