Understanding the Difference Between Chillers and Coolers

 

In the realm of cooling technologies, the terms “chiller” and “cooler” are frequently used, but their meanings and applications can vary significantly. To make an informed decision when choosing a cooling system, it is essential to understand the fundamental differences between chillers and coolers.

Definition and Design

Chillers: Chillers are complex, closed-loop systems that utilize a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat from an indoor space to an outdoor environment. They are designed to cool water or another liquid, which is then circulated through a building’s HVAC system to provide cooling. Chillers are typically large and are used in commercial and industrial applications, such as office buildings, factories, and data centers.

Coolers: Coolers, on the other hand, are often smaller, direct expansion (DX) units that cool air directly without the use of a secondary fluid. They are commonly used for spot cooling, such as in refrigeration cases, display cabinets, or small-scale industrial processes. Coolers can also refer to liquid coolers used in industrial processes or for cooling electronic equipment.

Applications

Chillers: The primary application of chillers is in large-scale HVAC systems where they provide centralized cooling. They can also be used for process cooling in industries such as chemical manufacturing, food processing, or plastic injection molding, where a consistent temperature is required for the process.

Coolers: Coolers are used for localized cooling needs. For example, walk-in coolers and freezers in the food industry, or coolers in beverage vending machines. They are also used in air conditioning systems for individual rooms or spaces where a dedicated cooling unit is more practical than a central system.

Efficiency and Performance

Chillers: Chillers are known for their high efficiency, especially when operating at part-load conditions, which is common in HVAC systems. They often use advanced technologies like variable frequency drives (VFDs) and magnetic bearing compressors to optimize energy consumption.

Coolers: The efficiency of coolers can vary widely depending on the design and application. Some coolers, such as those used in refrigeration, may have specific efficiency requirements, while others may be designed for simplicity and ease of maintenance over efficiency.

Operational Principles

Chillers: Chillers operate on the principle of the refrigeration cycle, which includes stages like compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. The refrigerant circulates through this cycle, absorbing heat at the evaporator and releasing it at the condenser.

Coolers: Coolers can operate on similar principles but are often designed for direct cooling without the need for a secondary fluid. They may use air or other gases as the cooling medium, which is then circulated or expelled to cool the environment.

Selection Criteria

When choosing between a chiller and a cooler, several factors should be considered:

Cooling Capacity: Chillers are designed for larger cooling capacities, while coolers are suited for smaller, localized applications.
Space Requirements: Chillers often require more space due to their size and the need for a separate condensing unit, whereas coolers are typically more compact.

Energy Efficiency: Chillers are generally more energy-efficient for large-scale cooling, while coolers may be more energy-efficient for their specific application.

Cost: Chillers are typically more expensive due to their complexity and capacity, while coolers are generally more affordable.
Conclusion

In summary, chillers and coolers serve different purposes and operate on similar yet distinct principles of cooling. Chillers are large-scale systems designed for centralized cooling in HVAC applications, while coolers are smaller units for direct or localized cooling. Understanding the differences in design, applications, efficiency, and operational principles is crucial for selecting the appropriate cooling system based on specific needs and environmental considerations.

 

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We have designed OEM chillers for aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, chemical, industrial, medical, and semiconductor application, all delivered with capabilities specific to the demanding needs of our customers. We provide non-standard customized water chiller solutions. We have agents in many countries around the world, such as: United States, Russia, Australia, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Israel, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, India, etc. You can contact us or contact your local agent directly.

 

Any temperature range from -150℃ …  +350℃ and any cooling capacity can be customized

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1.Low Temperature/Cryogenic Chillers (Custom Designs)

• Temperature range: -150℃ ~ -5℃
• International brand compressor, high cooling efficiency
• Secondary subcooling technology, fast cooling speed

 

Six product series

Model	LC series	LJ series	LN series	LD series	CDLJ series	SLJ series
Temperature range	-25 ~ -5 °C	-45 ~ -10 °C	-60 ~ -10 °C	-80 ~ -30 °C	-110 ~ -50 °C	-150 ~ -110 °C
Cooling capacity	12 … 360 kW	6 … 180 kW	6 … 180 kW	4 … 180 kW	2 … 120 kW	2.5 … 11 kW
Temperature stability	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃
Pump flow pressure	6.6 … 25 m³/h	6.6 … 25 m³/h	6.6 … 25 m³/h	6.6 … 25 m³/h	6.6 … 25 m³/h	6.6 … 25 m³/h
Note: Any temperature range from -150℃ ~ +350℃ and any cooling capacity can be customized

 

 

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2.Recirculating Chiller/Refrigerated Circulator (Custom Designs)

