Mechanical vapor compression cycle chillers
Within this category of chiller there is a multitude
of different types, each having its own niche within the market.
Design variations within this broad family include:
While each of these considerations has an impact
on a customer's choice of chiller, perhaps the most significant
variable relates to the type of compressor used to move refrigerant
through the vapor compression cycle. The three most common types
of compressor used in today's chillers are centrifugal,
rotary screw,
and reciprocating
.
Centrifugal and rotary screw compressor chillers are generally chosen when lifecycle cost is most important, whereas reciprocating compressor machines are chosen when first cost is most important.