How Does a Water-Cooled Screw Chiller Work?

Consistent and dependable cooling is crucial for industrial and commercial applications today. Whether you run a factory, a skyscraper, or a data centre, knowing the operation of a water cooled screw chiller will equip you with a deeper understanding of your HVAC system. This guide is designed to help you understand the basic concepts, technical operation, and advantages of such chillers, as well as why they remain the go-to solution for extensive cooling.

Understanding the Basics of a Water-Cooled Screw Chiller

Screw chillers are a kind of refrigeration system that uses a water-cooled medium and a screw compressor to compress the refrigerant. While air-cooled chillers dissipate heat into the air, water-cooled ones utilise a cooling tower to remove heat from the system, making them ideal for extensive operations. Their primary purpose is to produce chilled water for central air conditioning chillers or for process cooling in industrial applications. 

These chillers are quiet, have a long lifespan, and are more energy-efficient than air-cooled alternatives due to their water-cooled design. Additionally, they require less space when greater cooling capacities are needed.

Key Components and Their Roles

Screw Compressor

The screw type chiller incorporates a helical rotary screw compressor, which continuously compresses the refrigerant. Unlike reciprocating compressors, this type of compressor operates with less vibration and provides stable operation.

Evaporator 

Using the chilled water loop, heat is transferred in the evaporator. The industrial water-cooled chiller then removes heat from the HVAC or process system. 

Condenser 

Heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the cooling water loop in the condenser. This water is then circulated to the cooling tower to be cooled before returning. 

Expansion Valve 

Maintaining optimal pressure for heat absorption, the expansion valve also maintains the optimal flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. 

Cooling Tower 

The cooling tower dissipates heat from the condenser water, enabling the system to operate efficiently even in high ambient temperatures. 

For more information on different system types, please visit our page on water-cooled chiller systems.

How Does the Process Work?

Your water-cooled screw compressor chiller operates on the following cycle:  

Screw Compression: The refrigerant vapour increases in pressure as the compressor screw compresses it.  

Condensation: The refrigerant condenses by transferring thermal energy to the water loop, which is then further transferred to the cooling tower.  

Expansion: The refrigerant undergoes expansion, where the expansion valve reduces its temperature and pressure.  

Evaporation: The refrigerant completes the cycle by removing thermal energy from the chilled water returning from the building or industrial process in the evaporator.  

Due to water’s heat transfer effectiveness, commercial and large-capacity screw water chillers typically function more efficiently in demanding settings.  

For more information, refer to our comprehensive guide on Air-Cooled Water Chillers, especially when deciding on the most suitable type for a particular application.

Applications of Water-Cooled Screw Chillers

Industrial Process Cooling

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, food processing, and chemicals utilise process cooling screw chillers as temperature-regulating devices in their production lines. 

Central HVAC Systems

Office blocks, hotels, shopping centres, and hospitals use water-cooled HVAC chillers for centralised air conditioning.

Data Centres

Due to their high heat loads and continuous operations, data centres rely on water-cooled, energy-efficient chillers to sustain them.

To learn how to pick the best unit for your operation, explore How to Choose the Right Water Cooled Screw Chiller for Your Industrial Needs.

Why Choose a Water-Cooled Screw Chiller?

• Energy Efficiency: Systems of this type usually require less energy, thanks to their optimised heat rejection functionalities.

• Reduction in Noise Pollution: The heat rejection system uses water instead of air, resulting in significantly quieter operation compared to systems cooled via air.

• Smaller Footprint: For advanced capacity requirements, these systems require less real estate than air-cooled systems of similar capacity.

• System Life Span: Given routine upkeep, water-cooled chiller systems can maintain peak performance for many years.

Industry reports indicate a growing demand for these systems. Discover more in Industry Insights: Why Water Cooled Screw Chillers Are Gaining Popularity in 2025.

Earth Cooling System: Delivering Reliable Cooling Since 2014

Founded in Delhi, Earth Cooling System has grown to be one of the premier manufacturers of industrial water-cooled chillers and advanced process cooling solutions in India. With his company’s reputation extending to four other countries, including the European Union and the United States, he offers top-notch water-cooled screw compressor chillers for multiple purposes.  

Under the guiding direction of Mr. Sandeep Kheda, Earth Cooling System has matured into a reputable HVAC systems provider through its steadfast contributions to innovation, efficiency, and performance. A central air conditioning chiller or a fully customised industrial unit is not a problem for us, as our engineering team is capable of providing the necessary support to fine-tune the designs. 

For an in-depth look at their operational reliability, read The Quiet Workhorse Behind Complex Cooling Grids: Water Cooled Screw Chiller Insights.

Moving Toward Sustainable Cooling

Increasingly, energy-efficient, water-cooled chillers are central to green building strategies, as they reduce power consumption in industries and commercial establishments. Earth Cooling Systems aligns with this approach through its products, which are mindful of the planet while delivering the required performance. 

Should you wish to upgrade or install a water-cooled screw chiller in Delhi or any other part of India, Earth Cooling System is at your service. Their expertise in process cooling screw chillers and commercial water-cooled chillers ensures the right solution to meet your cooling needs.

Ready to explore efficient and reliable cooling solutions?

Contact Earth Cooling System, Delhi’s trusted leader in industrial and commercial HVAC solutions. Call us today to discuss your cooling needs with our experts.