Külmjahutajad

Külmjahutajad, often translated as chillers, are refrigeration units that remove heat from a liquid, typically water, through a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This chilled liquid is then circulated through pipes to a heat exchanger, where it absorbs heat from the air or process being cooled. This process is essential for controlling temperature in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

Industrial chillers are crucial for manufacturing processes that require precise temperature control, such as plastics molding, chemical production, and pharmaceuticals. They are used to cool down equipment, maintain product quality, and ensure consistent operational conditions. In commercial settings, chillers are commonly employed in large buildings, like office complexes and shopping malls, to provide air conditioning. They cool the water that is then pumped to air handling units to cool the air circulated throughout the building. Residential applications are less common for large-scale chillers, but smaller units can be found for specialized cooling needs.

The operation of a vapor-compression chiller involves a refrigerant circulating through a closed loop. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the water in the evaporator, turning from a liquid to a gas. This gas is then compressed, increasing its temperature and pressure. The hot, high-pressure gas then flows to the condenser, where it releases heat to the surrounding environment or a cooling tower, condensing back into a liquid. Finally, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature before returning to the evaporator to repeat the cycle. Absorption chillers use a thermal energy source, like natural gas or waste heat, instead of a mechanical compressor.