Everything You Need to Know About Chillers -
March 27 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Chillers

Сhiller – a refrigeration machine used to cool liquids, widely used in all manufacturing industries where there is a need to dissipate excess heat. It is used in industrial enterprises (metal processing, plastics manufacturing, etc.), in the food industry (dairies, breweries, mushroom farms, etc.), in pharmaceuticals, for heating and air conditioning of industrial and residential buildings, for creating ice rinks and skating rinks, and much more.

There are many manufacturers of chillers of different quality and price categories on the industrial equipment market. When choosing a chiller, its power, type of cooling, type of compressor, availability of hydraulic modules and automation, dimensions, and other factors should be taken into account. That is why we will briefly describe the types of chillers and their components.

 

Chillers are classified according to their functional use as follows:

  1. Chiller – cooling only
  2. Chiller / Heat Pump – cooling or heating (winter-summer)
  3. Chiller – Heat Pump – simultaneous cooling and heating depending on the technological need

According to the type of cooling, condensers are of two types:

  1. Air-cooled – the condenser block is cooled by fans of various types.
  2. Water-cooled – Chillers with a water-cooled condenser are more compact. They require a constant source of water for the process.

Condensers, in turn, can be built-in or portable, and differ depending on the requirements.

 

Compressors used in the equipment differ depending on the needs:

  1. Piston (Reciprocating) compressor – Its operation principle is based on the use of a mechanical piston device to increase the gas pressure by compression.
  2. Scroll compressors – The most common compressor in low and medium-capacity chillers. Compression of the medium occurs during the interaction of two spirals (movable and stationary).
  3. Screw (Rotary) compressors – Used in medium and high-power chillers, this type of compressor has two screw rotors. The leading rotor with a convex groove is directly connected to the driving motor through a gear transmission.
  4. (Turbocharger) Turbo compressors – One of the newest types of compressors.

 

A chiller can also be equipped with a hydraulic module (pump, accumulator tank, expansion tank) to save electricity and make the air conditioning system’s operation more stable by maintaining optimal thermal inertia.

 

The hydraulic module performs the following functions:

  • Supplies water to the chiller
  • Removes the used liquid from the cycle
  • Regulates pressure

 

Hydraulic modules are classified as:

  • Internal
  • External – have a sturdy housing that can withstand adverse weather conditions

 

In conclusion, understanding the different types of chillers and their components is crucial when it comes to selecting the right chiller for industrial or household use. It is important to take into account factors such as capacity, energy efficiency, and cooling requirements to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. Whether you choose an air-cooled or water-cooled chiller, a screw or centrifugal compressor, or a chiller with a hydromodule, proper maintenance and regular servicing will help prolong its lifespan and ensure its continued efficient operation. And if you need someone who can help you find a perfect chiller for your needs, contact us.