Chillers are a type of cooling system that is used to cool large spaces or equipment. They work by circulating refrigerant through a closed-loop system. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it turns from a liquid into a gas and is then compressed back into a liquid state by the chiller's compressor. This process removes the heat from the space or equipment being cooled and transfers it to a cooling tower, where it is dissipated into the environment.
Chillers are used in a variety of applications, such as air conditioning systems for large commercial buildings, cooling systems for data centers and industrial equipment, and in the manufacturing of products such as plastics and chemicals. They are available in various sizes and types, including air-cooled and water-cooled chillers.
Air-cooled chillers are typically used in applications where water is not readily available, or where it is not practical to install a cooling tower. These types of chillers use air as the heat transfer medium and are often located outdoors. They are typically less efficient than water-cooled chillers but are easier to install and maintain.
Water-cooled chillers are typically more efficient than air-cooled chillers and are often used in applications where a large amount of cooling is required. They require a cooling tower to dissipate the heat that is removed from the space or equipment being cooled. These types of chillers are often used in large commercial buildings, such as office towers and hotels, as well as in industrial applications.
In addition to the type of chiller, there are also different compressor types to consider. Centrifugal compressors are often used in large applications where a high amount of cooling is required while reciprocating compressors are typically used in smaller applications. Screw compressors are often used in applications where a high level of reliability is required.