Centrifugal chillers are best characterized by which of the following features?

Centrifugal chillers are indeed best characterized by high tonnage and low pressure capabilities. These chillers are designed for large-scale cooling applications and are commonly used in large commercial and industrial settings where significant cooling capacity is required.

The high tonnage capacity of centrifugal chillers allows them to handle large volumes of refrigerant, providing efficient cooling for substantial spaces. This feature makes them suitable for situations like air conditioning in large buildings, refrigeration in industrial plants, and other applications that require cooling over extensive areas.

Additionally, centrifugal chillers operate at lower pressure compared to other types of chillers, such as reciprocating ones. This characteristic improves their reliability and efficiency, as lower operating pressures reduce the likelihood of mechanical failures and can contribute to energy savings during operation.

While some centrifugal chillers do exhibit high efficiency and low maintenance needs, that alone does not fully encapsulate their primary character in terms of usage and operational capabilities. Thus, the emphasis on high tonnage and low pressure best defines the functional strengths of centrifugal chillers in the context of their applications.