Air-cooled screw chillers are pivotal components in modern industrial and commercial cooling systems, offering a blend of energy efficiency, reliability, and reduced infrastructure demands. Unlike water-cooled systems, air-cooled variants eliminate the need for cooling towers, thereby lowering installation complexity, maintenance costs, and water consumption. This makes them ideal for facilities prioritizing sustainability and operational simplicity.
The European market, renowned for its stringent energy regulations and emphasis on innovation, hosts several leading manufacturers of air-cooled screw chillers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of these manufacturers, their technological advancements, product portfolios, and market positioning. Whether you are an HVAC engineer, facility manager, or procurement specialist, this guide will help you navigate the competitive landscape and select the optimal solution for your cooling needs.
—
Understanding Air-Cooled Screw Chillers
1.1 Working Principle and Advantages
Air-cooled screw chillers utilize a screw compressor to circulate refrigerant through a closed-loop system. Heat absorbed from the process or space is expelled via air-cooled condensers, which use ambient air to dissipate thermal energy. Key advantages include:
Energy Efficiency: Modern screw compressors operate at variable speeds, reducing power consumption during partial-load conditions.
Space Savings: Eliminating cooling towers and water piping reduces footprint requirements.
Low Maintenance: Fewer components (e.g., pumps, water treatment systems) translate to reduced upkeep.
Environmental Compliance: Use of eco-friendly refrigerants (e.g., R-32, R-1234ze) aligns with EU F-Gas regulations.
1.2 Applications
These chillers are deployed across industries requiring precise temperature control:
Commercial: Data centers, hospitals, and retail complexes.
Industrial: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and plastics molding.
Specialized: Laboratories, semiconductor fabrication, and renewable energy plants.
—
Top Air-Cooled Screw Chiller Manufacturers in Europe
Europe’s HVACR sector is dominated by manufacturers that combine engineering excellence with sustainability. Below are the industry leaders:
2.1 Bergcold (Germany)
Core Strengths:
Durability: Bergcold’s chillers feature robust stainless-steel condensers and corrosion-resistant coatings, ensuring longevity in harsh environments.
Energy Efficiency: Units achieve SEER ratings up to 5.8, exceeding EU Ecodesign Directive 2021 standards.
Customization: Modular designs allow scalability from 50 kW to 2,000 kW capacities.
Flagship Product: FreeCool Hybrid Series integrates free cooling mode, reducing compressor runtime by 30% in moderate climates.
Applications: Automotive manufacturing, district cooling networks.
2.2 Kingkametal (Italy)
Core Strengths:
Innovation: Patented asymmetrical screw rotors enhance volumetric efficiency by 15% compared to traditional designs.
Precision Engineering: Full-load COP of 3.9 and ±0.5°C temperature stability.
Sustainability: R-513A refrigerant with a GWP of 631, compliant with F-Gas Phase-Down targets.
Flagship Product: K-Smart Chiller with IoT-enabled predictive maintenance and real-time energy monitoring.
Applications: Food cold storage, chemical processing.
2.3 H.Stars Group (United Kingdom)
Core Strengths:
High Capacity: Chillers range from 200 kW to 5,000 kW, suitable for heavy industries.
Energy Recovery: Optional heat recovery systems convert waste heat into usable energy (e.g., preheating boiler feedwater).
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Eurovent Certified Performance.
Flagship Product: EcoTitan Series achieves a part-load efficiency (IPLV) of 7.2, making it ideal for variable-demand facilities.
Applications: Steel mills, power plants.
2.4 Scroll Chiller (Netherlands)
Core Strengths:
Compact Design: Space-saving units ideal for retrofitting in existing infrastructures.
Low Noise: Sound levels as low as 65 dB(A) due to advanced acoustic insulation.
Eco-Friendly: Use of R-290 (propane) refrigerant with near-zero GWP.
Flagship Product: SilentFlow Series combines scroll compressors with inverter drives for seamless capacity modulation.
Applications: Hospitals, residential complexes.
—
Specialist Manufacturers with Unique Offerings
3.1 Scala Scientific (Switzerland)
Specialization: Precision cooling for critical environments.
Key Feature: Dual-circuit redundancy and ±0.1°C temperature accuracy.
Applications: Research laboratories, vaccine storage.
Certifications: ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), UL Listing.
3.2 MTA Deutschland GmbH (Germany)
Specialization: Industrial-grade cooling solutions.
Key Feature: High-ambient performance (up to 55°C) with oil-free screw compressors.
Applications: Cement plants, petrochemical refineries.
Certifications: ATEX compliance for explosive atmospheres.
3.3 Waterchillermachine (Turkey)
Specialization: Cost-effective solutions for SMEs.
Key Feature: Plug-and-play configurations with 10-year compressor warranties.
Applications: Small-scale breweries, textile factories.
Certifications: CE, RoHS.
—
Choosing the Right Manufacturer
4.1 Key Selection Criteria
Cooling Capacity: Match the chiller’s capacity (in kW or tons) to peak and part-load demands.
Energy Efficiency: Prioritize units with high COP (>3.5) and SEER (>5.0).
Customization: Opt for manufacturers offering modularity, refrigerant options, and control integrations (e.g., BACnet, Modbus).
After-Sales Support: Evaluate service networks, spare parts availability, and warranty terms.
Certifications: Ensure compliance with EU directives (e.g., Ecodesign, F-Gas) and industry standards (Eurovent, AHRI).
Selecting the right air-cooled screw chiller requires a balance of technical specifications, operational needs, and sustainability goals. European manufacturers like Bergcold, Kingkametal, and H.Stars Group lead the market with innovations in energy efficiency, smart controls, and environmental compliance. Niche players such as Scala Scientific and MTA Deutschland cater to specialized industries demanding precision and ruggedness.
By prioritizing certifications, after-sales support, and scalability, businesses can future-proof their cooling infrastructure while adhering to Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape.
For further assistance in selecting the ideal air-cooled screw chiller, visit Zero Technologies . Our platform offers expert consultations, product comparisons, and access to a network of certified suppliers. Optimize your cooling systems today—efficiency and reliability are just a click away.
