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Variable primary flow chilled water systems: potential benefits and application issues. Final report + appendices.

Author(s) : ARTI, BAHNFLETH W. P., PEYER E.

Type of monograph: Report

Summary

The use of variable primary flow pumping (variable flow through chiller evaporators) in chilled water systems is increasing due to its perceived potential to reduce energy consumption and initial cost relative to more conventional pumping arrangements. Neither the conditions under which significant energy savings are realized nor the likely magnitude of savings are well documented. To quantify the energy use and economic benefits of variable primary flow, an extensive parametric simulation study was conducted that compared variable primary flow system energy use with that of other common system types. System types included in the study were constant flow/primary-only, constant primary flow/variable secondary flow, and primary/secondary with a check valve installed in the decoupler. Parameters varied included load type, number of chillers in the central plant, temperature difference vs part load characteristics, and climate. Extract from the table of contents: the state-of-the-art (variable flow operation of chillers; design practice; comparisons of variable primary flow with other pumping systems; survey of experiences with variable primary flow; attitudes toward variable primary flow); parametric study (chilled water system simulation; economic analysis). in the appendices: surveys and responses; load characteristics; system design and model coefficients; simulation programs; simulation results; capital costs. The report can be downloaded from the Web site: www.arti-21cr.org/research/completed/index.html.

Details

  • Original title: Variable primary flow chilled water systems: potential benefits and application issues. Final report + appendices.
  • Record ID : 2004-3075
  • Languages: English
  • Publication: US Department of Commerce, NTIS (National Technical Information Service) - United states/United states
  • Publication date: 2004/03
  • Source: Source: ARTI-21CR-611-20070-01; 2 vol.; 126 + 200 p. (21 x 29.7); fig.; tabl.; ref.; 6 append.

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