Overview

The control optimization system controls the operation of water-cooled centrifugal or air-cooled chilled water plants. It optimizes performance holistically, by monitoring and controlling five interdependent systems: cooling towers; condenser pumps; chillers; chilled water pumps; and air-handling units.

The system is tailored to match the unique design of the chiller plant in question and the building loads served. The technology helps maintain optimal differential system pressure, manages chiller lift by eliminating flow issues under part-load conditions, and increases deliverable tonnage.

While it does not require costly variable frequency drives (VFDs) for chiller compressor motors, the control strategy does require VFDs on all ancillary components (chilled-water primary and secondary pump motor, condenser-water pump motors, and cooling tower fan motors) to achieve part-load efficiencies. Achieving the technology’s maximum benefit might also require piping and valve changes (3-way to 2-way), depending on the existing system’s vintage and design.

The system is chiller-brand agnostic and compatible with most BACnet or Modbus TCP/IP based building automation systems (BAS). The technology can be installed as a retrofit without voiding equipment warranties and is also suitable for major renovations and new construction.

A typical System Architecture of Chiller Control Optimization System