We at ENGIE Refrigeration are one of the few manufacturers to cover all variants of free-cooling with our chillers – whether external, integrated or with a thermosiphon function. The prerequisite for free-cooling is that the ambient temperature is below the chilled water temperature. Applications with a chilled water supply temperature in the range of 13 °C are particularly suitable. The advantage: while the compressor of the cooling system is paused during operation, you increase your energy efficiency, reduce your power consumption and reduce costs.

To ensure that we always offer you the best possible solution, we have several system solutions for free-cooling in combination with our chillers in the portfolio. However, they all have one thing in common: they are part of the air-cooled QUANTUM chiller and are integrated mechanically, hydraulically and in terms of control technology. Our cooling technology scores highly in terms of flexibility: the control system of the QUANTUM chiller automatically switches from compression operation to free-cooling operation and back as soon as the operating conditions allow it. Mixed operation is also possible.

If an integrated free-cooling module is an option for you, you will benefit from the following advantages:

• The space-optimised solution is compact and thus saves on space.
• At the same time, a high free-cooling capacity is achieved.
• The use of the integrated solution for free-cooling is particularly suitable if you have a high power demand even in winter and in the transitional seasons.
• Particularly in process cooling, for example in data centres, integrated cooling is the best solution.
• Low energy costs in free-cooling and mixed operation save cash.

The external modules for free-cooling offer you, the operator, the following advantages:

• A high EER is achieved in free-cooling mode.
• You benefit from a significant reduction in energy consumption.
• In the combined application of air conditioning and process cooling, an external module for free-cooling is unbeatable.
• The energy savings mean that the initial costs are quickly amortised.
• Energy costs are significantly lower in free-cooling and mixed operation than in compressor mode.

The external free-cooling module is placed on the chiller base frame and is hydraulically integrated.

The thermosiphon function offers you, the operator, several advantages:

• The costs for the thermosiphon function are comparatively low.
• You do not need an additional heat exchanger.
• A thermosiphon function is always useful when there is a low demand for cooling capacity from the chiller with free-cooling.
• As with external cooling, the combined application of refrigeration supply and process cooling is possible.