This section provides an overview for chiller units as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 61 chiller unit manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked chiller unit companies as of December, 2023: 1.Webasto Thermo & Comfort, 2.Daikin Europe N.V., 3.ORION MACHINERY Co., LTD..
Table of Contents
A chiller unit is a device that cools a heat medium such as water.
It is also called a chilling unit. There are air-cooled, water-cooled, and refrigeration types, and they are selected according to the required heat medium temperature, application, and operating environment. They are widely used in a wide range of applications, such as removing excess heat generated by industrial machinery and other equipment, maintaining a constant temperature, and central air conditioning. Despite the name "chiller," there are also hot water chillers with built-in heaters, which can be used in facilities that require hot water circulation.
Chiller units are used in the following diverse applications and are indispensable to modern industry and social infrastructure.
Chiller units use a heat medium to cool (heat) objects that require temperature control. A similar function is performed by a heat exchanger.
The main difference between chiller units and a heat exchanger is design. Chiller units have cooling system for the heat transfer fluid in the circulation path, whereas a heat exchanger has no cooling system for the heat transfer fluid, and heat is exchanged directly between the fluid and the heat transfer fluid. There are two types of chiller units cooling systems: vapor compression and heat absorption.
In terms of cost, heat exchangers, which do not require cooling facilities, generally tend to be cheaper. Even if there are cost limitations, when selecting equipment, great care must be taken to ensure that the heat exchange capacity, stability of the heat exchange process, running costs, maintenance costs, and other factors will not cause problems after the start of operation.
There are three general types of chiller units as described above. In addition to these types, there is a wide range of products that vary in terms of the amount of heat medium circulated, heat exchange capacity, etc. The principles and features of each type are described below. The principle and features of each type are as follows
Equipped with a heat exchanger to cool the heat medium, the built-in fan air-cools the heat exchanger to remove sensible heat from the heat medium and cool it. The sensible heat is then released into the atmosphere. Water is often used as the heat transfer medium, and chilled water of 3 to 35°C is generally circulated.
The chiller units are equipped with a heat exchanger to cool the heat medium in the same way as air-cooled units, but water is used to cool the heat exchanger. Unlike air-cooled units, water-cooled chiller units do not have a built-in fan, making them low-noise, clean, and free of heat emissions, so they can be used indoors. The internal structure is more complex, as piping and valve elements for cooling water circulation are required.
This type incorporates a chiller equipped with a refrigeration cycle mechanism to cool the heat medium, which is then cooled by a heat exchanger. Since the chiller is equipped with a refrigeration unit, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid can be cooled down to -70°C (-94°F) or lower. Ethylene glycol or fluorine fluorinert is used as the heat transfer fluid to prevent freezing. This is used when the heat load is high or when the object to be cooled needs to be below freezing. This is the most complex structure, as it is equipped with a refrigerator and requires piping for refrigerant circulation.
Chiller units can be classified into the following heat-transfer cooling methods:
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Custom Control Sensors, LLC, established in 1958 and headquartered in the United States, is a foremost manufacturer of advanced pressure, temperature, and flow sensing solutions. With a rich history of innovation, the company caters to diverse industries. Their product line encompasses pressure switches, temperature sensors, and flow switches, applied in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. For instance, their precision-engineered pressure switches ensure safety in aircraft fluid systems. Upholding high standards of quality and reliability, Custom Control Sensors, LLC remains a preferred partner in delivering cutting-edge sensing solutions.
Fiberoptics Technology Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of OEM non-telecom fiber optic components headquartered in the United States where it was established in 1977. The company offers a broad range of fiber optics and fiber optic light sources such as Surgical Headlights, POF / Fiber Optic Patch Cords, Flexible Light Pipes, Light Lines, Residential and Commercial Lighting, and more. The company also designs and supplies custom-designed OEM fiber optic components to the Medical, Commercial, Photoelectric Control, Military, and Machine Vision industries to name a few.
Thermal Care, Inc., established in 1969, is an ISO 9001-certified industrial water chiller and process cooling equipment manufacturer in Niles, Illinois. The company ships worldwide, and has domestic and worldwide sales offices in Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America. Its product lineup includes cooling towers, portable chillers, reservoirs, and temperature controllers. Further, Thermal Care produces standardized and customized cooling systems for a vast range of industries, from food and dairy, to aviation, medical, and industrial.
Whaley Products, Inc. is a manufacturer based in the United States specialized in industrial refrigeration equipment that was established in 1993. It serves industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, petrochemical, HVAC, and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes chillers, cooling towers, condensers, evaporators, heat exchangers, among others. Its products are used to regulate temperature, ensuring the efficient operation through offering vital services such as precise heat dissipation, controlled humidity levels, and optimal thermal management.
