loading
Air Cooled Scroll Chiller and Heat Pump Unit
Ruidong or OEM
| Availability: | |
|---|---|
| Quantity: | |
In the summer, factory floors feel like steaming saunas; running the central air conditioning in office buildings causes electricity bills to skyrocket; and production areas require precise temperature control, which existing equipment simply cannot provide—many customers were stuck with these issues before turning to Ruidong.
This is especially true for factories undergoing expansion. A 200kW chiller system may be sufficient now, but it won’t be enough once production lines double in three years. Tear out the old equipment and buy new? The cost is too high. Not only does spare equipment take up space, but the entire workshop must shut down during major maintenance.
Ruidong’s modular air-cooled scroll chiller system is designed precisely for these scenarios. Each module functions as an independent cooling unit. During the initial purchase, install 2–3 modules to meet current demand; when expansion is needed later, simply connect new modules in parallel. No need to tear down and rebuild. No need for extensive downtime. The modules come with built-in internal piping connections, so there’s no need to leave gaps when connecting them, saving installation space.
Moreover, modularity offers more than just flexible expansion. During normal operation, the microcomputer control system automatically starts and stops the appropriate number of modules based on the load. On the hottest days of summer, all 10 modules run at full capacity. During the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, only 3 modules may be needed to meet demand. The other modules remain on standby. Standby mode means energy savings. This is the core reason why modular systems are more energy-efficient than a single large unit.
The basic function of an air-cooled scroll unit is cooling, delivering chilled water to fan coil units or air handling units.
But this Ruidong unit goes two steps further:
Heating Mode (Heat Pump): The refrigeration cycle runs in reverse, extracting heat from the outdoor air. In winter, the unit provides heating on its own, eliminating the need for a separate boiler.
Heat Recovery Mode: While cooling, the unit recovers waste heat from the compressor to heat water. The recovered hot water can reach temperatures of over 60°C, making it suitable for preheating boiler feedwater or for direct use as domestic or process hot water.
For buildings such as hotels and hospitals—which require cooling in the summer and hot water year-round—the heat recovery function effectively transforms waste heat that would otherwise be lost into a free heat source. Compared to installing a separate boiler or water heater, this solution offers lower initial investment and reduced operating costs.
The air conditioning demands of commercial buildings such as shopping malls, supermarkets, office buildings, and hotel lobbies fall within this range.
Process cooling and equipment cooling in factory workshops also fall within this range.
The temperature-controlled environments of pharmaceutical production areas and the cooling stages of food processing lines similarly fall within this range.
If a single unit is insufficient, units can be connected in parallel. What is the maximum number that can be connected? According to the information on this page, Ruidong’s modular platform theoretically supports unlimited expansion; however, from a practical operational and management perspective, limiting a single chilled water system to 8–10 modules is a reasonable configuration. In any case, it is entirely feasible for a single system to achieve a cooling capacity of 480 kW or even higher.
To accommodate different climatic conditions, Ruidong has categorized its units into three configurations:
Standard Module
The primary choice for normal temperature conditions, suitable for most regions with mild climates, balancing cooling efficiency and heating performance.
Superheating Module
Increases the compressor suction superheat via an economizer circuit to enhance heating capacity and operational efficiency in low-temperature environments. Suitable for regions with low winter temperatures that require stable heating.
Ultra-Low Temperature Module
Specifically designed for cold regions, this module maintains reliable operation at lower ambient temperatures, preventing the heating capacity decline or shutdown that occurs with standard heat pumps in severe cold weather.
Conclusion: The Standard Module is sufficient for temperate regions. In northern areas where sub-zero temperatures may occur, the Enhanced Vaporization Module or Ultra-Low Temperature Module is a more reliable choice.
Shopping malls, hotels, office buildings
Supplies chilled water to central air conditioning systems. Heat pump models can also provide heating in the winter. For buildings like hotels that require hot water year-round, a heat recovery module can be added to use waste heat from the system to preheat domestic hot water.
Factory Workshops and Process Cooling
Injection molding machines, welding equipment, and laser cutters on production lines generate significant amounts of heat during operation. Without cooling, equipment precision will decline and failure rates will rise. This system provides continuous, temperature-stable cooling water.
Pharmaceutical and Food Processing
Pharmaceutical production facilities and food processing lines often have statutory requirements for temperature and humidity (such as GMP certification). The control precision and stability of this unit meet these requirements.
Data Centers
Heat dissipation in server rooms is continuous and requires cooling water at precise temperatures. Air-cooled units do not require cooling towers, so they do not occupy additional space on rooftops or in basements; this flexibility is a significant advantage for retrofit projects.
Compared to traditional water-cooled + cooling tower systems
No cooling towers, cooling water pumps, complex piping, or cooling water treatment required
Lower initial investment and shorter installation time
Simpler operation and management, with less demanding daily maintenance
Compared to Split-Type Multi-Split Systems (VRF)
The chilled water system can flexibly accommodate various terminal units (fan coil units, air handling units, radiant floors, process cooling equipment, etc.)
Piping can be extended over longer distances, with fewer restrictions on floor levels and zones
Better suited for scenarios involving both new construction and retrofit/expansion projects
Compared to a Single High-Capacity Unit
Modularity allows for phased investment: install only what is needed now. When future expansion is needed, simply add more modules
Higher redundancy: If one compressor fails, the other modules continue to operate, and the entire system remains running
Higher part-load efficiency (IPLV): The number of modules can be dynamically adjusted according to load, avoiding over-capacity
Easier transportation and installation: Each individual module is significantly smaller and lighter than a single large unit with the same total capacity
