Absorption refrigeration is a cooling cycle in which heat, rather than a mechanical compressor, drives the movement of a refrigerant and another fluid. Heat helps separate or circulate the fluids; the refrigerant then evaporates in a low-pressure area, absorbing heat from the space being cooled. The heat source powers the cycle-it does not directly produce the cooling.
This method is used in some refrigerators, including certain camper-van systems, and in industrial applications. It can operate where electricity for a compressor is unavailable or where usable heat is plentiful, though efficiency depends on the design and operating conditions. In real systems, safe containment and control of pressure, temperature, and working fluids are essential. In cybersecurity, the term may appear in coverage of connected appliances or industrial control systems: monitoring and protecting their sensors and controllers helps prevent unauthorized changes that could disrupt operation or safety.