Centrifugal, Screw, or Absorption: Which Chiller Type Is Most Efficient for Your Facility?

Centrifugal, Screw, or Absorption: Which Chiller Type Is Most Efficient for Your Facility?

Feb 12, 2026
12 min read
Energy Efficiency

Centrifugal, Screw, or Absorption: Which Chiller Type Is Most Efficient for Your Facility ?

Facility managers asking "which chiller type is most efficient?" usually discover the answer is frustratingly context - dependent.A centrifugal chiller achieving COP 6.5 at full load sounds impressive until you realize it operates at full load less than 10 % annually.A screw chiller with lower peak efficiency but excellent part - load performance might deliver better real - world results.

Efficiency Hack: Real-world efficiency isn't about peak numbers; it's about how the chiller performs during the 90% of the year it operates at partial load.

Understanding Efficiency Metrics

Electric Chillers Centrifugal & Screw
kW / ton or COP
Absorption Chillers Thermal Energy
Thermal COP

Comparison of Technologies

1. Centrifugal

Capacity: 150-6,000 TR

Peak Strategy: Highest efficiency at 100% load.

Best for: Stable, high - load environments like data centers.

2. Screw

Capacity: 70-600 TR

Peak Strategy: Superior part-load flexibility (10-100%).

Best for: Hotels or offices with variable daily loads.

3. BROAD Absorption

Capacity: 50-1,500 TR

Peak Strategy: Converts waste heat into free cooling.

Best for: Industrial sites with steam or exhaust gas.

Efficiency Decisions

Factor Centrifugal Screw BROAD VAM
Main Energy Electricity Electricity Heat / Waste Heat
Part Load Fair(risks surge) Excellent Stable Continuous
Op.Cost High(Electricity) Medium - High Lowest(Waste Heat)
📈 Maximize Your Facility's Energy Potential

Contact BROAD India for a site - specific energy analysis and cost modeling between centrifugal, screw, and absorption options.

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BROAD Air Conditioning India Pvt. Ltd. (BROAD India) is a subsidiary of BROAD Group.

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Centrifugal, Screw, or Absorption: Which Chiller Type Is Most Efficient for Your Facility?