An alternative to air-cooled
systems and rooftop units, water cooled chiller systems are typically used for industrial and
commercial applications for their significant energy savings benefits, and to
aid companies in their attempts in reducing carbon emissions.
How
Do They Differ From Air-Cooled Systems?
Though water and air
cooled systems share many components in common – evaporator, condenser,
compressor, expansion valve - unlike air-cooled systems, which disperse heat
via an air-cooled condenser coil, water cooled chiller systems use water to
absorb heat, dispersing it into the air through a cooling tower. It is this
component that gives water cooled systems an efficiency advantage over
air-cooled and rooftop systems, from 10-100% depending on the setup.
Why
Are They So Much More Efficient?
Water is more energy dense than air, providing more efficient cooling than
traditional air-cooled options. However these systems come with one main
drawback: A higher equipment cost. They are typically used in locations larger
than 200,000 square feet, where cooling needs will quickly offset the added
cost of equipment. Other applications include industrial use, such as the
cooling of plastics and metals, and the cooling of small and large
multi-storied structures like universities, hospitals, and large office
buildings, as the systems don’t require ducts to push air through multiple
stories. With system sizes ranging from 20 tons to several thousand,
applications are wide and varied.
Choosing
a Water cooled System
Operation and function of water cooled systems will vary based on your choice
of system type. Chillers are typically chosen by application and cooling
capacity required in relation to the trade-off between initial investment and
operating costs. Make sure to consult with a Commercial HVAC Mechanical Contractor
before deciding on the System. Styles include:
Centrifugal
Compressors
The most efficient of water cooled system choices, this system type includes
magnetic-bearing compressors, which generate less noise and vibration than
other styles and offer significantly improved part-load efficiencies in certain
applications compared to screw and scroll style compressors. Centrifugal
compressors are typically used in applications requiring 300 tons or more of cooling
capacity, though some newer models offer variable-frequency operation.
Screw
Compressors
Dominating the upper end of the capacity range, screw-style compressors are
typically used for applications requiring less than 300 tons of cooling
capacity.
Scroll
Compressors
Scroll compressor are common in applications requiring less than 300 tons of
cooling capacity.
A
Difficult Decision
Due to the complexities of each application, in-depth analysis is essential to
maximize efficiency opportunities with water cooled chiller systems. Various
equipment options, load factors, and operating strategies must be considered by
professionals in-the-know to ensure a solid
investment and lasting performance, such as chiller efficiency, the efficiency
of pumps and fans, full/partial load operation, variable frequency versus
constant speed compressors, interaction between components, and operating
techniques.
Considering an upgrade or
experiencing issues with your existing water cooled system? The professionals
at H&H Commercial have skills beyond the typical
residential or business installation. Contact us to learn more about our trusted commercial services today.
This post originally appeared on https://hhcommercialonline.com/water-cooled-chiller-systems/
No comments:
Post a Comment