A chiller is an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) component that keeps the equipment cool. This is done by using chilled fluid or water. The chiller's purpose is to remove heat from one area and then release it in another.
How does a chiller work?
It is easy to see how chillers work by thinking about them in terms of the human body. If the HVAC unit were the body, the chiller would then be the lungs. Your heart pumps oxygenated blood to your lungs, where gas exchange is possible. This exchange replaces carbon dioxide with oxygen. The oxygenated blood will then be able to flow throughout your body, providing oxygen wherever it is needed. Similar to a chiller,
This scenario will replace blood with liquid, heat with carbon dioxide, and cold with oxygen. The machine pumps warm fluid or water to the chiller. The refrigerant is then cooled by heat exchange at the chiller. The refrigerant that has been chilled is then sent to the outside for a restart of the cooling cycle.
The Different Types of Chillers
Two types of commercial & industrial chillers are commonly used in the industrial sector: water- and air-cooled chillers. Both industrial chiller systems do the same job but the cooling medium used to cool the machinery is what sets them apart.
Air-cooled chiller. This chiller uses ambient air cooling the hot refrigerant. This chiller is most common and can be found outside. Air-cooled chillers can be less efficient than water-cooled chillers, but they are still more energy-efficient.
Water-cooled chiller: This chiller cools equipment using water, as the name implies. This chiller uses a two-step process, unlike the air-cooled chiller. The hot equipment converts chilled water into heated water vapour. Once the water has condensed, it travels to the chiller. The condensed water is then pumped into a cooling tower, where it heats up and releases into the atmosphere.
Improving Efficiency through Maintenance
Chillers can be a drain on your energy bills. Chillers are responsible for about 40% of energy consumption in industrial and commercial buildings. Refrigerant leaks and other problems can cause chillers to consume more energy than properly functioning machines. To maximize profits, ensure your chiller runs as efficiently as possible.
You can achieve maximum performance by performing preventative maintenance. HVAC chiller maintenance should always be part of your HVAC maintenance program. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes time for maintenance.
Clean the coils. Heat transfer happens in the condenser coils. It will be more difficult for the system cool down to cool off the refrigerant if gunk and other debris build up. Routine maintenance should include checking for clogs, and ensuring free air flow.
Verify your refrigerant charge: Make certain you have enough refrigerant. Cooling costs can be reduced by having enough refrigerant.
Check condenser water: Water can be impeded by sand and other erosive substances, which can cause cooling efficiency to suffer.
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