Chillers are a key component of HVAC systems in many commercial and industrial buildings. In fact, they represent the single largest user of electric energy in most facilities. It’s long been understood that chiller inefficiencies cost companies and building facilities billions annually. However, there are many simple steps facilities professionals can take to bring and maintain chiller efficiency.
Chiller efficiency is determined by how much heat is removed from a liquid coolant (typically glycol) and how it is then distributed throughout a facility. The more efficient a chiller is, the lower its cooling costs will be. Traditionally, the efficiency of chillers is measured using their Coefficient of Performance (CoP) but newer measurement methods have evolved to better reflect actual energy usage. One such method is the Integrated Part Load Value rating (IPLV) which recognizes that most chillers operate below their design load and uses a more accurate calculation to determine efficiency.
In a brewery, chillers are often used to maintain fermentation temperatures. But that isn’t all they do. Cold crashing, the process of bringing the temperature of a brew down prior to transfer into bottles, also requires chillers.
Another key aspect of chiller maintenance is monitoring for fouling. Fouling forms an insulator layer on the internal walls of tubes that impedes heat transfer, reducing chiller efficiency. This can be prevented by maintaining clean water with corrosion inhibitors. In addition, logging pressure drop across condenser and evaporator bundles can identify when a chiller has lost efficiency due to scale or fouling. chiller