Air-cooled chillers are a type of cooling equipment used for both industrial refrigeration and air conditioning applications. These chillers produce cold water, which may be chilled by passing it through other equipment. They are often positioned outside, either on the roof or at ground level. In this blog, we’ll explain what air cooled chillers are, the different types available, and how they work in simple terms.
The Air Cooled Chiller consists of five primary components.
- The compressor—typically screw, scroll, or reciprocating
- The condenser is a bundle of horizontal pipes that hold the heated refrigerant and are encircled by several thin metal sheets along the vertical axis. These aid in transferring heat away from the tubes and into the air that is blasted across the tubes and thin metal sheets.
- Condenser fans draw air over the condenser coils from the sides before forcing it out the top of the device and into the surrounding atmosphere.
- Evaporator: The evaporator produces chilled water and extracts heat from the warm return "chilled water" to send to the condenser.
Types of Air-Cooled Chillers Are Explained Here:
Modular Air-Cooled Chillers
Modular chillers are made up of smaller units that work together as one system. You can easily add more units if your cooling needs grow. They’re great for buildings that expect future expansion. If one unit stops working, the others can still keep running, which makes them reliable and easy to manage.
Screw Compressor Air-Cooled Chillers
These chillers use a screw-type compressor, which works well for large buildings or factories that need steady, constant cooling. They’re also quieter and have fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear.
Scroll Compressor Air-Cooled Chillers
Scroll chillers are usually used in small to medium-sized buildings like offices or schools. They have scroll-type compressors that are simple, compact, and efficient.
How Air-Cooled Chillers Work?
The compressor drives the refrigerant. When the refrigerant reaches the condenser, it flows along the horizontal pipes. It transfers thermal energy into the ambient air stream driven by the fans. As the refrigerant transmits heat energy, it condenses into a liquid.
The refrigerant then enters the expansion valve. The most simple form is the thermal expansion valve, which regulates the flow of refrigerant by monitoring the pipe temperature at the evaporator output and adjusting the flow rate.
Conclusion
Air cooled chillers are a great choice for many cooling applications. Depending on your building size and cooling needs, you can choose from scroll, screw, centrifugal, or modular chillers.
Choosing the right type of air cooled chiller can help you save energy, reduce costs, and ensure efficient cooling for years to come. If you’re planning to install a chiller or upgrade your system, talk to an HVAC expert to find the best option for your needs.
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