Small capacity water chiller

Types of Small Capacity Water Chillers

Small capacity water chillers refer to refrigeration systems that are typically used to remove heat from liquids and provide chilled water. They are normally manufactured in small sizes, and as a result, they have a limited capacity to produce chilled water.

Small capacity water chillers can be categorized into distinct types based on a number of characteristics. The ways in which small chillers produce cold water differ from each other, and so do their applications. Generally, small capacity water chillers are grouped into inline, scroll compressor, thermoelectric, and split evaporator models.

• Inline Water Chillers

  These are small capacity water chillers that are mostly integrated into the circulating water system. They are designed to provide continuous cooling to processes that are insulated from the outside environment. Inline water chillers are usually installed in-line within existing pipe networks, therefore they take up small space

  This makes them ideal for facilities that have limited space. Additionally, inline water chillers are capable of delivering chilled water efficiently to various points of the circuit as required.

• Scroll Compressor Chillers

  Scroll compressor chillers are mechanical refrigerant circulation systems. They work by compressing and expanding refrigerant gases in order to absorb heat from the targeted water areas. After the gas has been compressed, heat is released into the surrounding, and therefore the water becomes cool.

  Scroll compressor chillers are preferred for small-scale refrigeration needs. They are quieter, small in size, and operate more efficiently compared to their counterparts.

• Thermoelectric Chillers

  As the name suggests, thermoelectric water chillers use electricity to cool the temperature. This technology utilizes thermoelectric modules that are based on the Peltier effect to transfer heat. One side of the module gets hot while the other side gets cool when electric current passes through it. Thermoelectric chillers are popular tools that are used in small or portable applications.

  For instance, they can be used in laboratories, medical facilities, desktop coolers and compact refrigerators. Thermoelectric chillers are suitable for small capacity water cooling because they have fast response times and precise control.

• Split Evaporator Chillers

  Split evaporator chillers are also referred to as split cooling systems. They are typically composed of two distinct units: the condenser and compressor which are located in one unit and the evaporator in another. Since the compressor and condenser generate heat while operating, the split configuration helps to reduce the overall heat.

  By separating the two units, the system also becomes more efficient in energy consumption.

Specifications & Maintenance of Small Capacity Water Chillers

Specifications

• Cooling Capacity:

  Small capacity water chillers typically have a cooling capacity that ranges from 1 kW to 20 kW. This is the amount of thermal power the chiller can remove from the water per unit of time.

• Operating Temperature Range:

  Specifications show that small water coolers have an operating temperature range. The upper limit of the temperature might be up to 30°C. Meanwhile, it could cool the water down to 5°C or even lower.

• Refrigerant Type:

  Many small water chillers use refrigerants like R134a, R404a, or R410a. These refrigerants are widely used and have good cooling performance.

• Power Consumption:

  The power consumption of a small water cooler is closely related to its cooling capacity. Generally, the power consumption could be between 0.5 kW and 5 kW.

• Dimensions and Weights:

  Small capacity water chillers usually have a length, width, and height around 1 meter to 2 meters. The weight is between 50 kg and 500 kg.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning:

  Use water and neutral detergent to clean the surface of the water cooler. Avoid using harsh chemicals to prevent damaging the device. Regular cleaning can prevent dust and dirt from clogging the radiator, which will affect the heat dissipation.

• Check the Refrigerant:

  Check the water chillers refrigerant periodically to ensure it is in the appropriate pressure range. If it's not, there may be a leak. In this case, a professional should be invited to do a repair and fill.

• Clean the Condenser:

  Use a vacuum cleaner or compressor to blow out the dust and debris on the condenser. Ensure that the power is turned off before cleaning, and wear the proper gloves and tools.

• Check the Water Pump:

  Check whether there is any abnormal noise or vibration from the water pump. The connection parts should be firm, and the seals should be without leaks.

