(1) The seasonal variations in the building's air conditioning load and the part-load performance of the chiller should be considered. The type of chiller, single-unit capacity, number of units, and annual operating mode should be selected appropriately to improve the operating efficiency of the refrigeration system under partial load conditions, thereby reducing annual operating costs.
(2) From the perspective of providing the same cooling capacity and consuming primary energy, electrically driven chillers have lower energy consumption than absorption chillers. However, in areas with tight electricity supply, or where readily available heat sources exist, especially where waste heat can be utilized, absorption chillers should be given priority.
(3) Considering energy consumption, single-unit capacity, and control aspects, when selecting electrically driven water chillers, centrifugal chillers are recommended when the single-unit air conditioning cooling capacity is greater than 1160 kW; screw or centrifugal chillers are recommended for cooling capacities between 580 and 1160 kW; and piston or scroll chillers are recommended for cooling capacities less than 580 kW.
(4) When selecting a chiller, the environmental impact, such as noise and vibration, should be considered. Absorption chillers have significant advantages in terms of not damaging the atmospheric ozone layer; however, considering the greenhouse effect, absorption chillers have higher CO2 emissions than electrically driven chillers, so a comprehensive consideration is necessary.
