Water Cooled Scroll Chillers
Water Cooled Scroll Chillers – Working, Types, Benefits, Applications & Selection Guide
A water cooled scroll chiller is one of the most reliable and energy-efficient cooling solutions for modern industrial and commercial applications. Known for its compact design, quiet operation, and consistent performance, this type of chiller is widely used in plastic processing, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage plants, and medium-capacity HVAC systems.
In this article, we will explain what a water cooled scroll chiller is, how it works, where it is used, its advantages over other chiller types, and how to select the right model for your application.
What Is a Water Cooled Scroll Chiller?
A water cooled scroll chiller is a refrigeration system that uses scroll compressors and water as the heat-rejection medium. Instead of rejecting heat directly into the atmosphere, the system transfers heat to condenser water, which is then cooled through a cooling tower.
Scroll compressors operate using two spiral-shaped scrolls—one fixed and one orbiting—which compress the refrigerant smoothly and continuously. This design results in lower vibration, higher efficiency, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional compressor technologies.
Water cooled scroll chillers are typically used in the 10 TR to 40 TR capacity range, making them ideal for continuous industrial processes and comfort cooling applications.
A water cooled scroll chiller is an excellent solution for industries and commercial facilities requiring efficient, quiet, and reliable cooling in the medium capacity range. With lower operating costs, stable performance, and minimal maintenance, it offers an ideal balance between performance and investment.
Advantages of Water Cooled Scroll Chillers
Water cooled scroll chillers offer several practical advantages that make them a preferred choice in many industries.
One
Higher Energy Efficiency: Water is a better heat transfer medium than air, resulting in lower power consumption
Two
Stable Performance: Unaffected by ambient air temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent cooling throughout the year.
Three
Lower Operating Cost: Fewer moving parts compared to reciprocating compressors reduce wear and service costs.
Process of Water cooled Scroll Chiller
Step-by-Step Working Process
Heat Absorption (Evaporator)
Chilled water absorbs heat from the process or HVAC load. The refrigerant inside the evaporator absorbs this heat and evaporates.
Compression (Scroll Compressor)
The scroll compressor compresses the low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas with minimal noise and vibration.
Heat Rejection (Condenser)
The hot refrigerant releases heat to condenser water flowing through a shell & tube condenser. This water carries the heat to the cooling tower.
Expansion
The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing pressure and temperature before entering the evaporator again.
This continuous cycle maintains a stable chilled water temperature for industrial or HVAC use.
How to Calculate Water Cooled Scroll Chiller Capacity in TR (With Example)
Standard TR Formula (Water Cooled Chiller)
TR=3024Flow Rate×4.187×ΔT Where:
Flow Rate = Chilled water flow in m³/hr
ΔT = Temperature difference between inlet & outlet water (°C)
4.187 = Specific heat of water
3024 = Conversion constant
Practical Example (Industrial Application)
Application:
Cooling for a plastic molding machine using a water cooled scroll chiller
Given Data:
Water flow rate = 40 m³/hr
Chilled water inlet temperature = 12°C
Chilled water outlet temperature = 7°C
Temperature difference (ΔT) = 5°C
TR Calculation
TR=302440×4.187×5 TR=3024837.4 TR ≈ 27.7 TR
Recommended Chiller Selection
A 30 TR Water Cooled Scroll Chiller is recommended to:
Handle load fluctuations
Maintain stable chilled water temperature
Allow safety margin and future expansion
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Key Components & Applications
Key Components of a Water Cooled Scroll Chiller
A well-designed water cooled scroll chiller consists of the following major components:
Scroll Compressors
Multiple scroll compressors are often used for:
Better part-load efficiency
Redundancy and reliability
Smooth capacity control
Shell & Tube Evaporator
Ensures efficient heat transfer and easy maintenance.
Shell & Tube Condenser
Transfers heat to condenser water with high efficiency.
Expansion Valve
Maintains precise refrigerant flow.
Control Panel
Microprocessor-based controls for temperature accuracy, safety, and energy optimization.
Typical Applications of Water Cooled Scroll Chillers
Water cooled scroll chillers are widely used in industries where stable and efficient cooling is critical.
Plastic & Injection Molding Industry
Maintains consistent mold and oil temperature, improving product quality.
Pharmaceutical & Chemical Plants
Provides precise temperature control for sensitive processes.
Food & Beverage Industry
Used in breweries, dairies, and processing plants.
HVAC Systems
Ideal for hospitals, hotels, malls, and office buildings.
Rubber, Printing & Lamination Plants
Ensures smooth operation of machinery and consistent output.