Heat exchanger - Free Cooling system

Your application free cooling

Today's cooling systems are usually equipped with various technologies to ensure efficient cooling performance. One of these technologies, which is used in many applications, is "free cooling" or "free cooling". In this article, we will take a closer look at free cooling and the chiller with free cooling.

What is free cooling?

Free cooling is a cooling system that uses natural ambient temperatures to achieve air cooling without the need for additional energy. Conventional cooling systems rely solely on electrical cooling methods. In contrast, free cooling can be a cost- and energy-efficient alternative in suitable environmental conditions. The way how free cooling works is that outside air or cold water is used to dissipate the heat and create the cooling effect. This takes place via a heat exchange process in which the warm air or warm water is brought into contact with the cooling environment. Thanks to this natural cooling, free cooling can save a considerable amount of energy and therefore reduce costs.

Definition and function of free cooling

Free cooling refers to the use of the ambient temperature to cool rooms or systems. The heat is dissipated through contact with cold outside air or cold water. The cooling system therefore uses natural cooling resources instead of relying solely on electrical cooling methods.As a rule, free cooling is used in combination with other cooling systems in order to achieve optimum cooling performance. If the ambient temperature is low enough, free cooling alone can be sufficient to meet the cooling demand, significantly reducing the energy consumption of the chiller.

Advantages and disadvantages of free cooling

Free cooling offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option:

Energy savings: As free cooling uses the natural ambient temperature, energy consumption can be significantly reduced. This leads to cost savings and improved energy efficiency.

Sustainability: Due to the low energy consumption and the use of natural resources, free cooling is more environmentally friendly than conventional cooling systems.

Cost efficiency: As no additional energy is required for cooling, operating costs can be significantly reduced.


Reliability: Free cooling can also serve as a backup system in case the primary cooling system fails or needs maintenance.

Although free cooling offers many advantages, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered:

Dependence on environmental conditions: For free cooling to work effectively, certain environmental conditions, such as a sufficiently low outside temperature, are required. In regions with high temperatures or high humidity, free cooling may be less efficient.

Restrictions with regard to areas of application: Not all applications are suitable for free cooling. Particularly in areas where a constant cooling temperature is required, conventional cooling systems may be more suitable.

Innovative technology

Free cooling with air is an innovative technology that is used in various industries. In data centers where constant cooling is required, free cooling in combination with other cooling systems can help reduce energy consumption. By utilizing natural ambient temperatures, companies can cut costs while reducing their environmental impact. Another area where free cooling is used is the food industry. Here it is important to ensure the right temperature for food storage. Free cooling can help to reduce energy costs while maintaining the quality and freshness of products. In the automotive industry, free cooling is also used to regulate the temperature of vehicle engines. By using the ambient temperature, energy consumption can be reduced and the efficiency of the cooling process improved. Free cooling is a promising technology that can help reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. By utilizing natural resources and avoiding additional energy costs, free cooling can be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for various applications.

Column tower and heat exchanger
Column tower and heat exchanger

Chiller with free cooling

The free cooling chiller is a special type of refrigeration system that uses free cooling to achieve an efficient cooling capacity.

How a free cooling chiller works:

The free cooling chiller operates similarly to conventional chillers, but also uses free cooling to minimize energy consumption. In suitable environmental conditions, the cold outside air or cold water is used to support the chiller and make mechanical cooling more efficient.

Advantages of a chiller with free cooling

The use of a chiller with free cooling offers various advantages:

Energy savings: By using free cooling, energy consumption can be significantly reduced, resulting in cost savings.

Improved energy efficiency: The free cooling chiller is more energy efficient than conventional chillers and therefore contributes to sustainability.

Flexibility: The free cooling chiller can be used in combination with other cooling systems to optimize the cooling capacity.

Application examples for chillers with free cooling

Chillers with free cooling are used in various areas of application:



Free cooling in industry:

Industrial cooling systems with free cooling are being used for the air conditioning of production facilities or the cooling of industrial processes. The efficient use of free cooling can reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency.

Free cooling in building services engineering:

In building services engineering, chillers with free cooling based on air as a refrigerant are used to cool rooms and improve the indoor climate. Especially in office buildings or shopping centers where constant cooling is required, free cooling can be a cost-effective option.

Aerial view of the cooling units
Aerial view of the cooling units

Future prospects for free cooling and chillers:

Considering the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and the growing importance of environmental protection, there are promising future prospects for free cooling and chillers:

Technological developments and trends:

Free cooling and chillers themselves are constantly evolving to be even more efficient and sustainable. New technological developments allow for better control and optimization of cooling capacity, while trends such as the integration of renewable energy continue to drive the use of free cooling.

Environmental impact and energy efficiency:

With concerns over climate change and rising energy consumption, the importance of energy efficient cooling systems is growing. Free cooling and chillers play an important role in this, as they can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and greater energy efficiency.

Overall, free cooling in combination with chillers offers a promising solution for energy-efficient cooling. By utilizing natural resources and reducing energy consumption, costs can be lowered and the environment protected. With advancing technological developments and increasing awareness of sustainability, free cooling and chillers will continue to play an important role in the future.

Here you will find suitable products and services

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