Screw and centrifugal Hitachi chiller systems are two of the leading solutions available today, but which option is the most optimal for large-scale projects? Choosing the right compressor type not only determines immediate cooling performance but also directly affects a company's operating costs. In the following article, U.P Tech provides an in-depth analysis of these two system types to identify the most suitable solution for your project.
1. Overview of Hitachi Screw Chiller Systems
Hitachi Screw Chiller Systems are high-capacity industrial water cooling systems that operate based on volumetric compression through the counter-rotating motion of a pair of screw rotors. Optimized for commercial HVAC infrastructure (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and modern production lines, Hitachi screw water chillers play a central role in maintaining stable temperatures in high-rise buildings, hospitals, and industrial plants. These systems are well known in the market for their high durability, extended service life, and flexible energy-saving capabilities under different load conditions.
- Hitachi Screw Water WZY Series (Fixed Speed - R134a): A fixed-speed, water-cooled screw chiller series using the environmentally friendly R134a refrigerant. The units feature a robust semi-hermetic Twin-Screw compressor design, delivering high operating efficiency and reasonable initial investment costs, making them highly suitable for HVAC systems with stable operating conditions.
- Hitachi Screw Water WZPY Series (Fixed Speed - R134a): An upgraded series optimized for heat transfer performance and flexible capacity ranges. Equipped with a high-efficiency lubricating oil separation system and a Continuous Capacity Control slide valve ranging from 12.5% to 100%, the WZPY Series maintains highly precise leaving chilled water temperatures even under continuously fluctuating loads.

>>> See more: Hitachi Water Cooled Screw Chiller WZY series
2. Overview of Hitachi Centrifugal Chiller Systems
Hitachi Centrifugal Chiller Systems represent the high-capacity water cooling segment, specifically designed to meet the HVAC requirements of large-scale facilities and heavy industrial production environments. Unlike the volumetric compression mechanism used by screw chillers, Hitachi centrifugal water chillers generate cooling capacity by converting kinetic energy into pressure. With impressive capacities reaching several thousand Refrigeration Tons (RT), Hitachi Centrifugal Chiller Systems are regarded as the "heart" of continuous chilled water supply, meeting stringent requirements for engineering standards, stability, and energy efficiency in large-scale industrial infrastructure.
- Hitachi Centrifugal Direct Drive K-VG Series (R513a): An advanced direct-drive centrifugal chiller series using R513a refrigerant, which has a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). Its direct-drive configuration optimizes durability and enhances overall cooling efficiency.
- Hitachi Centrifugal K-S Series (R513a): A new-generation product series optimized for energy efficiency and compliant with international green building standards through the use of next-generation R513a refrigerant. It also operates quietly with low vibration.
- Hitachi Centrifugal Water Gear Drive GFG / GXG Series (R134a): A gear-driven centrifugal chiller series using R134a refrigerant. Its aerodynamic impeller design optimizes the compression ratio and achieves maximum COP when operating within the base-load range of 80%–100%.
- Hitachi Centrifugal Water Direct Drive GFVG / GXVG Series (Inverter - R134a): A premium product series integrating Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) inverter technology with direct-drive technology. Combined with Inlet Guide Vanes, this solution enables the compressor to maintain optimal IPLV across all part-load ranges, effectively preventing surging and delivering leading energy efficiency in its segment.
To help investors, HVAC engineers, and M&E contractors better understand the technical differences and make an appropriate choice for their projects, the following comparison table of screw and centrifugal Hitachi chiller systems summarizes the key operating criteria:
| Technical Criteria | Hitachi Screw Chiller Systems | Hitachi Centrifugal Chiller Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant Compression Mechanism | Volumetric compression using a pair of male and female screw rotors rotating in opposite directions | Dynamic compression using a high-speed rotating impeller |
| Common Capacity Range | Suitable for medium- and large-capacity applications (40 RT – 600+ RT) | Optimized for very large-scale and industrial applications (300 RT – 3,000+ RT) |
| Load Control Mechanism | Continuous Capacity Control via a slide valve from 12.5%–100% | Combined control using an Inverter (VFD) and Inlet Guide Vanes |
| Operating Efficiency (COP/IPLV) | High efficiency at medium loads and under continuously fluctuating daily loads | Extremely high energy efficiency (COP) at high base-load conditions (80%–100% load) |
| Noise & Vibration Characteristics | Low vibration and quiet operation thanks to precision-machined screw tooth profiles | Extremely low vibration due to the compression chamber design without direct mechanical contact friction |
| Installation Area & Space Requirements | Compact modular structure that is easy to connect and flexible in terms of machine-room placement | Larger dimensions, requiring dedicated standard machine-room infrastructure |
| Optimal Applications | Hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and plants with variable loads | Data centers, semiconductor plants, airports, and 24/7 industrial facilities |

