Let’s Compare the Different Types of Chillers

There are several different types of chillers to consider, and they operate in different ways. Some chillers use compressors, while others do not. The different chiller types include:

• Centrifugal Chillers: This type of chiller turns kinetic energy into static energy through compression. It draws refrigerant in with its impeller blades, brings it to a higher level of pressure, and then rejects the heat from the refrigerant. A centrifugal chiller is one of the chiller types that uses a mechanical compressor.
• Absorption Chillers: These chillers send steam or hot water through tubes, where they boil off the refrigerant and turn into vapor, which moves into the condenser. The refrigerant returns to the absorber, which absorbs it into a lithium bromide solution and turns it back into a refrigerant vapor. The absorber replaces a mechanical compressor, which is present in other types of chillers, such as centrifugal chillers. Types of absorption chillers include single-effect, double-effect, and direct-fired absorption chillers.
• Modular Chillers: Modular chillers come in a few different types: centrifugal, screw, and scroll. These different types determine how the chiller works with its refrigerant. However, the main difference between modular chillers and other types of chillers is the fact that you can pair two or more modular chillers together to expand your HVAC’s cooling capacity. One or more modular chillers are subordinate to the main modular chiller in this setup, so they all operate harmoniously.

These are just a few of the chillers that you can use for your commercial or industrial HVAC system. Air Comfort can help you select the right type of chiller, and then we can install and maintain it for you.