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    To learn how to select water chiller having high efficiency.

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    30 Ansichten13 Seiten

    Chillers and Chilled Water Efficiency

    Hochgeladen von

    esagcojr
    To learn how to select water chiller having high efficiency.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    von 13
    AU-V Speed Chilled Water Distribution Sy Optimizing Distribution Efficiency ‘Thomas Hartman, P.£., The Hartman Company iab! In many large cooling systems, the chilled water distribution system poses a much more immediate problem to overall cooling system performance and efficiency. Last month | outlined an approach designers and facility managers can use to evaluate the cost effectiveness of incorporating new "all-variable speed” technologies into new or existing chiller plants. Al-variable speed technologies offer substantial energy use reductions and also extend the Ife of the plant's chillers while lowering their maintenance requirements. However, in many large cooling systems, the chilled water distribution system poses a much more immediate problem to overall cooling system performance ard efficiency. Because many chilled water systems fall to attain their design delta T, loads at the end of the distribution system may be starved at peak periods, while at the same time the chiller plant is not able to utlize its full design capacity. Many "fixes" worsen the problem by raising the chilled water supply temperature to loads which reduce their latent cooling capacity and result in an endiess stream of complaints. At some facilities, the inability to solve nagging dstribution problems has undermined the integrity of the entire central plant and new approaches for cooling are being cansidered by unhappy end users. [Tom's May article - the third in ‘Truly effective solutions to such problems are relatively straichtforward, and lthe series: Optimizing All- extending all-variable speed principles to the chilled water distribution system WVariable Speed Systems with facilitates such solutions. So this month, | will expand the discussion started last [Demand Based Control month and outline how all-variable speed technologies can be mosteffectively Po extended to upgrade chilled water distribution systems for better performance. Lee enh nee ithe series: All-Variable Speed Distribution System Problems ICentrifugal Chiller Plants: Can {We Make Our Plants Mi Though chilled water distribution systems vary enormously in size and [Efficient? configuration, the problems associated with these systems ate quite universal: low ~ dala T, inability to fully lad chilers, inadequate flow in sections of the distribution system, and excessive pumping pressufe requirements at peak cooling demand conditions. Some of these problems plague nearly al chilled water distribution systems. Figure 1 shows a typical primary-secondary variable flow distribution system. in smaller systems the primary loop and the secondary distribution pumps may all be located in the plant. Ina large building complex, the primary (or a secondary) loop may extend throughout the campus and secondary (or tertiary) cistribution pumps are typically located in the individual buildings served by the distribution system, Actual configurations may have more or less distribution circuits and usually will have multiple pumps at each pumping station. However, the lessons discussed here are generally scalable and are easy to apply to a wide variety of distribution systems. gp Peete Figure 1: Typical Chilled Water Distribution System Configuration. In Figure 1, the primary chilled water pumps (PCHWP1 - 3) are nearly always constant speed pumps and the secondary chilled water pumps (SCHWPY - 3) are variable speed pumps. The primary pumps are cycled on and off with the chiller each serves, and the speed of the secondary pumps is modulated to meet a differential pressure setpoint as measured at the end of the distribution circuit each serves. A decoupling line shown in the lower right end of the figure permits flow in either direction at the end of the primary circuit since the "stepped" primary flow will nearly always be different than the continuously variable secondary flow. This system is widely employed, but has two inherent problems that lead to low delta T and poor performence: 1, When primary flow is greater than secondary flow, law delta T in the primary circuit results from the recirculating primary chilled water through the decoupling line and directly back to the chillers. The lower than ‘expected return chilled water temperature makes it impossible to fully load the on-line chillers because the primary pumps are fixed flow. This wastes energy ard if it occurs at peak conditions, it robs the plant of capacity. 