On this chilling plant maintenance visit, particular attention was made to compressor loading. This was to ensure that the compressors are capable of operating at 100%. With summer now here- we want the plant capable of running at full capacity.
Controller Loading Timer
On start up, the controller goes through a timer, this is to prevent the compressor from loading up too quickly, achieving set point and going off. With available load, the compressor would start back up and go into a short cycling condition. With 5 minute intervals, the controller brings System 1 screw compressor on at 25%. Then System 2 screw compressor on at 25%. In stages, the controller loads up the compressors until it matches the load.
Compressor Loading Solenoid Coils
These are 24vac. The controller sends out a run signal through the solenoid coil which magnetises the lift valve inside.
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Compressor Loading Solenoid Valves
As the valve lifts, discharge pressure oil passes through a channel and pushes the slide valve open a 25% stage. There are 4 valves for the 4 stages.
Chilling Plant Maintenance Visit at 100%
The chilling plant being maintained on this visit was now running at 100% on both systems. The system readings can easily be read by following the menu in the Carrel controller. Superheat and subcooling readings were found to be within normal operating limits. Also, a good read back was recorded on the water system.
Compressor Unloading
At the end of the day, the three way valves on the air handlers closed down according to the BMS schedule. This meant that the water was diverted away from the heat exchangers in the air handlers. This return water had not picked up any heat, so the controller started unloading the compressors. It did this through 75% to 50% then 25% until the water system was down to setpoint.
Off Cycle at Chilling Plant Maintenance Visit
The BMS stops the chiller with the remote start/ stop signal. Should the BMS malfunction, the chiller would stay off most of the night anyway. The water system pump adds heat into the water system. Therefore, every so often enough load would be available to bring one system on at 25% for a short while.
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