Industrial chillers are technologically advanced machines that use a water or glycol solution to transfer heat. They help in cooling machinery and products used for different purposes. Chillers have a pumping system, a reservoir, and several other components that enable them to make the machines productive.
An overview of chilling plants-
Though chiller plants seem to be an innovation, it is not a new concept. Originally, chillers did not have a centralised plant but used water to pass through the walls of buildings. However, today, manufacturers have started trying out different technologies to manufacture chillers. The best chilling plants are highly efficient and reduce costs.
While chillers are condensing units used mainly for air conditioning needs, chiller plants comprise different mechanical components. There is a distribution of cool air throughout the building. It relies on a distribution system, which includes metal ductwork to transport the air.
Today, reliable chillers manufacturing company add a variable-speed drive to the system. It is able to run different condensing units at a time. Some models also have cooling towers to cool the air force before it enters the chillers.
Are the chillers highly efficient?
Almost 10 to 15% of the energy used by buildings is intended for air conditioning needs. Although condensing units have high efficiency due to innovative technologies, they can save more energy with reduced plant size. The distribution systems are also highly improved.
As chillers consume a considerable amount of energy, it may affect the overall operational cost. That is why you should monitor your refrigeration chillers regularly.
Coefficient of Performance is the unit for measuring the efficiency level of chillers. It refers to the ratio of the electrical energy and refrigeration effect of the chiller.
But, it is to be noted that the chiller’s CoP varies with the cooling load. Needless to say, every chiller has a different efficiency level. Chiller manufacturing companies mention the CoP details to reflect the performance.
How to improve the efficiency of your chiller plants-
The cost of the chiller covers a considerable part of the utility costs. However, with a few steps, you can minimise the cost.
Maintain your chillers regularly- Your chillers need maintenance to work efficiently. For instance, you should clean and inspect the condenser coils. Heat transmission also affects the chiller system, as it makes the performance more effective. Make sure that there is no blockage to the condenser coils for smooth airflow.
Keep refrigerants stable- The cooling quotient of the chillers varies with the refrigerant level. So, you should maintain the refrigerant charge properly. It keeps the cooling cost lowered by almost 5 to 10%.
Predictive maintenance is also essential to prevent damage to your system. You can rely on AI technology to gather and analyse the operating data from your chilling plants.
Chillers of any type have a highly complicated design, as they have a connection with your cooling tower system. You should evaluate their performance regularly and optimise the systems with proper maintenance. Refcon chillers is the leading manufacturer of chiller plants in India.
0