What is Chiller? How Does Chiller System Work?
The definition of chiller systems, called chiller in English and translated into Turkish as cooling systems; These are systems called injection cooling systems that take heat from one source and transfer it to another source. Chiller cooling systems, consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator, work by cooling the compressed and heated gas in the compressor in the condenser. Then, due to the pressure of the gas passing through the expansion valve, its temperature drops and it liquefies. While passing through the evaporator, it takes the heat from the liquid to be cooled, comes to the compressor as a gas at low pressure, and is compressed again. The working system continues in this way.
Chiller system;
- Water cooled chiller
- and Air-cooled chillers
Apart from this, heat pump chiller, 4-pipe chiller and free cooling chiller systems are also used. To answer the question of how the chiller system works, it is necessary to examine the cooling groups separately.
Air Cooled Chiller
Chiller cooling systems are grouped according to their different features. The biggest distinction is what the heat source is. If the heat is discharged into the air, it is called an air source chiller, and if it is discharged into water, it is called a water source chiller. Air-cooled chiller systems work by discharging the energy of the refrigerant gas in the chiller, gained through the evaporator and compressor, onto air-cooled coils.
The compressed and high-temperature gaseous refrigerant in the compressor is sent to the condenser. Heat transfer occurs by providing air flow on the battery surface with the help of fans. Cooling is completed by transmitting the heat on the gas to the air.
Water Cooled Chiller
Water-cooled chiller cooling systems, unlike the air-cooled chiller operating logic, cool the hot gas in the condenser circuit with water. Shell & tube or plate type heat exchangers that use water are used to cool the gas instead of air-cooled coils.
For those wondering how a chiller works, it should be noted that in water-cooled chiller systems, a water source is needed to supply the cooling water to be circulated within the condenser. Water resources; It can be river, sea, cooling tower or standard water line. Water-cooled chiller systems are generally used in places where the space to be placed is limited and energy costs are significant but water costs are low.
Since water-cooled chiller models can also work indoors, they provide the ideal solution when it is desired to be positioned closest to the area where cooling is required. Water-cooled chiller systems can also be used for air conditioning of offshore vehicles.
Finally, for those wondering how a chiller works, it should be noted that water-cooled chiller systems provide 65% smaller volume than a chiller device of similar capacity, as they minimize the device volume. At the same time, due to the increase in compressor operating performance, it consumes less electricity and provides high performance.
Chiller cooling groups; It is used primarily in industrial production facilities, food and pharmaceutical industries, plastic production facilities, cosmetic manufacturing facilities, cold storages, hotels and hospitals. However, a chiller project suitable for each usage area must be specially prepared.
If you have received answers to your questions about what a chiller is and how a chiller system works, you can meet special chiller solutions for your production center and business.
