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A small capacity chiller removes heat from a liquid through a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The machines are typically less than 100 tons of cooling capacity. Small chillers are ideal for providing the cool water needed to maintain a constant temperature in an area or to control manufacturing process temperature.
There are two main types of small-capacity chillers: air-cooled and water-cooled. Both types have condenser, evaporator, compressor, and expansion valve components. However, they differ in how they dissipate heat and cool water.
Air-cooled chiller
An air-cooled chiller uses ambient air to remove heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the water in the evaporator, which is then blown through the condenser coils by a fan to cool the refrigerant by eliminating the heat. An air-cooled chiller is self-contained, with a condenser located in the same unit as the evaporator. This makes the chiller easier to install and maintain. The portable air-cooled chillers are designed to operate in open areas without the need to be permanently installed indoors. However, air-cooled chillers are noisier than their water-cooled counterparts. This makes them less suitable for use in residential areas or closer to people.
Water-cooled chiller
A water-cooled chiller uses water as a heat sink to remove heat from the refrigerant. It is done with the help of a cooling tower. Cooling towers are open systems that use evaporation to transfer heat from the water to the air. The amount of water in the system is determined by the heat transfer process. Water-cooled chillers use a pump to circulate water to the condenser. A water-cooled chiller tends to be more efficient, especially in larger sizes. It is also more suitable for use in snow-free regions where there is no need to worry about the cooling effect of the frozen water in the chiller.
Small capacity chillers come in diverse specifications for various applications.
Cooling Capacity
The typical small capacity chiller has a cooling capacity ranging from 1 ton to 150 tons
Compressor Types
Different small chillers have different compressor types. Some are scroll compressors, while others are screw compressors, among many others.
Refrigerant
Many small capacity chillers use refrigerants like R-410A, R-134A, R-404A, and R-32, to
Operating Temperature
Small capacity chillers can maintain temperatures between 0 and -100 degrees centigrade.
Noise Level
The noise level of small capacity chillers is measured in decibels. Most machines operate at a noise level of about 60 to 80 decibels.
For optimal performance and longevity, a small commercial chiller requires regular maintenance. This is not only important for its efficiency but also crucial for the safety of everyone around the machine. Here are some maintenance tips for small capacity coolers.
Food processing industry
Small capacity chillers provide cooling for food and beverages in the food processing industry. They are used frequently to cool food products or ingredients. This helps maintain the flavor, safety, and quality of the food.
Medical industry
In the medical industry, small capacity chillers are used in medical laboratories and hospitals to refrigerate medicines, medical equipment, and laboratory instruments, keeping them at a recommended temperature. For example, vaccines for immunization can only work if they are maintained at a specific temperature. Small capacity chillers help provide that temperature control.
Pharmaceuticals need to be stored and transported at precise temperatures to maintain their efficacy, and small capacity chillers provide that.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets use small capacity chillers to cool beverages, ice cream, and refrigerated food, extending their shelf life and maintaining customer freshness.
Electronics manufacturing
Small capacity chillers are essential in the electronics manufacturing industry, where precise temperature control is needed to prevent heat buildup in production lines and equipment, such as laser cutters and ovens. This ensures stable processes and improves product quality. Small capacity chillers help manage the humidity of manufacturing environments to prevent static electricity and contamination.
Plastics and Injection Molding
Small capacity chillers are widely used in plastics and injection molding industries. They control mold temperatures during the molding process to ensure uniform product quality. Small capacity chillers cool heated materials rapidly after molding to expedite production speeds. They also help regulate workshop temperatures to provide a comfortable working environment.
Data centers and server farms
Data centers and server farms use small capacity chillers to cool servers, storage devices, telecommunications equipment, and other IT infrastructure, ensuring their stable operation and preventing equipment from overheating and failing.
Application analysis:
Analyze the application scenarios and requirements to determine the types and models of small capacity chillers suitable for them. To ensure that the selected chiller can effectively meet specific cooling needs.
Cooling capacity:
Choose the appropriate cooling capacity based on the quantity and size of the products to be refrigerated. Carry out a detailed calculation of the cooling needs to avoid selecting a chiller that is too small to meet the cooling requirements or one that is excessively large, leading to energy waste.
Energy efficiency:
Consider the energy efficiency ratio (EER) or seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of small capacity chillers. Opt for units with higher energy efficiency to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
Noise level:
For occasions where noise control is required, select chillers with low noise levels or those equipped with noise reduction technologies. This helps minimize the impact of equipment on the working and living environments.
Brand and service:
Choose reputable brands to ensure the quality and reliability of small capacity chillers. Additionally, consider the manufacturer’s after-sales service and support network, enabling timely maintenance and technical assistance when required.
Cost performance:
Comprehensively consider factors such as performance, quality, energy efficiency, and cooling capacity, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different models. Select chillers that offer an optimal balance of performance and value to meet specific business needs.
Q1: How does a small chiller work?
A1: Small chillers work by evaporating refrigerants. They absorb heat from the water, which makes the liquid turn into vapor. The compressor then pumps the vapor into the condenser, which releases the heat. The vapor turns back into a liquid as the refrigerant cools in the condenser. Finally, the liquid is pumped back into the evaporator by the expansion valve.
Q2: Why are chillers used?
A2: Small capacity chillers are used to control the temperature and provide cooling in various applications. They are commonly used in commercial buildings, industrial processes, manufacturing facilities, and medical equipment. Small chillers are suitable for providing comfort cooling in offices and other indoor spaces. They can also be used to remove heat generated by equipment in industrial processes or to keep products at a consistent temperature during manufacturing.
Q3: What are the types of chillers?
A3: There are two main categories of refrigerant chillers: air-cooled and water-cooled machines. Water-cooled chillers are then divided into evaporation and screw types. While water-cooled refrigerant machines are more suitable for large spaces, air-cooled machines are more suitable for smaller spaces.
Q4: What is the difference between a chiller and a cooler?
A4: The main difference between a cooler and a chiller is their ability to lower temperature. While a cooler can keep something cold, a chiller can rapidly reduce the temperature of an object. Furthermore, chillers possess refrigeration systems similar to refrigerators and freezers. On the other hand, coolers may use ice to maintain a low temperature.