Engine-driven vs. electric chillers: which is best for your cooling needs?

When it arrive to selecting between engine - driven chillers and electric chiller , the decision is n’t always straightforward . Both take on essential part in cooling scheme for commercial-grade construction , industrial adeptness , and controlled farming surroundings , but they vary widely in terms of efficiency , useable cost , and environmental impact . So , how do you square up which chiller is the unspoilt fit for your need ?

" understand these distinctions is key to realise the ripe decision . There are trade - offs , and the choice really reckon on the specific needs of your operation,“says Dalton Allaben , Sales engineer at Tecogen Inc.

In any glasshouse or indoor farm , in effect cooling is life-sustaining . A chiller , whether located outside using ambient air or inside a mechanically skillful room with a cool tower , go around chilled water around the canopy . As Dalton explain , " For larger mood - controlled place , a chilled weewee plant is the most efficient way to transfer heat and can easily be paired with hot water supply for dehumidification . " This setup optimizes the growing environment , ensuring crops thrive in the beneficial potential condition .

Tecogen ’s hybrid - air cooled chiller

Engine - force vs. galvanising chillersDalton elaborates on the underlying differences between railway locomotive - driven and galvanic hair-raiser . railway locomotive - driven chiller habituate a mechanically skillful engine fuel by natural gas to power the compressor . " The key advantage here is versatility , " Dalton say . " Engine - labor chiller furnish both temperature reduction and warming through combine high temperature and power ( CHP ) system , repurposing waste heating plant for added efficiency . "

In contrast , electric chillers run on electrical motors and rely on grid electrical energy . While quieter and with fewer incite parts , Dalton charge out , " Electric hair-raiser are simpler but lack the added functionality of heat retrieval , which limits them to cooling only . " This makes galvanizing chillers a more straightforward answer but one that does n’t provide the same level of efficiency in complex environments .

Efficiency is ' not as dim-witted as it seems’When comparing efficiency , galvanising chillers are often see as more effective , but Dalton highlights the complexness . " galvanizing chillers generally have a higher Coefficient of Performance ( COP ) at the point of use , " he says , " but you have to account for inefficiencies in the generation and transmission of electricity . " Engine - driven chillers , on the other hired man , use a " source " nab that cistron in their ability to acquire and apply energy on - situation .

Dalton render an illustration : " An electric chiller might have a site nab between 3 and 6.5 , but once you factor out in power coevals and transmission losses , that figure can drop significantly . " locomotive engine - driven chillers , by contrast , conserve more consistent efficiency and are often a more toll - efficient solution in areas where electricity rates are high .

The water - cooled railway locomotive - driven hair-raiser

Maintenance and environmentA vernacular concern about railway locomotive - drive chillers is their maintenance indigence , but Dalton extend some reassurance . " It ’s true that engine - driven chillers require more upkeep , " he say , " but the difference is smaller than people think . You ’re looking at about 16 hours of preventative upkeep yearly for locomotive - driven chiller , compared to 8 hours for electric chillers . "

With engine - driven chillers shoot a line uptime pace of over 99.8 % , Dalton emphasizes that " the extra maintenance is doable and does n’t get a major operational essence , particularly when you consider the reliableness they offer . "

While electric chillers are typically considered more environmentally friendly , Dalton accent the grandness of looking at the bigger picture . " Electric chillers draw from the grid , which include renewable source , but during peak requirement , it ’s natural gas power plant that are provide additional capacity , " he notes . These plants operate inefficiently and suffer from transmission losses , which can offset the environmental benefit .

" Engine - driven chiller , by contrast , operate like localized power plants , " Dalton says . " They use energy forthwith and capture waste heat for extra use , achieving overall arrangement efficiency of up to 85 % . This makes them a compelling option for quickness count to lour their carbon footprint . "

When to take railway locomotive - driven chillersIn Dalton ’s view , locomotive engine - driven chillers are ideal in specific situation . " They ’re best for facility where electrical energy costs are over $ 0.07 / kWh , innate gas is available , or combined heat and business leader ( CHP ) systems can be used , " he explains . Engine - driven chiller are also a great choice for locations with unreliable electric infrastructure or expanse prostrate to severe weather , as they provide built - in resilience by run independently of the grid .

In the oddment , Dalton concludes , " Choosing between engine - driven and electric chillers come down to your specific operational needs and goal . There ’s no one - size - tantrum - all root , but understanding the pick can help you make the salutary choice . "

For more information : TecogenDalton Allaben , Sales engineer[email protected]www.tecogen.com