Water cooler: overview, types, specifications and reviews

The water cooler is also called a chiller and is a refrigerating machine for lowering the temperature of the liquid coolant. Chillers can be divided by the type of the refrigeration cycle into two classes: vapor compression and absorption. Each of them will be described in more detail below in the article.

In order to make the right choice, you must determine the system parameters and the features of external and internal conditions during operation. Only then the chiller will work correctly and perform its functions properly.

Overview of absorption chillers

Hot water is used as the main source of energy for cooling in such machines, so the temperature can reach 130 °. As an alternative solution, superheated steam is used, which is supplied under pressure up to 1 bar. When receiving water at the output of a significant savings, it is possible to achieve the use of low-temperature or secondary energy resources. Includes incineration plants, low-pressure steam from power plants, as well as thermal power plants.

A significant advantage of the absorption chillers is the almost complete absence of moving elements, which is why the unit is highly reliable, because there are no spare parts that would be worthless. But the main drawback is in the worst weight and size parameters and high cost. This is true if we compare with the vapor compression devices, which sometimes causes consumers to choose not in their direction.

Characteristics of vapor compression chillers

The water cooler can be represented by a vapor compression chiller. An extensive class of such machines is based precisely on this cooling cycle, since it is extremely popular. The main components are: compressor, condenser, evaporator and flow regulator. The vapor refrigerant is collected by the compressor, which is designed to increase the pressure. In the condenser, the refrigerant cools and becomes condensed, becoming liquid. The condenser can be air or water, which will depend on the design of the system. At the outlet, the refrigerant has a liquid state at high pressure. The dimensions of the condenser are chosen so that the gas condenses inside. Therefore, the water temperature at the outlet is lower than the condensation temperature.

The refrigerant in the liquid phase is pumped into the flow regulator, where the pressure of the mixture decreases, and a certain volume of liquid evaporates. The evaporator receives a mixture of liquid and steam. The first boils, takes heat from the environment, goes into a vapor state. The dimensions of the evaporator must be chosen in such a way that the liquid evaporates inside. For this reason, the temperature of the vapor subsequently turns out to be higher than the boiling point. Thus, the refrigerant overheats. Even the smallest drops evaporate, and the compressor does not receive any liquid. During operation of the machine, the refrigerant circulates in a closed loop, while its state changes from liquid to vapor.

Characteristics of air-cooled chiller

Coolers of water, the prices of which are sometimes very high, can have an air-cooled condenser. Such devices can be installed indoors, and air intake and its ejection is carried out through ducts. Centrifugal installations with a high static head are used for moving air. As the main advantage of this equipment is the possibility of organizing year-round use in cooling mode at any outside air temperatures.

But there are also drawbacks, they consist in the necessity of having large areas for the installation of the unit, among other things, it will additionally have to be spent on the ventilation network.

Feedback on the flow cooler brand HUBER SERIES DC

On sale, you can find a flow-through water cooler of the above brand. It belongs to one of the varieties of liquid cooling thermostats. According to users, this equipment is specially designed for operation in undemanding and simple systems with circulating fluid. Installation is excellent for cooling tap water. The chiller can serve to lower the lower threshold of the temperature range. You will be able to fine-tune the process temperature if you use this cooler in a water bath environment that is equipped with adapters for circulation.

However, the entire system should not be replaced, it will only be necessary to add a flow chiller to obtain a bath thermostat and cooling and heating functions. Such a water cooler has compact dimensions, which are limited to 190x250x360 mm. The temperature range can vary from 30 to 50 °.

Characteristics of the network water chiller

The network water cooler "TehnoInzhPromStroy" is designed to lower the temperature of the network water during the sampling process at the heat points. The cooled medium can reach 150 °, while the cooled medium can reach 40 ° or less. Cooling medium - water from the cold water supply system. The height, diameter and size of the side fittings is 380x76x160 mm. The equipment is compact in size and light in weight, which is 3.3 kg empty. After filling with water, the weight increases to 4.5 kg. This chiller of the network water samples should be operated according to the instruction, which states that the coolant valve must be opened before the cooled medium is fed into the housing.

The next step is to close the water supply and close the cooling water tap. The medium supply valve opens after the opening of the tap of the cooling water. It must be done immediately, until its temperature reaches the necessary mark. As a rule, the temperature of the medium is approximately 40 °, this is easily achieved by using tap water as a cooling medium. The water sampler must be operated with a periodic check of the operation of the valves and valves, it is recommended that the master cleanse them of dirt.

Technical characteristics of industrial chiller brand CA1131 MT

This model has not only considerable weight, but also impressive cost. The price is 27 600 euros. The power consumption of this equipment is 31.2 kilowatts, which is true at a temperature of 15 to 25 °. Inside there are fans in the amount of 2 pieces, as well as 3 compressors. Such industrial water chillers, as a rule, have an impressive weight, and this model is no exception. The weight of the device is 1370 kg.

Characteristics of a flow cooler brand FD200

This model is used under conditions below room temperature in combination with heating thermostats. As a plus, reduced energy consumption and the possibility of using drinking water. Among other things, the equipment is compact and easily manageable. The device has an effective protection against hypothermia, takes up little space during installation, and does not require the use of tap water.

This submersible flow cooler can operate at an ambient temperature range of 5 to 35 °. Its weight is 16 kg, which is very convenient even for self-installation.

Conclusion

The water cooler can be modeled with a remote condenser and performed on the basis of refrigeration machines. Such equipment is placed indoors, it is connected with the condenser of the outdoor installation. As an advantage, there is no need to use an intermediate coolant in the circuit. But the disadvantages are the limited distance between the condenser unit and the compressor evaporator unit.