CHILLER PLANT WITH ICE STORAGE
Description
FIELDThis invention relates generally to a chiller plant in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system. More specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for a dual temperature chiller plant in an HVACR system.BACKGROUNDA chiller can generally be used in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system to remove heat from a process fluid (e.g., water or the like) via a refrigeration cycle (e.g., a vapor compression cycle). The chiller can be configured to cool the process fluid to a specific temperature set point(s) based on, for example, a primary function of the process fluid. In some situations, for example, the process fluid may be used to provide sensible cooling to a building or an enclosed space, for which the temperature of the process fluid may be in a range of, for example, at or about 57 °F to at or about 60 °F. In some situations, for example, a chiller may be configured to provide a relatively cold process fluid (e.g., in a range of at or about 40°F to at or about 45°F) to an air-handling unit for dehumidification.As prior art there may be mentionedCN203375594, which discloses a temperature and humidity independent regulation air-conditioning system comprising an air-handling system, a high temperature water chilling unit, an ice-making main machine, an ice slurry unit, an ice storage pool, a high temperature cold source heat exchanger and a large temperature difference low temperature cold source heat exchanger. The air-handling system is connected with the high temperature water chilling unit, the high temperature cold source heat exchanger and the large temperature difference low temperature cold source heat exchanger respectively so that heat exchange can be conducted. The ice-making main machine, the ice slurry unit and the ice storage pool are connected in sequence. The high temperature cold source heat exchanger is connected with the ice storage pool. The large temperature difference low temperature cold source heat exchanger is connected with the ice storage pool.SUMMARYA chiller plant according to claim 1 is disclosed. The chiller plant includes a chiller circuit including a chiller and a process fluid circuit. The chiller is configured to provide a process fluid at a first temperature. The chiller plant also includes an air handling circuit including a plurality of ice storage tanks and an air handling unit.A chiller plant is disclosed. The chiller plant includes a chiller circuit including a chiller, a first process fluid circuit, and a first heat exchanger. The chiller is configured to provide a first process fluid at a first temperature. The chiller plant also includes an air handling circuit including a plurality of ice storage tanks and an air handling unit. The chiller plant further includes a terminal cooling circuit including a plurality of terminals, the terminal cooling circuit providing a second process fluid to the plurality of terminals at a second temperature that isdifferent from the first temperature. The terminal cooling circuit is fluidly separate from, but thermally communicates with, the chiller circuit via the first heat exchanger.A method according to claim 9 of operating the chiller plant of claim 1 is also disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a plurality of operating factor inputs from one or more sensors in a chiller plant. The controller determines an operating mode and a setpoint based on the plurality of operating factors. The method further includes sending, by the controller, operating states to one or more components of the chiller plant to place the chiller plant in the operating mode andat the setpoint as determined.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSReferences are made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this specification can be practiced.Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an HVACR system that includes a chiller plant and other components of the HVACR system, according to an embodiment.Figures 2A - 2Fare schematic diagrams showing configurations for the HVACR system shown inFigure 1in various operating modes.Figure 3is a schematic diagram of an HVACR system that includes a chiller plant and other components of the HVACR system, according to an embodiment.Figures 4A - 4Fare schematic diagrams showing configurations for the HVACR system shown inFigure 3in various operating modes.Figures 5A - 5Bare schematic diagrams of HVACR systems that include a chiller plant having free cooling and other components of the HVACR system, according to an embodiment.Figure 6is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit, according to an embodiment.Figure 7is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling the HVACR systems ofFigures 1 - 5B, according to an embodiment.Like reference numbers represent like parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONA chiller can generally be used in an HVACR system to remove heat from a process fluid (e.g., water or the like) via a refrigeration cycle (e.g., a vapor compression cycle). The chiller can be configured to cool the process fluid to a specific temperature set point(s) based on, for example, a primary function of the process fluid. To provide the process fluid at multipletemperatures, some HVACR systems include a plurality of chillers. In other HVACR systems, a chiller may be used to provide sensible cooling and a separate system may be used for dehumidification.A chiller generally includes a refrigerant circuit (seeFigure 6and its corresponding description below). In an embodiment, a single chiller includes a refrigerant circuit. In an embodiment, a plurality of chillers can be connected in parallel. In an embodiment, the chiller can include a water side economizer.This disclosure is directed to a dual temperature chiller plant that uses a chiller to provide a process fluid (e.g., water or the like) at multiple temperatures (or temperature ranges) to provide the process fluid for purposes of sensible cooling and/or dehumidification. In an embodiment, the dual temperature chiller plant (hereinafter "chiller plant") includes ice storage tanks. The ice storage tanks can, for example, store ice that can be frozen for later use. In an embodiment, the ice may be frozen during unoccupied hours (e.g., nighttime, etc.). During occupiedhours the ice from the ice storage tanks can be melted to produce the relatively colder process fluid used to accomplish dehumidification. In an embodiment, the chiller plant including ice storage tanks can, for example, be more efficient than alternative options which might rely upon operating in a condition in which the relatively colder process fluid is used and is blended with a relatively warmer process fluid or an intermediate heat exchanger. In an embodiment, a chiller may be about 1 to about 2 percent more efficient per degree of temperature elevation of the process fluid. For example, if the process fluid is 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, the energy consumed can be reduced by 15 to 40 percent.It will be appreciated that the classification of the building as being occupied or unoccupied is not intended to be limited. Accordingly, a building may include some occupants during unoccupied hours or may not include occupants during occupied hours. Further, these periods are intended to be examples. It will be appreciated that the various principles described in this specification can be applied during occupied or unoccupied hours. Furthermore, the occupied and unoccupied times are not intended to be limited to daytime or nighttime. Accordingly, the discussion of occupied, unoccupied, daytime, or nighttime classifications that follows is intended as an example, but can vary according to the principles described in this specification.Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an HVACR system 10 that includes a chiller plant 12 and other components of the HVACR system 10, according to an embodiment. The other components of the HVACR system 10 can include, for example, various terminal devices/systems including, but not limited to, a sensible cooling terminal 14A and/or an air handling unit (AHU) 14B.In the illustrated embodiment, three terminals 14A are shown. It will be appreciated that the number of terminals 14A is illustrative and can vary based on, for example, a building in which the HVACR system 10 is implemented. The terminals 14A can include radiant cooling (e.g., panels or tubing which can be embedded into a building structure); chilled beams (e.g., active or passive); fan-powered terminals (e.g., fan-coils, fan-powered VAV terminals with sensible cooling coils, etc.); as well as suitable combinations thereof.The chiller plant 12 includes a chiller 16. In the illustrated embodiment, a single chiller 16 is shown. It will be appreciated that one or more additional chillers may be included in parallel with the chiller 16. Such an embodiment may be used, for example, to provide additional capacity for a larger building. The chiller 16 can be configured to provide a process fluid (e.g., water, glycol, and/or a mixture of water and glycol, and the like) at a temperature T 1. The temperature T1 can vary according to an operating mode of the chiller 16. An operating mode can include a configuration selected to control the chiller 16 and its outputs, for example, to accomplish a particular environmental control goal (e.g., sensible cooling or dehumidification) or to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22. For example, the operating mode can be selected to provide sensible cooling and/or dehumidification to the building.Figures 2A - 2F, described in further detail below, show configurations of the HVACR system 10 according to various operating modes.The HVACR system 10 includes the chiller plant 12 and a terminal cooling circuit 18. The chiller plant 12 includes a chiller circuit 12A and an air handling circuit 12B. In an embodiment, the air handling circuit 12B can be alternatively referred to as the outdoor air handling circuit 12B, or the like. The chiller circuit 12A includes a process fluid circuit that generally includes a system or fluid circuit that may include, as appropriate, pipes, lines, pumps, valves, and the like, that are configured to direct a process fluid conditioned by the chiller 16. The air handling circuit 12B includes a process fluid circuit that generally includes a system or fluid circuit that may include, as appropriate, pipes, lines, pumps, valves, etc., that are configuredto direct a process fluid to the AHU 14B. The terminal cooling circuit 18 includes a process fluid circuit that generally includes a system or fluid circuit including pipes, lines, pumps, valves, etc., that are configured to direct a process fluid to the terminals 14A.In an embodiment, the chiller circuit 12A includes the chiller 16, a flow control device 30, a heat exchanger 32, and a plurality of pumps 34A, 34B fluidly connected. The pumps 34A, 34B can be used to circulate the process fluid throughout the chiller circuit 12A. The chiller 16 is not intended to be limited to a particular chiller design. For example, the chiller 16 can be an air-cooled chiller, a water-cooled chiller, or the like. The chiller 16 includes a refrigerant circuit (not shown) configured to output the process fluid (e.g., water and/or glycol) at the temperature T1. