Chillers are required to control temperature and cooling systems in different industries. Given how most industries struggle to stay within their budget, they must choose the correct chiller for their facilities. Lower cooling costs, minimal downtime, and improved operational efficiency are the goal of every industrial owner. Portable chillers can help them meet these targets as they have all the components of large systems and offer the benefit of mobility.
This article shares some insight into the desired specs of portable coolers and how businesses can ensure they invest in suitable models for their buyers in 2025.
Table of Contents
Overview of portable chillers market size
Types of portable chillers
Factors to consider when investing in portable chillers
Conclusion
Overview of portable chillers market size
A portable chiller is designed to remove heat from the finished products in several industrial applications. They comprise a cooling assembly based on gas and water dispersed through heat exchange. There are multiple varieties of portable chillers, making it quite convenient for industrial owners to choose the relevant ones.
The global portable chillers market is anticipated to grow significantly due to increasing demand from different end-user industries. According to a new report by Verified Market Research, the Global Chiller Market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.35% from 2024 to 2031.
Automotive, semiconductor, and chemical processing are some industries contributing to the surge in the demand for portable chillers. They are a must-have in factories with a high chance of overheating and product damage.
When it comes to regional segmentation, note that South and East Asia dominate the demands for portable chillers due to high industrial growth. China and India are also likely to experience a gradual growth in demand due to advancements in plastic, pharmaceutical, printing, and other industries.
Types of portable chillers
Let’s look at the major types of air coolers in the market today.
Water-cooled chillers
A water chiller is a kind of refrigeration system that uses water as a secondary refrigerant. A water chiller system consists of two key circuits: the refrigeration loop and the chilled water loop. The refrigeration loop handles cooling through thermodynamic processes. Meanwhile, the chilled water loop distributes cold water to consumer units, primarily focusing on heat transfer.
The primary qualities of water-cooled chillers that make them stand out are:
- They operate more quietly than air-cooled chillers.
- They are suitable for commercial and small-scale structures.
- They can quickly adapt to indoor installations.
Note that water-cooled chillers need an additional cooling tank, tower, and water pump. They require a constant water supply, which may be unsuitable for locations with water restrictions.
Air-cooled chillers
Air-cooled chillers are refrigeration systems that cool fluids and work with a facility’s air handling system. Instead of using cooling towers like traditional chillers, they rely on fans to release heat outside the building. Air, which cools water and other fluids, helps lower equipment temperature by absorbing and removing heat.
A few exclusive features of this system are:
- They are cheaper to install and maintain than water-cooled chillers.
- They can be used for large events or emergencies because of their simple structure.
- The heat from chillers can provide heat to the facility, offering cost and power savings.
When comparing the two systems, air-cooling chillers are less efficient than water-cooled chillers. Their energy efficiency is 1.00kW/ton compared to the double efficiency of water-cooled variations. Also, air-cooling industrial chillers are known as modular chillers because they can be stacked horizontally. It increases their cooling capacity and fluid temperature range.
Evaporative condensed chiller
An evaporative condenser cools refrigerant by spraying water on the outside of the tubing, turning the vapor inside into liquid. It combines features of both air-cooled and water-cooled condensers, using evaporation to reject heat efficiently.
Some qualities that make these chillers different from the other two are:
- They run on less fan horsepower than air-cooled chillers, resulting in 40% lower energy costs.
- These chiller units consume less floor space.
- Installation and maintenance of evaporative condensers is easier as they have fewer components.
A brief look at these chillers shows that the key purpose of all chillers is the same – to transfer heat from refrigerant gas and cool the required process or equipment. The industrialists must choose a portable chiller system according to equipment and process requirements. A systematic maintenance plan and precise temperature control can keep chillers running smoothly for a long time.
Factors to consider when investing in portable chillers
Efficiency ratio
Efficiency should be the key consideration when selecting portable chillers. The energy efficiency ratio, or EER, is a metric that helps gauge cooling efficiency where a high ratio corresponds to superior performance. Select models with quick shut-off nozzles and efficient hoses. Carefully observing these specifications helps reduce energy consumption and contribute to cost savings.
Size
Size is one of the biggest factors that could make or break prospects’ purchase decisions. A chiller that is too small cannot provide proper cooling, while a system that is too large may fail due to short energy cycling. Buyers have to consider the heat load and flow rate to determine the perfect portable chiller for their needs.
Applications
Chillers have varying applications in different industries. For instance, they are used in food processing industries, metal finishing plants, and even in healthcare. Production levels and operation features of chillers should be evaluated to determine their suitability. Some chillers have different chilling departments. This factor improves their flexibility, efficiency, and versatility.
Noise levels
Noise levels play a central role in user satisfaction with portable chillers. The range varies from almost silent systems to moderately loud ones. Prioritize options with tolerable noise levels so the cooling process doesn’t frustrate workers or pollute the environment.
Heat dissipation methods
How the chiller removes heat makes a difference. The air-cooled and water-cooled chillers have benefits according to the location and temperature in the facility:
- Air-cooled chillers are better for colder climates as you don’t have to worry about freezing water in cooling towers.
- In freezing temperatures, if no steps are taken to prevent the water from dropping below freezing, the cooling tower can become covered in ice. This can greatly diminish its ability to absorb heat. In milder climates, water-cooled chillers are more energy-efficient than air-cooled ones.
Costs and energy consumption
Portable chillers are generally more pocket-friendly than other cooling alternatives. A thorough understanding of their operation and energy consumption can help businesses to make informed decisions. There is a need to balance upfront costs and long-term energy efficiency. Go for models that allow optimal cooling performance without increasing energy expenses.
Conclusion
Most industrial machines produce heat due to their complex operations. They need a well-rounded cooling system to function adequately. Portable cooling systems are fast becoming flexible and efficient solutions to meet diverse industry needs. This article has covered the specifications of the chillers and features that can help businesses make the right decisions. Check out some state-of-the-art portable chillers at Chovm.com.
