The most effective use of refrigeration equipment
in a central-plant scenario is to have some of each type,
comprising a hybrid plant. From a mixture of centrifugal
and absorption equipment the operator can determine
what equipment will provide the lowest operating cost
under different conditions. For example a hospital that
utilizes steam year round, but at reduced rates during
summer, might use the excess steam to run an absorption
chiller or steam-driven turbine centrifugal chiller to
reduce its summertime electrical demand charges.