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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Natural gas powered rotary water chiller development. Phase 1. Final report, September 1991-June 1993

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5561483
Objectives of the project were to evaluate performance and marketability of a rotary engine driven screw compressor for water chiller applications. Choice of a rotary engine was aimed at rotary compressor. Initial testing done with modified stock 13B rotary engine and experimental open compressor. Engine torque not sufficient for 70 ton compressor. Analysis concluded 50 ton best match for air cooled applications and 60 ton best for water cooled to get highest gas COP. Market analysis covered total water chiller market assuming relative costs of power would lead to gas cooling sales. Allowable cost premium for 3 yr payback determined for areas of country. Premium cost of 100 ton air cooled unit estimated and compared to market allowable premiums. Concluded product acceptance will be primarily in niche markets with high local electric power demand charges.
Research Organization:
Trane Co., La Crosse, WI (United States)
OSTI ID:
5561483
Report Number(s):
PB-94-108222/XAB; CNN: GRI-5091-246-2291
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English