Water Cooled Scroll Chiller: Working, Efficiency, Applications & Selection Guide 

A water-cooled chiller removes heat from water and transfers it to another water circuit. This process helps maintain a steady cooling temperature for industrial and commercial operations. A water cooled scroll chiller system uses scroll compressors with a water-cooled condenser to complete this process. 

These chillers are useful where cooling demand is steady, and a suitable water supply is available. RefCon Chiller’s water-cooled scroll chillers are offered from 5 TR to 200 TR for industrial and commercial applications.  

However, choosing a chiller is not only about cooling capacity. The application, heat load, water conditions, operating hours, space, and maintenance needs should also be checked. This guide explains how these chillers work, where they are used, and what to consider before selecting one. 

What Is A Water Cooled Scroll Chiller? 

A water cooled scroll chiller unit is a refrigeration system that uses a scroll compressor to cool water. The cooled water can then be used for process cooling or air conditioning. 

The main components include: 

• Scroll compressor  

• Evaporator  

• Water-cooled condenser  

• Expansion device  

• Refrigerant circuit  

• Chilled-water circuit  

• Control system  

A water cooled scroll chiller has two main water circuits. One carries chilled water to the cooling load. The other carries condenser water to remove heat from the refrigerant. 

The scroll compressor has two spiral-shaped parts. One remains fixed while the other moves in an orbit. This movement compresses the refrigerant and raises its pressure and temperature.  

How The Cooling Process Works 

The water cooled scroll chiller system follows a continuous refrigeration cycle. Each stage helps move heat away from the process or building. 

Step 1: Heat Enters the Evaporator 

Warm water enters the evaporator. The cold refrigerant absorbs heat from this water. 

Step 2: Refrigerant Is Compressed 

The compressor receives the refrigerant vapour. It compresses the vapour and increases its pressure and temperature. 

Step 3: Heat Moves to the Condenser Water 

The hot refrigerant enters the condenser. Water flowing through the condenser absorbs heat from the refrigerant. 

Step 4: Refrigerant Pressure Drops 

The refrigerant passes through the expansion device. Its pressure and temperature fall. 

Step 5: The Cycle Starts Again 

The colder refrigerant returns to the evaporator. It absorbs more heat from the chilled water, and the cycle continues. 

This process allows a water cooled scroll chiller unit to provide continuous cooling when it is correctly sized and maintained. 

Why Water Cooling Can Support Efficiency 

Water transfers heat effectively. This makes it useful for removing heat from the refrigerant inside a chiller condenser. 

A water cooled scroll chiller can also work with lower condensing temperatures when the condenser water is maintained at suitable conditions. This can help reduce compressor energy use. 

Some other benefits include: 

• Compact equipment design  

• Stable heat rejection  

• Lower operating noise at the chiller  

• Good performance for steady cooling loads  

• Suitable operation in warm conditions  

• Flexible use across industrial processes  

However, the chiller itself is not the only factor that affects energy use. Pumps, cooling towers, water temperature, refrigerant conditions, and load levels also matter. 

A water cooled scroll chiller system should therefore be assessed as a complete cooling setup. 

Where These Chillers Are Commonly Used 

An industrial water cooled scroll chiller can be used where a process needs controlled and steady cooling. 

Typical applications include: 

• Plastic and rubber processing  

• Food and beverage production  

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing  

• Chemical processing  

• Metal surface treatment  

• Data centres  

• Manufacturing plants  

• Commercial buildings  

• Healthcare facilities  

RefCon lists water-cooled scroll chiller applications across plastics and rubber, metal surface treatment, food and beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial and commercial uses.  

A water cooled scroll chiller unit can be useful for processes where temperature changes may affect product quality or equipment performance. 

Water-Cooled Vs Air-Cooled Chillers 

The choice between water cooling and air cooling depends on the site and its cooling needs. 

Factor	Water-Cooled Chiller	Air-Cooled Chiller
Heat rejection	Uses condenser water	Uses ambient air
Cooling tower	Usually required	Not required
Water use	Required	Lower water dependence
Installation	Needs water circuit	Simpler installation
Space	Often compact at the chiller	Needs good airflow
Maintenance	Includes water circuit care	Focuses on coils and fans

A water cooled scroll chiller system is often considered where the facility already has suitable water infrastructure. 

What To Check Before Selecting One 

The right chiller should match the actual cooling requirement. A water cooled scroll chiller supplier should review the application before suggesting a specific model. 

Consider these points: 

• Cooling load: Calculate both normal and peak heat loads. 

• Water temperature: Confirm the required supply and return temperatures. 

• Operating hours: Continuous operations need attention to efficiency and reliability. 

• Water quality: Poor water quality can affect condenser performance and increase cleaning needs. 

• Available space: Allow room for the chiller, pumps, piping, cooling tower, and service access. 

• Controls: Automatic controls can help manage changing loads and protect the equipment. 

• Maintenance support: Check service availability, spare parts, and routine inspection requirements. 

A reliable water cooled scroll chiller manufacturer should be able to discuss these points before the final selection. 

When Should You Consider a Screw Chiller? 

A screw chiller may be considered when the cooling requirement is larger or when the application needs a different compressor arrangement. 

A screw compressor uses two helical rotors to compress refrigerant. These systems are commonly used for larger cooling loads. RefCon offers air-cooled and water-cooled screw chillers, along with ammonia-based options for low and medium temperature applications.  

A chiller with screw compressor is not automatically the right option for every plant. The final choice should depend on load, temperature, operating hours, and system design. 

A screw chiller can be a practical option for applications that need higher capacity and continuous cooling. 

Similarly, a chiller with screw compressor should be selected after reviewing the complete cooling profile. 

Maintenance Tips for Steady Performance 

Regular maintenance can help prevent cooling problems and unexpected shutdowns. A water cooled scroll chiller unit needs attention to both the refrigeration system and water circuits. 

Important checks include: 

• Inspecting condenser water flow  

• Checking water quality  

• Cleaning heat-transfer surfaces  

• Checking refrigerant pressure  

• Inspecting electrical connections  

• Checking compressor operation  

• Reviewing pump performance  

• Inspecting cooling tower operation  

• Testing safety controls  

An industrial water cooled scroll chiller should also be serviced according to its operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations. 

Make The Right Cooling Choice For Your Plant 

The right cooling system should match the process, heat load, water availability, space, and operating pattern. A water cooled scroll chiller system can provide stable cooling when these factors are assessed properly. 

Refcon Chillers manufactures and supplies water-cooled and air-cooled scroll chillers. Their listed water-cooled scroll range covers 5 TR to 200 TR.  

As a water cooled scroll chiller manufacturer, they provide cooling systems for industrial and commercial applications. As a water cooled scroll chiller supplier, they can help assess capacity, configuration, and application requirements. 

For larger cooling requirements, their range also includes a screw chiller and a chiller with screw compressor.  

Selecting the right equipment is ultimately about matching the chiller to the actual cooling need. Proper sizing, water management, routine maintenance, and suitable system design can help support reliable performance over time.