2. Whenever secondary flow exceeds primary flow, flow reverses in the decoupling line and is mixed to degrade the supply water temperature. This reduces the cooling capacity of the loads in distribution circuits closest to the decoupling line. The result is greatly increased fiow in those circuits and reduced delta T, which also robs the system of its full capacity capabilities. Because primary and secondary flow is almost never exactly balanced and actual delta T always varies somewhat ‘rom design, one of the two problems is almost always at play in such systems, both of which can reduce the design delta T of the system and both of which make it difficult o operate the system effectively at full capacity. A number of solutions have been proposed to correct this problem, but such "cures" often destroy the system's abiliy to meet the cooling load requirements, One popular method of correcting low secondary circuit delta T problems is shown in Figure 2. hancement” Figure jagram of a Typical Delta T " While the Figure 2 diagram, or some veriation of itis often tcuted as a cure for low delta T, it much more often has disastrous effects on system operation. The idea is that the diverting valve on each secondary (or tertiary in some ceases) circuit return (sometimes @ mixing valve is used on the chilled water supply) will modulate some return water back to the pump anytime the return temperature is below design. tis reasoned that the elevated supply temperature will raise the return temperature and ensure that the design delta T from the circuit is maintained at all times. However, ths fix rarely has the desired results. When air is the medium being cooled, return chilled water temperature is much more affected by entering air temperature than chilled water supply temperature. Raising the chilled water supply temperature thus has litle effect on return chilled water temperature, but it does profoundly reduce cooling coll capacity, especially latent cooling capacity. As the supply chiled water temperature rises, load valves open further and flow in the circuit increases dramatcali, often without a significant increase in the return water temperature and usually with a reduction in cooling effect. Thus, when the schame shown in Figure 2 is installed on a distribution Circuit, one poorly operating load in the circuit can severely compromise the capacity of all loads in the circuit. In large systems itis also possible at times to have the flow reversal such that return chilled water from the mains travels to the supply header through the diverting or mixing valve. Thus the Figure 2 “ix’, and the many schemes that are similar to it, do not fix system operation at all. Instead, itis a ‘poison pil” to chiled water distribution systems. Getting Real About Low Delta T So what recognize what helps and hinders delta T. Delta T problems are sometimes caused by the designs through mixing return water with supply water undermine the thermodynamic efficiency of the system, problem: retrofit needs to follow these rules: Is the solution to low delta T problems? To configure a successful solution we must themselves which may include added bypasses and three way valves scattered the system to keep water moving at low load conditions. Solutions that involve destroy the capacity ofthe coils to meet their loads, and add further to low delta T '. To solve the types of distribution problems that lead to low delta T, the design or te all possibility of direct mixing between chilled water supply and his means eliminating all decoupling lines and three way valves. In this era of networked DDC and variable speed control, pumping systems no longer need to ‘ be decoupled. Furthermore, modern chillers accommodate varying flows over WIA Seiten substantial ranges without any loss of efficiency or operational stability. By selecting equipment wisely, itis not dificult to design "all-variable speed chilled water generating and distribution systems without any mixing so that every bit of supply ‘water must pass through a load before returning to the plant and supply chilled water at design temperature is available to all loads at all times. Employ a direct coupled distribution system: This means that when multiple pumping circuits are ‘employed such as in the Figure 1 system, they need to be connected directly in series rather then isolated with the use of decoupling lines. Primary/Secondary systems become "Primary/Booster” systems in which “all-variable speed” pumping stations are operated in series. Such systems are extremely effective and can save capital cost when compared to decoupled Primary/Secondary schemes because PrimaryiBooster ‘configurations can incorporate built-in backup without the need for redundant equipment. Focus delta T attention at each and every load: Once decoupling lines and three way valves have been eliminated, the only source of low delta T problems is overflow through individual loads. Overfiow can occur because of improperly sized valves and varying pressure differentials across valves. It can also occur when the air side of cooling coils becomes clagged or othe: maintenance failures take place. A simple means for preventing overfiow isto install a temperature sensor on the return water line at each load and to use this temperature as a limit for the control valve serving the load. When the return water temperature falls to ‘approach the design leaving water temperature for tre coll, the valve Is limited from opening further. This step climinates the problem of low deita T at the load and gives the designer a tie more flexibility in sizing valves ‘for each load. The simple logic that limits the vaive