• Replace the Filters:

  Cooler water chillers usually have some filters. Specifically, selecting the filters with the enclosed chiller will be crucial to the function and effectiveness. It is essential to locate, clean, and replace the filters regularly to maintain the performance and efficiency of the equipment.

Applications of small capacity water chillers

Small capacity portable water chillers are vital cooling systems for various industries that require cooling processes, machinery, and products. Here are some areas they are useful.

• Industrial process cooling

  Water chiller systems control temperature during the manufacturing of chemical and food products, injection molding, and other industrial processes. A consistent temperature is crucial for ensuring that food products are safe, plastic molds solidify as expected, and chemical reactions happen precisely.

• Medical and healthcare

  Small water chiller units are essential components of healthcare facilities. They ensure that medical imaging equipment like MRI and CT scan machines, laser machines, and other medical devices function properly. Water chillers also keep vaccines, medications, and blood products at the right temperatures.

• Restaurants and commercial kitchens

  Many restaurants and commercial kitchens use water chillers to maintain the right temperature for ingredients, beverages, ice cream, and frozen desserts. Brewery water chillers cool fermentation tanks, hot wort after boiling, and brewery equipment.

• Supermarkets and food storage

  Supermarkets use chillers to keep perishable food like meat, dairy products, and produce at the right temperatures. Refrigerated display cases, storage warehouses, and refrigerated transportation also use small chillers.

• Laser cooling

  Water-cooled lasers use small water chillers to dissipate heat generated during the laser's operation. Without proper cooling, the laser could overheat and lose efficiency.

• Plastic molding

  Injection molding water chillers cool molds used to shape plastic parts. The mold must be cooled quickly after the hot molten plastic is injected into it. Cooling the mold rapidly helps to increase production speeds and ensure that molded parts meet specifications.

How to choose small capacity water chillers

When it comes to selecting small water chillers for industrial use, factors such as the application, capacity, flow rate, and refrigerant type should influence the decision. Compatible and reliable water chillers can help to keep operational costs low while also enhancing product quality.

• Understand the application: The market has different types of small capacity water chillers, each suitable for a specific application. Focusing on the application of the chiller can help to determine the ideal type. For example, free cooling water chillers are great for cooling equipment in the manufacturing sector, while process water chillers can help maintain the desired temperature in chemical reaction vessels.
• Calculate cooling capacity needs: The cooling capacity of a small water chiller is how much heat it can remove from its surroundings in an hour. Estimating the cooling load of the intended application will help to determine the capacity it requires. If the capacity is too small, it will struggle to maintain the desired temperature. On the other hand, a chiller with a larger capacity will have higher operational costs.
• Consider the flowrate: The flow rate of a chiller is the volume of chilled water it circulates per minute or hour. It is an important factor to consider because it affects the cooling of the equipment. A small capacity water chiller with a high flow rate will cool large equipment faster and more efficiently. However, it may come with a higher energy cost.
• Choose a suitable refrigerant: There are different types of refrigerant liquids used by small water chillers. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, R-134A is commonly used in car air conditioners. R404A has a low temperature capacity and works well in commercial refrigeration systems. R-507A is used for industrial refrigeration systems. It is important to choose a chiller with a suitable refrigerant that is easily available in the local market.

Q & A

Q1: What type of refrigerant does a small water chiller use?

A1: It varies by framework. Commonly used refrigerants are R134a, R410a, and R404a.

Q2: Can a small water chiller be customized?

A2: Yes. When the quantity is larger, near features, performance, and components, it is usually possible to customize them to meet any specific requirement or desire.

Q3: Are Small water chillers energy-efficient?

A3: Yes. Small chillers can be designed to be energy-efficient. Selecting a suitable one according to the given conditions and optimal operation is essential to maintaining energy efficiency.

Q4: What are the trends in small water chiller technology?

A4: Development trends may include increasing energy efficiency, adopting environmentally friendly refrigerants, and advancing control and monitoring technology.