What liquid does a chiller typically cool for air conditioning purposes?

A chiller is designed primarily to cool water for use in air conditioning systems. In commercial and industrial applications, chilled water is circulated through a piping system to absorb heat from the air in buildings, which helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This process involves the evaporative cooling cycle, where the chiller removes heat from the water, lowering its temperature before it is circulated throughout the facility.

While refrigerants are indeed crucial in the cooling cycle of a chiller, they are typically not the liquid that is cooled for distribution in air conditioning. Instead, refrigerants work within the closed-loop system of the chiller to facilitate the heat exchange process but do not serve as the cooling medium circulated through the building.

Oil can be used in certain systems, but it is generally not utilized as the fluid for cooling in air conditioning; instead, oil is more common in lubrication or mechanical applications separate from the cooling function. Antifreeze mixtures are often used in specific applications, such as in colder climates where freezing could occur, but these are not standard for typical air conditioning chiller operations, where water is the preferred medium due to its high specific heat capacity and availability.

Overall, the cooling of water by chillers is essential for efficient HVAC systems, establishing water as