What happens to a centrifugal chiller if water flow is interrupted?

When water flow is interrupted in a centrifugal chiller, the correct outcome is that the chiller will shut down. This shutdown occurs to protect the system from potential damage caused by insufficient cooling. The chiller relies on a continuous flow of water to absorb the heat that is removed from the refrigerant. If the water flow stops, the system cannot efficiently perform heat exchange, which can lead to overheating of the compressor and other critical components.

In centrifugal chillers, safety mechanisms are typically in place that detect changes in conditions such as water flow. When these systems recognize an interruption in water flow, they initiate a shutdown procedure to prevent damage, ensuring the longevity and operational integrity of the system. This is a crucial aspect of safe chiller operation, as prolonged operation without adequate water flow could result in severe mechanical failure.