Improvements in component technologies and usage lead to energy savings in chillers. Advancements such as inverter driven compressor, improvements in heat exchangers, etc. lead energy savings from 5% to 50%.
| Component | Comments/Improvement measures | Indicative savings range (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | For systems over 200 kW, BAT is oil-free centrifugal compressor with magnetic levitation bearings | 30% to 50% |
| Compressor | Variable speed inverter control, matching speed to cooling demand | 30% (up to 50% in some applications) |
| Heat recovery condensers | Employ special heat exchanger to use waste heat rejected from chillers for useful heating purposes | - |
| Improved heat exchangers | Improved design evaporator, e.g., by microchannel type system | 10% |
| Evaporative coolers / Water cooled condensers | Consumes water and require maintenance for health protection, However, significant energy savings are obtained in most applications | 15% to 25% |
| Improved and inverter driven (variable speed) condenser fans | Most efficient solutions will have larger fans and variable speed drive to closely match flow with cooling demand | Typically 5% but can be more |
| Improved expansion valve | Electronically controlled | 9% |
Rather than the capital cost of the chiller, a net present value of chiller over its lifetime gives a better perspective of costs associated with chillers. Since chillers operate for approximately 25 years maintenance and energy costs become indispensible. E.g., a € 150,00 average efficiency chiller can cost € 2.5 million to operate and maintain for 25 years while a € 180,000 high efficiency, best value chiller may only cost €2 million to operate and maintain.
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