What are the Compressor Types for Chillers?
The Heart of Cooling
Chiller; are critical systems for the precise cooling of liquids in many areas from industrial facilities to commercial buildings. At the heart of these systems is the compressor. The compressor is the basic component that increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant and enables the cooling cycle to occur. Various compressor types are used in chiller systems for different needs and application areas. In this article, we will focus on three common types of compressors: scroll compressors, screw compressors, and reciprocating compressors.
The Basic Function of a Chiller Compressor
The basic function of the compressor in a chiller system is to absorb the refrigerant vapor at low pressure and temperature, increase its pressure, and then send it to the condenser at high pressure and temperature. The refrigerant, which is turned into liquid by removing heat in the condenser, is reduced in pressure through the expansion valve and reaches the evaporator. In the evaporator, it evaporates again by absorbing heat from the liquid to be cooled, and the cycle continues in this way. Compressor,
Compressor Working Principle
Basically, the compressor absorbs the refrigerant vapor at low pressure and temperature, applies mechanical energy to increase the pressure and therefore the temperature of the vapor. The vapor at high pressure and temperature is then sent to the condenser, where it condenses and releases heat. The condensed liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure is reduced and it reaches the evaporator. Cooling occurs by absorbing heat in the evaporator, and the cycle begins again.
- Scroll Compressor Chiller
Scroll compressors consist of two spiral (scroll) elements, one fixed and the other eccentric. The moving spiral rotates inside the fixed spiral and compresses the refrigerant in the spaces between them. This simple and efficient design makes scroll compressors a popular choice, especially for smaller capacity chiller applications.
Advantages of Scroll Compressor Chillers:
- Quiet Operation: Fewer moving parts result in lower vibration and noise levels.
- High Efficiency: They offer good energy efficiency, especially at full load and part load conditions.
- Compact Design: They are generally smaller in size, which is an advantage for space-constrained applications.
- Reliability: They have less risk of failure thanks to their simple structure.
- Screw Compressor Chiller
Screw compressors compress the refrigerant by means of two interlocking rotors (screws). This compressor type is ideal for medium and large capacity chiller applications and is especially widely used in industrial cooling systems.
Advantages of Screw Compressor Chillers:
- Wide Capacity Range: They offer a wide capacity range suitable for applications of different sizes.
- High Efficiency: They provide high energy efficiency especially under full load and variable load conditions.
- Durability: They are long-lasting and reliable thanks to their robust structures.
- Partial Load Performance: They can adapt to different cooling needs thanks to capacity control.
- Reciprocating Compressor Chiller
Reciprocating compressors compress the refrigerant by means of a piston moving in a cylinder. This type of compressor has been used since the early days of chiller technology and is preferred today in low-capacity and special applications.
Advantages of Reciprocating Compressor Chiller:
- Low Initial Cost: Usually, initial investment costs are lower than other compressor types.
- Simple Maintenance: Their mechanical structure is relatively simple, which can make their maintenance easier.
The type of compressor used in Chiller systems varies according to the specific requirements of the application, cooling capacity, energy efficiency expectations and budget. Scroll compressors are an ideal option for smaller capacity and quieter applications, while screw compressors provide high efficiency and reliability for medium and large-scale industrial cooling needs. Piston compressors are preferred more in low capacity and cost-oriented applications. Selecting the right compressor type is critical for the performance, energy consumption and long life of the chiller system.
Selecting the right compressor in chiller systems is critical for the efficiency, reliability and cost of the system. The most suitable compressor type should be determined by considering factors such as the specific requirements of the application, cooling capacity, energy efficiency expectations, budget and ease of maintenance. Scroll compressors are generally an ideal option for applications requiring more energy saving and low noise levels, while screw compressors stand out in industrial and large commercial applications with their wide capacity range and high efficiency. Semi-Hermetic Piston compressor chiller has a long life thanks to its robust structure.
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