Design and Performance Analysis of Water Chiller - A Research
Design and Performance Analysis of Water Chiller - A Research
Design and Performance Analysis of Water Chiller - A Research
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ABSTRACT
A chiller is a device which cools a fluid by removing heat from it, either through a vapour – compression or
absorption refrigeration cycle; with the key components being the compressor, condenser, evaporator and
expansion device.. This paper emphasizes on studying the design procedure followed in the industries and
performance evaluation of two different configruatons of 5 ton based chilling plant.The two such configurations
studied are scroll compressor and plate heat evaporator and scroll compressor and shell and tube evaporator
with R404A refrigerant.the results on basis of this experiment shows that the configruation scroll compressor
and plate heat evaporator can give better results as compared to the configruation scroll compressor and shell
and tube evaporator.
keywords: cop, work done,
C = Specific heat of fluid (°C)
I. INTRODUCTION ΔT = Temperature change of fluid (°C)
Water chiller is a broad term describing an M= mass of the product per hr.
overall package which includes refrigeration plant, COP=Q/W
water chiller and air or water cooled condenser. This Q= heat exchanged in condenser (condenser)
name infers that the compressor, condenser and W= net work done by the system (compressor)
chiller with internal piping and controls are combined When selecting water chillers it is essential that the
into a single unit. Water chiller plant may range in following be carefully considered
size from small capacity reciprocating compressor > Performance characteristics at both maximum and
units with air or water cooled condensers up to large part load operation. To achieve efficient operation it
units incorporating centrifugal or screw is necessary that the water chiller be able to reduce
compressorsr. Although the entire chiller package is the refrigeration capacity as the cooling load of the
more complex, the basic components required for building decreases.
mechanical refrigeration are the compressor, > Selection of the type of water chiller must also take
evaporator, condenser and thermostatic expansion into account the minimum load that the chiller may
valve. This so called chillers are largely used for air be required to operate down to. As an example,
conditioning, which includes comfort and controlled reciprocating compressors can unload to between 12–
process applications.Typical comfort air conditioning 15%, centrifugal chillers down to 20–25% and screw
applications are in larger buildings where the compressors down to 10–15%. Should this turn down
capacities are bigger such as office buildings, ratio be insufficient to meet the minimum cooling
shopping centres, hospitals, universities and schools requirement on the building, then multiple chillers
says. Wisdom.Process air conditioning is where will be necessary in order to achieve energy efficient
close control of temperature andhumidity is operation.The chilled water temperature should be
required. These sometimes require simultaneous maintained as high as possible to reduce the energy
cooling and reheat; and include laboratories, consumption of the compressor. Typically, a 1°C
computer rooms, operating theatres and critical increase in chilled water temperature can reduce the
manufacturing environments. Process cooling compressor energy input by approximately 2%.
applications also include any manufacturing process > The temperature differentials across both the
where heat generated needs to be rejected. These condenser and chiller heat exchangers should
typically include plastics, food and many other optimized to be as high as possible. High temperature
manufacturing processes For Chilling Plant differentials will result in lower water flow rate with
applications, we calculate the required capacity of the a consequential reduction of pumping energy.
chilling plant by using the following formula:
Q = M x Cp x ΔT/3024 II. LITERATURE REVIEW
Where details of literature review are as under
Q = Quantity of heat exchanged (TR/Hr)
W = Flow rate of fluid (LPH)
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2.1 M.W Browne etal.2000 : This paper presents an an existing industrial refrigeration system for a large
overview of various simulation techniques that may two-temperature level cold storage distribution
be useful for predicting the in-situ (dynamic) facility located near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This
performance of vapour-compression liquid chillers system utilized a combination of single-screw and
over a wide range of operating conditions. Four reciprocating compressors (each operating under
models were considered namely steady-state and single-stage compression), an evaporative
transient physical models, and steady-state and condenser, and a combination of liquid overfeed and
transient neural network models. It was found that direct expansion evaporators., Simulation results for
the steady-state models can give excellent results (to the annual performance of the refrigeration system
within ±5%) during quasi-static operation. However investigated in this project show a reduction in
under more dynamic conditions discrepancies of up annual energy consumption by 11% as a result of the
to ±20% can occur. They also have the obvious recommended design and control change. [4]
limitations during the shutdown process where they
will either drastically overestimate the work input or 2.5 J.D Tedford ,2001 : This paper presents a
underpredict the cooling capacity depending on the system simulation model of an oil-injected screw
choice of the convergence variable[1] chiller. The refrigerant (shell and tube) heat
exchangers are modeled, using a three-zone
2.2 PK.Bansal etal. 2000: presents a steady-state approach, to study the effects of the operational
moel or predicting the performance of vapour- parameters on the fractional area allocated to each
compression liquid chillers over a wide range of phase within the heat exchangers. With a PLR
operating conditions.. In particular, it employs an greater than 0.5, the subcooled region in the
elemental NTU-e methodology to model both the condenser accounts for less than 2%, the two-phase
shell-and-tube condenser and evaporator. The region accounts for up to 73% and the superheated
approach allows the change in heat transfer region occupies about 25% of the total area of the
coefficients throughout the heat exchangers to be condenser.[5]
accounted for, thereby improving both physical
realism and the accuracy of the simulation model. The 2.6 Rhett david graves 2003: This paper presents
model predicts the electrical work input to the a thermodynamic model for a screw chiller and
compressor, and the coefficient of performance cooling tower system for the purpose of developing
(COP), and the condenser capacity to within ±10% an optimized control algorithm for the chiller plant.
