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Table 1: Relative efficiency of chiller installations
Building size (m2) 3000 7700 11 500
Chiller size (kW) 400 1000 1500
Relative efficiency (cop)      
Air-cooled screw 2·8 2·8 3·0
Air-cooled reciprocating 3·3 3·3 3·3
Water-cooled scroll 3·5 3·5 3·5
Water-cooled reciprocating 3 3 3
Water-cooled screw* 4 – 5 4 – 5 4 – 5
Water-cooled centrifugal* 6 – 7 6 – 7 6 – 7
* It should be noted that the cop for water-cooled screw and centrifugal
chillers will increase significantly under part load operation.
 
Table 2: Typical air conditioning systems compressor refrigerants
Type of compressor Type of refrigerant
Reciprocating and scroll R134a/R22/R407c
Screw R134a/R410a/R22/R407c
Centrifugal R134a
Table 3: Indicative costs of alternative chiller installations
Building size (m²) 3000 7700 11 500
Chiller size (kw) 400 1000 1500
Capital cost (£)      
Air-cooled screw 49 000 100 000 144 000
Air-cooled reciprocating 43 000 83 000 114 000
Water-cooled reciprocating      
Chiller 32 000 58 000 78 000
Condensing system 50 000 85 000 110 000
Total (£) 82 000 143 000 188 000
Water-cooled centrifugal      
Chiller n/a 78 000 102 000
Condensing system n/a 85 000 110 000
Total (£) n/a 163 000 212 000
Water-cooled screw      
Chiller 46 000 80 000 108 000
Condensing system 50 000 85 000 110 000
Total (£) 96 000 165 000 218 000
Costs are current in 4th quarter 1999 and based on a central London office development. The rates are for the supply and installation of the chiller plant and include allowances for builders’ work. Allowances for trade discounts, preliminaries and testing and commissioning are excluded. No allowance is made for professional fees or VAT. Operating costs are not included.