Requirements for Remote and Water Cooled Condensing Units
General Installation
The indoor compressor units are designed to be used with a remote condenser. The water cooled units are similar, except that they have an integral water cooled condenser. Inlet and outlet water connections are to be made in the field. On units having a compressor water jacket, incoming water shall be routed through the jacket prior to entering the condenser. For cleaning purposes, condenser end plates can be removed to give access to the water tubes. Cleaning is accomplished by a simple spiral tool powered by an ordinary electric drill. During installation, allow space for cleaning the condenser. Commercial equipment of this type is intended for installation by qualified refrigeration mechanics.
2.A double riser discharge line may be used as shown in Diagram 2. Line “A” should be sized to carry the oil at minimum load conditions and the line “B” should be sized so that at the full load conditions both lines would have sufficient flow velocity to carry the oil to the condenser.
Water Regulating Valve
Using this control on the water cooled condensing units, the head pressure can be maintained by adjusting the flow of water through the condenser section. This type control is most often located on the water entering side of the condenser and is regulated by the refrigerant condensing pressure.
Typical Arrangements
Diagram 1 illustrates a typical piping arrangement involving a remote condenser located at a higher elevation, as commonly encountered when the condenser is on a roof and the compressor and receiver are on grade level or in a basement equipment room.
In this case, the design of the discharge line is very critical. If properly sized for full load condition, the gas velocity might be too low at reduced loads to carry oil up through the discharge line and condenser coil. Reducing the discharge line size would increase the gas velocity sufficiently at reduced load conditions; however, when operating at full load, the line would be greatly undersized, and thereby creating an excessive refrigerant pressure drop. This condition can be overcome in one of two of the following ways:
1.The discharge line may be properly sized for the desired pressure drop at full load conditions and an oil separator installed at the bottom of the trap in the discharge line from the compressor.
Subcooler
Diagrams 1 and 2 below show typical subcooler piping. Diagram 1 is the preferred connection with receiver as it provides maximum subcooling. Diagram 2 may be used if the receiver is located far from the condenser.
Notes:
1.All oil traps are to be as short in radius as possible. Common practice is to fabricate the trap using three 90 degree ells.
2.Pressure relief valves are recommended at the condenser for protection of the coil.
3.A pressure valve at the high point in the discharge line is recommended to aid in removing
4.The placement of a subcooler should be that it does not interfere with normal airflow of the condenser. Increased static of the unit could cause a decrease in system capacity and fan motor damage.
Diagram 1 | Diagram 2 |
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City & Tower Water Connections
In the refrigeration industry “City” and “Tower” are designations of temperature and flow conditions, not applications. The term “City” refers to operating conditions where incoming water is 75˚F, and condensing temperature is 105˚F. “Tower” refers to a higher temperature relationship which is normally 85˚F, incoming water and 105˚F condensing temperature.
Water circuits in some condenser models provide a center, or Tower, outlet connection to allow divided inlet water flow. This extra water port reduces water velocity, water pressure drop, and condenser wear in applications such as cooling towers where higher inlet temperatures and water flows occur.
Water Connections for City
For City water (open system) high pressure applications, the Tower connections is plugged.
Water Connections for Tower
For Tower usage and low pressure applications, both normal water connections will be used as inlets and the tower connection as an outlet.
