Water cooled air conditioners, also known as chilled water systems, are a type of HVAC system that uses chilled water to cool the living space. The system works by circulating chilled water through a water coil equipped air handler to cool the living space, while at the same time absorbing heat from the air which is then pumped outside for removal. The chillers in these systems are often cooled by air, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “air cooled” systems.
Understanding the Components of a Water Cooled Air Conditioning System
A water cooled air conditioning system is made up of several key components:
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Chiller: The chiller is the heart of the system, responsible for producing the chilled water that circulates through the air handler. Chillers can be either air-cooled or water-cooled, with water-cooled chillers typically being more efficient and capable of producing colder water temperatures.
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Boiler: The boiler is used to heat the water that circulates through the system, providing hot water for heating purposes when needed.
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Pumps: Pumps are used to circulate the chilled water from the chiller to the air handler, and the hot water from the boiler to the heating system.
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Controls: The controls system manages the operation of the chiller, boiler, and pumps, ensuring the system maintains the desired temperature and humidity levels.
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Cooling Tower: Unlike traditional HVAC systems where each unit has its own heat pump, a water cooled system has a centralized cooling tower that cools the water for the entire building.
How a Water Cooled Air Conditioning System Works
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Chilled Water Production: The chiller, which is often located on the roof or in a mechanical room, produces chilled water by passing a refrigerant through a heat exchanger. This refrigerant is then cooled by either air or water, depending on the type of chiller.
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Water Circulation: The chilled water is then circulated through the building’s piping system to the air handlers located in each zone or room.
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Heat Absorption: As the chilled water passes through the air handler’s water coil, it absorbs heat from the air in the room, causing the air to cool.
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Heat Rejection: The now warmer water is then circulated back to the chiller, where the heat is rejected to the outside air or water in the cooling tower.
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Temperature and Humidity Control: The controls system monitors the temperature and humidity levels in each zone, adjusting the chiller and pump operation as needed to maintain the desired conditions.
Advantages of Water Cooled Air Conditioning Systems
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Efficiency: Water cooled systems are generally more efficient than traditional air-cooled systems, with energy savings of up to 30% or more.
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Reliability: Water cooled systems are less prone to freezing up in cold weather conditions, making them more reliable in a wider range of climates.
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Compact Design: The use of water piping instead of large air ducts allows water cooled systems to be more compact and easier to install in tight spaces.
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Centralized Cooling: The centralized cooling tower serves all units in the building, simplifying maintenance and reducing overall system costs.
Considerations for DIY Water Cooled Air Conditioning Systems
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Temperature Compatibility: Ensure the chiller can adequately meet the temperature requirements of the specific application, checking for compatibility with different temperature specifications.
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Water Quality: Evaluate the quality and properties of the water supply, as filtration or treatment may be necessary to avoid issues with the cooling system.
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Pump Performance: Assess the pump performance curves to ensure the chiller’s pump provides enough pressure at the design flow rate.
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Energy Efficiency: Water-cooled chillers tend to operate with lower energy consumption and less noise than air-cooled models, making them suitable for environments where noise pollution is a concern.
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Maintenance and Inspection: Regular maintenance and inspection of the cooling tower and other system components is critical to prevent issues and ensure proper operation.
By understanding the key components and how a water cooled air conditioning system works, DIY enthusiasts can tackle the installation and maintenance of these efficient and reliable HVAC systems.
Reference:
– Wentzel Heating and Air – Water Cooled Air Conditioning
– Forbes – Water Cooled Air Conditioners
– Evapolar – How Do Water Cooled Air Conditioners Work?
– Preferred Climate Solutions – A Complete Guide to Water Cooled Air Conditioners
– Today’s Homeowner – What is a Water Cooled Air Conditioner?