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Chiller systems are vital for temperature control and cooling in a number of industries. Choosing the right industrial chiller for process and space cooling can reduce cooling costs, minimise downtime and increase operational efficiency.
This article will describe the different types of chillers used for commercial and industrial applications. The aim is to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
The three main types of industrial chillers in use today are air-cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers and evaporative condensing chillers. Let us take a closer look at these three.
The most common type of chiller uses water from an external tower to cool the gaseous refrigerant in the condenser. After the heat is discharged, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change into a liquid and is recirculated back into the system.
Water-Cooled Screw Chiller
Water-cooled chillers are generally more efficient than air-cooled chillers
They operate more quietly than air-cooled systems
They are suitable for small and commercial scale cooling
Portable solutions can be used in space-constrained facilities
Air-cooled chillers use ambient air to remove heat from the refrigerant in the condenser prior to condensation and recirculation. In addition, a fan attached to the unit helps to speed up the cooling process.
Air-cooled chillers are suitable for applications where discharging heat is not an issue, as they tend to generate a lot of heat on-site.
Portable solutions can be used in facilities where space is limited
Air-cooled chillers can be used for small and commercial scale cooling, depending on size and chiller capacity
They are cheaper to install and maintain than water-cooled systems
The heat emitted by the chiller can be used to heat the facility during cold periods, saving additional costs and electricity
Box Type Air-cooled Chiller
Although the components of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers are mostly the same (condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and compressor), the main difference lies in the way the refrigerant is cooled.
In an air-cooled chiller, the hot refrigerant entering the condenser is exposed to the atmosphere, which expels the heat before it condenses back to its liquid state. In a water-cooled chiller, on the other hand, the hot refrigerant gas is fed into a water-cooled heat exchanger or condenser and water from a cooling tower is used to cool the refrigerant. For a better understanding, find out how cooling towers and chillers work together.
Industrial chillers can be further classified as 'vapour compression' or 'vapour absorption' types, depending on how the refrigerant is transported through the system. Take a closer look at how chillers work in these different system types.
Air Cooled Piston Condensing Unit
A vapour compressor chiller uses a compressor to pump refrigerant, thereby extracting unwanted heat from the process. The components of this system are the same as the absorption type - we have an evaporator, a condenser and an expansion unit. However, there is no absorption medium in this unit.
Unlike vapour compressor systems, vapour absorption chillers use a heat source to transport the refrigerant around the system for cooling. The system has the same components as a vapour compressor chiller, but instead of a compressor, there is an absorber, pump and generator.
The heat source can be heated with water or steam, the refrigerant can be of a low global warming potential (GWP) type and the absorption medium can be a solution of lithium bromide or ammonia. The heated water or steam helps to regenerate the adsorption solution.
Air-Cooled Compressor Unit
Centrifugal chillers are very reliable vapour compression cycle chillers, ideal for medium to large refrigeration operations (150 - 6000 tonnes cooling capacity). They consist of the usual evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion unit, but with an additional rotating impeller to compress the refrigerant and deliver it around the system.
Screw chillers are vapour compressor chillers which use a screw compressor to convey the coolant through the system. Some of the main advantages are their compact installation, quiet operation, low maintenance costs and high energy efficiency. They are also ideal for high-rise buildings.
Kendall Cold Chain System specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of cold storage rooms, refrigeration systems and commercial refrigeration equipment. It has about 30 years of experience in the refrigeration industry and is a pioneer and leader in China's refrigeration industry.
Kendall is a professional manufacturer of refrigeration equipment that integrates research and development, design, production and sales together. It is a high-tech enterprise specializing in intelligent energy-saving cold storage planning, design and research; system integration and control; manufacturing, installation and commissioning; project contracting and management; and technical support services. Contact our team today to learn about our advanced chiller systems and other cooling solutions.
Kendall offers a vast choice of cold rooms, refrigeration equipment and accessories. Whatever your application, whatever your budget, and whatever size and shape for your needs.
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