Chillers are essential pieces of equipment used in facilities management to maintain the temperature and humidity of indoor environments. There are different types of chillers available depending on the desired application, and understanding how chillers function and the range of options available can help facilities managers increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve occupant comfort.
What is a Chiller?
A chiller is a type of refrigeration system that is used to cool water or another fluid. Chillers are used for industrial and commercial cooling applications, such as air conditioning, cooling of production processes, and medical equipment cooling.
Types of Chillers
There are three main types of chillers: absorption chillers, centrifugal chillers, and screw chillers.
Absorption Chillers
Absorption chillers use a combination of heat and a liquid refrigerant to cool the water. They are relatively efficient and require little maintenance, but they are more expensive than other types of chillers and require a constant supply of water.
Centrifugal Chillers
Centrifugal chillers use a centrifugal pump to circulate the refrigerant and cool the water. They are more energy efficient than absorption chillers and require less maintenance, but they are more expensive to install and operate.
Screw Chillers
Screw chillers use rotary screw compressors to cool the water. They are the least expensive type of chiller, but they are not as energy efficient as other types and require more maintenance.
Benefits of Chillers for Facilities Management
Chillers offer a number of benefits to facilities managers. They can help reduce energy costs by using energy more efficiently, and they can also help improve occupant comfort by providing air conditioning and cooling of production processes. In addition, chillers can help to improve indoor air quality by controlling humidity levels and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Choosing the Right Chiller for Your Facility
Choosing the right chiller for your facility is important for maximizing efficiency and cost savings. Different types of chillers offer different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider all the options before making a decision.
Facilities managers should also consider the size and capacity of the chiller, the cost of installation and maintenance, and the energy efficiency of the system. With the right chiller, facilities managers can improve the efficiency of their cooling system while reducing costs and improving occupant comfort.
