Air Cooled Heat Exchanger Manufacturer in Nigeria

Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHEs) in HVAC & Industrial Cooling

Air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHEs) are widely used in HVAC systems and industrial cooling applications where water conservation, maintenance simplicity, and environmental regulations are key concerns. Unlike water-cooled systems, ACHEs rely on ambient air to dissipate heat, making them ideal for dry climates or locations with water restrictions.

Key Components

Component	Function
Finned Tube Bundles	Maximize surface area for heat transfer.
Axial/Centrifugal Fans	Provide airflow (forced or induced draft).
Headers & Manifolds	Distribute fluid into tubes.
Plenum Chamber	Ensures uniform airflow across tubes.
VFDs/Louvers	Adjust fan speed/airflow for temperature control.
Support Frame	Structural stability for outdoor installation.

Types of ACHEs in HVAC & Industrial Cooling

A. Based on Application

1. HVAC Condensers
   1. Used in air conditioning & refrigeration (e.g., rooftop units, chillers).
   1. Typically use refrigerants (R-134a, R-410A, ammonia).
2. Industrial Process Coolers
   1. Cool machinery, hydraulics, compressors, and data centers.
   1. Handle water, oils, glycol mixtures, or chemicals.

1. Dry Coolers
   1. Closed-loop systems cooling water/glycol without evaporation.
   1. Used in data centres, breweries, and power plants.
2. Fluid Coolers (Hybrid)
   1. Combine air + minimal water spray for adiabatic cooling.

B. Based on Fan Design

• Forced Draft (Fans below tubes) → Easier maintenance.
• Induced Draft (Fans above tubes) → Better airflow distribution.

Advantages in HVAC & Industrial Cooling

No Water Consumption – Ideal for arid regions.
Lower Maintenance – No scaling, algae, or water treatment needed.
Energy Efficiency – VFD fans optimize power usage.
Compact & Modular – Can be roof-mounted or skid-mounted. Environmentally Friendly – No water discharge or chemical treatment.

Common HVAC & Industrial Applications

HVAC Systems

• Chiller condensers (replacing cooling towers).
• Rooftop AC units.
• Heat pump systems.

Industrial Cooling

• Compressed air aftercoolers.
• Hydraulic oil cooling.
• Data centre cooling (dry coolers).
• Plastic injection moulding machines.
• Power plant auxiliary cooling.

Design Considerations

• Ambient Temperature (critical for sizing).
• Airflow Control (VFDs for energy savings).
• Material Selection (copper/aluminum fins for corrosion resistance).
• Noise Restrictions (low-noise fan designs for urban areas).