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The simulation and performance of a centrifugal chiller

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6328457

A computer simulation model was developed to analyze the performance of a water-cooled centrifugal chiller. The model is based on a heat pump thermodynamic cycle and empirical correlations for the performance of the system components. The system simulated is composed of a variable-speed centrifugal compressor with a hot-gas bypass option for capacity control, two shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and an expansion device. The model was validated and calibrated against the experimental test results of a 125-ton chiller. The performance of a similar chiller system at various operating conditions and design modifications was analyzed. System performance comparisons were made between a baseline case, cases with high-performance heat exchanger tubes and compressor motor, and various variable-speed compressor operating strategies. It was found that significant performance improvement can be realized by using variable-speed drive and on-demand control strategy.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Annapolis, MD (USA). Power Systems Div.
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6328457
Report Number(s):
CONF-870620-9; ON: DE87012251
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English