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Industrial Chiller Capacity Calculator

Use this chiller capacity calculator to estimate the cooling load (in kW) based on flow rate, temperatures, and fluid type.

Get in touch if you have any questions or read our calculator guide below.

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  • ZCE Budget Chiller

    Air-Cooled

    ZCE Budget Chiller
    • ✅ Cooling 7.8 – 25.4 kW (20/15 °C)
    • ✅ 65 – 95 L plastic tank
    • ✅ Rotary or scroll compressor
    • ✅ Outdoor IP54 protection
    • ✅ Best for cost-conscious installs
  • DRC Free Cooler

    Special

    DRC Free Cooler
    • ✅ Cooling – 5kW – 4000kW
    • ✅ Save up to 80% in Energy Costs
    • ✅ Adiabatic Options Available
    • ✅ Complete with integral controls
    • ✅ Low Legionella Risk
  • ZCM Compact Chiller

    Air-Cooled

    ZCM Compact Chiller
    • ✅ Cooling –  2.1 – 6.7 kW (20/15 °C)
    • ✅ 25 L stainless steel tank
    • ✅ Rotary or piston compressor
    • ✅ Compact footprint
    • ✅ Best for plastics, CNC & workshops
  • ZCV Eco Chiller

    Air-Cooled

    ZCV Eco Chiller
    • ✅ Cooling 250 – 1250 kW (20/15 °C)
    • ✅ Large shell-and-tube evap
    • ✅ Screw compressors
    • ✅ Low-GWP refrigerant options
    • ✅ Best for large plants, data centres & Comfort Cooling
  • ZCX Premium Chiller

    Air-Cooled

    ZCX Premium Chiller
    • ✅ Cooling 9.9 – 589 kW (20/15 °C)
    • ✅ 60 – 620 L tank
    • ✅ Coaxial or shell-and-tube evap
    • ✅ Multi-circuit scroll compressors
    • ✅ Best for heavy-duty processes
  • ZHF/ZCW Heat Pump

    Heat Pump

    ZHF/ZCW Heat Pump
    • ✅ Cool/Heat – 6kW – 400kW
    • ✅ Heating & Cooling Valve
    • ✅ Plate Heat Exchanger
    • ✅ Voltage – 400/3/50Hz
    • ✅ Low GWP Refrigerants Available

How to Use Our Chiller Capacity Calculator to Find the Perfect Solution

Estimating the correct chiller capacity for your application is simple with this tool. Just follow the steps below to get an accurate cooling load in kilowatts (kW), based on your system’s requirements.

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1

Enter the Flow Rate

Input the amount of fluid circulating through your system per minute in litres per minute (L/min). Small chillers such as those used in laboratories or compact equipment might operate between 10–30 L/min. Larger industrial or multi-zone systems, such as those used in plastic injection moulding or brewery operations, can require 300–500 L/min or more.
2

Set the Inlet Temperature

This is the temperature of the liquid before it enters the chiller. It reflects the amount of heat the fluid has absorbed during operation. Standard inlet temperatures range from 12–20 °C, though this can vary depending on return water conditions or process heat. Temperatures above 20 °C are typically inefficient for cooling and may demand more energy or larger equipment.
3

Set the Outlet Temperature

Enter the target temperature for the fluid after it passes through the chiller. For most applications, 7 °C is standard. Use 2–5 °C for precision processes such as medical cooling or laser systems. Avoid dropping below 4 °C with water-based fluids unless glycol is used, as freezing becomes a risk.
4

Select the Fluid Type

Choose from water, 20% glycol, or 40% glycol. Each fluid has a different heat capacity, which affects chiller sizing. Water offers the best heat transfer but is susceptible to freezing. 20% glycol is common for UK applications needing freeze protection. 40% glycol may be necessary in unheated or outdoor environments, though it reduces cooling efficiency.
5

Click to Calculate

Once you’ve entered all the values, the calculator will display the required cooling capacity in kilowatts (kW).

Allowing for a Buffer

In real-world conditions, many systems experience unexpected heat gains, seasonal changes in ambient temperature, or future increases in usage. To account for this, it’s best practice to add a 10–20% buffer to your calculated capacity. This helps avoid undersizing your chiller, especially for outdoor units that may face -5 °C in winter or 30 °C+ in summer.

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Here at Evolution Cooling, we want to help you find the most optimal chiller unit for your specific industrial application. Regardless of whether you’re an SME or a large multinational, whether you’re a manufacturer, a food & beverage industry, a data centre, or anything in between, we’ll have the perfect chiller unit for you.

Simply get in touch and our team will be able to help find the right solution.

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    Chiller Unit Capacity: Frequently Asked Questions

    How Does Fluid Type Affect Chiller Units?

    The type of fluid used in your system affects how efficiently heat is removed. Water has the highest heat transfer efficiency but risks freezing below 4 °C. Glycol mixtures reduce this risk and are essential in colder environments, but higher glycol content lowers thermal performance. Choosing the correct glycol concentration balances freeze protection with system efficiency, and must be factored into chiller sizing calculations.

    How Do I Know What Chiller Flow Rate I Need?

    Your chiller flow rate depends on the volume of fluid to be cooled and the system’s cooling load. Small systems may run at 10–30 L/min, while industrial chillers can exceed 500 L/min. If unsure, start with 60 L/min for general estimates or consult your process specifications. Accurate flow rate input is crucial for correct capacity calculation and optimal system performance.

    Can a Chiller Be Too Big or Too Small for the Job?

    Yes, an incorrectly sized chiller can cause inefficiency and operational issues. An undersized unit may struggle to maintain set temperatures, leading to overheating or process failure. An oversized chiller can short-cycle, increasing wear and energy use. Always calculate the cooling load accurately and include a buffer for real-world conditions to ensure reliable and efficient operation.