Chiller Plant Optimization

[The Reaper]

Does anybody know where I can get information about optimization strategies for a chiller plant? Thanks in advance.

[digo]

http://hightech.lbl.gov/dctraining/strategies/mpo.html

[The Reaper]

Thanks Digo!

[kontrolphreak]

Tridium based solution:

http://optimumenergyco.com/

kontrol out

[lwarren]

Good luck finding something affordable if you are looking for a packaged solution. I have looked at optimum. Building Logix also has a Tridium solution.

I am currently trying to implement this myself on a project with AX if anyone has done this before. Im not just talking about the condenser reset either, that is easy. I am talking more along the lines of the Hartman Loop.

[CraziFuzzy]

Does anybody know where I can get information about optimization strategies for a chiller plant? Thanks in advance.

Something to think about is that there is a LOT of variables in a chiller plant. To truly optimize the whole plant, you must know how all those variables will affect the system. (Things like Chiller efficiency over it's load range, and how this changes with condenser water temperature. The electrical use for the Cooling Tower fans over their range, etc).

[lwarren]

Exactly!

[digo]

This paper from Mr Hartman himself tells a bit more about one of the methodologies (Variable primary flow):
http://www.hartmanco.com/pdf/p04.pdf

There's even a code snippet with some if/then/else statements in there. I'd like to see an actual sequence of operation for a Hartman Loop.

[lwarren]

Yes, I would too Digo.

[nasaguyjoe]

I'm trying out the CPO10 in CCT on one of our smaller plants, it reads to be promising as far as retrofit of older equipment.

[lwarren]

What is that Joe?

[nasaguyjoe]

Johnson controls as a pseudo plant optimization program in CCT

pdf with regarding it

[The Reaper]

Thanks for the replies. The main problem I see is this particular building has 3 300 ton York Screw machines. All of the sequences call for an aggressive condenser water reset but anything below 78 degrees F is no good on these chillers.

[The Reaper]

Something to think about is that there is a LOT of variables in a chiller plant. To truly optimize the whole plant, you must know how all those variables will affect the system. (Things like Chiller efficiency over it's load range, and how this changes with condenser water temperature. The electrical use for the Cooling Tower fans over their range, etc).

I agree 100%. I think I am going to leave the condenser water alone for now. I will be putting VFD's on the towers and condenser water pumps. The thing that just kills me is they had a plate and frame for free cooling in the winter and they ripped it out! Now they are complaining about having to run the chillers all the time.

[amigo]

yeah, pretty smart move.

[CraziFuzzy]

I agree 100%. I think I am going to leave the condenser water alone for now. I will be putting VFD's on the towers and condenser water pumps. The thing that just kills me is they had a plate and frame for free cooling in the winter and they ripped it out! Now they are complaining about having to run the chillers all the time.

Yeah, the biggest change in chillers over the last 10-15 years has been the capability to run with much lower condenser temps. With the older chillers, as you've already eluded to, there really isn't much you can do for optimization, aside from resting on the chilled water supply temp based on zone demand (the goal should be for the most open chilled water valve in the facility to be near 100% open).

The old chillers can't handle the newer methods for increased efficiency, like lower cond temps, variable primary flows, etc.

[EES West]

Have any of you heard of the ClimaCheck Analyzer? This tool is by far the most advanced tool for you to get all the information you want regarding optimization of a chiller. Take a look at this

Advertising Link Removed

[controlgeek]

looks more like an ad for your company.

[Dilp172]

http://www.efftec.com/efftrack/maxim...efficiency.php

Dont know if it's any good,but they have good articles about chiller operation.

[controlgeek]

There are two I have limited experience with, Optimum Energy and the CPECS from Smardt/Kiltech.

They are both Tridium based, the Optimum Energy one the last I heard requires a annual fee to continue operating. I have heard figures as high as $20k a year. I also believe they will not show you any of their code.

The CPECS one is also a Tridium based application, it runs on a softjace and uses Kiltechs controllers (I/O Boards) integrated to the softjace through Modbus TCP to chillers and 485 to the VFD's. The one I worked on they gave me full admin access and there is not an ongoing annual fee I am aware of.

I'm sure there are many others out there. It's really about understanding all of the efficiency curves of your equipment and using the code to determine the sweet spot to be operating in at a given time based on load profile and outside conditions.