How the 50-Ton Chiller Works

Air-cooled chillers absorb heat from process water and transfer it into the environment. The process begins when refrigerant enters the evaporator and changes into gas after heating. The gaseous refrigerant then travels to the compressor, where its pressure increases.

From there, the high-pressure refrigerant moves to the condenser. Fans push the warm air through the condenser to absorb the heat and release it into the environment. After the heat escapes, the pressure of the refrigerant lowers and begins a new cycle.

Air-cooled and water-cooled chillers function similarly, with the primary difference between the two is the substance used to accomplish chilling.

Fans typically circulate external air through the condenser to absorb the heat from the refrigerant and force it into the atmosphere. The refrigerant then moves through the expansion valve and returns to the evaporator in liquid form.

Water-cooled and air-cooled chillers work in similar ways. While they both have nearly identical components, the main difference is that one uses air to fuel the condenser cooling while the other uses water.