When researching cooling systems, many businesses find themselves choosing between water-cooled and air-cooled chiller units. Each type has its own advantages, but which one is more efficient?
This question can be a bit tricky as ‘efficiency’ depends on several key factors, including the environment, the building’s needs, and the way the system is managed.
To help you make an informed choice, let’s explore the key differences between water-cooled and air-cooled chillers and the advantages of one over the other.
What Is The Difference Between Water-Cooled Chiller Units and Air-Cooled Chiller Units?
Before we turn to efficiency, we should outline the basic operation of water-cooled and air-cooled chillers.
Water-cooled chiller units use water from an external cooling tower to absorb and remove heat. This water circulates through a closed-loop system, picking up heat from the refrigerant in the chiller and then releasing it outside. Because water has a higher heat capacity than air, water-cooled chillers can absorb and move more heat, which makes them highly efficient. These units are often found in large buildings like hospitals, shopping centres, and office complexes.
Air-cooled chiller units, on the other hand, use fans to blow air over condenser coils to expel heat. They do not require an external cooling tower and are more compact, making them easier to install. These units are typically used in smaller buildings or facilities where space and water resources are limited. They work best in environments where outdoor temperatures are relatively mild, as their performance can drop in extreme heat.
Water Chillers vs Air-Cooled Chillers: 4 Key Factors to Consider
With the distinctions between the two types of chiller units established, we can now turn to the question of efficiency, and there are 4 different factors to consider.
1. Energy Efficiency
Water-cooled chillers are more energy efficient than air-cooled chillers. Water is a more effective medium for heat transfer, and the use of a cooling tower helps maintain a lower condenser temperature. This means the water-cooled chiller can operate more efficiently, consuming less electricity and leading to lower operating costs over time.
Since air-cooled chillers rely on air for heat dissipation, their performance is directly influenced by the surrounding temperature. This means they are more efficient in colder climates than hot ones as they don’t need to work as hard to expel heat, which helps keep energy consumption down. This is one of the reasons air-cooled chiller units are generally more popular for businesses in the UK than in other areas of the world.
2. Installation and Maintenance
However, efficiency also includes installation and chiller maintenance. Water-cooled chillers require a complex setup, including an external cooling tower, water circulation piping, and regular water treatment. This setup can be costly, so if immediate budget considerations are at the forefront of your decision-making then you may be better off with an air-cooled chiller unit.
Air-cooled chillers are simpler to install and maintain, as they do not need a cooling tower or extensive piping. Their compact design makes them ideal for smaller spaces. The easier maintenance means fewer disruptions, but this simplicity might result in some energy-efficiency loss, especially for larger applications.
3. Environmental Considerations
Water-cooled chillers have a smaller environmental footprint in terms of energy consumption, particularly in large-scale settings. Their efficient operation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making them more environmentally efficient. They can be great options for businesses that have carbon-neutral policies and that are more environmentally aware.
That being said, water-cooled chiller units use a significant amount of water, which can be an issue in regions with limited water resources. Thankfully this factor does not apply to UK businesses, but water consumption and the associated cost is worth bearing in mind.
While air-cooled chiller units do not use water in their cooling process which helps keep this cost down, they do have higher energy consumption which may increase emissions, especially if that energy is acquired from non-renewable sources.
4. Cost and Longevity
Air-cooled chillers are usually cheaper to purchase and install due to their simple design and lack of a cooling tower. Water-cooled chillers are more expensive initially but often have lower operating costs due to their efficiency. They also typically last longer since water is less wearing on the system’s components. This makes them a cost-effective choice for larger buildings or facilities with high cooling needs.
Water Chillers or Air-Cooled Chillers? Make the Right Choice
Water-cooled chillers are generally more energy-efficient and suited for large-scale applications, providing consistent performance in environments needing precise temperature control over sustained periods. However, air-cooled chillers are ideal for smaller facilities and situations where the initial budget, installation simplicity, and water conservation are priorities. While they may use more energy, their lower maintenance needs make them a good fit in many cases.
Whether you need a water-cooled or air-cooled chiller unit comes down to your specific business operation, what you prioritise, and your budget. Here at Evolution Cooling, our team is on hand to answer any questions and to help you find the perfect industrial cooling system for your business operations. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements and let us do the rest!