Few types of compression techniques are used in the water cooled chillers. The chillers use vapor compression to supply cooling capacity on a large scale. Compare with other ways of cooling (i.e split unit, water cooled package and etc) it appear that chiller is more energy saving. This article will talk about the type of compressor used in the water cooled chiller.
Cooling effect or process produced from the chillers compressors are based on a process know as the reverse Rankine cycle. Regarding the detail information on the Rankine cycle, you can google it.
One of the most common types of compressor used in chiller system is reciprocating compressor. The principle of the reciprocating compressor is more or less same with the car engine piston, whereby the piston is drive by crankshaft reciprocating up and down.
The other type of compression technique normal used in chillers is scroll compressor also known as spiral compressor. This compression system works by using two spirals and spiraling or rotating in the same directing. The spirals are placed one inside the other. When both of spirals are move clockwise inside the other, it driving or pushing the fluid in towards the center, where by it will be compressed. The advantages of the scroll compressors are, it help reduce the size of the chiller unit due to their compact size and smooth running natural. They tend to help lower the overall chiller equipment cost.
Other commonly used compression systems in chiller are centrifugal compressor and rotary screw compressor. The rotary screw compressor is like a screw suspended within a tube. When the screw is turned, it drawing water with it and compress it.
Centrifugal type of chiller compressors work almost similar concept with centrifugal pumps and fans, compressing the fluid by using impeller. High level of energy efficiency make centrifugal compressors popular as now a day people start to concern on the environment issue.
The above are few of the common types of chiller compressor that commonly used in chiller system.
Thanks for posting. Where do you have your chiller maintained?
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