Refrigeration Equipment Selection Guide
Chiller Selection Guide
A detailed guide to chiller types, cooling capacity calculation, selection parameters and purchasing checks.
Chiller overview
Chillers are core equipment for industrial cooling and process temperature reduction. Selection essentials:Determine cooling capacity → choose compressor type → confirm condensing method → check site conditions。
Screw chiller
100–2000 kW+, mainstream industrial
Reciprocating chiller
50–300 kW, small capacity
Scroll chiller
10–100 kW, small capacity
Low-temperature brine unit
Below −40 °C, chilled brine
Air-cooled chiller
No cooling tower required, outdoor installation
Chiller type comparison
| Type | Compressor | Capacity range | Features | Use cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screw chiller | Screw | 100~2000kW+ | High efficiency, stable operation, low noise | Large capacity, mainstream industrial |
| Reciprocating chiller | Reciprocating | 50~300kW | Simple structure, low cost | Small capacity, retrofit projects |
| Scroll chiller | Scroll | 10~100kW | High efficiency, low noise | Small capacity, cleanrooms |
| Low-temperature brine unit | Screw/reciprocating | Depending on duty | Can produce brine below −40 °C | Chemical processes, low-temperature reactions |
| Air-cooled chiller | Screw/scroll | 50~500kW | No cooling tower required, outdoor installation | Water scarcity, small-medium capacity |
Cooling capacity calculation
Formula: capacity (kW) = flow (m³/h) × ΔT × 1.163
Example: chilled water 10 m³/h, inlet 12 °C, outlet 7 °C, ΔT 5 °C
Capacity = 10 × 5 × 1.163 = 58.15 kW → select a 65 kW unit (10–15% margin)
Note:Allow a 10–15% capacity margin. Confirm whether duty is continuous or intermittent; for sustained load choose one size larger.
Parameters that must be confirmed
Required parameters
- - Chilled water outlet temperature (e.g. 7 °C)
- - Chilled water inlet temperature (e.g. 12 °C)
- - Chilled water flow (m³/h)
- - Cooling water inlet temperature (e.g. 32 °C)
- - Condenser type (air-cooled/water-cooled)
- - Voltage (380 V/10 kV)
Points to note
- - Allow a 10–15% capacity margin
- - Confirm continuous or intermittent operation
- - Confirm whether split loads are needed
- - Confirm maximum ambient temperature
- - Confirm water quality (softened/industrial/purified)
Selection checklist
Selection confirmation
- 1.Confirm capacity requirement and outlet temperature
- 2.Confirm compressor brand and running hours
- 3.Check condenser cleanliness and heat transfer
- 4.Check electrical control system and PLC
- 5.Request a cooling capacity test report
- 6.Check refrigerant oil level and colour
- 7.Power up and test-run to confirm normal noise and vibration
Equipment condition check
- - Request a powered test-run video or an on-site trial run
- - Inspect wear of main components and operating condition
- - Confirm all documentation and conformity certificates are complete