Difference Between AC and Chiller Systems

One area of heating and cooling air that people often wonder about in a home or commercial facility is the difference between air conditioning and air cooler systems. While they typically have the same goal in regulating air temperature, each system works in a very different way and produces very different results. Here are the main differences you need to know when looking at air conditioning installation .

Air Conditioning

As it sounds, an air conditioner regulates the temperature of a room. It converts the air into hot or cold air depending on its settings. It is also designed to dehumidify an area. In cooling, the basic cooling principle is used: the condenser carries away heat and is located on the "hot" side of the air conditioner. The condenser transfers the heat to the air or water or glycol fluid and removes it from the air to be circulated.

In most air conditioning systems used for refrigeration, the main refrigerant is chilled water. Air is passed through a ring of refrigerated fluid and heat is transferred from the air to the chilled water. The chilled water is circulated through, so it is always present when the air passes through.

 Air-Cooled Screw Chiller          

Water Chillers

Using chillers, heat is removed from the liquid through a vapor compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. The cooled liquid passes through ducts in the building and coils in the air handler or through a fan coil unit, which helps to dehumidify the air.

Typically, chillers are air-cooled and water-cooled. Air-cooled chillers are located outside the facility and the condenser coils are cooled by fan-driven air. Water-cooled chillers are typically located internally, with water circulating to radiators or external cooling methods. External cooling methods can include cooling towers or, in some cases, water supply cooling systems, which are more efficient in terms of heat dissipation.

Chillers are also powered by different methods. There are four types: reciprocating, centrifugal, screw-driven and absorption. The first three are powered by electric motors, steam or gas turbines. Absorption is powered by a heat source, such as steam or hot water. Generally, heating and air management in Loganville, Georgia in a manufacturing environment, if equipment is involved, will be accomplished by a chiller.

Water Cooled Scroll Chiller           

Purpose

Air conditioning allows for precise regulation of air temperature and humidity levels in more confined spaces. Air conditioners are used in homes, small buildings and some offices, and units vary in size and practical application.

Chiller-driven refrigerants have applications in cooling equipment and other manufacturing processes, such as MRI machines, assembly processes and tooling equipment. Air-cooled chillers are used in commercial and industrial facilities to cool fluids and dehumidify air in larger locations, such as factory floors, arenas and larger facilities such as hotels.

The differences between air conditioners and chillers may be subtle in terms of cooling process levels, but they are very different in terms of application use. If you're looking for system installation or heating and air conditioning repair in Lawrenceville, Georgia, if for no other reason than to understand what proper system maintenance entails, it pays to know the differences.

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