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature T1 may be at or about 55 °F. As illustrated inFigure 1, the chiller circuit 12A can further include a heat exchanger 36 and a flow control device 38. The heat exchanger 36 and flow control device 38 are illustrated within dashed lines because the heat exchanger 36 is optional. The heat exchanger 36 can be used for cooling (and in an embodiment, dehumidification as well) and can be the same as or similar to a heat exchanger of the AHU 14B. In an embodiment, including the heat exchanger 36 can reduce a cooling load on the heat exchanger of the AHU 14B. Reducing the cooling load on the heat exchanger of AHU 14B can, in an embodiment, reduce a size and/or number of the ice storage tanks 22 included in the HVACR system 10. In an embodiment, including the heat exchanger 36 can provide an increase in efficiency of the HVACR system 10 over an HVACR system 10 that does not include the heat exchanger 36. In an embodiment, the chiller circuit 12A can include a chiller minimum flow bypass 11 capable of fluidly connecting upstream of the flow control device 30 and upstream of the pumps 34A, 34B. A flow control device 13 can be used to enable or disable the chiller minimum flow bypass 11.The chiller circuit 12A and the air handling circuit 12B are fluidly connectable. In the illustrated embodiment, the chiller circuit 12A and the air handling circuit 12B are fluidly separated by, for example, preventing flow of the process fluid between the circuits 12A, 12B. The flow can be controlled using flow control devices 24, 26, and 28. The flow control devices 24, 26, and 28 can be, for example, valves. In an embodiment, the flow control devices 24 and 26 can be two-way valves having a flow enabled state and a flow disabled state. The flow control device 28 can be a three-way flow control device that includes a flow enabled state and a flow disabled state for the three connections. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control devices24 and 26 are in the flow disabled state. The flow control device 28 is in a flow enabled state within the air handling circuit 12B. The flow control device 28 is in a flow disabled state for a connection between the air handling circuit 12B and a location that is downstream of the heat exchanger 32 in the chiller circuit 12A. In these states, the chiller circuit 12A and the air handling circuit 12B are fluidly separated.In the illustrated embodiment, the chiller circuit 12A can be fluidly separated from the terminal cooling circuit 18. The chiller circuit 12A is in thermal communication with the terminals 14A via the heat exchanger 32. This arrangement can be selected so that the process fluid provided to the terminals 14A is a different process fluid than the process fluid used by the chiller 16. For example, the chiller 16 can use a process fluid that includes a mixture of water and glycol, whereas the terminals 14A can be provided with a process fluid that includes water without glycol. It will be appreciated that the terminals 14A and the chiller 16 can use the same process fluid. In an embodiment, when the terminals 14A and the chiller 16 use the same process fluid, the heat exchanger 32 may be removed from the HVACR system 10. Such an embodiment is shown and described in accordance withFigures 3 - 4F. In operation, the terminal cooling circuit 18 can provide a process fluid at a temperature T2. In an embodiment, the temperature T2 can be at or about 57 °F. In an embodiment, the temperature T2 can be from at or about 57 °F to at or about 60 °F.The air handling circuit 12B includes ice storage tanks 22 fluidly connected with the AHU 14B and a plurality of pumps 40A, 40B. In the illustrated embodiment, two ice storage tanks 22 are shown. It will be appreciated that the number of ice storage tanks 22 can vary. That is, in an embodiment, there can be a single ice storage tank 22. In an embodiment, there can be more than two ice storage tanks 22. For example, the number of ice storage tanks 22 can be based on cooling requirements of the building for which the system 10 is being used. In an embodiment, the ice storage tanks 22 can be rated based on a number of ton-hours of stored cooling energy and a particular configuration selected based on the number of ton-hours of stored cooling energy relative to the cooling demands of the HVACR system 10. The air handling circuit 12B generally includes a same process fluid as the process fluid used by the chiller 16. That is, if the chiller 16 includes a process fluid that is a combination of water and glycol, then the air handling circuit 12B includes a process fluid that is a combination of water and glycol.In the illustrated embodiment, the chiller 16 can generally provide the process fluid at the temperature T1. The process fluid is in a heat exchange relationship with the terminals 14A via the heat exchanger 32 and can exchange heat from the process fluid in the chiller circuit 12A to the process fluid in the terminal cooling circuit 18, thereby providing the process fluid to the terminals 14A at the temperature T2. The air handling circuit 12B can use melting of the ice in the ice storage tanks 22 to provide the process fluid at a temperature