for the majority of operating conditions for both The thermodynamic chiller model is drawn from the
chillers. The model is also able to predict the thermodynamic models developed by Gordon and Ng
refrigerant temperatures in the condenser and the (1996).. The models are coupled to form a chiller
evaporator to within ±1% for the majority of plant model which can be used to determine the
operating conditions.[2] optimal performance. Two correlations are then
required to optimize the system: a wet-bulb/setpoint
2.3 K.T Chan etal.2001:This paper reports how the correlation and a fan speed/pump speed correlation.
coefficient of performance (COP) of air-cooled Using these correlations, a “quasi-optimal” operation
chillers can be improved by adopting variable can be achieved which will save 17% of the energy
condensing setpoint temperature control and using consumed by the chiller plant.[6]
mist evaporation to pre-cool ambient air entering the
condensers to trigger a lower condensing 2.7 Fu wing U etal. 2005.This paper describes how
temperature. Chiller models without and with water the COP of these chillers can be improved by a new
mist system were established, and the former was condenser design, using evaporative pre-coolers and
validated by using measured operating data of an variable-speed fans. A thermodynamic model for an
installed screw chiller. The baseline refers to an air- air-cooled screw-chiller was developed.It is found that
cooled chiller operated under HPC with variable the chiller COP can be maximized by adjusting the set
speed fans. The chiller COP could increase by -0.29- point based on any given chiller load and wet-bulb
12.2% and 3.1-71.9% from the baseline when the temperature of the outdoor air. A 5.6–113.4%
chillers operated under the traditional HPC but increase in chiller COP can be achieved from the new
adding water mist and under the new CTC, When condenser design and condenser fan operation.[6]
the chiller operated under CTC with water mist, the
energy performance could be further improved, and 2.7 Ho Yin chun 2006 : This paper presents a simulation
the chiller COP could increase by 7.1-72.9% from study on how to increase the coefficient of
the baseline.[3] performance (COP) of an air-cooled screw chiller
equipped with high static condenser fans. A
2.4 K.A Manske, 2001 :This paper is a result of a thermodynamic chiller model was developed and
research project, which focused on optimization of validated using the operating data and specifications
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Mr. Jayesh S Arya Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com
ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 6( Version 4), June 2014, pp.19-25
of the chiller. The simulation results show that flow and varying wind speed. This first part of
reducing the condensing temperature as low as the study attempted to investigate the effects of
possible is incapable of maximizing the chiller COP various configurations of condensing coils, three
when the rated condenser fan power is high by up to types of variant fin configuration (VFC) and four
77 W per kW cooling capacity. Depending on the types of variant row configuration (VRC). Using
load conditions, the chiller COP could increase by CFD airflow simulation and heat transfer
1.7–84.8% when variable speed condenser fans and analysis, the results of this study showed that
the optimum set point of condensing temperature are VRC-designed condensers improve airflow
applied to existing air-cooled screw chillers.[7] distribution and enhance heat transfer
performance
2.8 Zhang Xiosong etal. 2006 novel method was put
forward for improving the energy efficiency of air- 2.12 Jin chang jiang etal.2012: The second part of
cooled water chiller plant operating on part load this study (Part II) used full-scale
conditions. The conventional multiple-chiller plant experimentation to investigate the manner in
was proposed to be integrated into one refrigeration which how two condenser coil configurations
cycle, by connecting those separate compressors, (VRC and CRC) influence the performance
Both the simulative and experimental results (energy efficiency) of the system and individual
indicated that applying this novel energy-saving components of air-cooled chillers. The results
method, the air-cooled chiller plant could get a showed that, for both DX and FL evaporator
significant performance improvement on various part configurations, the chillers with VRC condensers
load ratio (PLR) conditions, due to the apparent had a greater cooling capacity (an increase of
