Now that we’ve introduced the main components, let’s explain how an industrial chiller works. The process can be simplified into four steps:
1. Heat Absorption in the Evaporator: The evaporator absorbs heat from the process fluid, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and change from a liquid to a gas. This reduces the temperature of the process fluid, initiating cooling.
2. Compression of the Refrigerant: The refrigerant gas is compressed, raising its pressure and temperature. This step is crucial for preparing the refrigerant to release the absorbed heat in the next stage.
3. Heat Release in the Condenser: The high-pressure refrigerant moves to the condenser, where it releases the absorbed heat to air or water. As the refrigerant cools, it condenses into a liquid, completing the heat expulsion process.
4. Expansion and Restart of the Cycle: The cooled liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, where its pressure drops, making it even cooler. It then re-enters the evaporator to begin the cycle again.
This cycle repeats continuously, ensuring the system provides a steady supply of chilled fluid to machinery or processes, keeping operations running efficiently.