Danfoss was founded in 1933 in Nordborg, Denmark where it remains today. The company serves automotive, food & beverage, energy & natural resources, wastewater, and mobile hydraulics industries as a manufacturer of power systems and industrial hydraulics. The company operates through three business segments: Danfoss Power Solutions, Danfoss Climate Solutions, and Danfoss Drives. Danfoss Power Solutions produces electronic controls, hydraulic power units, and cylinders. Climate Solutions produces heat exchangers, burner components, hydraulic heating, and sight glasses. Drives produce gear motors, low and medium voltage drives, and various software solutions for operating drives.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., founded in 1956 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a manufacturer and supplier of life science solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, laboratory products, and biopharma services. Through its brand names, including Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Patheon, Applied Biosystems, and Gibco, among others, the company provides a wide range of products, which include chromatography systems, thermal cyclers, automated cell counters, fermenters, and DNA polymerases. The company’s annual revenue is over 40 billion USD, and it serves several fields, including customers working in clinical diagnostic labs, research institutions, hospitals, government agencies, and pharmaceutical/biotech companies.
Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC), founded in 1906 and headquartered in Milford, Delaware, specializes as a manufacturer and installer of cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and ice thermal storage systems. Employing over 1,000 individuals and active in more than 100 countries, BAC serves a broad spectrum of industries, from power generation to data centers. The company places a strong emphasis on energy-efficient solutions. Its diverse product offerings are designed for optimal performance while aiming to reduce energy consumption.
Dry Coolers, Inc., established in 1985 is a manufacturer of industrial cooling solutions headquartered in Oxford, Michigan, USA. The company, which has on-site engineering and fabrication departments offers various cooling technologies and custom solutions such as evaporative cooling towers, mechanical chillers, pump stations, air-cooled heat exchangers, and accessories such as plate heat exchangers, bag filters, controls, sensors, and centrifugal separators. It has passed the ASME, CSA, CE, and UL standards and is ISO 9001:2015 certified to offer products to various industries including aerospace, canning, energy, data centers, and metal treatment.
American Chillers Established in 2002 and based in West Columbia, South Carolina, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of Water Chiller Systems. The company's product lineup includes package, modular, and split systems, as well as portable chillers, serving industries such as medical, dry cleaning, food processing, and industrial. These chillers are crucial for applications including MRI and CAT Scan cooling, blood cooling in cardiology, and chilled water for operating room air conditioning. Its services cover technical support, warranty service, and chiller start-up and commissioning.
Delta T Systems, founded in 1990 and based in Richfield, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer of industrial temperature control equipment. Its product range serves various industries, including manufacturing, plastics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Offerings encompass water and oil temperature control equipment for applications like injection molding, portable air and water-cooled chillers used in laser cutting and welding. It also offers industrial central chillers applied in plastics and food processing, custom temperature control systems, and temperature control accessories, including valves, flow meters, and pressure gauges. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.
Pfannenberg, Inc., established in 1954 and located in Lancaster, New York, is a global manufacturer and supplier specializing in thermal management, liquid cooling solutions and signaling technologies. The company’s product line includes filter fans, air to air heat exchangers, chillers, visual signaling devices, and more. These products cater to various applications, including machine tooling and food and beverage equipment. The company offers pre-sales consulting, engineering support, and after-sales maintenance services such as on-site repair, parts and training. With headquarters in Germany and the US, and locations worldwide, the company serves various industries globally including manufacturing, food, energy and automative.
Sulzer Ltd. is a fluid engineering and chemical processing solutions manufacturer originally founded in 1775. The company has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland since 1834, maintaining a network of 180 manufacturing facilities and service centers around the world. The company has an expansive product portfolio including distillation and absorption columns, agitators, reactors, crystallizers, and polymerization systems. These supply clients in the metals, plastics, chemicals, power, and pharmaceutical industries. Sulzer Ltd. also offers a range of services, such as testing and diagnostics, prototyping, retrofitting, and upgrades, including technical training with long-term support for their customers.
Rittal is a German manufacturer of electrical enclosures and related products that was established in Herborn, Hesse in 1961 as part of the Friedhelm Loh Group. The company primarily produces standard and modular enclosures for various electronic and electrical components, such as servers, switchgear, or control panels. It also offers automation, power distribution, IT infrastructure, and climate control systems for use in industrial facilities. Rittal products are mainly used by clients in the telecommunications, energy production, automotive, maritime, and logistics sectors.
