What is a Hybrid Chiller Plant?
A hybrid chiller plant combines multiple cooling technologies with differing energy sources usually a mixture of natural gas and electric-driven chillers. Instead of being subject to an ever increasing electric rate by the utilities, a hybrid chiller plant can dynamically shift cooling loads between power sources based on operating conditions, energy costs or available capacity.
This flexibility can help healthcare facilities strategically reduce demand charges, lower operating costs, improve resiliency, and preserve electrical capacity. By diversifying the energy sources used for cooling, a hybrid chiller plant provides another layer of reliability while helping facilities manage operational budget constraints and energy efficiency expectations.