Chiller Basics
	What is a Chiller?
	 
	A chiller is a water-cooled air conditioning system that cools inside air, creating a more comfortable
	and productive environment. Chillers are also used in the manufacturing environment to provide
	"process" cooling to equipment in an effort to maximize productivity.With large facilities, such as
	commercial buildings, hospitals, universities, government facilities and theme parks, the cost of
	energy to generate cooling in excess of 50 tons is cost prohibitive with air-cooled units. Water-cooled
	chillers produce higher tonnage at lower costs per ton, creating greater energy efficiency. A typical
	home has 3-5 tons of cooling capacity.
	
	How a Complete Chiller System Works
	Chillers circulate chilled water to air-handlers in order to transfer heat from air to water. This water
	then returns to the evaporator side of the chiller where the heat is passed from the water to a liquid
	refrigerant (freon).The refrigerant leaves the evaporator as a cold vapor and enters the compressor
	where it is compressed into a  hot vapor. Upon leaving the compressor, the vapor enters the condenser
	side of the chiller where heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the water side of the condenser
	where it is circulated to an open cooling tower for the final removal of heat via evaporation in the
	cooling tower.
	 
	What is Chiller Efficiency?
	Chiller efficiency is the amount of energy (electricity) it takes to produce a "ton" of cooling. It is
	expressed as kw/ton. All chillers have a designed kw/ton efficiency that was established when the
	chiller was commissioned. Plant design, water treatment, maintenance practices, chiller age,
	cooling tower design, cooling load and plant operations dramatically effect chiller operating
	efficiency and operating costs.
	
	
	