Siemens began in 1847 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Siemens focuses in automation and digitalization technology and operates globally. Siemens’s 5 operating segments are digital industries, smart infrastructure, mobility, Siemens Healthineers, and Siemens Financial Services. Siemens Financial Services provides debt and equity investment as well as financing solutions. Siemens Healthineers is a medical devices company that provides products and consulting. Mobility includes passenger and freight transportation. Smart infrastructure includes full solutions for electrification. Digital industries offer both software and hardware for industries and production efficiency.
SMC corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. SMC Corporation manufactures and sells automatic control equipment and filtration equipment. SMC has production facilities in 30 countries, technical development centers in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China, and sales offices, globally. SMC product lines divided by them include filter replacements, condensation prevention, heat resistance, thermos-chilling, and others. SMC provides a video library as well as product selection guide to assist customers in finding solutions and optimizing product efficiency.
ORION Machinery Co., LTD was founded in Nagano, Japan in 1946. ORION’s product line features precision air processors, vacuum pumps, chillers, dehumidifiers, air dryers, temperature test chambers, infrared and space heaters, temperature regulators, and automated milking equipment for dairy farming.
Founded in 1885 at Cork, Ireland, Johnson Controls Inc is a manufacturer of smart building solutions and safety systems for commercial and domestic needs. The company with their OneBlue product focuses on producing blueprints for advanced and healthy technologies associated with schools, commercial buildings, hospitals and residences. The products comprise HVAC systems, building automation, security systems, energy storage, and automotive batteries. These products are used for their effectiveness in offering energy efficacy, safety, comfortability and sustainability for the dwellers. Their AI based intelligence functioning offers more productivity while being sustainable and environment friendly.
Carrier, located in Syracuse, New York, USA, has been a manufacturer and supplier of HVAC-R solutions since 1902. The company delivers global solutions across a broad range of applications in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These create comfortable and productive environments regardless of the climate and safeguards the global food supply by preserving the quality and freshness of food and beverages. Its installation of modern air conditioning at the International Arms and Fuse Company in New Jersey was representative of the work that the company performed during World War I.
Laird Thermal Systems, founded in Morrisville, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of thermal management products. The company's product portfolio includes Thermoelectric Modules, Thermoelectric Assemblies, Temperature Controllers, Liquid Cooling Systems, and Thermoelectric Coolers. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
General Air Products, Inc., established in 1936 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, United States, serves as a manufacturer and supplier of fire protection equipment and compressed air systems. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including air compressors, nitrogen generators, and fire protection air compressors, catering to industries such as fire protection, industrial manufacturing, and building services. Its offerings are utilized in these sectors, ensuring the operation of fire protection systems, providing compressed air for industrial processes, and supporting building services equipment.
HITACHI AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY has been a manufacturer of air conditioning equipment for living, work, and enjoyment spaces since 2015 Japan. The equipment is AC IoT apps & controllers, chillers, air-to-water heat pumps & DHW solutions, all home air conditioners, commercial split systems, and AC systems. IoT solutions & controllers, IAQ solutions, single room AC, and VRF& multizone systems are provided for use in applications such as restaurants, offices, healthcare, shops, homes, and hotels.
Hammond Manufacturing, established in 1917 and headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, is a manufacturer that specializes in electrical and electronic enclosures, cabinets, racks, and outlet strips. The company offers a wide range of products, including small enclosures, rack cabinets, and power distribution and surge protection for electronic devices. It also provides die-cast aluminum enclosures, watertight enclosures, and plastic enclosures. Its enclosures are designed to protect and house electrical and electronic components. The company has achieved ISO 9001 Certification and RoHS Compliance. It serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, mining, petrochemical, packaging, and government.
Airedale International Air Conditioning Ltd. headquartered in Leeds, UK is a manufacturer of cooling, and air conditioning solutions founded in 1974. The company’s product portfolio comprises air handling units (AHU), chillers, condensers, and IT coolers. It also offers thermal management controls such as Helix Unit, Precision, & Optimized Head Pressure Controls, and IQity which is an IoT-enabled technology framework. The company has achieved ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certification and is approved by HEVAC, SASO, BESA Academy, FETA, and Constructionline The products are used in pharmaceuticals, modular solutions, data centers, refrigeration, and medical & telecommunications sectors.
Shenzhen Hero-Tech Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd, a company established in 2010, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial cooling and temperature controlling products. The company provides various products such as air cooled and water-cooled scroll chiller, screw type chiller, glycol chiller, laser chiller, oil chiller, heating and cooling chiller, mold temperature controller, cooling tower. These products are designed to help lower environmental impact with next-generation, low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants and high-efficiency operation. The products are used for various applications such as power generation, distribution, and industrial automation.
