Quote Originally Posted by Retz View Post
OT:


I just would like to ask based on your own experienced and knowledge with regards to which is more efficient to install. A split-type aircon or a centralized aircon (chilled water)? This is for an approximately 3,000 sq. mtr. floor area. More efficient in terms of lower electricity consumption and maintenance cost on aircon. TIA.
Answer: it depends. If you need to cool the whole 3000 sqm area at the same time like a hallway or ballroom then go with centralized. If your area is divided into small rooms like offices which are used at different times then you may consider split types.

Take into consideration that for a centralized unit, you will need ducting and air handling units and/or fan coil units. This will add a lot to your installation cost. A chilled water unit will also need a cooling tower, chilled water pipes, water pumps, motors and chemical treatment. Have your designed run a projection how much it will cost to buy and install all of the items and how much to run and operate it.

For 3000 sqm you will need about 150 TR. You may want to look into aircooled chillers. They cost a little more to run than water cooled chillers but dont need cooling towers so its a trade off. Your designer should be able to compute and give you its pros and cons.

For split type units, you get flexibility since you can rn only what you need. No need to operate a big chiller when you dont need to cool the entire area. Trade off is you will have a lot of condensers and a lots of units to maintain.

As always, dont just look at the initial cost but also take a loooong look at operating and maintenance costs. The initial cost is a sunk cost but the operating and maintenance will be with you forever. Well as long s you use it.

There are high efficency chillers available. Like inverters, they cost more initially but youget a ROI after some time. There is also a system that is similar to a multi inverter system (forgot what its called). Basically, its like a big split type inverter with multiple indoor units.