Whilst some ATC chillers are designed to fit underneath laboratory
benches, many applications require higher cooling capacities delivered by multiple
or larger units. Siting chillers outside can free up space within the working
environment.
The cooling process removes heat from heat transfer fluids.
This heat is then ejected into the surrounding environment. Siting chillers
outdoors can eliminate the potentially costly need to upgrade existing air
conditioning within the building to manage the heat ejected from the application
process.
When siting chillers outside, it is important to consider
any impact that that the environment may have on the chiller and take steps to
provide protection.
Applied Thermal Control have an optional Mod for Outdoor Use,
which will protect chillers from dust and water splashed from all directions, all
but driving rain and pressurised water.
It is important to consider protection from direct sunlight as
this may cause units to overheat during the summer months. Addition of frost
protection will protect the chiller from lower temperatures during the winter
months.
When siting chillers outside, the addition of a Qwikfoot Kit
may be beneficial. A Qwikfoot Kit will raise the chiller 6 inches from the ground
onto rubber and felt blocks. This distributes the weight of the chiller over a greater
area, preventing it from toppling in winds. Any leaf debris will also pass
underneath the chiller, preventing any overheating issues caused by a debris build
up. If mounting a chiller on the roof, a Qwikfoot Kit will provide a stable and
secure base for a chiller without any need to drill into the roof. The addition of a Qwikfoot Kit also aids shelter
installation.
The fans and motor of a chiller are always running. Whilst not
a health and safety concern, they can generate unpleasant noise. Siting a
chiller outside can make your working environment more comfortable. However,
when siting a chiller outdoors in residential areas, it is important to consider
the impact that any noise may have on neighbours. The installation of a fan speed
control, either on/off, or proportional, may help to alleviate any noise issues
by only running fans when necessary.
When siting the chiller away from the application, it is
important to consider communication between the chiller and application.
Adequate communication can prevent potentially costly malfunctions from occurring
by sounding an alarm in the event of an issue, allowing timely action to be taken.
Applied Thermal Control can supply RS-485 Communications as
an option. RS-485 is a serial data transmission standard and when paired with a
conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, or a flow meter pack, it is possible
for this information to be relayed to an external computer. It is also possible
to alter the set point using RS-485 communications.
Another option is the use of Volt Free Connections to allow
for monitoring of alarms in a less sophisticated manner, using 5 wires of D-sub
9pin to communicate flow, temperature, level and all-OK VCFs to be communicated
via analogue signal. In cases of high flow, temperature within detectable range,
or high level, the circuit will close, causing the signal to be sent.
It is also possible to add a remote stop-start to your
chiller, allowing the chiller to be turned off from the application.
If siting the chiller at a different level to the application,
such as on a roof, it is beneficial to add non-return/solenoid valves to the
chiller. This prevents any back siphoning of heat transfer fluid into the
chiller.