• Temperature range: -120℃ ~ +30℃
• International brand compressor, cascade refrigeration technology
• Use ethylene glycol or a mixture of ethylene glycol and water

 

Five product series

Model	LX series	LT-45 series	LT-60 series	LT-80 series	LT-120 series
Temperature range	-25 ~ +30 °C	-45 ~ +30 °C	-60 ~ -20 °C	-80 ~ -20 °C	-120 ~ -70 °C
Cooling capacity	0.8 … 30 kW	0.75 … 12 kW	0.4 … 6 kW	0.2k … 6 kW	0.3 … 5 kW
Temperature stability	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃
Pump flow pressure	20 … 250 L/min	20 … 50 L/min	20 … 50 L/min	20 … 50 L/min	20 … 35 L/min
Note: Any temperature range from -150℃ ~ +350℃ and any cooling capacity can be customized

 

 

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3.Small Chillers / Mini Chillers (Custom Designs)

• Temperature range: -18℃ ~ +35℃
• International brand compressor, stable performance
• Energy saving, high temperature control accuracy

 

Two product series

Model	FL-800	FL series
Temperature range	-18 ~ +30 °C	+5 ~ +35 °C
Cooling capacity	0.35 ~ 0.9 kW	1.8 … 50 kW
Temperature stability	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃
Pump flow pressure	25 … 250 L/min	10 L/min
Note: Any temperature range from -150℃ ~ +350℃ and any cooling capacity can be customized

 

 

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4.Cooling and Heating Chillers (Custom Designs)

• Temperature range: -120℃ ~ +350℃
• High-precision, intelligent temperature control
• Fully closed system to extend the service life of thermal fluid

 

Eleven product series

Model	SUNDI-1 series	SUNDI-2 series	SUNDI-23 series	SUNDI-4 series	SUNDI-43 series	SUNDI-6 series	SUNDI-63 series	SUNDI-7 series	SUNDI-8 series	SUNDI-9 series	SUNDI-10 series
Temperature range	-10 ~ +150 °C	-25 ~ +200 °C	-25 ~ +300 °C	-45 ~ +250 °C	-45 ~ +300 °C	-60 ~ +250 °C	-60 ~ +300 °C	-70 ~ +250 °C	-80 ~ +250 °C	-90 ~ +250 °C	-100 ~ +100 °C
Cooling capacity	1.5 … 15 kW	1 … 200 kW	1 … 200 kW	0.45 … 200 kW	0.9 … 25 kW	0.25 … 60 kW	0.75 … 25 kW	0.4 … 15 kW	0.3 … 80 kW	0.2 … 80 kW	0.45 … 80 kW
Temperature stability	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃	±0.5 ℃
Pump flow pressure	20 … 75 L/min	20 … 600 L/min	20 … 600 L/min	20 … 600 L/min	35 … 150 L/min	20 … 250 L/min	35 … 150 L/min	20 … 110 L/min	20 … 400 L/min	20 … 400 L/min	35 … 400 L/min
Note: Any temperature range from -150℃ ~ +350℃ and any cooling capacity can be customized

 

 

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5.High Temperature Chillers (Custom Designs)

• Temperature range: -100℃ ~ +80℃
• International brand compressors and other accessories
• Fully sealed design to ensure the purity of the medium

 

Five product series

Model	FLT series	FLT-2 series	FLT-4 series	FLT-8 series	FLT-10 series
Temperature range	+5 ~ +40 °C	-25 ~ +40 °C	-45 ~ +40 °C	-80 ~ +80 °C	-100 ~ +80 °C
Cooling capacity	6 … 40 kW	2 … 15 kW	1 … 8 kW	0.6 … 3 kW	1.5 … 3 kW
Temperature stability	±0.1 ℃	±0.1 ℃	±0.1 ℃	±0.1 ℃	±0.1 ℃
Pump flow pressure	10 … 75 L/min	10 … 75 L/min	10 … 75 L/min	7 … 45 L/min	7 … 45 L/min
Note: Any temperature range from -150℃ ~ +350℃ and any cooling capacity can be customized

 

 

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6.Screw Chillers (Custom Designs)

• Temperature range: -110℃ ~ +30℃
• Multiple temperature ranges available
• Low carbon, energy saving and environmental protection

 

 

Six product series

Model	LG1	LG2	LG4	LG6	LG8	LG11
Temperature range	+5 ~ +30 °C	-25 ~ +5 °C	-45 ~ -10 °C	-60 ~ -10 °C	-80 ~ -30 °C	-110 ~ -50 °C
Cooling capacity	202.9 … 936 kW	68.8 … 318 kW	43 … 180 kW	56.7 … 238 kW	30.9 … 131 kW	7.7 … 32 kW