How Do Commercial Chilled Water Systems Work?
In their simplest form, chilled water systems function much like more familiar direct expansion (DX) air conditioners. In both systems, refrigerant circulates through coils located inside air handling units, where warm air is blown across them. The refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the air and transports it outdoors, where the process begins again.
In chilled water systems, however, conventional refrigerant is replaced by cold water. Chiller systems may also incorporate other components, including cooling towers, heat exchangers, control valves, load terminals, condenser water pumps and variable-speed compressors. This provides a high degree of flexibility in designing and expanding chillers to meet changing and sometimes unpredictable cooling demands.
Advantages and Applications of Chilled Water Systems
Although commercial chillers are typically more costly to install than DX systems, they offer several key advantages. Unlike conventional refrigerants, water can be pumped over long spans and vertical rises without losing pressure and compromising performance. Water is also safer, cheaper and more readily available than refrigerant. In addition, properly designed chilled water systems are highly efficient, quiet, reliable and long-lasting. Finally, chillers can be easily expanded, upgraded and reconfigured to keep up with a facility's needs. While commercial chilled water systems can be used virtually anywhere, they're particularly suitable for:
- Office towers, hotels and other multi-floor buildings
- Hospitals, universities, airports and other large-scale facilities
- Factories, data centers and other cooling-intensive applications
Full-Service Commercial Chiller Plant Solutions
Managing the climate control needs of a large-scale facility can be intimidating. At Hancock Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, it's our job to provide simple, effective solutions. Together with Trane, we design and build state-of-the-art chilled water systems that deliver sustained performance, seamless flexibility and unparalleled reliability.
Our turnkey solutions help you reduce overhead costs, maximize uptime and streamline your facility's environmental controls. We also offer essential preventive maintenance and repairs, including 24-hour emergency services. All of our experienced technicians are NATE-certified and fully factory-trained to ensure exceptional service and strict adherence to best practices and code requirements.
Are you ready to explore how commercial chilled water systems can help your business meet its climate control needs? The professionals at Hancock Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning provide proven solutions backed by decades of local experience.