The cooling capacity of an air-cooled chiller can vary widely depending on the specific make and model of the chiller, as well as its size and design. Air-cooled chillers are available in a range of capacities to suit different cooling needs, from small-scale applications to large industrial processes.
Typically, the cooling capacity of an air-cooled chiller is measured in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) or in tons of refrigeration (TR). Here are some general guidelines for the cooling capacity of air-cooled chillers:
Small-Scale Units: Small air-cooled chillers designed for residential or light commercial use might have cooling capacities ranging from a few thousand BTU/hr (for portable units) to around 5 to 15 tons of refrigeration for larger residential or small commercial systems.
Commercial and Industrial Units: For larger commercial and industrial applications, air-cooled chillers can have cooling capacities ranging from 20 to several hundred tons of refrigeration. These chillers are used to cool large buildings, manufacturing processes, data centers, and more.
Modular and Custom Solutions: In some cases, air-cooled chiller systems can be designed with modular units that can be combined to achieve the desired cooling capacity. This allows for flexibility in meeting specific cooling requirements.
It's important to note that the cooling capacity required for a particular application depends on factors such as the size of the space or process being cooled, the temperature requirements, and the heat load generated by equipment or processes within the space. Therefore, the cooling capacity of an air-cooled chiller should be selected based on a thorough assessment of the specific cooling needs of the project. Consulting with a professional HVAC engineer or technician is often necessary to determine the appropriate capacity for your application.