Modular chillers let your cooling system scale with your production. Adding new modules increases cooling capacity without shutting down the process. Each unit is fully autonomous, factory-assembled and tested, while a centralized controller manages multiple modules through capacity staging and energy optimization of the entire system.

What is a modular chiller?

A modular chiller is a compact cooling unit designed to operate independently or as part of a larger system made of multiple modules. Each module is a complete chiller with its own refrigeration circuit. By connecting modules in series (cascade) or in parallel (centralized system), you achieve high total capacity and high operational reliability.

Centralized and cascade cooling systems

Frigel modular chillers enable two main system configurations:

• Modular centralized systems: individual units connected in parallel to achieve—and expand when needed—the total cooling capacity.
• Cascade systems (MultiStage): modules connected in series to handle thermal loads with a high temperature drop (ΔT), delivering higher energy efficiency compared to single-stage systems.

All modules are managed by a centralized controller that optimizes operation, load distribution and overall energy consumption.

How do modular chillers operate?

In both configurations (series or parallel), modular chillers connect to a centralized control system. The controller stages each module’s capacity to maintain the target chilled-water temperature, ensuring that only the modules actually required are running.

Since each unit is autonomous, a single module can be isolated for service without stopping the whole system—delivering high operational reliability and flexibility.

Frigel Modular Chillers – 3FA & 3FX

Frigel modular chillers are available in two main configurations: 3FA as an air-cooled modular chiller and 3FX as a water-cooled modular chiller. Both combine high cooling capacity with a very small footprint, maximum energy efficiency and Industry 4.0 connectivity.

3FA – modular air-cooled chillers (200–600 kW)

Frigel 3FA modular chillers are ultra-compact, air-cooled industrial-grade units engineered specifically for modular systems. Each unit features a single refrigeration circuit with a screw compressor (optional inverter), a brazed plate evaporator, an electronic expansion valve, and an onboard digital controller.

Condensers are mounted directly on the unit frame and use high-efficiency, lightweight microchannel aluminum heat exchangers. All models include high-efficiency axial fans with automatic staging (brushless motors), making them ideal plug & play solutions for industrial applications.

3FA modular chiller benefits

• Ultra-compact footprint – maximum cooling capacity in minimal space
• Built for harsh weather – galvanized steel frame, powder-coated in RAL 7040
• High energy efficiency – strong EER across operating conditions
• Low operating noise
• High reliability – factory-assembled and tested units
• Self-diagnostics via microprocessor controller
• Modular design – engineered for easy system integration
• Easy installation and future expansion
• Industry 4.0 ready – integration with digital factory infrastructure
• Remote monitoring via MiND® supervision system

3FA technical highlights

• Cooling capacity per unit: 200 – 600 kW
• Oversized stainless-steel brazed plate evaporator
• Very low refrigerant charge: R513A (HFO blend) or R134a, factory charged
• Microchannel aluminum condensers – lighter weight, higher efficiency
• Optional inverter screw compressors (stepless modulation from 25% to 100%)
• Optional heat pump function

3FX – modular water-cooled chillers (100–600 kW)

Frigel 3FX modular water-cooled chillers are ultra-compact units designed for building complete multi-module cooling systems in series (MultiStage) or in parallel configurations. They combine high cooling capacity with very high energy efficiency and are designed to integrate with ECODRY adiabatic cooling systems.

As an option, both configurations can operate in heat-pump mode, using process heat to produce hot water up to 60 °C, further reducing total plant energy consumption.

3FX modular chiller benefits

• Ultra-compact design – maximum capacity per footprint
• Very low refrigerant charge – high capacity per kg (lb) of refrigerant
• High energy efficiency – strong EER across operating conditions
• Heat recovery option (heat pump mode) – hot water up to 60 °C
• High reliability – factory-built and tested units
• Microprocessor control with self-diagnostics
• Plug & Play concept – simple installation and expansion by adding modules

3FX technical highlights

• Cooling capacity per unit: 100 – 600 kW
• High-efficiency compressors with variable capacity (Multi-Scroll or screw)
• Optional inverter on screw compressors (continuous modulation 25–100%)
• Oversized stainless-steel plate evaporator and plate condenser
• Low-GWP refrigerant options: R410A or R513A
• Electronic expansion valve
• Electronic pressure switches and freeze protection

Typical applications for modular chillers 3FA and 3FX

Modular chillers are used in demanding industrial environments where a reliable cooling solution is required with the option to expand capacity in the future: plastics and rubber, food and beverage, metals and casting, biogas, data centers, gas turbine inlet air cooling and power systems.

Contact

Want to build a modular cooling system or replace an existing central chiller with a modular solution? Our team can help you select the optimal 3FA and 3FX configuration, size the cooling capacity, and integrate the system with ECODRY adiabatic cooling.