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Water Cooled Chiller System - Complete Piping & Working Guide

Water Cooled Chiller System - Complete Piping & Working Guide


Understanding a Water Cooled Chiller System is essential for every HVAC & MEP engineer involved in commercial, industrial, airport, hospital, and data center projects.


This diagram clearly explains the complete flow between:

  • Cooling Tower
  • Chiller
  • Chilled Water Pumps
  • Condenser Water Pumps
  • Heat Exchanger
  • Flow & Temperature Monitoring Devices


◆ How the System Works:

  • Chilled Water Supply (CHWS) at 6-7°C is circulated to the building/process load.
  • Heat from the space is absorbed and returns as CHWR at 12-15°C.
  • The chiller evaporator removes heat from the chilled water loop.
  • Heat is transferred to the condenser water circuit.
  • Cooling tower rejects unwanted heat to the atmosphere.
  • Cooled condenser water returns back to the chiller for continuous operation.


◆ Key Engineering Points:

  • Water-cooled chillers provide higher efficiency compared to air-cooled systems.
  • Proper ΔT (temperature difference) is critical for energy performance.
  • Flow switches protect equipment from low-flow conditions.
  • Strainers prevent dirt and debris from damaging heat exchangers.
  • Correct pump balancing improves system stability and efficiency.
  • Cooling tower performance directly affects chiller power consumption.


Typical Operating Temperatures:

  • CHWS: 6-7°C
  • TEMPERATURE: 12-15°C
  • CWS: 30-35°C
  • CWR: 35-40°C


* In HVAC systems, efficient heat transfer and proper water flow management are the keys to energy savings and reliable operation.





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