decrease of condensing temperature and some 4.5% and 4.0%, respectively), refrigeration
increase of evaporating temperature. Under the same capacity (an increase of 6.5% and 5.6%,
outdoor temperature of 35 °C, when the PLR respectively), and COP (an increase of 7.3% and
decreased from 100% to 50%, the COP increased by 6.7%, respectively), compared to chillers using
about 16.2% in simulation and 9.5% in experiment.[8] CRC condensers. This demonstrates that VRC-
designed condensers can effectively improve heat
2.9 RAHMAN SAIDUR 2009 In this paper, energy transfer performance and enhance the energy
consumption by chillers has been estimated using data efficiency of refrigeration systems without
collected by walkthrough energy audit for Malaysian increasing material costs or the number of tubes
office buildings. It has been found that chillers use and fans. The
about 42,285MWh and 84,569MWh of electric energy
for 50% and 100% loadings in an institutional 2.13 Gregor p henze 2013 : This article describes a
buildings.so this study shows that It has been found field study conducted on two university campuses in
that 90MWh-896MWh of energy can be saved for Massachusetts and Colorado during the cooling
using energy efficient chillers for different percentage season of 2011. The purpose of this experimental
of loadings. Along with energy savings, US$57,314 as study was to alleviate AT degradation problems on
a bill savings can be achieved for high efficient both campuses through the use of intelligent
chillers for 50% chillers loading.this study also shows pressure-independent control valves, and to quantify
suggest that 35,975 MWh energy and US$2,302,431 the improvements achieved. The MA field results
bill can be saved for 60% of speed reductions using revealed that the intelligent control valves when
VSD. coupled with a AT management strategy have
allowed the campus to serve additional cooling load
2.10 Madhur behl, 2012: This paper presents a green on its campus with the same distribution and central
scheduling approach with chilling plants to reduce their plant system.
peak power demands. A green scheduling approach means
the use of thermal energy storage with vcr system,this 2.14 Oucome of the literature riview:Depending on
thermal energy storage stores the energy in peak hours and the load conditions, the chiller COP could increase
uses that power in the time of need.whem main system is by 1.7–84.8% when variable speed condenser fans
shut off for any reason. Using this system it is found that a and the optimum set point of condensing temperature
green scheduling approach has a potential to save average are applied to existing air-cooled screw chillers. also
monthly electricit. bill by 17 % as compared to system the chiller's COP can be maximized by adjusting the
without thermal energy storage. set point based on any given chiller load and wet-bulb
temperature of the outdoor air. A 5.6–113.4%
2.11 Sheng KaiWang: In condensers of large air- increase in chiller COP can be achieved from the new
cooled chillers chillers, VV-shaped finned-tube condenser design and condenser fan.operation. Out of
condenser coils are usually configured with the the three VFC designs were unable to improve the
upper fan, often resulting in unevenly distributed airflow distribution in the VV-shaped configuration,
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ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 6( Version 4), June 2014, pp.19-25
the four VRC innovative designs all effectively Work Done by Compressor, WC :
improved the airflow distribution problem in VV- Wc = h2 - h1
shaped configurations, increasing the average air = 388.23-361= 27.2 KJ/Kg
velocity and heat transfer rate in the coils. The Mass Flow rate of refrigerant, M:
results showed that, for both DX and FL
M=
evaporator configurations, the chillers with VRC
condensers had a greater cooling capacity (an = 16.7 /(h1 – h4)
increase of 4.5% and 4.0%, respectively), = 16.7/ (361-260)
refrigeration capacity (an increase of 6.5% and = .165kg/s
5.6%, respectively), and COP (an increase of Compressor Capacity, P:
7.3% and 6.7%, respectively), compared to P = M (h2 - h1)
chillers using CRC condensers = 0.165 x (388.2-361)
=4.44KW
2.16 :Objective of the present work : Condenser capacity, CC:
1. to study the basics of water chiller used in CC = M (h2 –h3)
industries = 0.165 x (388.2-260)=21.1KW
2.To study the design procedure followed in the Refrigeration Effect, Q41:
industries. Q41 = h1 - h4
3. to find out the best configuration for 5 ton based = 361-260
chilling plant from the two configuration using =101KJ/Kg
R404A refrigerant. Evaporator Capacity, CE:
