Verifying the air-cooled chillers' core performance parameters is the first step to calculating operational costs. Cooling capacity \ metrics (in kW) for rated cooling capacity, his Liatem 50kW air-cooled chiller, and EER of 3.2 with a full load power of 15.6kW. be sure to include the type of refrigerant (low GWP, zero ODP), as well as the maintenance cycle, since these factors contribute to long-term costs. Parameters that are set of an accurate basis ensures that managers and engineers are cost estimation, over under, or accurate.
Calculating Your Operating Costs
The greatest factor affecting the operating costs for an air-cooled chiller is the energy consumption. To calculate the energy costs, the following formula is used: Energy Cost = Operating Power × Operating Hours × Electricity Rate. Liatem Air-cooled chillers have inverter technology which means that power will adjust based on the load. For example, if a chiller operates at 70% load for 8,000 hours a year, and the electricity rate is $0.15/kWh, then the total costs will be: 15.6kW × 70% × 8,000h × $0.15/kWh = $13,104. For businesses that have peak and off-peak electricity rates, make sure to separate the operating hours correctly. Liatem’s energy-efficient design is 20-30% less energy consuming than the traditional models, which also helps in realizing long-term savings.
Estimating Costs for Services and Maintenance
These maintenance costs also need to be considered to keep running an Air Heat Exchanger economically. Liatem recommends that maintenance be done annually, with the costs including on-site maintenance, labor, and the cost of spare parts that need to be replaced (i.e. filters, lubricants, etc.). For an air-cooled chiller of medium size and capacity, the annual costs of maintenance typically range between $500 to $1,500 USD, and of course, this will depend on the prevailing usage conditions. To calculate the total cost of maintenance, you will need to multiply this amount by the number of years in the presumed service life of the product. For Liatem’s products, this is usually 10+ years. Cost-effective maintenance can also be realized through Liatem’s global services network.
Account for Refrigerant Replacement Costs
It’s expected to replace refrigerant periodically for air-cooled chillers Liatem’s air cooled chiller, for example, uses ecological refrigerants like CO2 with low consumption rates. Replacement is needed after 3-5 years. Use the following to calculate the expense: Refrigerant Cost = Refrigerant Charge × Unit Price × Replacement Frequency. As an example, if a chiller uses 10 kg of CO2 that cost $20/kg and needs to be replaced every 4 years, the cost is 10kg × $20/kg ÷ 4 = $50 per year. Liatem’s sealed refrigerant model systems decrease leakage, replacement frequency, and costs compared to older models.
In order to do a comprehensive running cost calculation, consider other small that may be required expenses. Annual inspection costs of compliance with environmental standards, cleaning costs for heat exchangers and fans (especially in dusty or coastal environments), and costs of the insurance. Annual inspection and cleaning may cost around $300-$800 in total. These costs may be small, but they add up, and give, a clear overview of where the budget needs to go. Liatem’s user manual help to estimate these costs by giving guidance on recommended service intervals.
Calculating Total Running Cost and ROI
Start by combining all factors to determine the total running cost: Total Cost = Energy Cost + Maintenance Cost + Refrigerant Cost + Other Expenses. As an illustration, consider a Liatem air cooled chiller whose total annual running costs break down as $13,104 (energy) + $1,000 (maintenance) + $50 (refrigerant) + $500 (other) = $14,654. To determine ROI, look at the running costs and the chiller’s purchase price and savings from cooling (e.g., lower rates of product rejection). Due to Liatem air cooled chiller’s energy saving capabilities, customers typically experience ROI within 2-3 years. For estimates, use Liatem’s cost calculator. For more customized estimates, you can reach out to Liatem’s technical team.
