Industrial Water Chillers for Hydroponics

Commercial & Industrial Hydroponic Water Chillers at MORR Inc.

In the commercial hydroponic industry, there are many factors that can influence the success of a season and the overall health of plants. Hydroponics employs the use of a nutrient-rich, water-based solution that takes the place of traditional soils. However, the needs of the plants remain the same for light, nutrients, water, clean air, proper pest control, and proper temperature ranges. Temperature is a critical factor in growing crops hydroponically due to plants needing very specific ranges to grow and develop properly. There are several ways to control the temperature in a greenhouse ranging from air vents, misters, and HVAC systems. However, one area that sometimes can go overlooked is the ambient temperature of the water running through a system. Of all the options for cooling the water solutions down in a system, the one that comes out on top are industrial chillers due to their excellent cooling efficiency.

What is a water chiller?

In general terms, a water chiller for the hydroponics system is a process where water is cooled in the reservoirs before making its way through the system. These chillers prevent severe damage to root zones from burning water that could pass through. This warm to hot water can majorly impact the growth of plants. In a typical hydroponic system, the ideal water temperature should be in the ranges of 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is dependent on the crop’s specific needs, however, keeping the water at an ideal temperature range enables a good balance between the oxygen usage and overall metabolism of the crop.

Hydroponic chillers operate through the cooling of water as it is pumped through the chiller. Super cooled coils allow the water to cool down as it passes through. Once the water passes through the chiller and into the hydroponic system, the water has been cooled down to the proper temperature range that has been preset for the chiller.

Advantages of Water Chillers

Industrial water chillers can be used to control the temperature of hydroponic cultures effectively and efficiently to aid in the proper growth of plants. When compared to other cooling methods, water chillers present a grower with several benefits that leads to happy and healthy plants. Industrial chillers offer state-of-the-art high efficiency cooling that is reliable for the commercial operation. These systems are highly suitable for large-scale production and can take on the strain of cooling large quantities of water to support a large-scale operation. Depending on the manufacturer, chillers can be customized specific to the operation’s needs and overall goals of the grower. In newer models of industrial water chillers, the option to control the temperatures of system can be done remotely through PLC’s that allow a grower to monitor and regulate the system. Overall industrial water chillers can offer many benefits that can give an operation a leg up in the proper care of crops which means higher quality and better yields.

MORR Inc. and Water Chiller Needs

With the ability to boast several benefits and have data proving the overall benefits to plant health and quality, the installation of a water chiller for the hydroponic operation should be a no-brainer. When an operator is making the choice of which chiller to implement into their operation, care should be given to go with a trusted source that can guarantee the optimal equipment and tools for the commercial operation. MORR Inc. is a southern California based company that prides itself as a top provider of equipment, tools, and services for commercial operations in the horticulture industry. MORR Inc. is the go-to source for the top cultivators and are backed by staff with expert experience and knowledge. For water chiller needs, MORR Inc. offers chillers from top manufacturers that are a staple in the industry. One top name in the industry is RedFlag. RedFlag offers a wide range of chillers that can meet the needs of any operation.

RedFlag Water Chillers and Options

RedFlag water chillers come in a range of sizes of horsepower from 1.5-5 with the capabilities to maintain 1500-5000 gallons of storage water at the optimum temperature ranges of 65-80 degrees. With high performance scroll compressors, an operator can be assured of reliable performance for years to come. The minimum SEER rating of a 13 allows for the chillers to operate at extremely energy efficient rates, and higher SEER rated chillers are also available. These chillers offer the benefit of an easy install with a fuse disconnect and an electronic controller installed, and 208/230v single or 3-phase options available.

RedFlag Water Chillers and Options

RedFlag water chillers come in a range of sizes of horsepower from 1.5-5 with the capabilities to maintain 1500-5000 gallons of storage water at the optimum temperature ranges of 65-80 degrees. With high performance scroll compressors, an operator can be assured of reliable performance for years to come. The minimum SEER rating of a 13 allows for the chillers to operate at extremely energy efficient rates, and higher SEER rated chillers are also available. These chillers offer the benefit of an easy install with a fuse disconnect and an electronic controller installed, and 208/230v single or 3-phase options available.

How to select the right size water chiller-

It is important in the selection of a water chiller, that the correct size is installed to ensure proper cooling of the water. When determining the size, there is a little math involved.

1. Multiply gallons of water in reservoir by the weight of water (8.3 pounds) (reservoir gallons X 8.3). This gives the required BTU needed to cool the water by 1 degree.    
      
2. Multiply the needed BTU by the temperature rise in a 24-hour period. This will give the overall     needed BTU requirement.    
      
3. Divide the needed BTU requirement     from step 2 by 12,000 BTU (per 1HP) to get the needed runtime over a 24-hour period

Chillers can run for 18-20 hours a day; however, lower run times will save on energy outputs by the system. RedFlag suggests utilizing run times at a max of 10 hours a day.

For any assistance on the selection, installation, maintenance, and more for water chillers into an operation, reach out to an expert staff at MORR Inc. today- https://morr.com/watering-irrigation/water-treatment-chillers/aquagation-high-performance-water-chillers.html