CE = M Q41
III. Design Procedure = 0.165 x 15
The design procedure followed in the industries = 16.66KW
includes customer probing for temperature difference Coefficient of Performance, COP:
(Temperature required ) to be maintained in the COP = (h1-h4)/(h2-h1)
evaporator or for water and flow rate of water. = 101/27.1=3.72
Referegerant to be used is generally decided by the
company but in rare cases it is considered according IV. EQUIPMENT SELECTION
to the customer. Then capacity of chilling plant is selection of equipment consist of mainly four
calculated then capacity of compressor ,capacity of parts, selection of compressor, condenser ,evaporator
condenser and and capacity of evaporator is and expansion valve.based on the compressor
calculated. After deciding the capacities of all capacity calculated compressor is selected on the
equipments, all the equipments are either designed at basis of performance data sheet available to the
home industries or import from other industries .In industries.two types of compressors used for 5 ton
medium scale and small scale industries 5 ton based based chilling plant according to the data provided
chilling plant equipments are import from other from the industries are scroll and hermetic
wendors and are assembled .After assembling the compresors. Same selection is apllied to condenser
machine, the machine is tested for performance selection and evaporator selection.evaporator used
check ,.5-10ºc temperature is maintained and then it for 5 ton based chilling plant is a heat exchanger
is dispatched to customer. if any problem is detacted which is sometimes selected according to customer
the machine is send to production department for information, two types of evaporators are mostly
solution. used which are
Shell and tube type type and plate heat exchanger. for
3.1 Design calculation[1.4] : Analysis of vcr cycle 5 ton based air cooled condenser there is no change
In this design R-404A is used as a refrigerant in types,the same type condenser is used in all cases
For design purpose considering condenser of 5 ton chilling plant.expansion valve used is TEX -
temperature 40 oC and evaporator temperature 5 oC 2 which depends upon the nominal cooling capacity
and. The VCR cycle is dry saturated required,and the difference of pressure required to be
From P-h chart for R-404A following values are maintained.Which is selected on basis of
obtained: performance data sheet available to the industries.
h1 = 361 KJ/Kg , h2’ = 380 KJ/Kg,
h3 = 264 KJ/Kg= h4 ,S2’=1.65 KJ/KgK, V. Experimental Testing
S2= 1.59 KJ/KgK, The testing procedure and testing setup of how 5 ton
S2 = S2’ + 2.3 ×CP ×log (T2/ T2’) , air cooled chiller is explained. For the analysis
1.65=1.59 + 2.3×1.5 ×log (T2/ 313)=318.49K purpose same water is circulated in the chiller, after
h2= h2’+ CP (T2 ̶ T2’), attaching the temperature sensor through tape at
h2=380+ 1.5 (318.49 ̶ 313)= h2=388.8 KJ/Kg required points performance is conducted and
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ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 6( Version 4), June 2014, pp.19-25
readings are noted at every 5 min interval .based on No of COPT COPA COPCAR WDTH WDAC
this performance theoretical work done, theorectical readings H CT (KW) T (KW)
COP and actual COP and actual work done is 1 4.003 1.11 6.09 4.39 8.85
calculated for all the readings of each configuration 2 4.23 1.092 6.21 4.1 8.93
of 5 ton air cooled chiller .for the analysis purpose 3 4.32 1.07 6.36 3.99 8.7
two different compressors, hermetic and scroll 4 4.18 1.06 5.6 4.05 8.42
compressor is used. Two different evaporator, shell 5 4.2 1.01 5.31 4.035 7.57
and tube and plate heat exchanger are used. The
condenser used for all the configuration is same and
the expansion valve too (TEX-2)
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S.R NO COP COP COP WDTH WDACT FIG5.5: The fig shows the variation between
of TH ACT CAR (KW) (KW) theoretical work done and actual work done between
readings the configurations scroll comnpressor and plate heat
evaporator and scroll compressor and shell and tube
heat evaporator with R404A refrigerant.
1 4.48 1.32 4.5 3.9 7.55
4
2 4.77 1.12 5.01 3.70 7.5
3 4.70 1.10 4.8 3.66 7.75
4 4.4 1.06 4.5 3.60 7.6
5 4.48 1.03 4.61 3.9 7.45
6 4.42 1.02 4.75 3.68 7.4
5
7 3.7 1.03 4.75 3.5 7.3
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plate heat configruation could give the better control valves.Environmental and
results on based of above comparison. agricultural enginnering.2012
[14] Ezenva Alfred ,2012., Design and adaption
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