21/04/2024
Improving Energy Efficiency of Water Cooled Chillers
Centrifugal chillers are probably the most energy efficient solution for HVAC chilled water systems. However, as with all mechanical equipment, these chillers too have maintenance and repair issues, and the definite possibility of efficiency improvements, from both, technical and commercial perspectives.
Green Leaf has commissioned a solution in Dubai, to retrofit Carrier 19XR centrifugal water-cooled chillers, by replacing its existing compressor and controls, with the next generation, magnetic oil-free compressors.
The main features of this retrofit engineered solution are:
Replace existing compressor with new oil-free, magnetic bearing compressor
Compressor powered by permanent magnet motor
Equipped with Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) on the compressor
NO oil peripherals like oil heater, oil cooler, oil pump, oil filter, oil sensors & controls, piping, valves, etc.
This energy efficient retrofit solution can be implemented on ANY positive-pressure centrifugal compressor chiller
The key benefits of this efficiency solution are:
As compared to the normal induction motor in old chillers, the permanent magnet synchronous motor with the new compressor has an efficiency gain ranging from 5-30%, from full load to 15% motor speed conditions respectively.
Positive pressure, oil-free design eliminates performance degradation due to non-condensables and oil contamination of refrigerant; reduces performance loss by 4-12%
High Speed VFD with magnetic bearing compressors are 45-50% more energy efficient than fixed speed motors, and upto 10% more efficient than even traditional VFDs
Modular sizing for the new compressors allows for higher equipment ‘up time’
Lower maintenance and repair costs, as there no oil-related peripherals
Eliminates expensive periodic oil analysis and oil-change requirements
Magnetic bearings, with no friction, result in higher reliability and less wear and tear
These new compressors are quieter, and easier to service as compared to old chillers
Eliminates parts obsolescence risk of old chillers and starter panels
