A water cooler is also called a chiller and is a refrigeration machine for lowering the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. Chillers can be divided according to the type of refrigeration cycle into two classes: vapor compression and absorption. Each of them will be described in more detail later in the article.
In order to make the right choice, you must determine the parameters of the system and the features of the external and internal conditions during operation. Only then will the chiller operate correctly and perform its functions properly.
Absorption chillers overview
The main source of energy for cooling in such machines is hot water, so the temperature can reach 130°. As an alternative solution, superheated steam is used, which is supplied at a pressure of up to 1 bar. When receiving water at the outlet, significant savings can be achieved by using low-temperature or secondary energy resources. These include waste incinerators, low-pressure steam from power plants, and thermal power plants.
A significant advantage of absorption chillers is the almost complete absence of moving parts, which is why the unit is highly reliable, because there are no spare parts that would become unusable. But the main disadvantage is the worst weight and size parameters and high cost. This is true when compared to vapor compression devices, which sometimes leads consumers to make choices that are not in their favor.
Characteristics of vapor compression chillers
The water chiller can be represented by a vapor compression chiller. A large class of such machines is based on this refrigeration cycle, as it is extremely popular. The main structural elements are: compressor, condenser, evaporator and flow regulator. The vaporized refrigerant is taken in by the compressor, which is designed to increase the pressure. In the condenser, the refrigerant cools and becomes condensed, becoming liquid. The condenser can be air or water, which will depend on the design of the system. At the outlet, the refrigerant has a liquid state at high pressure. The dimensions of the condenser are selected in such a way that the gas condenses inside. Therefore, the leaving water temperature is lower than the dew point.
Refrigerant in the liquid phase is injected into the flow regulator, where the pressure of the mixture is reduced and a certain volume of liquid evaporates. A mixture of liquid and vapor enters the evaporator. The first boils, takes heat from the environment,goes into a vapor state. The dimensions of the evaporator must be selected in such a way that the liquid evaporates inside. For this reason, the temperature of the vapor subsequently turns out to be higher than the boiling point. Thus, the refrigerant is overheated. Even the smallest droplets evaporate, and no liquid enters the compressor. During the operation of the machine, the refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, while its state changes from liquid to vapor.
Air cooled chiller specifications
Water chillers, which are sometimes very expensive, may have an air-cooled condenser. Such devices can be installed indoors, and air intake and exhaust is carried out through air ducts. Centrifugal units with high static pressure are used to move the air. The main advantage of this equipment is the possibility of organizing year-round use in cooling mode at any outside air temperature.
But there are also disadvantages, they consist in the need for large areas to accommodate the unit, among other things, you will additionally need to spend money on the ventilation network.
Feedback on the HUBER DC SERIES through-flow cooler
On sale you can find a flow-through water cooler of the above brand. It belongs to one of the varieties of liquid cooling thermostats. According to users, this equipment is specially designed foroperation in undemanding and simple systems with circulating liquid. The unit is excellent for cooling tap water. The chiller can serve to reduce the lower threshold of the temperature range. You will be able to accurately control the process temperature when using this chiller in water bath conditions that are equipped with circulation adapters.
The whole system does not need to be replaced, only a flow cooler needs to be added to get the thermostat in the bathroom and the cooling and heating functions. Such a water cooler has compact dimensions, which are limited to 190x250x360 mm. The temperature range can vary from 30 to 50°.
Characteristics of the heating water sample chiller
The "TekhnoInzhPromStroy" network water cooler is designed to lower the temperature of network water during sampling at heating points. The cooled medium can reach 150°, while the cooled medium can reach 40° or less. The cooling medium is water from the cold water supply system. Height, diameter and side fittings are 380x76x160 mm. The equipment has a compact size and low weight, which is equal to 3.3 kg when empty. After filling with water, the weight increases to 4.5 kg. This network water sample cooler must be operated according to the instructions, which state that the coolant valve must be opened before the cooling medium is supplied to the housing.
The next step is to turn off the water supply and close the cooling water tap. The medium supply valve opens after opening the cooling water tap. This must be done immediately until its temperature reaches the required level. As a rule, the temperature of the medium is approximately 40°, this can be easily achieved by using tap water as a cooling medium. The water sampling cooler should be operated with periodic checks of the operation of taps and valves, it is recommended that the technician clean them of dirt.
Specifications of CA1131 brand industrial chiller MT
This model has not only significant weight, but also an impressive cost. The price is 27,600 euros. The power consumption of this equipment is 31.2 kilowatts, which is true at a temperature of 15 to 25°. Inside there are fans in the amount of 2 pieces, as well as 3 compressors. Such industrial water coolers, as a rule, have an impressive weight, and this model is no exception. The mass of the device is 1370 kg.
Features of FD200 through-flow cooler
This model is used below room temperature in combination with heating thermostats. The advantage is reduced energy consumption and the possibility of using drinking water. Among other things, the equipment is compact and easy to manage. The device has effective protection against hypothermia, takes up little space during installation, and also does not require the use of tap water.
This immersion through-flow cooler can operate in ambient temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°. Its weight is 16 kg, which is very convenient even for self-installation.
Conclusion
Water cooler can have the form of a model with a remote condenser and be made on the basis of refrigeration machines. Such equipment is placed indoors, connected to an outdoor condenser. The advantage is that there is no need to use an intermediate coolant in the circuit. But the disadvantages are the limited distance between the condensing unit and the compressor evaporative unit.
