What type of compressor produces the pressure difference in a low-pressure chiller?

In a low-pressure chiller system, the compressor is responsible for creating the necessary pressure difference to facilitate the refrigeration cycle. The centrifugal compressor is particularly well-suited for this application due to its ability to handle large volumes of refrigerant gas efficiently and generate the required low pressure effectively.

Centrifugal compressors operate by converting kinetic energy from a rotating impeller into pressure energy, which compresses the refrigerant gas as it moves through the stages of the compressor. This process allows them to achieve high flow rates with a relatively low compression ratio, making them ideal for low-pressure chiller applications that often need to maintain steady, efficient operation with large amounts of circulating refrigerant.

The design of centrifugal compressors also allows for lower vibration levels and improved reliability, which enhances their performance in commercial cooling systems. This efficiency and reliability make centrifugal compressors a common choice for low-pressure chiller systems, as they can consistently maintain the desired pressure levels needed for effective cooling.