Principle of Chiller Heat Exchanger

The principle of a chiller heat exchanger centers on the efficient transfer of thermal energy between two or more fluids at different temperatures without allowing them to mix. In a typical vapor-compression chiller system, the heat exchanger functions as either an evaporator or a condenser. As the core component, its design and operational efficiency directly dictate the chiller's overall performance and energy consumption. In the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the process water (or other secondary coolant), causing it to evaporate into a low-pressure gas and thereby chilling the water for its intended application. Conversely, in the condenser, the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas releases its absorbed heat to a cooling medium, such as ambient air or cooling tower water, causing it to condense back into a liquid. This continuous cycle of evaporation and condensation, governed by the laws of thermodynamics, is the fundamental principle. The effectiveness of this heat transfer is quantified by the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (U-value), which is influenced by material thermal conductivity, fluid flow rates, temperature differentials (Log Mean Temperature Difference - LMTD), and the surface area of the heat exchange tubes or plates. Modern designs, including shell-and-tube, plate, and microchannel types, are engineered to maximize this U-value and LMTD, ensuring optimal thermal efficiency and system reliability.

Why Use Chiller Heat Exchanger