Before purchasing a chiller, one of the first considerations
must be where the chiller will be sited. Chillers are frequently sited next to
the application, as this is the space available. When sited next to the
application, it Is easy to check the set point of the chiller and make any
adjustments required should the need arise.
Not only is siting a chiller indoors generally better for
the health of the chiller, but it is also often the cheapest, and easiest
option.
When installing pipework for a chiller, both travelling
upwards and adding turns to pipework increase the pressure required within the water
circuit. Travelling upwards can also add air pockets into areas of pipework
that are difficult to bleed. Air in the circuit can cause cavitation in the
pump. Usually, installing a chiller indoors allows for less complicated pipe
runs. This means that the pump isn’t required to work as hard. A simple pipe
run also lowers the chance of leaks.
When siting a chiller indoors, spillages and leaks can cause
issues relating to health and safety. However, it is easier and quicker to see
any leaks or potential issues. It is also easier to see the alarm lights and
fill ports on the chiller, allowing the user to see if something is wrong at a
glance. Chillers sited indoors are generally easier to access in the event of
an issue, allowing for maintenance to be carried out quickly, minimising
shutdown time.
As a chiller removes heat from the application process, it
dissipates it into the environment. This is especially true of air-cooled
chillers, where all heat removed from the process must be dissipated into the
environment. As a rule of thumb, the total heat ejection into the room will be
the load, plus 50%. It may be necessary to consider an upgrade to the buildings
air conditioning system in order to manage the increased ambient temperature.
Chillers tend to have a longer life when kept indoors. This
is because they are usually in a more controlled environment.
It is important to ensure that the area surrounding a
chiller is kept clean, as an accumulation of dust around the condenser could
lead to fan failure. Generally, indoor environments tend to be cleaner, with
less contaminants, although this is not always the case. The chiller should be
kept in a well-ventilated area, with ample room around the chiller to allow for
heat dissipation. Inadequate ventilation will add to the wear of parts such as
the motor and fan.
As the fans and motor of a chiller are constantly running,
they generate noise. Due to noise pollution and the impact that it can have on
residential areas, it may be inappropriate to site a chiller outdoors. It is
possible to fit a noise cancelling enclosure to chillers sited indoors to
minimise the noise produced.
During particularly hot weather, something that is more
frequently being experienced during summer months, a chiller sited outdoors is
at risk of overheating. In extreme cold temperatures, especially during the
winter months, a chiller sited outdoors can be at risk of overcooling and
freezing its heat exchanger (this can be mitigated by using proportional fan
speed control).