The ammonia water chiller is an energy-efficient machine that excels in handling large thermal loads without environmental restrictions, as it utilizes a natural refrigerant.
How does the Ammonia Chiller System operate?
Ammonia chiller systems can operate with two types of cycles:
- Ammonia chiller working with a compression refrigeration circuit.
- Absorption chiller utilizing ammonia as the refrigerant.
- Ammonia is an excellent option for industrial refrigeration as it does not harm the ozone layer or contribute to the greenhouse effect.
- In chillers with high thermal loads, ammonia significantly reduces electricity consumption, making it a cost-effective choice compared to other synthetic refrigerants.
- Additionally, ammonia is approximately 1.7 times lighter than air, enabling it to rise easily and form a cloud when in the presence of humid air.
- Chiller installations working with ammonia are designed to detect leaks through security systems.
- Ammonia leaks can often be detected by the human nose before becoming hazardous.
- To prevent corrosion and leakage issues, ammonia chillers are constructed using robust steel or stainless steel materials, which can influence the initial cost of the equipment.
- Ammonia chillers typically have zero overheating due to their use of flooded-type evaporators.
- They also offer the possibility of total or partial heat recovery, further enhancing the energy efficiency of the installation.
- These chillers often require less than 500 grams of ammonia per ton of refrigeration and are usually compact, assembled by the same machine manufacturers, and utilize various condensation methods, such as water, air, or evaporative.
- For chillers produced in Northern Europe, R-717 (ammonia) is commonly used.
- Specific engine rooms for ammonia chillers require dedicated mechanical ventilation systems, and ammonia leak detectors are set to values lower than established limits for safety purposes.
- Ammonia is only flammable in the presence of a high source of ignition, and explosions can occur in flammable mixtures in confined spaces, provided that the ignition temperature exceeds 635°C.
- However, in open spaces, ammonia rises and dissolves in the atmosphere, eliminating the risk of ignition and explosion.
Packaged Ammonia Chillers:
- Packaged ammonia chillers generally operate on a compression refrigeration cycle with capacities ranging from 20 to 400 tons of refrigeration.
- The ammonia load in packaged chillers is low, approximately 1 pound per ton of refrigeration.
- Smaller capacity packed ammonia chillers use a piston compressor, while larger ones employ a screw compressor.
- Packaged ammonia chillers are factory-assembled, enabling quick and easy installation of the system.
Where to learn all about chillers?
We offer comprehensive training in chilled water installations with chillers.
