The chiller units utilise refrigerant gas to remove unnecessary heat. The system provides constant pressure and temperature to the manufacturing process. Since heat is generated as a by-product during countless industrial processes, and most manufacturing procedures require specific operating temperatures, the heat production needs to be managed. Or else it can have a negative impact on the finished product or process equipment. To ensure maximum productivity can be achieved, a suitable temperature is required that can only be managed using different types of chillers. Process and HVAC chillers are the most popular among the available cooling options. The differences between the two are specified in the following sections. Have a look!
What is an HVAC system?
For those who do not know, the HVAC system helps in managing the temperature of the interiors by providing heating, ventilation, and conditioning services. They work on the principle of fluid dynamics and thermal energy exchange to maintain the desired level of cooling. HVAC systems can be advanced to meet the cooling needs of a broad range of environments, including residential and industrial spaces.
How do you use the HVAC system?
The HVAC systems are designed to provide one or more of three primary functions:
Heat Generation: HVAC systems perform the heating operation for which it circulates and generates heated air through the connected buildings. The unit features a central heating component that works when powered by solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel.
Ventilation: The air conditioning process that is carried out by the HVAC unit constantly refreshes the air circulating within the building. A natural air conduit or mechanical device, known as an air handler unit, may be required to carry out this process. An efficient HVAC system removes gaseous contaminants and excess moisture from the air circulating in the building’s interior. The existing air is replaced with fresh air pulled from the external environment.
Air conditioning: The HVAC units help with the cooling function and maintain the humidity levels at an optimum level. The system incorporates a refrigeration unit that cools the circulating air and pulls out the warm air.
What do you mean by a process chiller?
The process chiller can be understood as a thermal device that helps eliminate the heat produced during a process. The equipment makes the chilled water travel through a closed-loop to manage the drop in rising process temperature. Many process chillers use the physical properties of the fluid components to achieve results.
Heat absorption chillers: They are energy-efficient cooling units that make the refrigerant circulate through a heated process. Mainly lithium bromide is used as a refrigerant.
Vapour compression chiller: Its components include a compressor unit that generates the cooling effect by transforming the heating refrigerant vapour into cooler liquid. They generally work with evaporative or air/water-cooled condensers.
Process chiller Vs. HVAC chiller system
The process chillers feature independent refrigeration and water circuits.
1. It is so because in case of component failure if one circuit fails, the system can still function at half capacity. In contrast, the HVAC units have a single cooling unit whose components can’t operate separately.
2. During winter, the air conditioning component in the HVAC is of no use and becomes redundant. But, the chiller units are generally modified to provide heating and remain in operation.
3. Industrial chillers can handle the cooling of several manufacturing processes like brewery and plastic cooling. But, conventional HVAC systems, on the other hand, regulate the environment temperature in a designated space. Among these two, process chillers are preferred when direct process cooling is needed.
So, these are a few vital differences between the process and HVAC chillers.