Industrial Water Chiller: The Three Major Core Components

Industrial water chiller, also known as a chiller, chiller units, water chiller system, air chiller system, Industrial chiller, etc., plays a significant role in the plastic processing industry. The water chiller consists of three major components: a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. By gaining a deep understanding of these three core components of the water chiller, we can better comprehend its operating principles and performance characteristics. Xiecheng is a professional manufacturer of industrial water chillers, and its unique design and performance of these core components distinguish it in the market, providing users with efficient and reliable cooling solutions.

1. Compressor

The function of a compressor.

The compressor is one of the core components of a water chiller, and its main function is to draw in low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas and compress it into high-pressure, high-temperature gas. This process raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant gas, providing the necessary conditions for the subsequent operation of the condenser and evaporator.

The working principle of a compressor.

The working principle of a compressor is based on the process of evaporation and condensation cycle. When low-pressure refrigerant gas enters the compressor, mechanical components such as pistons, screws, or impellers start to move, compressing the gas into high-pressure gas. During this process, the heat generated by the compressor is taken away by the cooling system. The high-pressure and high-temperature gas then enters the condenser, where it releases heat to the external environment through the processes of cooling and condensation. After the compressed refrigerant passes through the condenser, it becomes a high-pressure liquid and flows into the evaporator to further cool down. Finally, in the evaporator, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant releases heat through evaporation and transforms into low-pressure evaporated gas, completing the entire refrigeration cycle.

The types of compressors.

Compressors can be divided into three types: reciprocating compressor, scroll compressor, and screw compressor.

Xiecheng provides water chillers with two types of compressors: scroll compressors and screw compressors. For example, air cooled chiller, water cooled chiller, and cold and hot temperature controller adopt scroll compressors from brands such as Copeland, Danfoss, Panasonic, and Chigo. 

Air cooled screw chiller, water cooled screw chiller, and water chiller with convertor are equipped with Bitzer and Hanbell screw compressors.

2. Condenser

The function of a condenser.

The condenser is another core component of a water chiller, and its main function is to transform the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas into high-pressure liquid and release heat to the external environment. Through the action of the condenser, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from a gaseous state to a liquid state, providing a cooling agent for the subsequent evaporator.

The working principle of a condenser.

The working principle of the condenser is based on heat transfer and phase change. When the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas enters the condenser, it comes into contact with the heat exchange tubes or condenser tubes inside the condenser. Heat is transferred to the cooling medium (water or air) through conduction and convection. Under the influence of the cooling medium, the refrigerant gas cools down and undergoes a phase change from a gas to a liquid state. At the same time, the heat released during the condensation process is carried away by the cooling medium and eventually dissipated into the external environment.

The types of condensers.

Xiecheng condensers are available in three types: parallel fin condenser, V-shaped fin condenser, and shell and tube condenser.

•   V-shaped fin condenser: The V-shaped design aims to increase the heat dissipation area, allowing the condenser to better dissipate heat and improve heat dissipation efficiency, ensuring the stable operation of the equipment. The outer surface is coated with a blue hydrophilic aluminum foil, effectively protecting the aluminum fins from pollution and corrosion.

•   Parallel fin condenser: The finned structure enlarges the heat dissipation area, resulting in better cooling performance. The outer surface is coated with a blue hydrophilic aluminum foil, effectively protecting the aluminum fins from pollution and corrosion.

•   Shell and tube condenser: It adopts an external threaded copper tube embossing process, increasing the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the cooling medium, resulting in a 4-5 times increase in the exchange area.

3. Evaporator

The function of an evaporator.

The evaporator is the third core component of a water chiller, and its main function is to transform the low-pressure liquid refrigerant into low-temperature evaporated gas. The evaporator absorbs heat from the surrounding environment or the cooled object through the process of heat absorption. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate and provides the cooling effect.

The working principle of an evaporator.

The working principle of the evaporator is based on the evaporation and heat absorption of the refrigerant. After the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve to lower its pressure, it enters the evaporator. When the refrigerant comes into contact with the pipes or coils inside the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment or the cooled object, thereby evaporating into low-temperature vapor or gas. The large surface area inside the evaporator enhances the heat exchange effect, allowing the refrigerant to efficiently absorb heat and achieve a cooling effect. After the evaporator, the refrigerant becomes low-pressure evaporated gas and re-enters the compressor to start a new refrigeration cycle.

The types of evaporators.

Xiecheng evaporators are available in three main types: coil evaporator, shell and tube evaporator, and plate evaporator.

Xiecheng water chillers are primarily equipped with shell and tube evaporators. They utilize internal threaded copper tubes with grooving technology, which increases the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the cooling medium. Compared to commonly used evaporators in the market, the heat exchange area is doubled, significantly enhancing the cooling efficiency.

The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are three crucial components that are vital to the performance of a water chiller, as they work together to achieve the cooling function. In the future, these components will continue to evolve. Compressors will become more efficient and energy-saving, employing advanced technologies and materials. Similarly, condensers and evaporators will innovate in heat exchange methods and materials to enhance refrigeration efficiency and energy-saving performance. As a professional industrial water chiller manufacturer, Xiecheng will keep up with the times and provide customers with high-quality and high-efficiency equipment.