(2687 products available)
Although the function of all small air-cooled water chillers is to remove heat from a fluid through the vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle, they are different in some key features.
Packaged Water Chiller
A packaged air-cooled water chiller is a complete, self- contained refrigeration system. It is factory-assembled and tested as a whole. The entire components are installed inside a durable steel casing that can withstand almost any environmental conditions. The casing also provides reliable protection for the internal parts. The design of the casing is simple and elegant, and the footprint is small, and it can be easily installed in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or other places. It occupies little floor space and can be located in a mechanical room, rooftop, or exterior platform. Because of the space constraints, installing a packaged air-cooled chiller within a facility is often more straightforward than installing water-cooled chillers. These chillers do not require cooling towers and complex water management systems.
Modular Air-Cooled Chiller
A modular air-cooled chiller system comprises several smaller chillers. It allows for scalable cooling capacity. These modular units can be added or reduced to meet changes in cooling demand. If a single module fails, its redundancy can help maintain system operation by distributing the cooling load to the remaining active modules. This minimizes the risk of total system failure and provides greater reliability. The modular design also offers flexibility for future expansions. As cooling needs grow, additional modules can be added without significant disruption to the existing system. Additionally, the chillers are more economical to operate because they only need to run the modules required to meet current cooling requirements, thereby reducing energy costs.
Split Air-Cooled Chiller
The condenser and compressor of split air-cooled chillers are located separately, which allows for more flexible installation options and space usage. Split air-cooled chillers also have quieter operation. Most of the noisy components are placed outside. The system can provide a wide range of cooling capacities in mid to large-sized applications. Split air-cooled chillers are also suitable for applications where the refrigerant must be fully contained within the unit to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulations.
Cooling capacity:
The cooling capacity of small air-cooled chillers is typically less than 100 kW. It indicates the amount of heat they can absorb from the water per unit of time.
Compressor:
Small air-cooled water chillers generally use reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors, or screw compressors, which are the options mentioned earlier.
Condenser:
Small air-cooled chillers typically use finned-tube condensers. The heat exchange area is small, and the heat exchange efficiency is high. The working medium in the condenser is usually refrigerant.
Cooling fan:
The fans used in small air-cooled chillers are usually axial flow fans or centrifugal fans. Axial flow fans are more commonly used because of their high flow rates and low noise characteristics.
Power supply:
Small air-cooled chillers typically use 220V/50Hz/1 phase power. The specific power requirements may vary depending on the model.
Control method:
Small air-cooled chillers use digital controllers. The controllers can precisely control the temperature, pressure, flow, etc. of the chiller, and monitor its operating status in real time.
Regular maintenance can ensure their stable operation, high efficiency, and prolonged service life.
Clean the condenser and evaporator:
The condenser and evaporator are crucial heat exchange components of the chiller. Over time, dust and dirt may accumulate on their surfaces, which can affect heat dissipation and absorption. Regularly cleaning the condensers and evaporators can ensure proper heat exchange and maintain cooling efficiency.
Check refrigerant:
Refrigerant is the working medium of chillers, which are responsible for heat absorption and transfer. Check whether the small air-cooled water chiller refrigerant pipe and valve are leaked. Also, regularly check if the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are normal. If any abnormalities are found, they should be dealt with promptly.
Maintain the compressor:
The compressor is the core component of a chiller, which compresses the refrigerant to realize its circulation process. Regularly check the lubricating oil of the compressor. Ensure sufficient oil and clean it from impurities. Also, inspect the function of the compressor, such as noise and operating temperature, ensuring it works properly.
Inspect the electrical system:
It includes checking the electrical components, wires, and connections of the chiller. Ensure there are no loose connections. Also, no exposed wires. Additionally, check the protection devices of the chiller, such as overcurrent, overvoltage, overheating, etc. Ensure those are functioning properly.
Regularly replace consumables:
Small air-cooled water chillers have some consumable components, such as filters and oil seals. They should be replaced regularly to ensure the stability and reliability of the chiller.
