Chiller refrigeration works on the principle of vapor-compression or vapor-absorption to remove heat from a liquid (such as water). This process involves several key components and stages:

Evaporation: Inside the chiller, there’s a liquid refrigerant, which has a low boiling point. This refrigerant absorbs heat from the water (or the substance to be cooled) as it circulates through a heat exchanger or evaporator. As it absorbs heat, the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas.

Compression: The gaseous refrigerant then moves to a compressor. In the case of a vapor-compression chiller, the compressor increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas, which also raises its temperature. The compressor is often the most energy-intensive part of the chiller and can be powered by electricity, steam, or gas.

Condensation: This high-pressure, high-temperature gas then flows into a condenser. Here, the refrigerant gas releases its heat to the surroundings (usually the air or water outside the chiller), and as it loses heat, it condenses back into a liquid.

Expansion Valve: The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure. This reduction in pressure lowers its temperature, and the refrigerant becomes cold enough to absorb heat from the water in the evaporator once again.

Repeating the Cycle: The refrigerant returns to the evaporator, and the cycle repeats. This continuous cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion results in the removal of heat from the water, thereby chilling it.

In vapor-absorption chillers, the process is similar, but instead of being compressed, the refrigerant gas is absorbed by a secondary fluid and then released through a heat exchange process.

The efficiency of a chiller and its ability to cool effectively depend on factors like the type of compressor, the properties of the refrigerant, the size of the heat exchangers, and the ambient temperature conditions. Understanding these elements can help in selecting the right chiller for specific needs, such as for an