THULE Air-Cooled Chiller

The THULE Series is developed for industrial production applications that require process water to be supplied at a defined and stable temperature. It can cool machinery, moulds, oil and processes in plastics, rubber, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, metalworking, textile and electronics facilities. It can also serve central air-conditioning systems in data centres, production facilities and large commercial buildings. Its 2–2,000 kW range allows adaptation from cooling one machine to centrally cooling large, multiple production lines.

An air-cooled chiller transfers process heat directly to outdoor air through condenser fans. It therefore needs no cooling tower, condenser pump or additional water circuit, is easier to install and simplifies plant infrastructure because it consumes no water. A water-cooled chiller transfers heat through condenser water, generally to a cooling tower. Capacity, climate, annual operating hours, water availability, installation space and operating costs are considered together to determine the more suitable system.

Capacity is not calculated only from machine power or the nominal capacity of existing equipment. Process inlet and outlet water temperatures, flow rate, production heat, simultaneously operating machines, ambient temperature, daily operating hours and load variations are assessed together. Because capacity and energy use can change at high ambient temperatures, selection is based on the local design temperature. Compressor count, refrigerant circuits and condenser capacity are then matched to actual operating conditions to prevent insufficient capacity and unnecessary energy consumption.

Inverter fans fitted as standard continuously adjust their speed according to condenser pressure and ambient temperature, preventing constant full-speed operation and unnecessary electricity use. Reducing speed at low ambient temperature or partial load lowers energy use and noise. At high ambient temperatures, controlled speed increases keep condenser pressure and cooling performance stable.

Yes. Condenser surface area, fan selection and controls are configured for the project climate. Condenser sizing is based on the local summer design temperature to preserve capacity in hot conditions. In cold weather, inverter fans operate at lower speeds according to condenser pressure to maintain stability. Low-ambient operation and required freeze-protection systems are assessed for facilities that need cooling throughout the year.

With their large heat-transfer surface and compact construction, microchannel condensers help reduce both unit size and refrigerant charge. Low weight and high heat-transfer performance support efficient air-cooled chiller operation. Condenser selection considers unit capacity and the environmental conditions at the site.

Freeze protection is provided through several safety levels using water-temperature sensors, flow monitoring, low-pressure protection and control software. In cold climates or applications where the unit may be shut down in winter, the correct glycol concentration, pipe insulation and electric heaters at required points are recommended. If system water is drained, no water should remain in the heat exchanger or installation.