Chiller Basics
Chillers circulate chilled water to air-handlers in order to transfer heat from air to water. This water then returns to the evaporator side of the chiller where the heat is passed from the water to a liquid refrigerant (freon). The refrigerant leaves the evaporator as a cold vapor and enters the compressor where it is compressed into a hot vapor.
Maximizing Chiller Efficiency
Chillers are the single largest energy-using component in most facilities, and can typically consume over 50% of the electrical usage. Chillers use approximately 20% of the total electrical power generated in North America and the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that chillers expend up to 30% in additional energy through inefficiency.
Case Studies
In the desert city of Las Vegas, Nevada, there is an exceptional focus on conservation, with water and electricity heading the list of concerns. At the Mirage, the flagship mega-resort on the Las Vegas Strip, the management team has designed an aggressive framework of green initiatives that exemplify the city's highest objectives.
