How to Improve the Efficiency of Water Chillers?
Chiller performance varies greatly with operating conditions. Full-load performance is not a good indicator of overall performance because chillers rarely operate at full load. Instead, part-load performance is critical to good overall chiller performance. Refer to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001, which lists minimum chiller efficiency requirements. There are several variables that can affect the efficiency of a chiller. 1. Controlling the flow rate The flow rate must be closely regulated, as too low a flow rate can reduce the efficiency of the chiller, resulting in laminar flow. The minimum flow rate is usually about 3 feet per second. However, excessive flow rates can cause vibration, noise and pipe corrosion. The recommended maximum flow rate is usually about 12 feet per second. 2. Keeping the Refrigerant Charged The amount of cooling any cooler can provide depends on the amount of refrigerant it passes through the compressor per unit time. It is important to mai...