T&T: AIR CO: CENTRAL CHILLING SYSTEM VS STAND-ALONE UNITS

[Steve Sipe]

Mike and Ann Michelin wrote:
> 	Hi All,
> 	I am currently deciding on an air conditioning system.
> 	The debate is between having the usual stand-alone air conditioning
> units in each room, versus using the central system that uses chilled water,
> and basically a small radiator and fan in the room.
> 	I understand that the chiller system is the same as that used in big
> buildings, and that they now make it in systems that are marine-adapted for
> boats.
> <snip>
Pros:
Zone control provides accurate control of each area. Biggest advantage.
Central refrigeration unit provides cooling for entire boat, 
efficiently, may be quieter than multiple units.
Can be configured for hot water heating using same fan-coil terminal 
units & circulated water piping.

Cons:
Redundancy... if the chiller goes down, you lose it all, no cooling.
Piping can be expensive to install, although with multiple split systems 
as the alternative, that may be a wash.
You may need to reconfigure some power wiring to handle the chiller.
You'll have zone valves or pumps to maintain.
Could be nearly twice the cost to install compared to a conventional 
split system, depending on the size of the boat you're working with.

Unless you're working with a fairly large boat, multiple self-contained 
units will probably win out.

steve sipe