Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Chiller For Automotive

06 Jan.,2025

 

5 Factors to Consider When Buying a New Chiller Unit

How Does Energy Efficiency Impact Chiller Performance and Costs?

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Energy efficiency is a critical consideration when purchasing a chiller. Choosing an energy-efficient model reduces operational costs and aligns with sustainability goals. Look for chillers with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating or advanced features, such as variable speed drives, to improve performance. 

Please note that Evolution Cooling prioritises efficiency, offering a selection of chillers that not only reduce energy consumption but also enhance long-term savings. Our expertise ensures that you select a chiller designed to meet your energy requirements while keeping utility bills manageable. With the right model, you can achieve both peak performance and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your investment pays off over time.

How Important Is Maintenance and Servicing for Chiller Longevity?

Routine maintenance is vital for keeping a chiller functioning efficiently and extending its lifespan. Without regular servicing, chillers are more prone to reduced performance, higher energy consumption, and unexpected breakdowns, which can be costly to repair. Proper maintenance involves inspecting key components such as compressors, condensers, and evaporators, as well as monitoring refrigerant levels and cleaning filters. Addressing minor issues early prevents them from escalating into significant problems that disrupt operations. Regular maintenance also improves energy efficiency, ensuring the system runs optimally and lowers operational costs over time.

We help to minimise these risks by providing thorough maintenance services, including routine inspections and prompt repairs. With quick access to replacement parts and expert servicing, operational downtime is kept to a minimum, enhancing both the reliability and longevity of the equipment.

5-1/2 THINGS to ask when buying a new chiller for your ...

So, you need to upgrade or replace your imaging systems process chiller. If you are like many decision makers, some anxiety about the series of decisions required for such an undertaking is normal. 

Below, I have provided some information that will assist you with your research and decision process. For more detailed information and rating tools to evaluate various process chiller manufacturers, check out the Process Chiller Buyers Guide available at legacychillers.com  

#1: Do I buy a process chiller bundled with my imaging system (OEM supplied) or shop and buy direct?

Let's face it, time is money right? For an owner or manager of a medical imaging center, purchasing a process chiller is most likely not something you will do on a regular basis. For this reason, there is a strong argument to accept your OEM's proposal to bundle the chiller in with the total package.

If the above scenario sounds like a no brainier, and MANY owners go this way, there are pros and cons to a bundled package.  Like many things in business, there are pros and cons to consider as follows:

The PROs:

It's one price that can be budgeted into your financing. One stop shipping can be more time efficient for the initial purchase. 

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The CONs:

Since most OEMs sell medical imaging gear all over the world, they generally have pre-engineered process chillers that may or may not be equipped with the correct features (see below on features) for your operating environment. Additionally, you can expect to pay double (or more) for the initial cost of the chiller as well as repair services if the OEM bundles that in as well. 

 Bottom line, if you have time to shop (and ask the right questions) you can usually save significant costs both long and short term. It's also possible to expect less downtime and lower overall operating costs by working direct with a qualified chiller manufacturer that can sell you a properly equipped process chiller specifically designed for your operating environment. On the services side, there are many Independent Service Operators (ISOs) that can provide excellent service on your chiller as well as imaging gear at a lower cost than an OEM. If you are interested in finding an ISO active in your market, please consider reaching out to Legacy. We can generally provide you with several referrals. 

#2: How much can I expect to pay for a process chiller?

Prices can vary a lot depending on the cooling load of your imaging system and your operating environment. Most imaging systems require from 60,000 btuh (5 ton) to 180,000 bthu (15 ton) process chiller capacities.

We have found that cost per ton is the best overall method for budgeting.  Assuming you purchase a chiller specifically designed for mission critical applications, you can expect to pay from $1,400 to  $1,800 per ton. Generally, the more tons you purchase, the lower the cost per ton. Please keep in mind the cost per ton method generally does not include installation or maintenance costs. If you need pricing on system design and/or installation of your next chiller system, consider reaching out to Legacy. We can generally provide you with several referrals. 