operation can also be employed to notify the operator that ‘a maintenance problem may be affecting the operation of the load, Configuring The Solution Figure 3 shows a system incorporating the above points that ensures every load will be satisfied and guarantees that ign delta T is maintained at all times. the desi Figure “All-Variable Speed” Chilled Water Distribution System Configuration with Network Controls Notice how similar Figure 3 is to Figure 1. Because there are no decoupling lines in Figure 3, itis called an "all- variable speed series Primary/Booster system.” Here are how the rules listed above have been implemented to convert the conventional Primary/Secondary system to a Primary/Booster and solve the problems typically associated with distribution systems: 1. Eliminate all possibility of direct mixing between chilled water supply and return: Notice in Figure 3 that the decoupling line in the primary header has been removed and the primary pumps have been converted to variable speed control. With a DDC network coordinating the primary and secondary (now called booster) pumps, the pumping systems no longer need to be decoupled. Modern chillers easily accommodate the varying flows over wide ranges (depending on chiller manufacturer), so varying the flow throughout the entire system as conditions change works very well. The primary pumps operate with their respective chillers to maintain a neutral pressure in the primary distribution header as measured by a differential pressure (DP) sensor shown at the end of the primary distribution header. Operation of the booster pumps is described below. 2. Employ a direct coupled distribution system: The schematic in Figure 3 is now a series distribution system because the booster circuit pumps are directly in series with the primary pumps. In smaller distribution systems, one set of pumps can often be eliminated making the system a primary only system. In addition to eliminating the possibilty of mixing supply with return chilled water, this direct coupled configuration can save capital cost when compared to decoupled Primary/Secondary schemes because Primary/Booster configurations accommodate built-in backup without the need for redundant equipment. Consider that if a booster pump fails, the primary pumping speed can te adjusted to operate at a higher pressure and provide some level of pressure differential to any of the booster citcuits until the failed pump can be repaired. Thus, there is often no need for redundancy at the booster umping stations. 3. Focus delta T attention at each and every load: This is probably the most important area of improvement. Consider that in Figure 3 control of the booster pumps has changed. In primaryisecondary systems itis most ‘common to control the pump in accordance with a differential pressure setpoint. However, when a network control system is employed to connect the system wih loads served, the network enables a much more efficient and reliable method of making certain all loads in the circult are satisfied with a minimum of pumping power. Network control of the booster pumps eliminates the need to maintain a fixed static head in the cirouit atall times. Instead direct service of the loads calling for cooling is accomplished with a new network enabled control called "demand based control," the details of which will be covered in a later article. There is one other feature of the Figure 3 system that is crucial to this upgrade. Notice that each load in Figure 3 now employs a temperature sensor on its return chilled water line and that temperature sensor is coupled with the operation of the valve. This temperature sensor acts as a limit on the valve operation. Under normal circumstances, the valve is modulated in accordance with requirements of the space served by the load. However. if the return chilled water temperature fas to the design return chilled water temperature limit forthe load, it aots as a limit to the operation of the valve such that the return chilled water temperature is not allowed to fall further. Other Design Considerations ‘There are some hydronic issues that must be addressed with large series pumping systems. The potential for water hammer is increased because without decoupling lines, flow through the entire system will change if@ rapid change of fiow occurs through any large load. However, simple steps will ensure that water hammer will not be a problem. Firs, the all-variable speed distribution system shown in Figure 3 should employ electrically actuated modulating valves. Large vaives usually employ 90 second to 360 second motors. This means that the valve cannot abruplly change flow to cause water hammer. If other considerations make water rammer stil a possibily, the potential can be further mitigated by using distributed expansion tanks. With this, a small expansion tank can be installed at each booster pumping station. When correctly piped, in addition to providing temperature expansion protection for each booster Circuit, the distributed expansion tanks will act as buffers to absorb potential pressure spikes between the booster circuit and the remainder of the system. ‘Another potential issue with the configuration shown in Figure 3 is the need to