How does a water chiller work?
A water chiller is a device used for refrigeration and providing low-temperature chilled water. It circulates, transfers, and absorbs heat through a reciprocating refrigeration system to achieve the purpose of cooling. The basic principle of a water chiller is similar to that of other refrigeration systems, as both use components such as a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve to complete the refrigeration cycle.
The under-sink chiller is compact and is particularly suitable for placement under the sink, close to the faucet, saving space.
Working process of a water chiller
The working process of a water chiller can be divided into the following steps:
Compressor operation: The compressor continuously works to suck in the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compress it into high-pressure, superheated vapor.
Condensation process: The high-pressure vapor enters the condenser, where it releases heat through heat transfer, cooling it into a high-pressure liquid.
Throttling process: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is decompressed through a throttling element (such as an expansion valve) and becomes a low-pressure liquid refrigerant.
Evaporation process: The low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, absorbs heat, and boils, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling.
Reciprocating cycle: As long as the compressor continues to run, the circulation of the refrigerant will not stop, thus providing a steady supply of low-temperature chilled water.
Components of the chiller
The chiller is mainly composed of the following parts:
Compressor: Compresses the refrigerant gas to increase its pressure.
Evaporator: The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat in the evaporator and changes from a liquid to a gas.
Condenser: The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant releases heat in the condenser and becomes a liquid.
Expansion valve: Reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant so that it can enter the evaporator and circulate again.