What is a Split Chiller System

The biggest difference between a split chiller system and a packaged chiller is that its condensing and evaporating components are not in the same unit. The condensing system of a split chiller system is outdoors, and the evaporating system is indoors, which is very similar to the indoor and outdoor unit layout of an air conditioner. This article explains its structural features and advantages.

Structure of a Split Chiller

---

A split chiller consists of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a connection system.
 
•Outdoor unit: includes a compressor, a condenser, and a fan. These components are installed outdoors in a well-ventilated area to facilitate heat dissipation.
 
•Indoor unit: includes an evaporator, a water pump, a water tank, a piping system, a thermostat, etc. It is typically installed near a heat source to minimize cooling loss during transportation.
 
•Connection system: The outdoor and indoor units are connected by pipes, power lines, and control lines.

Working principle of a split chiller

---

The compressor placed outdoors in the chiller system compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerant releases heat through the condenser to the ambient air, cools down, and condenses into a liquid. After the expansion valve throttles the refrigerant, it flows into the evaporator of the indoor unit along the pipeline.
 
The evaporation process absorbs heat from the chilled water and cooling it . The pumping system transports the cooled coolant to the equipment or process that needs to be cooled. The refrigerant will return to the compressor after evaporation, and the coolant will return to the evaporator after absorbing heat. They will enter the next cycle.

Advantages of Split Chillers

---

• Flexible Installation

The components of the split chiller are not in one shell, but are installed outdoors and indoors. This design is very suitable for places with limited indoor space or poor indoor ventilation. The indoor and outdoor units can be placed flexibly according to on-site space constraints.

• Reduce Indoor Noise

Il noise of the chiller mainly comes from the compressor, fan and motor. These components of the split chiller are installed outdoors, and only the evaporator and control components are installed indoors, which can reduce indoor noise. In some places that are sensitive to sound, such as laboratories and hospitals, split chillers can provide personnel with a more comfortable and quiet working environment.

• Convenient Maintenance

The design of separate indoor and outdoor units allows for larger maintenance space. Technicians can disassemble and inspect indoor and outdoor components separately when maintaining equipment. Some split chillers also support modular design, which is convenient for replacing faulty units, system expansion and upgrade.

Split chiller vs packaged chiller

---

Comparison Item	Split Chiller	Packaged Chiller
Installation Method	Flexible installation locations	Quick installation
Space Adaptability	Suitable for tight indoor spaces	Requires space for whole unit
Noise Control	Quieter indoors	Indoor noise is centralized
Heat Dissipation	Outdoor heat dissipation	Relies on indoor ventilation
Power Matching	Supports high power for heavy loads	Limited power for medium/small loads
Cost	Slightly higher	Relatively lower

Application of split chiller

---

Split chiller system is suitable for places with limited indoor space and noise-sensitive places.

• Semiconductor manufacturing

The clean room of semiconductor factory has strict control requirements for noise, vibration and heat. Split system places the main noise-generating components outdoors, and only retains evaporators and pumps indoors, which can provide a good indoor environment.

• Medical and laboratory equipment

Equipment such as RISONANZA MAGNETICA, CT and molecular diagnostic instruments generate heat when running, but hospitals and laboratories usually have limited indoor space. Split chillers have few components placed indoors and do not take up too much indoor space.

• Commercial buildings and data centers

In commercial buildings and data centers, the components of split chillers that generate noise and emit heat are located away from equipment rooms and office areas. For example, the compressor can be placed on the roof or in the equipment well to avoid overheating or excessive noise indoors.
 
In addition, laser equipment, industrial machine tools, and printing and packaging machines can also use split chillers to control equipment operation and process temperature.

Conclusion

---

If you are interested in packaged chillers and modular chillers, LNEYA can provide quotations and technical support based on your working conditions. Design your temperature control unit with support from experienced thermal control specialists.

FAQ