Small air-cooled water chillers cool water through the air. This process makes the small air-cooled water chiller easy to install and maintain. It also makes the machine useful for a long list of applications and industries.
The HVAC cooling system in commercial buildings commonly uses air-cooled chillers. They produce cold water for fan coils, air handling units, and other building components used for space cooling.
Processes that need the precise control of temperatures and high-performing equipment use air-cooled water chillers. Examples include the food and beverage industry, the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the plastic processing industry.
Industrial workplaces use air-cooled water chillers to cool various kinds of equipment. Such equipment includes laser cutting machines, extrusion machine molds, injection machine molds, and CNC machines.
Air-cooled chillers are also popular options for businesses that need to cool down large but enclosed spaces. Offices, server rooms, and data centers are good examples.
Outdoor air-cooled water chillers can be used to supplement cooling provided by these chillers indoors. This supplementation can be done during peak heat periods. Businesses save cooling costs when outdoor air-cooled water chillers are used in this way.
Business buyers can consider the following factors when choosing small air cooled chillers for sale that suit their specific applications.
Heat Load:
The heat load is the number of watts that the chillers will be cooling. To determine the correct heat load, buyers need to calculate the total amount of heat generated by the equipment or process the chiller will be serving. If a cools too little or too much cools is chosen, it may lead to insufficient cooling or inefficiency.
Fluid Temperature:
Small air cooled chillers can be designed to function effectively with certain fluid outlet temperatures. When choosing a chiller, it's important to consider the temperature required for the specific application. This can help to choose the chiller that will provide the needed temperature to optimize process performance.
Location:
The location where the chiller will be installed plays a big part in the decision-making process. Indoor installations can use air-cooled chillers because of the outside hot weather. On the other hand, remote places that cannot easily have access to electricity may require a solar-powered chiller.
Operating Environment:
The operating environment is an important factor to consider because small air-cooled chillers are not water-cooled. Buyers should check the humidity at a place where the cooler is placed. Water-cooled chillers are ideal for high cooling capacity or where air-cooled chillers would be too large and expensive to cool.
Energy Efficiency:
Energy efficiency is a critical consideration when choosing a chill. It has a direct impact on energy costs and the environmental sustainability of the business operation.
Noise Level:
Small air-cooled chillers can produce a good amount of noise. This is about the refrigerant compressor's operation in addition to the cool fan. Considering the machine's noise level is very important when choosing a cooler for an indoor or noise-sensitive location. Also, because noise levels vary from different models and manufacturers, buyers can ask manufacturers and suppliers for the coolers' data sheets.
Q1: How does a small chiller work?
A1: Small air-cooled chillers use refrigeration to remove heat from water. The process starts with the evaporator, where water gets pumped and chilled. Then, a refrigerant absorbs the heat from the water. Next, the compressor moves the refrigerant, raising its temperature and pressure. In the condenser, air from the environment cools the refrigerant, releasing the heat. Finally, in the expansion valve, the refrigerant pressure reduces, cooling it down, ready to start the process again.
Q2: How does one determine the chiller water temperature setting?
A2: The typical setting is between 6 and 7 degrees Celsius. However, some factors need consideration before setting the temperature. Consider the desired process temperature. To achieve a process temperature of 6 to 7 degrees Celsius, the chiller's temperature should be set between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius. Also, consider the cooling requirement of the process. Chillers designed for high-cooling capacity need to be set at lower temperatures. Lastly, consider the humidity of the environment. To reduce it, the chiller should be set at a cooler temperature to increase water evaporation.
Q3: What is the difference between a chiller and a cooler?
A3: A cooler is a compact refrigeration unit that directly cools air. It can be used to cool a room without the need of cooling a specific substance such as water. On the other hand, a chiller is a more complex refrigerating system that cools water, which can be used to cool other components or spaces. Chillers are typically more powerful than coolers and are used in industrial settings.
浙公网安备 33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4