What is the difference between air cooled scroll chiller and air cooled screw chiller?

When choosing an industrial air cooled chiller, there are two common options you can consider : air-cooled scroll chiller and air-cooled screw chiller. While both provide efficient cooling,which type is more suitable for your process ? In this article ,we will discuss it .

1. Compressor Type

- Air-Cooled Scroll Chiller: Scroll compressors are utilized in air-cooled scroll chillers, which are typically utilized in chiller systems that range from from 2 Ton to 60 Ton in cooling capacity. Uses a scroll compressor, which operates with two interleaving spiral scrolls for smooth, vibration-free compression.  

- Air-Cooled Screw Chiller: Screw compressors, which are generally used in bigger industrial chiller systems, are utilized in air-cooled screw chillers from 30 Ton -200 Ton in cooling capacity. Screw compressors are better suited for high-capacity applications and have the ability to offer effective cooling for big buildings or industrial operations.

2. Energy Efficiency (COP & IPLV)  

- Air Cooled Scroll Chillers: Generally have a lower COP (Coefficient of Performance) but perform well in part-load conditions.  

- Air Cooled Screw Chillers: Offer higher efficiency at full load, with better IPLV (Integrated Part Load Value) for variable cooling needs.  

3. Maintenance & Repair Costs  

- Air Cooled Scroll Chillers: Scroll chillers are very basic in construction and have fewer moving parts compared to screw chillers,reducing maintenance needs and repair costs.

- Air Cooled Screw Chillers: Screw chillers are more complicated in design and have a greater number of moving parts than scroll chillers, which translates to the possibility that they may need more maintenance and repair. On the other hand, they are constructed to be long-lasting and dependable via the use of tough industrial applications.But air cooled screw chillers have longer lifespans under proper care.  

4. Industry Applications

- Air Cooled Scroll Chillers : Scroll chillers are often available in lower capacities, which makes them suited for applications where the cooling demand is moderate or minor. Some examples of these applications are commercial HVAC, data centers, and light industrial processes.  commercial buildings, data centers, and smaller industrial operations

- Air Cooled Screw Chillers : Screw chillers are built for large cooling capabilities and are often utilized in bigger facilities with higher cooling needs. Examples of these types of facilities include large-scale industrial settings, manufacturing plants, and district cooling systems.  

The choice between an air-cooled scroll chiller and an air-cooled screw chiller depends on cooling requirements, budget, and operational conditions. Air cooled scroll chillers are cost-effective for smaller systems, while screw chillers excel in high-capacity, high-efficiency applications.  

For more details on industrial scroll chillers, welcome contact Tongwei Now!