Description

The main function of a heat exchanger in a chiller is to extract the cold generated by the evaporation of the refrigerant and transfer it to the water. This cold water is then distributed through a piping system to cool the air or liquids in the industrial process.

There are two main types of heat exchangers used in chillers:

Shell and tube heat exchangers: These heat exchangers consist of an outer shell and a series of tubes inside. The refrigerant circulates through the tubes, while the water circulates through the shell. Heat is transferred through the tube walls, cooling the water.

Plate heat exchangers: These heat exchangers consist of a series of corrugated plates stacked on top of each other. Between the plates are very narrow channels through which the fluids circulate. The large contact surface between the plates allows for very efficient heat transfer.