Chiller Components Overview:
The chiller unit has similar components to residential systems but on a larger scale.
Key components include the evaporator, condenser, metering devices, and compressor.
Evaporator:
Located in the chiller barrel, the evaporator cools water by having low-pressure refrigerant absorb heat from water tubes.
More passes through the evaporator improve system efficiency, lowering operating costs.
The number of passes can be identified by the placement of pipes.
Condenser:
Works similarly to the evaporator but is part of a separate water circuit leading to the cooling tower.
The number of passes through the condenser can also be determined by the pipe placement.
Metering Devices:
The metering device regulates refrigerant flow, with chillers using electronic expansion valves instead of sensing bulbs.
These valves measure both temperature and pressure, allowing precise control of refrigerant flow.
Compressor:
Chillers can have scroll, centrifugal, screw, or reciprocating compressors.
Reciprocating compressors are being phased out but may still be found in older units.
Modern chillers often use compressors specific to chillers, like centrifugal and magnetic levitation compressors.
Safety Mechanisms:
Chiller units include safety devices that break electrical connections based on temperature or flow.
Flow switches, high and low-pressure controls, and freeze stats act as safeties, cutting voltage when triggered.
Investigating the cause of a triggered safety before resetting is crucial.
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