Water Chillers
A water chiller can be defined as a cooling system that exchanges heat through a series of steps: from water, to a refrigerant, and then into the atmosphere. Water chillers function similarly to other types of coolers. They cool by way of a cycle of pressurizing, condensing , depressurizing, and evaporating a refrigerant. Unlike other chillers, however, water chillers are most often used for cooling water within an industrial setting.
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Water Chiller Process
Water chillers produce their cooling effect using either vapor compression or absorption cycles. Both of these processes utilize a refrigerant that extracts the heat from water as the water evaporates. Then, as the heat condenses, the refrigerant releases it into the atmosphere. Types of refrigerants that are frequently used include methane, brine, alcohol, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and numerous fluorocarbons. In the absorption process, the refrigeration cycle is driven by a heat source. The vapor compression process carries out the cycle using a gas compressor. The condensing phase involves a fluid from outside the system cooling the compressed refrigerant vapor and returning it to its liquid state by traveling over the condenser coils. Although water is very effective at carrying out this process, it may make the process more complicated since it requires both a water pump and an outlet such as a cooling tower. A much simpler configuration is an air cooled chiller, which blows ambient air over and around the condenser tubes and releases heat energy into the atmosphere. Evaporation cooled chillers function in a similar manner as air cooled chillers, but evaporation cooled chillers introduce a mist of water around the coils so the evaporation provides extra cooling. The chiller pumps the liquid through an expansion valve once the refrigerant has condensed, and the refrigerant then begins to evaporate. At this point, the refrigerant cools and absorbs energy from the water until it is vaporized, and the cycle begins again. Centralized and decentralized chilling systems are available. Centralized chilling systems are located in a specific location and are connected to other machines in the facility by a network of pipes. Decentralized systems, on the other hand, enables each machine to have its own cooling mechanism.
Uses for Water Chillers
Water or water coolant mixtures are utilized by many industries for the purpose of keeping valuable and sensitive pieces of equipment from overheating, and to maintain a constant supply of available cooled water. Water chiller systems can serve as temperature regulators for fabrication processes, laser cutters, medical imaging machines, batch coolers, injection molding equipment, and spot welders. Water chillers are capable of maintaining a stable thermal environment for certain industrial processes as well as an entire facility. Facilities that provide climate control by using chilled water for their air conditioning systems and localized control systems include hotels and schools. In searching for the right water chiller, there are certain specifications to keep in mind. These specifications include the temperature range, compressor horsepower, compressor type, cooling capacity, power source, and the flow rates for the condenser and evaporator.
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Water Chillers in the HVAC Sector
Residents also want to save both money and energy. Fortunately, new technologies have made it possible for property managers to add value-added products and services to their properties. Water chillers are one example, since they help reduce HVAC energy consumption. In their HVAC sectors, some property managers are making the switch to digital controls, which may include full building automation, open architecture, and being able to control an entire HVAC system. A property manager can use an automated HVAC system to establish a set of guides and limits for their property’s HVAC system. This amount of control can help equipment last longer, and help the property manager save money.
An automated HVAC system can drastically improve energy efficiency, prolong the life of a product, add value to a property, and greatly benefit the customer. These new automated HVAC systems can save customers hundreds of dollars annually on energy costs. Renters can benefit from these environmentally conscious systems, since they can help cut back on their utility costs each month. Technology managed systems can benefit both the resident and the property owner in a way that is friendly to both the environment and to their finances, regardless of whether the property owner is an individual or a larger commercial entity.