Cold water systems & chillers: The flexible solution for process and building cooling
Chillers are the backbone of modern building air conditioning and industrial process cooling. The principle is as simple as it is ingenious: the cooling circuit is limited to the generating unit, while a neutral coolant (water or brine) circulates in the building. cold.world ENGINEERING plans highly efficient cold water networks that are perfectly hydraulically balanced and – wherever possible – use natural refrigerants such as propane (R290) or ammonia.
Indirect cooling: safety meets efficiency
Why are more and more companies opting for chillers instead of direct refrigerant lines? The answer lies in the combination of safety and flexibility.
- Minimum refrigerant charge: The refrigerant is stored compactly and safely in the chiller (often as an outdoor installation). Only water flows in the building itself. This drastically minimizes risks and inspection obligations.
- Ideal for propane (R290): As the flammable refrigerant does not enter the utility rooms, chillers are the perfect technology for using environmentally friendly propane safely.
- Enormous savings potential through “free cooling”: In the cooler months (fall/winter), the outside air can cool the water without having to run the energy-intensive refrigeration compressor. This massively reduces the annual average operating costs.
- Easy to expand: A chilled water network can be easily expanded or converted without having to intervene in the refrigeration circuit.
Our engineering services: more than just setting up the chiller
A chiller is only as good as the hydraulics behind it. We do not supply “catalog goods”, but a functioning complete system.
1. hydraulic planning & network calculation
We dimension pipes, buffer tanks and pump groups exactly according to your requirements. Correct hydronic balancing prevents undersupply and saves pump power.
2. focus on natural refrigerants (R290 & R717)
We prefer to plan chillers with natural refrigerants. Air-cooled propane chillers (R290) in particular offer outstanding efficiency today and are future-proof (no F-gas phase-down). For large capacities, we rely on ammonia chillers.
3. integration of free coolers (free cooling)
We integrate free cooling systems so that your chiller switches off when outside temperatures are low and nature takes over. This is the most effective lever for reducing energy costs.
Areas of application for our cold water solutions
- Industrial process cooling: Cooling of machines, lasers, plastic injection molding or extruders.
- Building air conditioning: supplying ceiling cooling systems or recirculating air cooling units in offices and hotels.
- Data centers / server rooms: Fail-safe cooling with redundancy concepts.
Frequently asked questions about chillers
What is the difference between chilled water and direct expansion (VRF/split)? In a split system, refrigerant flows through the building. In a chilled water system, water (or a water-glycol mixture) flows. Chilled water systems often have a longer service life, require less maintenance and the amount of chemical refrigerants is drastically reduced (or replaced by natural agents).
Do I need glycol in the water? If parts of the system (e.g. the chiller on the roof or the dry cooler) are exposed to frost, an antifreeze agent (glycol) is required to prevent the pipes from freezing in winter or when the system is at a standstill. We can advise you on the correct concentration to keep efficiency losses to a minimum.