How Does a Chilled Water Coil Work?

How Does a Chilled Water Coil Work?

A chilled water coil is an important component of an air handling system used to exchange heat and cold in the air. It typically consists of a series of pipes (or coils) that carry chilled water. The chilled water flows inside the coil and exchanges heat with the surrounding air, thereby cooling or heating the air to maintain a comfortable temperature for the indoor air.

Here are the basic principles of how a chilled water coil works:

Water Circulation System: Chilled water is pumped from the chiller unit or cooling tower of the cooling system to the water coils. These water coils are usually installed in Air Handling Units (AHUs) or fan coil boxes, which are located inside the building's air conditioning system.

Air Circulation System: Air is drawn into the AHU from inside or outside the building. The air then passes through filtration and other treatment steps before entering around the water coils. Here, the air is surrounded by pipes or coil surfaces inside the chilled water coil.

Heat Exchange Process: The chilled water flows inside the water coil and exchanges heat with the air on the surface of the coil. If the air is hotter than the chilled water, the water coil will absorb the heat from the air and cool the air. Conversely, if the air is cooler than the chilled water, the water coil will release heat into the air, heating it.

Air Temperature Regulation: By controlling the temperature of the chilled water, the cooling or heating effect of the coil can be regulated, thus controlling the final temperature of the air delivered to the room. In this way, the water coil acts as an air temperature regulator, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

Air Distribution: Chilled water coils are typically designed to ensure that the cooled or heated air is evenly distributed to all areas of a building's interior to maintain overall temperature consistency.

chilled water coils regulate air temperature by transferring heat between chilled water and air through a heat exchange process. This design is commonly found in the central air-conditioning systems of large buildings, including commercial buildings, hotels and hospitals, to ensure comfort and temperature control of the indoor environment.