Yes, water-cooled chillers typically require cooling towers as part of their system. Here’s why:

1. Heat Rejection

The primary role of a cooling tower is to reject the heat absorbed by the water-cooled chiller. After the refrigerant in the chiller releases its heat to the water, this heated water needs to be cooled down before being recirculated through the system.

2. Efficiency

Cooling towers enhance the efficiency of water-cooled chillers by providing an effective means to dissipate heat. This allows the chiller to operate more efficiently and maintain optimal performance.

3. Water Circulation

In a water-cooled chiller, the water circulates through the system and the cooling tower. The cooling tower facilitates the removal of excess heat from the water, ensuring that it remains at a temperature suitable for effective cooling.

4. System Design

The inclusion of a cooling tower in the system design helps to manage the heat load and maintain consistent cooling performance. It is a critical component for large-scale or high-capacity water-cooled chiller systems.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the cooling tower is essential to prevent issues such as scaling, corrosion, and biological growth, which can affect the overall performance of the water-cooled chiller.