Customers looking to purchase industrial chillers surely have noted that there are two prominent types available: air-cooled and water-cooled. Though their titles make it seem clear what the differences are, things can get a bit more complicated than just that. Learning more about the intricacies of both can help clients decide what type of industrial chiller might be right for them.
Water-Cooled Chillers
Water-cooled chillers utilize a cooling tower system that enables these systems to operate more efficiently than air-cooled chillers. For those clients for whom space is a concern, water-cooled chillers also take up less space than air-cooled chillers and might be a more appealing option for those that want to place the industrial chiller indoors. Also, they can be indoors and release no heat into the space.
Air-Cooled Chillers
While both varieties of industrial chillers rely on streams of air for heat transfer, that is where the similarities end. Air-cooled chillers use an ambient air stream. While water-cooled chillers may cost loss, they have the disadvantage of having cooling down requirements. This is only feasible if the company already has a core cooling tower. Air-cooled chillers often provide advantages in installation costs, maintenance costs, and number of units needed. They can also be located outdoors.
Overall Quality
Both chillers present strengths. Determining which kind of industrial chiller might best suit a company may come down to situation-specific aspects of the purchase like location and available space on the property. It is, of course, also important to consider the long-term upkeep of a chosen industrial chiller type and weigh the financial implications of that as well. All large chillers are typically water cooled.
At GCI Refrigeration Technologies, we believe in meeting the client where they are. We custom build all units to fit the exact needs of our customers and stand behind the quality of our work. If you’re in the market for industrial chillers, call us today at 225-926-6950 and request more information.