>>> See more: Hitachi Centrifugal chiller GXG-S/ GSG-S
3. Which Hitachi Chiller System Should Large-Scale Projects Choose to Optimize Costs?
For large-scale infrastructure projects, investing in a Hitachi water chiller system should not be based solely on the initial cooling capacity specifications. It requires a comprehensive assessment of the equipment's lifecycle costs. An optimized HVAC design must balance the initial equipment investment cost (CAPEX) with monthly operating electricity costs (OPEX). To help investors, design consultants, and M&E contractors determine the most appropriate technical solution, analyzing the project's actual cooling load profile plays a crucial role before selecting a specific equipment series.
3.1 When Should You Choose Hitachi Screw Chiller Systems?
Hitachi water screw chillers are an ideal solution for commercial and industrial projects with medium to large total cooling capacities (typically below 1,500 RT), where cooling loads fluctuate continuously throughout the day or across seasons.
- Flexible cooling load variations: Facilities such as Grade A offices, hospitals, and hotels can experience significant fluctuations in occupancy. With Continuous Capacity Control ranging from 12.5% to 100%, Hitachi screw chiller systems can closely match actual demand, minimizing wasted energy at low-load conditions.
- Safe and flexible modular configuration: Connecting multiple modular chiller units in parallel makes it easy to adjust total system capacity. This configuration reduces operational risks: when one unit is shut down for maintenance, the remaining modules can continue providing cooling without interrupting the building's operations.
- Optimized installation space: Hitachi air-cooled screw chillers feature a compact design, helping save space for technical infrastructure in basement or rooftop areas.
3.2 When Should You Choose Hitachi Centrifugal Chiller Systems?
Hitachi centrifugal water chillers are designed for large-scale facilities or complex industrial zones with extremely high cooling loads, where the total cooling capacity exceeds 1,500 RT and can reach several thousand RT.
- Meeting continuous 24/7 base-load requirements: For data centers, semiconductor plants, and airports, cooling systems must operate continuously. Hitachi centrifugal chiller systems achieve maximum energy efficiency (COP) at base-load conditions of 80%–100%, ensuring a stable and continuous cooling supply.
- Optimizing long-term electricity costs (OPEX): Although the initial investment cost is higher, superior energy savings at large capacities can enable investors to recover their investment more quickly by significantly reducing electricity bills over the equipment's 20–30-year lifecycle.

>>> See more: Explore U.P Tech's catalog
4. U.P Tech – Authorized Exclusive Distributor of Hitachi Chiller Systems in Vietnam
Choosing the right chiller equipment is only the first step in developing a facility's cooling infrastructure. To ensure that Hitachi water chiller systems operate at optimal efficiency, minimize energy consumption, and maintain a service life of decades, investors need to work with a reputable distributor supported by highly skilled technical professionals.
U.P Tech is proud to be the exclusive authorized distributor of Hitachi in the Vietnamese market. With experience supporting hundreds of large-scale commercial and industrial projects nationwide, U.P Tech provides comprehensive HVAC solutions, from site surveys and design consulting to equipment supply and after-sales technical services.
- 100% genuine products with complete CO/CQ certification: U.P Tech imports complete Hitachi chiller units directly from manufacturing plants and provides full Certificates of Origin (CO) and Certificates of Quality (CQ). This ensures legal compliance, technical standards, and component quality for M&E contractors and investors.
- In-depth technical consulting and HVAC design support: Our experienced engineering team supports actual cooling-load calculations and energy analysis to recommend optimized configurations. U.P Tech provides solutions that balance initial investment costs (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX).
- Genuine warranty, maintenance, and spare parts services: U.P Tech follows Hitachi Global's standard warranty procedures, with a technical support team available 24/7 and scheduled maintenance services. Genuine spare parts are readily available to minimize repair time and ensure continuous, stable, and uninterrupted system operation.
Choosing the right screw or centrifugal Hitachi chiller system is a strategic step toward optimizing cooling performance and significantly reducing long-term electricity costs. As an exclusive authorized distributor, U.P Tech not only provides high-quality product lines but also supports projects through internationally standardized maintenance services. Contact U.P Tech via the hotline for detailed consultation.
See more:
=> Evaluation of VFD Inverter Technology in the WVY Water-Cooled Hitachi Chiller System
=> Guide to Choosing the Right Capacity Hitachi Scroll Chiller System for Buildings and Factories
U.P ENGINEERING AND TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
Hotline: 1800 6202
Email: vu@uptech.com.vn
Website: https://uptech.com.vn
Ho Chi Minh City Office: 370 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Nhieu Loc Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi Office: 14th Floor, ADI Building, Lot HH03, To Huu Street, Ha Dong Ward, Hanoi City
Head Office: D6, Thuan Viet Commercial Area, 319 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Phu Tho Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

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