Air-cooled chillers involve innovative refrigeration technology to dehumidify air and cool fluid. They are now used in various industrial and commercial facilities, including restaurants, constructions, and hotels. Portable chillers with an air-cooled system are also advantageous, as they are compact yet efficient. They work differently from that of a water-cooled screw chiller.
A brief concept of air-cooled chillers–
Air-cooled chillers absorb heat efficiently from water and transfer it into the air surrounding it. You can use these chillers if there is no issue with additional heat discharge. Additional heat lets you warm up the space on the cold winter months.
The evaporator plays a role in starting the cooling cycle, and the refrigerant flows over the tube of this evaporator. This process helps with the heat absorption from the water that circulates through the bundle. It causes the compressor to draw the vapour to a condenser. It will raise pressure and temperature, as the compressor has to pump the vapour from the refrigerant.
The refrigerant undergoes condensation, and the tubes releases internal heat. The highly pressurized liquid passes through the device to reach the evaporator. The refrigerant pressure gets low, and it flows back over the water coils to absorb heat. So, this is the way how an air-cooled chiller works.
Features of an air-cooled chiller
Find the list of the major features of the air-cooled chilling system.
- Air-cooling chillers work with an air-cooling mode, and there is no need to use a cooling tower. With these chillers installed in your facility, you can avoid water pipe clogging and condenser scaling.
- The upfront cost of investing in an air-cooled chiller is higher compared to that of water-cooled systems. However, you need minimal investment for annual operation and maintenance.
- The volume and noise of air-cooled chillers are higher. That is why you can choose them for outdoor applications.
- Most air-cooled chilling systems have a scroll-type compressor with an electric controlling element. The integrated evaporator is highly efficient at exchanging heat. It also works with different safety protection devices.
- Some models are equipped with an LCD display to determine the operation status.
- The compressor operates automatically based on the load level. The system also balances the hours of operation of every compressor.
Air-cooled chillers can be installed in a room where you have placed your mechanical equipment. You may also install them on a site, close to the space that needs a cooling effect. Based on the compressor and the cooler size, you can decide on the place for installation. Some chillers are best for outdoor installation.
Although air-cooled chillers are popular, you can check the features of other types of coolers. For instance, a brine chiller is perfect when your cooling medium is a glycol and water solution. It happens when the system needs a low fluid temperature. The use of glycol in the cooling water prevents the potential freezing problem. You can also use a compact screw chiller that works quietly. Refcon chillers are the leading brine chiller manufacturers.
