AIR-COOLED CHILLER STRUCTURE: DETAILED COMPONENTS AND FUNCTIONS

OVERVIEW OF AIR-COOLED CHILLERS

An air-cooled chiller is a device that cools water through a vapor compression cycle, using ambient air to dissipate heat from the refrigerant. The chilled water produced is supplied to systems such as AHUs, FCUs, production lines, or industrial machines for cooling purposes.

Key advantages of air-cooled chillers:

No need for a cooling tower or water cooling system.
Easy to install, relocate, and suitable for limited spaces.
Stable operation with simple maintenance.

AIR-COOLED CHILLER STRUCTURE

A standard air-cooled chiller consists of the following main components:

1. Compressor

Function: Draws in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator, compresses it to high pressure and high temperature, and delivers it to the condenser.
Role: Serves as the “heart” of the system, maintaining refrigerant circulation.
Principle: Similar to inflating a tire with air, but instead of air, it “pumps” refrigerant to a higher pressure.

air-cooled chiller structure - compressor

2. Air-Cooled Condenser

Construction: Copper or stainless steel tubes with aluminum fins, equipped with axial fans.
Function: Cools high-pressure refrigerant vapor until it condenses into liquid form.
Role: Releases heat to the environment, ensuring the refrigerant is in a high-pressure liquid state for the next stage.

air-cooled chiller structure - Air-Cooled Condenser

3. Cooling Fan (Axial Fan)

Function: Creates airflow across the condenser to enhance heat dissipation.
Role: Works like a computer cooling fan, helping the condenser maintain stable performance.
Operation: Can be speed-controlled based on real-time temperature to optimize energy consumption.

4. Expansion Valve

Function: Reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, lowering its temperature before entering the evaporator.
Role: Regulates refrigerant flow to maintain optimal heat exchange efficiency.

5. Evaporator

Construction: Typically shell-and-tube or plate heat exchanger type.
Function: Low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the water, cooling it down to 5–12°C.
Role: The “production site” for chilled water supplied to the entire cooling system.

6. Chilled Water Pump

Function: Circulates chilled water from the chiller to the cooling equipment or areas that require cooling.
Role: Ensures continuous water flow within the system.

the air-cooled chiller’s structure - Chilled Water Pump

7. Control System (Control Panel & Sensors)

Function: Monitors temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and controls chiller components.
Role: Acts as the “brain” of the system, automatically optimizing performance and protecting the equipment in case of faults.

air-cooled chiller structure - Control System

GENERAL OPERATING PRINCIPLE

An air-cooled chiller operates in a continuous closed cycle of compression – condensation – expansion – evaporation.

First, the compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compresses it to a high-pressure, high-temperature state. The hot, high-pressure gas then enters the condenser, where cooling fans blow ambient air across the coils to release heat and condenser the refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid.

Next, the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature drop significantly, forming a cold liquid–vapor mixture. This mixture enters the evaporator, absorbing heat from the circulating water and cooling it to the desired temperature.

After absorbing heat, the refrigerant returns to the compressor as low-pressure vapor, starting the cycle again.

IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE AIR-COOLED CHILLER STRUCTURE

A clear understanding of the air-cooled chiller’s structure and operation not only helps operators run the equipment efficiently but also ensures long-term stable and cost-effective system performance. By knowing each component and how they work together, businesses can:

Select the right equipment: Determine the correct capacity, configuration, and type of chiller for actual needs.
Optimize operation: Adjust operating modes to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.
Maintain effectively: Detect early signs of malfunction, perform timely maintenance, and extend equipment lifespan.

air-cooled chiller structure - importance of understanding about

WHITE COOL – OPTIMAL CHILLER SOLUTIONS FOR ALL COOLING NEEDS

With over 11 years of manufacturing experience, Minh Dung directly produces White Cool-branded chillers, including a wide range of air-cooled chiller capacities.

Optimized designs for tropical climates.
High-quality components for exceptional durability.
Customizable sizes and capacities to meet actual requirements.

WHITE COOL – OPTIMAL CHILLER SOLUTIONS FOR ALL COOLING NEEDS

White Cool is committed to delivering energy-efficient, high-performance cooling solutions that meet the strict standards of B2B customers.

Understanding the air-cooled chiller structure not only enables effective operation but also helps optimize costs and ensure system longevity. If you need advice, design, or a quotation for a suitable air-cooled chiller, contact Minh Dung – manufacturer of White Cool chillers, ready to accompany you in every industrial cooling project.

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MINH DUNG APPLIED REFRIGERATION ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

Hotline: 0981 686 939
Sales Department: 0989 228 227 – 0919 597 425
Email: tranminhchiller@gmail.com
Website: https://whitecool.vn/