ensure some level of minimum flow anytime a chiler is operating, Without any decoupling or bypass, the flow will drop to zero if ll the valves close, The simplest solution is to shut the last remaining or-line chiller down when the flow falls below a predefined minimum threshold. Consider that in many comfort cooling applications, this low flow condition will be reached when the outside temperature is very close to the point at which outside air eccnomizers alone can provide the supply ar temperature setpoint. By shutting down the mechanical cooling, the supply temperature may rise slightly, requiring some additional fan power to meet the cooling load, but the overall system may still operate much more efficiently than by keeping a nearly unloaded chiller on line. Hf chiller operation at low loads is necessary, then itis a simple matter to add a small bypass valve in the primary circuit that is normally closed but opens at low flow conditions to maintain @ minimum flow rate. Eval tion Costs and Savings for an All-Variable Speed Upgrade While the savings that can be expected from upgrading an existing decoupled primary - secondary distribution system to an all-variable speed primary - booster system may not be eye catching, the costs for such an upgrade are also often quite modest. Adding variable speed drives to the constant speed primary pumps, closing bypasses and implementing new network control can be accomplished quite economically in many systems. So, even though the energy economics may not be enormously attractive at frst tlush, the potential benefits to the overall cooling system are. The main driving forces for retrofitting to an all-variable speed distribution system are: 1. The desire to recapture chiller piant capacity that is being lost to low delta T problems, or 2. The desire to correct distribution flow problems resuling from the low delta T that make it dificult to properly cool some areas of the facility under certain conditions. ‘These are big problems for some facilities, and converting to an all-variable speed primary/booster chilled water distribution system can usually lead to enormous improvements at relative ow costs. However, such a conversion needs to be very carefully analyzed and designed to be sure the retrofit does not introduce new hydraulic problems into the system and that the chillers and other plant equipment maintain adequate minimum chilled water flow at all times. Cost is not generally 2 major consideration for a primaryibooster upgrade, but a careful design process should be! Summary & Conclusion Low delta T problems are very widely experienced by chilled water distribution systems in operation today. Many of the fixes that have been suggested to mitigate low delta T offer no solution at all, only more problems. However, reconfiguring such chilled water distribution systems as primary/booster “all-variable speed” systems without decoupling lines and with return chilled water temperature limits on each load will absolutely guarantee an end to low delta T problems. Furthermore, such a system can alert operstors to potential problems at loads that are under performing so that these problems can be corrected before they adversely affect the comfort af the spaces served. With a carefully developed design, an economical upgrade is often achievable that will greatly improve overall cooling system performance. Additional information on technologies discussed in this article is available at wwrw.hartmanco.com. Comments and questions may be addressed to Mr. Hartman at tomh@hartmanco.com. References 4. The Hartman Company, 2001, "The Hartman LOOP Chiller Plant Design and Operating Technologies: Frequenlly Asked Questions," March 2. Hartman, T, 2001, "Getting Real About Low Delta T in Variable-Flow Distribution Systems," HPAC. Engineering April. 3. Hartman, T., 1996, “Design Issues of Variable Chilled Water Flow-Through Chillers," ASHRAE Transactions, June. 4. Hartman, T.B. 1999, "Network Based Control of Fluid Distribution Systems," Renewable And Advanced Energy Systems For the 21st Century, Lahaina, Hawaii, 5. Kirsner, W., 1996, "The Demise of the Primary-Secondary Pumping Paradigm for Chilled Water Plant Design,” Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning (HPAC) November, engineers newsletter don’t overlook optimization opportunities in “Small” Chilled Water Systems from the ealtor. HVAC-system design engineers ond their cents share @ common desire: To be more competitive and profitable Design engineers pursue this goal by talloring @ combination of equipment and system-level options to the unique requirements of the application. Often the solution uses chilled water to provide high-quality, cost-etctive air Condloning. When the application is 8 central chiled water plant, tho dvion 'stkely to include one oF more ‘optimization strategies, such as variable flow or temperature reset. But chifed water cooling isn’t limited to large instalations and water-cooled chlor. In tis issue, veteran applications engineer, Don Eppelheimer, considers the relevance (of three popular optimization strstegies—iow flow (wide AT, variable fiow, and chilled water reset— in “small” chiled water systems. ‘The simplicity, reliability, and low installed