What is free cooling in a chiller system, and when is it advantageous to use it?

Free cooling uses outside air to cool the process fluid without relying on the refrigeration compressor.

When the ambient temperature is lower than the fluid temperature, the system automatically switches to “air-only” mode, drastically reducing electrical energy consumption and operating costs — thanks to the PLC installed on the unit and properly preconfigured. Free cooling is particularly advantageous in temperate or cold climates, where this operating mode can cover up to 70% of the annual cooling demand. The integration of smart controls enables automatic switching between mechanical and natural cooling modes.

Optimization software calculates the number of yearly free-cooling hours, estimating savings and the economic return on investment. This solution is one of the key levers for reducing the overall energy impact of cooling systems.