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Centrifugal Chillers

Learn how centrifugal compressors operate, how flooded evaporators and shell-and-tube condensers work, variable-frequency drives for capacity control, and key chiller construction details.

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Centrifugal Compressor Operation

Centrifugal compressors use a rapidly spinning impeller to accelerate refrigerant vapor outward. The kinetic energy (velocity) is then converted into pressure as the vapor passes through a diffuser section. Unlike reciprocating compressors that use pistons and valves, centrifugal compressors have no pistons or valves and provide continuous flow. They are ideal for the high-volume, low-pressure applications found in large commercial and industrial chiller systems.

Centrifugal compressors use a spinning impeller and diffuser to convert velocity into pressure. No pistons or valves.

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