Data centers rely on diverse cooling methods, categorized into mechanical refrigeration and natural cooling. Mechanical systems include air-cooled direct expansion (DX), air-cooled chilled water, water-cooled chilled water, and centralized cooling water systems. Natural cooling encompasses fresh air, plate heat exchange, rotary heat exchange, evaporative cooling, and liquid cooling. Air-cooled DX Systems are traditional, with indoor units (compressor, evaporator) connected to outdoor condensers via refrigerant lines. Their simple design ensures reliability (no single point of failure). With fluoride pump energy saving (activating below 5°C), PUE in Zhejiang drops from ~1.71 to ~1.43. Water-cooled Chilled Water Systems use centrifugal chillers and cooling towers, ideal for high heat loads. Winter free cooling via heat exchangers boosts efficiency (PUE ~1.43 in Zhejiang) but requires complex maintenance. Air-cooled Chilled Water Systems skip cooling towers, suiting mode...
The Ultimate Cooling Showdown: Centrifugal vs. Screw Chillers – Which Powers Your Ice Thermal Storage Better
In the pursuit of building energy efficiency, ice thermal storage systems stand out as a transformative solution. By producing ice during off-peak nighttime hours and utilizing it for cooling during daytime peak periods, these systems significantly cut energy costs and reduce grid strain. At the core of this technology lies a critical decision: choosing the right chiller technology—centrifugal or screw. This guide explores their differences and offers insights into making the best choice for your specific needs. Centrifugal vs. Screw Chillers: Core Advantages Centrifugal Chillers Centrifugal units compress refrigerant using high-speed impellers, boasting high single-unit capacity (often >2,000 RT) and exceptional energy efficiency (IPLV ratings over 10.0). Ideal for super-large commercial projects, they maintain strong partial load performance between 40%–100%. However, they are prone to surge effects at low loads and typically require variable frequency drives or multi-head d...