How does the water-cooled fridge system work?
Water-cooled fridge systems operate by leveraging water from your house or building supply to condense the refrigerant, differentiating it from air-cooled units which rely on a fin and tube condenser. This system incorporates a secondary brazed heat exchanger, a water regulator, and a liquid receiver, offering a distinct approach to refrigeration.
In contrast to air-cooled refrigeration systems, which may become less efficient or cease functioning if the condenser is blocked or the fan fails, water-cooled systems maintain efficiency by requiring a consistent flor rate of house water at or below 20°C. Optimally, this flow rate should match the water circuit of the fridge system to achieve the best performance.
A water-cooled chiller employs the same capacity components as its air-cooled counterpart, including a compressor. However, instead of directing the high-pressure discharge line into a fin and tube condenser, it feeds into a brazed plate heat exchanger acting as a condenser. The liquid refrigerant then flows into a liquid receiver, mirroring the role played by the bottom rows of the fin and tube condenser in air-cooled units.
Post the liquid receiver, the refrigeration system largely resembles that of an air-cooled unit. The most significant difference lies in the function of the water regulator, which adjusts based on the pressure detected in a capillary tube linked to the high side of the fridge system. As the system’s load increases, so does the pressure on the high side, prompting the water regulator to allow more hose water to flow through the system.
The Role of the Water Regulator
The water regulator is pre-set at the factory. When connecting the chiller to the house supply for the first time, it’s crucial to turn the chiller on so that pressure can build up in the capillary line. This ensures that the water regulator permits water flow, facilitating the system’s operation. This integration of components and the specific operation of the water regulator highlight the unique efficiency and functionality of water-cooled refrigeration systems.
