How Water Cooled Air Conditioning Systems Improve Indoor Air Quality?

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Air Conditioning

INTRODUCTION:

How Air Conditioners Work: Chilled-water and Cooling-tower AC Units | HowStuffWorks
  • Water-cooled air conditioners are refrigerant-based air conditioners using the power of water, rather than air, to produce cooled air. 
  • These units typically use less energy than their air-cooling counterparts and can work in small spaces or those with limited room for air-cooled air conditioning. 
  • There are two types of water-cooled AC systems: the chilled water system and the cooling tower technology

Water Cooled Air Conditioning System

  • To operate, water-cooled AC units require a water source, a power source, and a drain or outlet.
  • Chilled water systems support cooling a large area or building, such as residential water-cooled air conditioning.
  • These units need a constant stream of water flowing over the condenser coil to transfer heat; the heated water then transfers through a wastewater outlet, such as a drain or sink.
  • Cooling tower technology includes a cooling tower that runs water across the heat in condenser coils. Typically, you’ll have to add water routinely to these to make sure the water levels in the tower avoid getting too low.
  • This type of AC unit is also efficient at cooling buildings, including residences. Alternatively, air-cooled air conditioners use a fan to cool the condenser.
Air conditioning system with water cooled chillers | Download Scientific Diagram

ADVANTAGES OF WATER-COOLED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM:

What are Water Cooled Air Conditioning Systems?
  • Water-cooled chillers usually don’t need replacement as often as air-cooled chillers do. They aren’t exposed to outdoor elements such as rain, snow, ice, and heat, which makes them less vulnerable.
  • While air-cooled chillers have ducts and vents that create noise, water-cooled chillers operate quietly. The flow of water through the system doesn’t result in the same noisy expansion and contraction that’s heard in air-cooled chillers.
  • The film coefficient is 10 to 100 times better in water-cooled chillers versus air-cooled chillers. This means that water-cooled chillers transfer heat more efficiently. The result for businesses is savings on energy costs.
  •  Air-cooled chillers need to stay outdoors in an open space with plenty of fresh air to operate. 
  • Water-cooled chillers use water as a refrigerant instead of toxic chemicals. This makes them safer for people who have contact with them.

DISADVANTAGES OF WATER-COOLED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM:

Water Cooled Air Conditioning Systems Part 3: 2 PDH | EZ-pdh.com
  • Air-cooled chillers are cheaper than water-cooled chillers because they don’t require parts like cooling towers and condenser water pumps.
  • water-cooled chillers have more parts, they require more maintenance.
  • The extra parts in water-cooled chillers also make installation more of a hassle. This can mean higher labor costs for the installation of water-cooled chillers as opposed to air-cooled chillers.
  • Businesses need to have a mechanical room to house a water-cooled chiller. This is to ensure that the chiller will function properly with its cooling tower and extra components.
  • They use a good amount of water, water-cooled chillers aren’t great in regions that have water shortages.
  • They will operate less efficiently in humid environments.

TYPES OF WATER-COOLED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS:

There are two types of water-cooled AC systems:

  • chilled water system 
  • cooling tower technology
Water Cooling - Parts, Working, diagram, Advantages and Disadvantages

MAJOR COMPONENTS OF WATER-COOLED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM:

  • Water block(s)
  • Reservoir.
  • Pump.
  • Radiator(s)
  • Fans.
  • Fittings.
  • Tubes.
  • Cooling liquid or coolant

    In conclusion, water-cooled air conditioning systems offer several advantages and considerations for improving indoor air quality. These systems operate efficiently, utilizing water as a refrigerant and transferring heat more effectively than air-cooled systems. With quieter operation and reduced vulnerability to outdoor elements, water-cooled chillers provide a reliable solution for cooling large areas or buildings. However, it is important to note that water-cooled systems require more maintenance, installation can be more complex, and they consume a significant amount of water. 

If you’re interested in installing a water-cooled air conditioning system for your New Jersey business and would like professional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Brunswick Engineering. Our experienced team will be happy to assess your specific requirements and provide expert guidance tailored to your needs. We’re here to help you optimize your indoor air quality and create a comfortable environment for your commercial space.