Ecochillers Inc., founded in 1995 and headquartered in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is a manufacturer of chillers. The company’s product line includes chillers, heat pumps, air handlers, condensing units, thermoregulators, and heat exchangers. It also offers custom-made, special design, industrial HVAC & process scroll, magnetic centrifugal, and reciprocating chillers from 1 and up to 250 tons. Its products find applications in industries such as the plastic, laser cutting, wine, bakery, food, and brewery sectors, serving customers in the United States, Canada, and international locations such as Guam (US Navy), Saudi Arabia, and Kenya.
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS, LTD., founded in October 2016 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of thermal solutions for homes, buildings, factories, and industrial heating and cooling. The company, a division of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, engages in the air conditioning and refrigeration business within the parent company. It designs, manufactures, installs, and repairs air conditioning machinery, refrigeration machinery, and other equipment for general and industrial use. The company's product lineup includes heat pumps, centrifugal chillers, transportation refrigeration units, and air conditioners for commercial and residential use.
Daikin, a subsidiary of Japan-based Daikin Industries Ltd, was established in 1972 in Ostend, Belgium, as a manufacturer and supplier of heating, cooling, ventilation, refrigeration, and air purification solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The company also provides stock units, chillers, heat pumps, air handling units, smart controls, and other solutions for homes, retail centers, offices, hotels, and large buildings. It also provides pre-sales and after-sale services to its customers in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Solid State Cooling Systems, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Wappingers Falls, NY, is a manufacturer of precision temperature control products using thermoelectric technology with cooling capacities ranging from 160 watts to over 14000 watts. The company produces compact chillers, cold plates, semiconductor chillers, thermal control stages, and air-cooled rackmount chillers. The products produced are used in analytical equipment, lasers, semiconductors, aerospace, and defence industries. The company offers custom system development, repair, electrical design, assembly, and manufacturing services.
VULCANIC, founded in 1973 and based in France, is a manufacturer of electrical heating and cooling systems for various industrial and commercial applications. The company's product line encompasses heating elements, screw immersion heaters, flow heaters, heating panels, and electrical industrial radiators, all of which play a critical role in industries such as aeronautics, oil & gas, marine, food & beverages, and petrochemical sectors. The company holds ISO9001:2015 quality management system certification and provides a range of services, including hardware and software implementation, temperature measurement, hydraulic design, automation, and communication protocols.
Trane - California District, established in 1913, is a manufacturer and distributor of energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They offer a broad portfolio of HVAC systems, including air conditioners, thermostats, controls, home automation, and humidifiers. They also provide various services such as systems integration, installation, maintenance, rental, and contracting services for homes and commercial buildings. They serve various sectors including residential, commercial, as well as institutional, providing optimized indoor environments.
Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa FZE, founded in 1996, and located in United Arab Emirates, is a supplier of Panasonic products and services across the Middle East and Africa region. The company is a subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings Corporation and is licensed by Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority in UAE for trading in the MEA region. Its serves its regional customers and businesses through locally-fit offerings that span across an array of consumer electronics, B2B solutions and life solutions. In 2012, it has obtained ISO14001 certification, an environment management system that is rarely implemented in companies in the MEA region.
Ranking as of December 2023 in United States of America
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Webasto Thermo & Comfort |
18.8%
|
2 | Daikin Europe N.V. |
12.5%
|
3 | ORION MACHINERY Co., LTD. |
12.5%
|
4 | Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa FZE |
12.5%
|
5 | Air Conditioning systems |
6.3%
|
6 | Whaley Products, Incorporated |
6.3%
|
7 | General Air Products, Inc. |
6.3%
|
8 | Dry Coolers, Inc. |
6.3%
|
9 | Delta T Systems, Inc. |
6.3%
|
10 | Danfoss Industrial Automation |
6.3%
|
Ranking as of December 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Webasto Thermo & Comfort |
18.8%
|
2 | Daikin Europe N.V. |
12.5%
|
3 | ORION MACHINERY Co., LTD. |
12.5%
|
4 | Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa FZE |
12.5%
|
5 | Air Conditioning systems |
6.3%
|
6 | Whaley Products, Incorporated |
6.3%
|
7 | General Air Products, Inc. |
6.3%
|
8 | Dry Coolers, Inc. |
6.3%
|
9 | Delta T Systems, Inc. |
6.3%
|
10 | Danfoss Industrial Automation |
6.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the chiller unit page as of December 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History