Method and device for controlling a refrigeration system with a plurality of chillers in an arrangement or network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling refrigeration systems with multiple chillers of varying performance characteristics are inefficient and lack flexibility in optimizing power consumption, CO2 emissions, and operational costs, particularly when chillers differ in cooling capacity, electrical power consumption, and cooling water temperature.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a refrigeration system with a main chiller and auxiliary chillers, which selects optimal combinations based on performance characteristics to maximize efficiency, reduce power consumption, and optimize CO2 emissions by adjusting hot water mass flow and monitoring for redundancy and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chillers with different performance characteristics are combined in the arrangement, then the system can provide greater flexibility and redundancy, but it becomes difficult to determine the optimal combination of chillers to maximize efficiency and minimize power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically determines the optimal chiller combination based on current cooling capacity requirements and ambient conditions. The system continuously evaluates which chillers to operate and at what output levels, adapting to changing conditions rather than using fixed control rules. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by providing flexible adaptation to different operating scenarios while using systematic evaluation methods to manage the complexity of controlling diverse chiller types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (chiller selection, output levels, hot water mass flow) to optimize performance based on current conditions. By varying these parameters systematically, the control device can navigate the complexity of managing multiple chillers with different characteristics while maintaining flexibility in responding to changing cooling demands and environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If the system operates multiple chillers simultaneously, then the required cooling capacity can be met, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the minimum necessary chiller combination to meet the required cooling capacity, avoiding unnecessary operation of additional chillers. By carefully selecting which chillers to operate and at what output levels, the system provides sufficient cooling while minimizing power consumption, rather than operating all available chillers at full capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device systematically adjusts operating parameters including chiller selection, output levels, and hot water mass flow rates to optimize the balance between cooling capacity delivery and power consumption. This parameter optimization allows the system to meet cooling demands efficiently by avoiding excessive chiller operation.
3Productivity
If chillers operate continuously to meet cooling demand, then the cooling capacity is maintained, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically distributes operating hours among available chillers based on current conditions and chiller characteristics. Rather than continuously operating the same chillers, the system adapts the operating schedule to balance cooling capacity availability with wear reduction, extending service life while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors operating hours and performance data of individual chillers, using this feedback to make informed decisions about chiller selection and scheduling. This feedback mechanism allows the system to balance the need for continuous cooling capacity with the goal of reducing wear on individual chillers through optimized operating schedules and load distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a refrigeration system comprising a plurality of chillers in an arrangement or network, at least some of which differ from each other in performance characteristics with respect to cooling capacity or power to be provided, electrical power consumed and cooling water temperature, comprising the steps ofa) detecting a requested target cooling capacity and a current cooling water temperature;b) determining the available cooling capacity of the chillers in the network on the basis of the respective capacity characteristics and the detected current cooling water temperature;c) determining the possible combinations of chillers that can provide the required target cooling capacity;d) selecting, from the possible combinations of chillers and based on their respective performance characteristics, the combination that provides the highest overall efficiency; ande) operating the chillers of the selected combination.