#3: What features should my process chiller have?

This subject is probably one of the least understood, yet the most important. I can't tell you how many times we get calls from buyers of other brand chillers in a panic because they just can't get their chiller to work right. Below I have listed the most important process chiller features and when they should be applied:

  • Glycol rated evaporator: If your chiller is mounted outside and your outdoor ambient can get to below zero, you MUST run HVAC grade glycol in your process chiller with very few exceptions. If you need to run glycol concentrations higher then 20%, you will need an upgraded evaporator in your chiller. Some manufactures do not offer this feature. If the above conditions apply to your site, please consider asking for this when you get a quote. 
  • The right pump: Although your imaging gear will have specific flow and pressure requirements, the distance between your process chiller and the mechanical room can dramatically impact the chillers pumping requirements. If you are buying a replacement chiller, DO NOT fall into the trap of simply matching the pump horsepower of the old chiller. This can lead to some significant and costly problems you don't need.

    If your current chiller's pump is running, the best way to go is to get ALL of the information on your pump along with supply and return pressure readings. With that information, the chiller manufacturer should be able to properly specify the right pump for your system's operating environment. 
  • Low ambient - Condenser Fan cycle: If your chiller utilizes an air-cooled condenser, is mounted outside and your ambient has the potential to drop below 40F, adding a condenser fan cycle feature is highly recommended.  
  • Low ambient - Flooded condenser: If your chiller utilizes an air-cooled condenser, is mounted outside and your ambient has the potential to drop below 20F, adding a flooded condenser feature is highly recommended.  
  • Economizer: If your chiller utilizes an air-cooled condenser, is mounted outside and ambient has the potential to drop below 40F, an addition of an Economizer feature can reduce your chiller's energy usage up to 60%.  For more information on process chiller economizers, check out Legacy Chillers Nexus line. 
  • Remote alarming: For Mission Critical process chiller applications this is a VERY valuable feature. The ability to connect your chiller to the Internet and send out alerts and other predictive data that can impact the reliability of your system is VERY important.  There is a limited number of process chiller manufacturers that offer this feature. Nonetheless, if it is offered, we highly recommend adding this feature for any mission critical process chiller applications. 

#4: When buying a chiller direct from a manufacturer, who do I call when it needs service?

Since a process chiller is basically a refrigeration system cooling water, very similar to an air conditioning (AC) system that cools air, a qualified journeymen level HVACR technician can provide most services needed on a chiller. A great place to start is with your current HVACR service provider maintaining your facility's air conditioning systems. Many times, they will have technicians on staff that are familiar with process chillers. There are also some potential cost savings advantages of having your process chiller serviced at the same time as your AC. 

#5: How do I keep my chiller downtime to a minimum?

Have a service agreement with a qualified HVACR contractor or ISO in place at all times. Look at repair recommendations and keep on top of routine maintenance schedules. This does represent a little administrative work your your part; however, it provides an excellent return on investment. Following these three items will reduce annual downtime, related to mechanical failures, by 80% or more. 

#5-1/2: How do I know the chiller I am getting is sized properly for my imaging system?

All OEM manufacturers of medical imaging equipment will provide a site preparation (name will vary) document that provides all site cooling (or chiller) requirements. It is highly recommended that you find that data and send it to a qualified process chiller manufacturer. In just a few pages, you can effectively communicate key information assuring the correct sizing of your chiller. Important note, PLEASE make sure the information you are sending is the correct data.

If your are replacing an older chiller, make sure to get all information from your existing chiller's pump, a photo of the chiller nomenclature tag and any other information you may have on it. Send it to a qualified chiller manufacturer and make sure to request the features (above) that your site needs. 

If you are installing a new imaging system, some mechanical engineering may be required. Legacy can help you with this or refer you to one or more qualified design build contractors in your area. Visit the Legacy Chillers website for more information.

Are you interested in learning more about Chiller For Automotive? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!