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18 Chiller System Design and Control SYS-APM001-EN
Application Considerations
Chiller system size affects design and control considerations. Each size comes
with its own set of advantages and challenges.
Small Chilled-Water Systems (1-2 chillers)
Figure 17. Small chilled-water system schematic
A common design goal for the small chilled-water system with one or two
chillers (Figure 17) is to minimize complexity while balancing energy
consumption goals. Smaller chilled-water systems may have smaller budgets
allotted for operation and maintenance and may run unattended more often
than larger systems. Keeping it simple, while capitalizing on chilled water
advantages, is the hallmark of a successful project.
The first cost of a small system is a common hurdle faced by a building owner.
There are ways to minimize first costs without sacrificing operating costs. For
example, a wider design T reduces flow rates, which in turn reduces pipe and
pump sizes. In addition to reducing pump and pricing costs, this may also allow
the designer to avoid installing a storage tank to meet the required chiller “loop
times.” (See “Amount of Fluid in the Loop” on page 79.) On a system with
multiple chillers, using a variable-primary-flow design (“Variable-Primary-Flow
Systems” on page 55) can reduce the number of pumps, starters, electrical
equipment, and space required.
Air-Cooled Chiller
Pump
Control
Valve
Load