The water cooler is also called a chiller and is a chiller to lower the temperature of the liquid coolant. Chillers can be divided into two classes according to the type of refrigeration cycle: 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 especially the external and internal conditions during operation. Only then will the chiller work correctly and perform its functions properly.
Overview of Absorption Chillers
Hot water is used as the main energy source for cooling in such machines, so the temperature can reach 130 °. As an alternative solution, superheated steam is used, which is supplied under pressure up to 1 bar. Upon receipt of water at the outlet, significant savings can be achieved by using low-temperature or secondary energy resources. This includes waste incinerators, low pressure steam from power plants, as well as thermal power plants.
A significant advantage of absorption chillers is the almost complete absence of moving elements, 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 overall dimensions and high cost. This is true when compared with vapor compression devices, which sometimes forces consumers to make choices not in their direction.
Characteristics of vapor compression chillers
The water cooler may be represented by a vapor compression chiller. An extensive class of such machines is based precisely on such a cooling cycle, as it is extremely popular. The main structural elements are: compressor, condenser, evaporator and flow regulator. The vaporous 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 capacitor 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 so that the gas is condensed inside. Therefore, the outlet water temperature is below the condensation temperature.
The refrigerant in the liquid phase is pumped into the flow regulator, where the pressure of the mixture decreases, and a certain amount of liquid evaporates. A mixture of liquid and steam enters the evaporator. The first boils, takes heat from the medium, passes into a vaporous state. The dimensions of the evaporator must be selected so that the liquid evaporates inside. For this reason, the steam temperature subsequently turns out to be higher than the boiling point. Thus, the refrigerant overheats. Even the smallest drops evaporate, but 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, the prices of which are sometimes very high, can have air-cooled condensers. Such devices can be installed indoors, and air intake and discharge is carried out through air ducts. Centrifugal units with high static pressure are used to move air. The main advantage of this equipment is the possibility of organizing year-round use in cooling mode at any ambient temperature.
But there are also disadvantages, they are the need for large areas to accommodate the unit, among other things, you will additionally need to spend money on a ventilation network.
HUBER DC SERIES Flow Chiller Reviews
On sale you can find a flowing water cooler of the aforementioned brand. It belongs to one of the varieties of liquid cooling thermostats. According to users, this equipment is specially designed for operation in undemanding and simple circulating fluid systems. The unit is excellent for cooling running tap water. The chiller can serve to lower the lower threshold of the temperature range. You will have the opportunity to precisely control the process temperature if you use this chiller in a water bath, which is equipped with adapters for circulation.
At the same time, the entire system should not be replaced, it will only be necessary to add a flow cooler to get a thermostat in the bathroom and the functions of cooling and heating. Such a water chiller has compact dimensions, which are limited to 190x250x360 mm. The temperature range can vary from 30 to 50 °.
Characteristics of the network water sample chiller
The network water cooler "TekhnoInzhPromStroy" is designed to lower the temperature of the network water during the sampling process in heating centers. The cooled medium can reach 150 °, but the cooled - 40 ° or less. Cooling medium - water from a cold water supply system. The height, diameter and size of the side fittings is 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 stating that the coolant tap must be open before the coolant enters the enclosure.
The next step is to shut off the water supply and close the cooling water tap. The medium valve opens after the cooling water tap is opened. This must be done immediately, until its temperature reaches the required level. As a rule, the temperature of the medium is approximately 40 °, this is easily achieved by using tap water as a cooling medium. The water sampling cooler should be operated with a periodic check of the operation of taps and valves; the master is recommended to clean them of dirt.
Technical Specifications of CA1131 MT Industrial Chiller
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 temperatures from 15 to 25 °. Inside there are 2 fans, 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.
Characteristics of a flow cooler brand FD200
This model is used under conditions below room temperature in combination with heating thermostats. The plus is reduced energy consumption and the ability to use 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 flow cooler can operate at ambient temperatures ranging from 5 to 35 °. Its weight is 16 kg, which is very convenient even for self-installation.
Conclusion
The water cooler can take the form of a model with a remote condenser and can be performed on the basis of refrigeration machines. Such equipment is placed indoors, connected to an outdoor unit capacitor. The advantage is the absence of the need for an intermediate coolant in the circuit. But the disadvantages are the limited distance between the condenser unit and the compressor evaporator unit.