cost of chited water make ita viable option for applications as small {88 10 tons. Ironically, though, “ciled ‘weter” often is equated with “central chilled water plant”—e term that ‘conjures up visions of voluminous ‘coding towers, rows of large, high- capacity chillors, and batteries of variable-speed pumas sending chilled ‘water throughout a hospital or eempus, Applications ofthis type are particularly well suited for centrifugal chillers because of the compressors variabie- volume load charecterstc, At the time cof manufacture, the centrifugal chiler can be designed fer a specific lit and capacity by changing the impeller siameter. Inlet vanas efficiently regulate compressor capacity, while tip speed control enekles the compressor 10 respond to seasonal changes in it. Previous issues of the Engineers Newsieter iscuscod strategies to ‘optimize cumping, plant partitioning, ‘and cooling tower operation (see “Engineers Newsletter archive” below) Allof these strates share the same ‘design goal: Reduce the cost of owning Engineers Newsletter archive Tn recent years, wove published a number of articles describing ways to optimize the performones of chilled water eyatemi, You ‘an find the following articles on ehilled- ‘water plant design incur online archive at httpsArevctrane.con/eommerealibrary! archived newsletter. 1 Vatisble-primary low systems revisited (2002; volume 81-4) (© Cold air makes god Sense (2000: volume 282) ‘= Chilled water plants and asymmetry as ‘a basis of design '1998: volume 28-4) ‘© An idea for chilled water plants whose ‘time has come: Variable-primary- low systems (1999: vdume 263) providing insights for today's eae system designer ‘and operating the HVAC system. These strategies favor large chiled water plants and centrifugal compressors, ‘where chiler efficiency provides ‘operating cost savings that help offset the cost of additional purnas and controls, utin small chilled water applications, it ‘may not be possible to rationalize the higher price tag for e centrifugal ciler ran elaborate automation system. “Small” chilled water applications ‘commonly employ chillers with screw, scroll, or reciprocating compressors." ‘These positivedisplacemont ‘compressors respond diftrently than contrifugal conpressors to changes in Sra ane "ere" ny auntie tas Fertho cee of the dosssson, ol ehles ‘water str” ses chiles wah postive ‘Salacorent compressors “Sat” might 280 ‘Sescte on npaaton where vrai fw buries it jt cr impleent asin te bon ejtem dcuoa at the ons! 1 How low-flow systems ean help you sve your customers what they want (0997: volume 25-2) 1 Tower water temperature: Control it how? (1996: volume 24-1) 15 How much ce? (1990: volume 191) 12 An ongincering strategy for ice etorage (4987: volume 168) ‘You'll als find past EN on design considerations for ardistibution and roligarant-to-ar systems, a well es on relevant industry standards and codes, ‘acoustics, energy, and the environment. TRANE Joaving ciled water tarnperature and Figure’, Parallel eilers with 10°F AT ‘Figure, Parallel chiles with 15°F AT leaving condenser water temperature. sess ln, : cota tar While the massive flow retes of large chilled wator plants make it easy 10 justty variablo-low chilled weter distribution, small chiled water systems may not consume enough purmp energy to warrant the added cost and complexity of variable flow purnsing schemes. Nor are some small capacity chillers equioped to tolerete variable water flow through the evaporator, Morecver, the popularity of aiscooied chilers in sill chilled water systems makes the debate about chiller efficiency versus condenser pump niet anit? ie efficiency moot. leaving water 8 ae oF a1 Siereticency OY a Een a2 ix Which, if any, ofthe design and control jump power 38 he concepts that work so wel in large chilled water plants are suitable for smaller systerns? To find out, let's compare the benefits of reduced chilled Colder water, lower flow. Producing decreases by 20 tons. Given the ‘water flow, variable chilled water fow, colder water (Figure 2) would allow us operating characteristes of positive: and series evaporators, as well as to citcuate less chiled water without displecomant compressors, simply chilled water reset when variable flow compromising coll capacity? ‘switching from one compressor type ise an option Grreulating less water substantaly to another is unlikely to avoid these lowers the pressure drop through the losses. (See “Compressor axioms chiller, cooling coils, and distribution. 