Industrial chillers are a type of cooling system used to regulate the temperature in industrial, commercial and residential buildings. They work by taking in warm air from the surrounding environment and converting it into cool air through a refrigeration cycle process. This is a complex process that requires several components working together to create the desired outcome. Here are seven things you should know about how industrial chillers work.
1. Refrigerant
The first component in the refrigeration cycle is a refrigerant, which serves as the heat transfer medium in the system. This liquid-vapor mixture absorbs warm air, evaporates and carries it outside of the unit to be cooled down before being circulated back into the system.
2. Compressor
A compressor is responsible for squeezing the refrigerant and raising its temperature, pressure and density before it enters the condenser. This component can often be noisy as well as energy consuming, but advances in technology have led to more efficient compressors that are quieter and consume less energy.
3. Condenser
The condenser is the component responsible for cooling down the refrigerant and turning it into a liquid. Heat from inside the chiller is transferred to outside air as the refrigerant passes through a series of coils.
4. Expansion Device
After being cooled in the condenser, the refrigerant passes through an expansion device which reduces its pressure and temperature. This allows the refrigerant to absorb more heat from inside the chiller, converting it into a gas before re-entering the compressor.
5. Evaporator
The evaporator is where the refrigerant takes in warm air from inside the unit and cools it down by absorbing its heat energy. The cold air then circulates through the facility and is replaced with more warm air from outside.
6. Cooling Tower
The cooling tower helps dissipate heat generated during the refrigeration cycle by transferring it to the atmosphere. This component is important as it prevents the chiller from overloading due to excessive heat production throughout its operation.
7. Refrigerant Controls
Refrigerant controls are the final component in the system and they regulate the amount of refrigerant being used. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature while reducing energy consumption and overall costs.
Understanding how industrial chillers work is essential for those looking to install such systems in their buildings. With an understanding of these components, you can ensure that your chiller is operating efficiently and effectively.