Industrial Chiller Cooling Technology

Industrial chillers typically come as fully packaged closed loop systems, including chillers, condensers and circulating pumps, expansion valves, no-flow shutoffs, internal chilled water tanks, and temperature control stations. The internal tank helps maintain the chilled water temperature and prevents temperature spikes from occurring. Closed loop industrial chillers recirculate the water at a constant temperature and pressure, increasing the stability and repeatability of the cooling equipment. The water flows from the chiller to the application's point of use and back.

If the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water is high, then a large external water tank will be used to store the chilled water. In this case, the cooling water does not go directly from the chiller to the application, but goes to an external water tank which acts as a sort of "temperature buffer". The cold water tank is much larger than the internal water tank. The cold water from the external tank to the application and the return hot water from the application goes back to the external tank, not to the chiller.

The less common open loop control of industrial chillers has an open tank or sump which constantly circulates the temperature of the liquid. The liquid is drawn from the tank, through the chiller, and back to the tank. An adjustable thermostat senses the temperature of the makeup liquid and circulates it around the chiller to maintain a constant temperature in the tank.

One of the newer developments in industrial chillers is the use of air cooling instead of cooling water. In this case, the condenser is not cooled with hot air but uses a refrigerant made by cooling water. Cooling towers. This development allows a reduction of more than 15% and allows a drastic reduction in energy requirements in the case of chillers due to the small surface area of ​​​​the water, condensers and fans. In addition, the fans allow a drastic reduction in noise levels.

Most industrial chillers use refrigeration as the cooling medium, but some rely on simpler technologies such as air or water flowing through the cooling coils that regulate the temperature. Water is the most commonly used coolant in the chilling process, although cooling mixtures are often used.