Chiller system and air conditioning apparatus having chiller system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chiller systems face operational inefficiencies due to varying outlet water temperatures, which can result in the chiller not being able to operate according to the target outlet water temperature command when it falls outside the operational range, leading to either excessive or insufficient capacity.
Innovation Solution
A chiller system with a second controller that receives temperature ranges from first controllers based on inlet and outlet water temperatures and outside air temperatures, allowing it to output appropriate operating commands to maintain the target outlet water temperature within the operational range by adjusting the water flow rate and compressor frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chiller operates based on a fixed target outlet water temperature command from the control panel, then the system follows simple control logic, but the chiller cannot operate when the target temperature falls outside its operational temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The chiller controller obtains the operational temperature range from the load controller and uses this feedback information to adjust the target outlet water temperature when it falls outside the feasible range. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to operational constraints while maintaining simple control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the target outlet water temperature parameter based on the operational temperature range. When the commanded temperature is outside the feasible range, the controller modifies the target temperature to the nearest feasible value, allowing continuous operation within acceptable parameters.
2Reliability
If the chiller operates at maximum capacity to meet high cooling demands, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chiller controller dynamically adjusts the target outlet water temperature based on real-time operational conditions and the feasible temperature range. This dynamic adjustment allows the chiller to operate at optimal capacity levels rather than always at maximum, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the target outlet water temperature parameter according to the operational range and cooling demand, the system optimizes the chiller's operating point. This parameter adjustment enables efficient operation across varying load conditions without requiring maximum capacity operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the chiller operates at minimum capacity to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but cooling capacity becomes insufficient to meet demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the load controller regarding the operational temperature range to determine the appropriate chiller capacity. This feedback enables the chiller to operate at the minimum necessary capacity to meet cooling demands while staying within feasible temperature limits, optimizing energy efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the chiller system can supply water at the target outlet temperature efficiently by optimizing the operational capacity within the chiller's temperature range, preventing inefficiencies and ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
These air-conditioning apparatuses use a heat source device installed outside a building to cool or heat water in the chiller
Data Source
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AI summary
A chiller system includes: a chiller configured to output water at an adjusted temperature; a load of the chiller; a feed pipe through which water flows to be supplied from the chiller to the load, the feed pipe being connected between the chiller and the load; a return pipe through which water flows back to the chiller from the load, the return pipe being connected between the chiller and the load; a first controller configured to control the chiller; and a second controller configured to output a chiller operating command to control the chiller to the first controller, wherein the chiller includes a first sensor configured to measure an inlet water temperature of the water flowing through the return pipe to the chiller, a second sensor configured to measure an outlet water temperature of the water flowing through the feed pipe from the chiller, and a third sensor configured to measure an outside air temperature at a location where the chiller is installed, and the first controller calculates a temperature range that is operational for the chiller based on an inlet water temperature measured by the first sensor, an outlet water temperature measured by the second sensor, and an outside air temperature measured by the third sensor, and then outputs information on the calculated temperature range to the second controller.