Cooling solutions are an essential part of the industrial manufacturing system. Pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, chemical processing plants, commercial buildings, and data server centres, among others, rely on this high-grade solution to maintain optimal temperature. Due to its efficiency and precision to serve even during continuous operations, it makes chillers one of the most widely used solutions. It removes heat from the liquids with the help of the refrigeration gas, which is circulated through the machinery.
Having said that, each of the industries has different needs, so their need for chillers is also different. Not all the chillers are built the same. So, that is why if you are in this industry, understanding the types of chillers is important. From air-cooled to water-cooled, among others, each of the chiller is designed for specific operations. In this post, we will list the major types of chillers, their working principle, and how they are used.
Different Types of Industrial Chillers
Screw Chiller:
These cooling solutions use rotary screws, which are inside the compressor, to handle the large amount of cooling load with ease. The twin screws compress the refrigerant gas, providing a steady flow of cooling even during continuous operations. The benefit of the screw chillers is that it has high efficiency for mid- to large-scale cooling, low vibrations & noise. It is suitable for data servers or HVAC systems where continuous cooling is required.
Water-Cooled Chiller:
As the name suggests, this cooling solution relies on water for cooling. In this kind of chiller, a water tower is needed for a constant water supply. The warm condenser enters the refrigerant, where water absorbs the heat from the air before returning to the chiller. The water-cooled chiller has a higher efficiency than the air-cooled chiller and is suitable for large-scale applications.
Scroll Chiller:
This highly reliable and noiseless chilling solution is for commercial buildings like malls and offices. The scroll chiller consists of interlocking locks inside the compressor, which is used to compress the refrigerant gently.
Reciprocating Chillers:
The reciprocating chillers have piston-based compressors that cool the fluid for air-conditioning and industrial processing. What makes this cooling solution stand out is its stable cooling performance regardless of the outdoor temperature. The reliability and robustness of the cooling solution are a common choice for commercial and industrial uses.
Air Cooled Chiller:
This cooling system consists of a condenser coil and large fans that blow air over these coils to cool the system. The fan moves the air across the coils, allowing the heat to be absorbed. The simple installation, low maintenance, and compact design of the air-cooled chillers make them the best solution for commercial buildings and small-scale industries.
Understanding the Working Principle Of a Water-Cooled Chiller
A water-cooled chiller working principle works by removing heat from process water and then transferring it into a separate loop connected to the cooling tower. The process starts when warm water enters the evaporator, where it absorbs the heat and evaporates. The vaporized refrigerant then moves to the compressor, which increases the pressure and temperature. Now, it flows to the condenser, where the cooling tower absorbs the heat and carries it away. Once the refrigerant cools, it comes back to its liquid form, and the cycle keeps repeating.
Difference Between an Air-Cooled Chiller & a Water-Cooled Chiller
If you are confused between the air and water-cooled chiller, let me tell you that air cooled chiller vs the water-cooled chiller, both the literally the same. The difference only lies in the fact of how the cooling operation is done.
In an air-cooled chiller, hot refrigerant entering the condenser is exposed to atmospheric air, rejecting the heat before it condenses to its liquid state. On the other hand, in a water-cooled unit, hot refrigerant gas is sent to a water-cooled heat exchanger or condenser, and the refrigerant is cooled using water from a cooling tower.
Wrapping Up…
The industrial chilling solutions, though, vary, but you need to keep in mind your requirements before you purchase one. ‘Coolstar India’ is one of the biggest manufacturers, providing the best chillers to the industries. They are durable, efficient, and also affordable, which is why you should also invest in one of them.
Coolstar India
Coolstar India, established in 2009 in Sikandrabad Bulandshahr U.P., is a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial cooling systems.