3) eee pining. Dropoing the chilled water Parallel or Series? temperature, by3 dagrees inthis case, Colder water, seriae evaporators. reduces the required pump power by _ Is it possible to recover the lost chiller Base cave, Our exemple i ¢ more than halt. Now the annual cost of capacity and efficiency and sll produce conventional, "no file chiles water roving chiled wate" is less than $1240 colder ciled water? Absolutely. The system that useeaircooled cnilore with that’s more than 1500 less then ey isto pipe the evaporators in series positive-isplacement compressors. the annual pumping cost in the (Figure 3). This design streteay trades ‘The designs besed one 10°F ge in otiginal design. increased pressure crop for chilled water temperature (AT) and improvements in chile capecity constant water flow. Three-way valves Basing the design ov constantflow and efficiency regulate flow through the cooling cos. Means that tis compatible with the ‘These citeria result in the chiler and. unit conttolers on most chillers; italso Athough the annual pumping cost ppurnp selections in Figure 1 ‘avoids the expense of a variable-speed cimbs to $2570, which only trims drive on the chiled water puns, But about $200 from the orginal design \Whatis the purnping costin sucha ‘this lowsiow solutin is not without (Figure 1), piping the evaporators in system? At 1 cents per kiowatthour, _diseppointments: Chiler efficiency sees improves the chiller eticiency of the cost of unning the constant. ‘ops by 2 percent and ciler capacity the design in Figure 2 by 3 percent— volume purnp amounts to $1.39 per ‘and adds 24 tons of capacity. hhout the pump operates 2000 hours 75 exsnarocvGooigauheet wane: annual typical loading for comfort piegemelee Obterect eg ce What about variable flow? If the ‘cooiingl, then the annual pumping cost Engineers Newsieter 3-1, 2002, nine chiller controls can accommodate: is abour $2800. What can be done to Sted 19 Nev 20001 croifoweronacory variable water flow through the reduce this expenco? orerrcaibaryio 1 ‘evaporator, altering the series lowfiow ern ana anna ete design (Figure 3} to include varble Figure 3. Sevies chillers with 15°F AT oer apes song eo 1 nik? leavingwater 481 thilereficeney 10S 8m thier eapecty 218189. te pum power 1a he priory flow could halve the annual ‘bumping exoense and make en ‘2cceptable payoack more likely. Otherwise, implementing a varable- flow pumping scheme will require a primary-secondary piping ferrengement. I's unikaly that annual savings of only $1400 wil justify the upiront investment in both a constant flow primary pump and variablelow ‘secondary pump. Weighing the options. So which design is “best” for our exemple system: Low aT or high aT? Parallel illrs or series chillers? Will an Investment in variable flow provide a satisfactory return? Fortunately, this dilemma is easy resolved with the help of a simple energy study. Most ofthe software tools avaiable from chiller ‘manufacturers perform an hourby-hour led analysis, making the guesswork of bin methods unnecessary. Table 1 summarizes the results of such an analysis for our hypothetical system. om ‘Table 1 Projected energy use ofa hypothetical, 400-ton al-cooled-chiliersystemn= Dasgnooton Fico eer, 17F a coer fw Fane 0 ise cer, 1 a sneer ow Tigi? Soros ilo, Wratcortani ton FoureS Sonaa cior, FAT arabe Tow et hownl ‘ened eer eons, RAN Domes Chee Stem Zan? ase 187 sos 708s _——se5a00 sea SE "The weet anna ete yma oyion nr seth ee lc S| ‘hu Sat eoetearha you get eee vet eres "buena tase met ian 22% Spt snr xen Mn cea oe pio. Chilled Water Reset It may be easy to generate an attractive payback fore series evaporator arrangement and veriable flow when tho chills are large enough, with sufficiently sophisteated controls to accommodets variable eveporator flow. ‘But what options exist for smal chillers ‘ond simple eontrolers thet preclude variable evaporator flow? Series eveporatorsand a wide AT remain viable concepts for even the smallest chiles. But perhaps there's ‘another way to tecoup the cost of pumping energy infieu ofa variable flow scheme Most chiller contro reacly support chilled water reset (see sidebar on .4. Implementing chilled water reset is particularly easy when two smal ‘Compressor axioms Compressor capacity inereases as ‘suction temperature rises (assuming ‘hat the condensing temperature remains constant). Therefor, control strategies ‘that result i lower suction temperate ‘will also decrease th available cooling, Compressor efficieney increases a Ihead pressure decreases. So, cantral stratapien that eeu in a higher bead ‘reasure will make the compressor work harder (consume mare energy). ‘The magnitude ofthese eects is significantly less for chillers that use Cilles are piped in series: Use & warmer setpoint to control the Upstream chiller and a colder setpoint 0 control the downstream chiller (Figure 4, p. 4). During humid weather, cold chilled ‘water (42°F in this caso) allows proper dehumicificston and assures emple coaling sopectty at al ilo. Tho off peek cooling season (spring and autumn) often requires less dohumidification. For the ton system in Figure 4, supplying the coils with 48°F to 50°F chiled water may provide enough capacity to setisty most off-peak cooling needs. Chilled water resat can be achieved simply by turing off the downstream chiller Savings made simple. Circulating the chilled weter inthis small system requires less than 1 klowaat of power, contefugal rathor than positive Aisplacement compression, That's because centefugal compressors increase the temperature and prossure of reffigorant by dynamically converting fow voocity to static pressure, Positive displacement cumpressors ere, srol,rciprecating) “work” onthe refrigerant by trapping it and shrinking its volume. For more {information about compression technologies and their operating charactritia, see Chaptar 34, “Compressors in the 2000 ASHRAE Handbook-HVAC Systems and Bguipment. a Figure 4. Series chllrs and 15°F AT In 1 30-on