Why does refrigerant charge size matter when buying a chiller?
The refrigerant charge is the quantity of refrigerant contained within a chiller’s refrigeration system.
Although this is primarily determined by the design of the equipment, refrigerant charge can be relevant when considering the environmental impact, installation, servicing, and transportation of a chiller.
The significance of the charge also depends on the refrigerant being used. Refrigerants have different Global Warming Potentials (GWP) and safety classifications, so charge size should always be considered alongside the refrigerant type and the design of the equipment.
Why does refrigerant type matter as well as charge size?
Two chillers containing the same quantity of refrigerant may have different characteristics depending on which refrigerant they use.
Factors to consider include:
- Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Refrigerant safety classification
- Flammability characteristics
- Equipment design
- Applicable refrigerant regulations
- Installation requirements
- Servicing and refrigerant-handling requirements
For this reason, refrigerant charge should not be considered as a standalone measure of whether one chiller is more suitable than another.
Does the refrigerant charge affect environmental impact?
Refrigerant GWP indicates the potential climate impact of a refrigerant if it is released into the atmosphere.
The potential impact of a refrigerant loss therefore depends on both the type of refrigerant and the quantity contained within the system.
ATC’s current product ranges use lower-GWP refrigerants, including R290 and R454C, as part of the transition towards lower-GWP process cooling technology.
Preventing refrigerant leakage and ensuring refrigeration work is carried out appropriately remain important regardless of refrigerant charge.
Does refrigerant charge affect where a chiller can be installed?
Some refrigerants used in modern cooling equipment have flammability classifications. The suitability of an installation can therefore depend on factors including the refrigerant, charge size, equipment design, installation environment, and applicable safety standards.
Installation requirements should be assessed for the specific chiller and location.
Customers should not use a general room-size or refrigerant charge calculation to determine whether a particular ATC chiller is suitable for an installation. Refer to the installation requirements for the specific model and contact ATC if there are any questions about the proposed location.
Does the refrigerant charge affect transportation?
Equipment containing refrigerant can be subject to transport requirements depending on factors including the refrigerant classification, quantity, mode of transport, destination, and applicable dangerous-goods regulations.
This can be particularly relevant for international shipments.
Transport requirements should therefore be assessed for the specific product and shipment rather than assuming that a particular charge size automatically determines how a chiller can be transported.
ATC can advise on the appropriate shipping arrangements when quoting and supplying equipment.
Does a smaller refrigerant charge mean a better chiller?
Efficient refrigeration system design can help to minimise the quantity of refrigerant required, but charge size is only one aspect of chiller specification.
The right chiller also needs to provide the required:
- Cooling capacity
- Operating temperature
- Coolant flow and pressure
- Temperature stability
- Process-fluid compatibility
- Electrical supply
- Configuration
- Application and installation suitability
A chiller should therefore be selected according to the complete requirements of the application, rather than the refrigerant charge alone.
Where can I find the refrigerant charge for my chiller?
The refrigerant type and charge are model-specific.
For an existing chiller, this information can be found on the rating plate attached to the equipment.
For new equipment, refer to the technical information for the particular model or contact ATC.
See “What refrigerant is used in my chiller and how much is used?” for more information.
What should I tell ATC when selecting a chiller?
When requesting a quotation, provide details of the application, required cooling duty, operating temperature, coolant flow, process fluid, ambient conditions, and installation location.
For international applications, tell ATC where the equipment will be installed so that relevant product, installation, and supply considerations can be taken into account.
If the installation has specific requirements relating to refrigerants, ventilation, or site safety, highlight these during the specification process.
ATC can help you to select a chiller appropriate for your application and advise on the refrigerant type and charge associated with the proposed equipment.
