What to consider when investing in an air chiller?
Chillers are typically used for handling the heat produced during the manufacturing process at various plants. They help regulate the environmental temperature in a closed space. An air-cooled chiller, a type of chiller unit, rejects the heat absorbed from the process and releases it in the outside air using refrigerant. The system is typically used in facilities where the discharged additional heat won’t create a problem. Here are a few things to consider when investing in an air chiller. Have a look!
Things to consider when buying a chiller unit
Air-cooled chillers make use of compression units and work with copper pipes and aluminium fins to control the temperature. Depending on the area and work situation, the decision about which chiller unit you must invest in might change. Here are a few such factors:
- Minimum Chiller Capacity:
When picking an air-cooled chiller, make sure to consider the capacity of the device. In areas where the normal temperature is low and the temperature difference between day and night time is extensive, air-cooled chillers are preferred. But, in such cases, you must consider whether devices with minimised capacity should be used.
2. The effect of height:
The height factor is the next thing you must pay attention to when buying a chiller. It is so because, in air-cooled devices, the capacity is directly related to an increase in altitude.
3. Chiller control type:
When choosing an air-cooled chiller, you must also consider how to control the chiller. If the device can be operated easily, efficiency and work performance improve.
4. Temperature resistance:
In air-cooled chillers, the device’s remaining capacity gets reduced by 1% per 1 degree. This alteration affects the compressor’s performance and increases the drawn power by the compressor. Users must consider this factor when making a choice.
5. Applied pressure
The device needs to be protected against high pressure when the air or water is cold. For this, the amount of condenser airflow should be more. At the same time, you should consider that experts suggest low and medium-pressure refrigerants for use.
6. Evaporator pressure drop:
Experts recommend the value of the evaporator pressure drop must not exceed 60 kPA. Keeping this in mind can help you select an ideal chiller for your facility.
7. The physical size of the unit:
Size is another crucial factor to consider when opting for a chiller. When buying a unit for a small business, consider air-cooled chillers are typically smaller in size than water-cooled chillers. Facilities with limited space are a better choice.
8. The amount of noise:
In areas where noise can be a problem, you should select air-cooled chillers whose sound pressure doesn’t exceed 75 dBa from a distance of 5m.
9. Special permits:
If you are located in an area where the chiller will be exposed to a saline atmosphere and corrosion can be a problem, make sure to invest in a device with certified protection. For example, opt for a device with a copper tube or fin.
When selecting an air-cooled chiller for your facility, consider the factors mentioned above to make the best decision.
