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I. Core Function

II. Main Types

1. Compression Chillers (most common)
   • Centrifugal Chillers: Ideal for large-scale applications (e.g., malls, skyscrapers) with high cooling capacity (1,000+ tons). Efficiency varies significantly with load.
   • Screw Chillers: Suitable for medium-sized facilities (e.g., hotels, factories) with 50–1,000 tons of cooling. They are compact and highly reliable.
   • Reciprocating/Scroll Chillers: Used in small-scale settings (e.g., small offices, labs) with <50 tons of cooling. Lower cost but less efficient for large loads.
2. Absorption Chillers
   • Powered by thermal energy (e.g., steam, natural gas, hot water) instead of electricity, making them suitable for locations with excess heat or cheap fuel (e.g., chemical plants, district energy systems).
   • Common types include lithium bromide (most widely used) and ammonia-water systems. They operate quietly but efficiency depends on heat source temperature.
3. Specialized Types
   • Air-Source Heat Pump Chillers: Provide both cooling and heating by utilizing ambient air. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly, best for moderate climates.
   • Ground/Water-Source Heat Pump Chillers: Harness stable temperatures from soil, groundwater, or surface water. Higher efficiency but with higher initial installation costs.

III. Key Parameters

• Cooling Capacity: Measured in tons of refrigeration (RT) or kilowatts (kW) (1 RT ≈ 3.517 kW). Indicates the chiller’s heat-removal capability.
• COP (Coefficient of Performance): Ratio of cooling output to energy input. A higher COP means better energy efficiency.
• Outlet Temperature: The temperature of the chilled fluid supplied, directly affecting cooling performance and system energy use.
• Refrigerant Type: Examples include R134a, R410A, and R32, with a shift toward low-GWP (global warming potential) options for environmental compliance.

IV. Applications

• Commercial Buildings: HVAC systems for malls, hotels, and offices, supplying cold water to fan coils or air handling units.
• Industrial Processes: Cooling for plastic manufacturing, food preservation, and electronics production (e.g., semiconductor fabrication).
• Data Centers: Critical for cooling server rooms via precision air conditioners to maintain stable operating temperatures.
• Healthcare: Temperature control in operating rooms, laboratories, and medical equipment cooling.

V. Advantages and Considerations

• Advantages: High efficiency for centralized cooling, easy scalability, and suitability for large or multi-zone cooling needs.
• Considerations:
  • Regular maintenance (e.g., cleaning condensers, checking refrigerant leaks) is essential to prevent efficiency drops.
  • Installation requires planning for space, ventilation (for air-cooled models), or cooling tower integration (for water-cooled models).
  • Selection depends on load requirements, energy costs (electricity vs. gas), and environmental regulations.