Modular chillers

Reduced installation and running costs in chillers

Core component of the HVAC system, a chiller cools the water or brine used to cool and dehumidify air in buildings or industrial processes. It's a factory-assembled unit that cools the water or brine using an evaporator, and has an internal or a remote condenser with appropriate controls. The condenser can be either water-cooled or air-cooled. A chiller based on such a design has a variety of applications, from space cooling to process purposes.

A typical modular chiller unit uses tandem fixed-speed compressors to provide some part-load capability for the modular system. These units share the same water system to provide cooled or heated water to the building.

Danfoss offers the option of using only one variable speed compressor instead of a fixed-speed tandem in order to better match the capacity requirement of the modular chiller unit.

Why choose Danfoss variable speed compressors for modular chillers?

For the end user:

Using the Danfoss inverter compressor solution, the unit will have much better seasonal energy efficiency, providing energy savings all year round. The energy saving potential in both heating and cooling modes is illustrated in the graph below as a function of ambient temperature:

For the OEM:

By using one inverter compressor, the design of the unit can be simplified to provide continuous capacity output over the full speed range. The manufacturer can provide flexible options to the end user such as:
- Full variable speed solution, where all units use variable speed compressors to achieve the best efficiency and modulation.
- A solution using a combination of variable-speed compressors with other fixed-speed compressor modules, allows a good improvement in energy efficiency whilst remaining cost competitive.
Cost reductions can be achieved because fewer components may be needed, such as multiple fixed-speed compressors, relays, and pressure switches; the amount of piping required will also be less.
Modular chiller units using Danfoss variable speed compressor solutions also provide the opportunity for manufacturers to offer an alternative to VRF units.
VZH variable speed chiller designs also give manufacturers the opportunity to offer innovative and differentiated solutions which can improve product and brand image, instead of units using traditional on-off compressor technology.

What other benefits are there for your customers when they choose Danfoss inverter compressors?

Reduced installation costs: thanks to the more reactive adaptation to cooling demand, the manufacturer or the installer has the possibility of eliminating or downsizing buffer water tanks, with a significant cost saving and reduction in footprint
Lower sound level: under part-load conditions, especially during the night, chillers using a variable speed solution will have lower sound levels than traditional on-off compressor systems in both running and start-up periods
Short pay-back period: the pay-back period with this innovative technology can also be as little as 2 years for the end customer
Lower environmental impact: reduced impact on the environment with R410A refrigerant

The most important benefits for customers

Energy savings
Reduced installation costs

Highlighted products

Reciprocating inverter - VTZ

Danfoss reciprocating inverter compressors avoid oversized and short cycling systems. The compressor automatically adapts to the current load. By combining an efficient Danfoss Maneurop® reciprocating compressor with a Danfoss Drive, the company provides an innovative and intelligent package that utilizes variable-speed technology to ensure superior efficiency across the entire operating range for precision cooling.

Turbocor® - TTS

Danfoss Turbocor^®model TTS oil free compressors are available in four different models ranging from 60 tons to 200 tons / 200 to 700 kW utilizing R134a or low GWP R513A.

Inverter scrolls - VRJ

Danfoss inverter scroll compressor solutions for commercial air conditioning and process-cooling applications. R410A, single units. VSH: first-generation commercial inverter scroll compressors with frequency converter CDS302. VZH: second-generation commercial inverter scroll compressors with frequency converter CDS303. VRJ: first high-tier residential inverter scroll compressors with frequency converter CDS801.

Inverter scrolls - VZH

Danfoss inverter scroll compressor VZH offers effectiveness and reliability. Over 30% energy savings is possible in rooftops, chillers, close controls etc.

Inverter scrolls - VSH

Case stories

Denmark's new climate-friendly hospitality giant depends on Turbocor® oil-free chiller

The new Alsik hotel in Southern Denmark sets a higher standard in energy-efficiency and is built to reach 76% CO₂-neutrality. A main contributor is the 900-kW chillers by Clint (a company of G.I. Industrial Holding) which features award-winning Danfoss Turbocor oil-free compressors.

Oil-free compressors maintain consistent performance over time

Danfoss conducted a study to see how long term operation affected performance on Danfoss Turbocor^® compressors. The results showed that oil-free, magnetic bearing compressors maintained consistent performance even after 10+ years of operation.

Wind power

Wind turbine producing water cooled by an energy efficient refrigeration system featuring inverter scroll compressor

Danfoss variable speed technology for shopping mall air conditioning

Shopping malls

Inverter technology is improving one of the world's largest home DYI stores and helping gain Brazil’s first sustainability certificate with an innovative air conditioning installation.

Satellite launch towers

The satellite launch tower is a vital facility. Reliable energy efficient inverter HVAC unit in this critical application was secured with Danfoss solution.

Research laboratories

Renovation of Key Laboratory in Shanghai illustrates the benefits of temperature control and energy savings in critical applications with inverter technologies

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