Application Considerations
Condenser Water Limitations
Temperature
Trane centrifugal chillers start and operate over a range of load conditions with controlled water temperatures. Reducing the condenser water temperature is an effective method of lowering the chiller power input. However, the effect of lowering the condenser water temperature may cause an increase in system power consumption.
In many applications Trane centrifugal chillers can start and operate without control of the condenser water temperature. However, for optimum system power consumption, and for any applications with multiple chillers, control of the condenser water circuit is recommended. Integrated control of the chillers, pumps, and towers is easily accomplished with Trane’s AdaptiView and/or Tracer system.
Chillers are designed to ARI conditions of 29.4°C (85°F), but Trane centrifugal chillers can operate to a fi ve psig pressure differential between the condenser and evaporator at any steady state load without oil loss, oil return, motor cooling, or refrigerant
Water Pumps
Avoid specifying or using
Water Flow
Today’s technology challenges ARI’s traditional design of three gpm per ton through the condenser. Reduced condenser fl ows are a simple and effective way to reduce both fi rst and operating costs for the entire chiller plant. This design strategy will require more effort from the chiller, but pump and tower savings will typically offset any penalty. This is especially true when the plant is partially loaded or condenser relief is available.
In new systems, the benefi ts can include dramatic savings with:
•Size and cost for condenser lines and valves
•Size and cost of the cooling tower
•Size and cost of the water pumps
•Pump energy (30% to 35% reduction)
•Tower fan energy(30% to 35% reduction)
Replacement chiller plants can reap even greater benefi ts from
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