Closed Loop with Chiller?

[Augusta99]

Can a chiller be placed in a closed loop system?

This is my first experience with a closed loop system, and I'm not sure if it is wise to put anything else in the loop.

I can plumb the chiller into the tank return pump line from the sump if this is better.

 

[AZDesertRat]

The flow through a good closed loop will probably far exceed the recommended flow rate of the chiller.

 

[Augusta99]

great point! I'll check the suggsted flow on the chiller and plumb accordingly

 

[SkyPapa]

I have a 1/4 hp Pacific Coast.
I run it on a closed loop with a Gen-X 40 Mak 4. Only the pump and chiller.
It is about 8 ft total in/out with 3/4in. pvc.
It has run my chiller fine for 3 yrs.

 

[Augusta99]

thanks ecr. Great to know. I will also be running the closed loop on 3/4" flexable pvc.

 

[AZDesertRat]

All chillers have a minimum and maximum flow rating. Do not exceed either one of them, high or low or the chiller will not be efficient. Generally with a closed loop you ar looking for the biggest bang for the buck or high flows. Just make sure the flow does not exceed the chillers recomendations or you will not have sufficient time in the cooling coils for heat exchage and it will run much longer and consume much more power than necessary.
Without knowing the particular chiller and pump its hard for anyone to say if its OK or not.

 

[Augusta99]

I did a little reseach. My chiller is a JBJ 1/5hp, min 480 max 1320 gph. My pump is 1050 gph based on 5' head.

The plan was to split the line and feed one end through the chiller (then into the tank) and the other directly into the tank. Will this make my flow rate into the chiller basically 1/2 of the the 1050ghp?

 

[AZDesertRat]

Water will take the path of least resistance so it may take a little fine tuning. I would put a ball valve on each return so you can fine tune the flows to suit your needs.