chilled water system mkt wnit2 Neeving water 49a Chile efielney 120 ThE filer eapacty) 14) ‘one pum power 12 he Cr about 10 cents per hour. An eneray study estimates the pumpina cost at slightly more than $200 per year. A study of the same system with chilled water reset that is, shutting off the downstream chiller during of-peak cooling] projects annual savings of 160. In this case, inteligent sequencing of seres-piped chilers saved enough chiller energy to offset @ sizable portion of the pumping costs. Finding the potential savings, however, demanded a simple-but-necessary energy analysis A business of American Standard Companies Formora information conzet your oe set (fis orem us at comfort strana com 24 Closing Thoughts Many of the energyconserving strategies developed for large chilled water plants transpose eesily to small chilled water systems. The potential benefits of implementation are the same, whether the installation is “lerge” or “small” Your challenge as a design engineer is to leverage the comaressor’s operating characteristics in each application When properiy selected, @ centrifugal chiller wil ready provide money-saving efficiency at virwally any temperature condition. By comperison, a chiller with 2 positve-displacemont compressor will respond to changes in water ‘temperature with a more dramatic oss or gain in capacity and efficiency, Remember, too, that optimization stateaies are not exclusive to central Chilled water reset Cited water reset (CWR)—that is, raising the chill’ emtrol etpoint—is ‘common practieo in many chilled water plants as means of-edveing chiller ‘energy consumption. In constant low applications, CWR is relativaly easy to ‘implement and ean bs controlled based on ‘he drop in returm-weter temperature, {In varlble-low systems, however, raising ‘the supply-water temperature increases ‘pumping energy. Whilechiller COP ranges from 2.80 to 6.10" (depending on ‘eomprestor ype), punp COP isenly about (0465. Oftan the inerecsed pamping enerzy ‘will more than offset the savings in chiller ‘enorgy—eapecally ifthe chiller typically ‘operates at part-lead conditions. ‘theory regiments braid watered ‘ioweshnepmentng ewe el ene chilled water plants. Simple eneroy stuties thet project the effect of series evaporators and chiled water reset may hhelp you justify the advantages of chilled water in smaller comfort cooling applications. By Don Eppalhaimer, gopications ‘engineer, and Brende Braco information designer, Trane. You can find this and other issues of the Engineers Newsletter at htp:l! wwawirane.convcommercialiorary/ rnewsletters.esp. To comment, e-mail us at comfort@trane.com, Ofcourse, eireulating warmer chilled ‘rater through the cooling cul also raises the leaving ol air temperature, porhaps to the point that i can no longer adequately dehusidify the space. Although ASHRAB/IESNA Standard 9011-2001 Section 6.2.4.8) roquires use of chilled-water- temperature rest ‘ystems larger than 25 tons (36 kW, it ‘xeaipts variable flow systems and ystems in which CWR would compromise space humidity contra. Pro: ss Tesluces chiller energy Cons: t= Tnereases pump energy invarible-ow systems 1 Can intorfore with contrel of space amity 1 Complicates chiller sequencing ‘rane believes the ucts andl suggestions presented here to be accurate. However, final design and application decisions are your responsibility. Trane disclaims ‘any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented. providing insights for today’s HVAC system designer An Idea For Chilled-Water Plants Whose Time Has Come... Variable-Primary-Flow Systems from the editor. Chiledswater systams thet vary flow hough chiler evaporators have caught the attention of engineers, contractors, building owners and operetors. Chiller manufacturers are increasingly receptive to this interest, thanks to ongoing advancements in contr technology If ‘asked about variable evaporator flow ten ‘years 290, mary ofthese manufacturers would have simply declared, "No, you con't do that!” Five years ago, they would hove counseled. "You probally shouldn't do that.” Today they vl paint fo existing installations thot succesfully use variable evaporator flow, This isve ofthe Engincers Newsletter consers several aspects ofthe Variable-primary-flow (VPF) system, Jncluaing: ts benefits and complexities; criteria that can help you recognize witen <2 VPF design isa vable option; and tis for ts successful implementation What /s A VPF System? Conceptual the varable-primany flow (PA systern resembles the famiior ‘constant primary-variable secondary design mace commonly known a5 the “decoupled” system. A comparison of the schematics in Figures | and 2 (pages 2-2) reveal the simirties between “decoupled” and VPF systems For example, both require a bypass. Each chillin the arrangements shown has a dedicated pump whose operation coinces withthe chillarit serves. Differences between the two systems become apparent upon closer ceamination a ‘The “decoupled” system shown in Fgure 1 uses constant water flow ‘through each chille- evaporator and variable water flow through each cooling coil to satsy space loads implementing ths design requires: 1 a constant-speed, essentially

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