T3 to the AHU 14B. In an embodiment, the temperature T3 can be at or about 40 °F. In an embodiment, the temperature T3 can be from at or about 40 °F to at or about 45 °F. The operating mode shown inFigure 1may be representative of an operating mode in which the building of the HVACR system 10 is occupied. In an embodiment, the occupied operating condition may be generally referred to as a daytime operating mode.Figures 2A - 2Fare schematic diagrams showing configurations for the HVACR system 10 shown inFigure 1in various operating modes.Figure 2Arepresents an operating condition in which the ice from the ice storage tanks 22 may be used to provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A and dehumidification via the AHU 14B, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Amay be an alternative daytime operating mode relative toFigure 1. The operating mode inFigure 2Amay be generally operational when the building of the HVACR system 10 is occupied.In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid provided from the chiller 16 may be provided at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T1. In an embodiment, operating the chiller 16 to provide the relatively warmer process fluid may, for example, reduce an amount of energy consumed by the chiller 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control devices 24 and 26 are in the flow enabled state. Accordingly, the chiller circuit 12A and the air handling circuit 12B are fluidly connected. Because of the fluid connection, ice that is melting from the ice storage tanks 22 and is at a temperature lower than T1 can be mixed with the process fluid from the chiller 16. As a result, the process fluid can leave the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than T1, but be cooled to the temperature T1 at a location that is upstream of the heat exchanger 32. As a result, the process fluid provided to the terminals 14A can be provided at the temperature T2, even when the chiller 16 is outputting the process fluid at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T1. The melting ice from the ice storage tanks 22 can be used toprovide a process fluid at the temperature T3. The process fluid at the temperature T3 can be provided to the AHU 14B for dehumidification.Figure 2Brepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used for both sensible cooling via the terminals 14A and dehumidification via the AHU 14B, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Bmay be an alternative daytime operating mode relative toFigures 1and2A. The operating mode inFigure 2Bmay be generally operational when the building of the HVACR system 10 is occupied.In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid provided from the chiller 16 may be provided at the temperature T3. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control device 24 can be in the flow disabled state. The flow control device 26 can be in the flow enabled state. The flow control device 28 can be in a state in which flow is disabled between the chiller 16 and the flow control device 28. The flow control device 28 can be in a state where flow is enabled between the AHU 14B and the flow control device 28The flow control device 28 is also in the flow enabled state between the flow control device 28 and a location of the chiller circuit 12A that is downstream of the heat exchanger 32. The state of the flow control devices 24, 26, and 28, enables fluid communication between the chiller circuit 12A and the air handling circuit 12B. However, the ice storage tanks 22 are fluidly separated from the air handling circuit 12B by placing a flow control device 42 in a flow disabled state. In such an embodiment, the ice storage tanks 22 may, for example, be empty or have an insufficient amount of ice to provide the process fluid at the temperature T3. The chiller 16 can provide the process fluid at the temperature T3. In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid can be provided to the AHU 14B at the temperature T3. The diverted state of the flow control device 28 returns the process fluid to a location that is downstream of the heat exchanger 32. The heat exchange via the heat exchanger 32 can be used to exchange heat between the process fluid in the chiller circuit 12A and the process fluid in the terminal cooling circuit 18 so that the process fluid provided to the terminals 14A is at the temperature T2.Figure 2Crepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Cmay be an operating mode that is enabled, for example, when the building of the HVACR system 10 is unoccupied. Accordingly, the operating mode inFigure 2Cmay alternatively be referred to as the nighttime operating mode in an embodiment.In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid can be provided from the chiller 16 at a temperature T4. In an embodiment, the temperature T4 can be from at or about 21 °F to at or about 25 °F. The chiller 16 may be fluidly connected with the ice storage tanks 22 to freeze ice for later use. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control device 24 and the flow control device 26 may be in the flow enabled state. A flow control device 30 may be in a flow disabled state to prevent the process fluid from bypassing the ice storage tanks 22 or from being provided to the heat exchanger 32. A flow control device 44 may be in the flow enabled state to enable the process fluid to return to the chiller 16. A flow control device 46 can be in a flow disabled state so that the process fluid is not provided to the AHU 14B. In an embodiment, the process fluid returned to the chiller 16 can be at a temperature T5. The temperature T5 can be from at or about 27 °F to at or about 31 °F. It will be appreciated that the range is intended to be exemplary and that the actual temperatures may vary beyond the stated range. In an embodiment, the pumps 50A, 50B may be disabled in the operating mode ofFigure 2C.Figure 2Drepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22 and to provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Dmay generally be an operating mode in which ice can be made for later use (similar toFigure 2C), as well as cooling provided to the terminals 14A. Such an operating mode may be used when, for example, the building is unoccupied but there is a cooling demand. The operating mode inFigure 2Dcan be referred to as a nighttime operating mode.The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown and described relative toFigure 2C. InFigure 2D, the process fluid flow is enabled to the heat exchanger 32 such that the heat exchange can occur between the process fluid in the chiller circuit 12A and the process fluid in the terminal cooling circuit 18. As a result, the process fluid provided to the terminals 14A can be at the temperature T2. InFigure 2D, the process fluid can be provided from the chiller 16 at the temperature T4. The process fluid leaving the ice storage tanks 22 and being provided to the heat exchanger 32 can be at the temperature T5. The process fluid in the chiller circuit 12A can exchange heat with the process fluid in the terminal cooling circuit 18 via the heat exchanger 32 such that the process fluid in the terminal cooling circuit 18 is at the temperature T2. The process fluid can be returned to the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T5 as a result of the heat exchange at the heat exchanger 32.Figure 2Erepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22 and for dehumidification using the heat exchanger 36, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Emay generally be an operating mode in which ice can be made for later use, as well as dehumidification provided via the optional heat exchanger 36. Thus, for the embodiment 2E to be practiced, the chiller circuit 12A should include the heat exchanger 36. Such an operating mode may be used when, for example, the building of the HVACR system 10 is unoccupied but there is a need to reduce humidity. The operating mode inFigure 2Ecan also be referred to as a nighttime operating mode.The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown and described relative toFigure 2C. InFigure 2E, the process fluid flow can be enabled to the heat exchanger 36. The pumps 50A, 50B may be disabled in the illustrated embodiment. The process fluid leaving the ice storage tanks 22 can be at the temperature T5. The process fluid can then be provided to the heat exchanger 36, and can be returned to the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T5.Figure 2Frepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22, provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A, and dehumidification via the heat exchanger 36. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Fcan also be referred to as a nighttime operating mode.The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiments described inFigures 2Dand2E. The embodiment ofFigure 2Fcan be a combination of the embodiments described inFigures 2Dand2E. In the embodiment ofFigure 2F, the process fluid can be provided from the chiller 16 at the temperature T4. The process fluid leaves the ice storage tanks 22 and can be provided to the chiller circuit 12A at the temperature T5. The process fluid can then be used to transfer heat via the heat exchangers 32 and 36. Similar to the embodiment inFigure 2E, the optional heat exchanger 36 is included for the embodiment inFigure 2F. Because of the heat exchange via the heat exchanger 32, the process fluid in the terminal cooling circuit 18 can be provided at the temperature T2 to the terminals 14A. The process fluid in the chiller circuit 12A can be returned to the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T5.Figure 3is a schematic diagram of an HVACR system 110 that includes a chiller plant 112 and other components of the HVACR system 110, according to an embodiment. Aspects ofFigure 3can be the same as or similar to aspects ofFigure 1. The other components of theHVACR system 110 can include, for example, various terminal devices/systems including, but not limited to, a sensible cooling variable air volume (VAV) terminal 14A and/or an air handling unit (AHU) 14B.In the illustrated embodiment, three terminals 14A are shown. It will be appreciated that the number of terminals 14A is illustrative and can vary based on, for example, a building in which the HVACR system 110 is implemented.In an embodiment, the chiller plant 112 includes a chiller 16. The chiller 16 can be configured to provide a process fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and glycol, etc.) at the temperature T2. The temperature T2 can vary according to an operating mode of the chiller 16. An operating mode can include a configuration selected to control the chiller 16 and its outputs to accomplish a particular environmental control goal (e.g., sensible cooling or dehumidification) or to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22. For example, the operating mode can be selected to provide sensible cooling and/or dehumidification to the building.Figures 4A - 4F, described in further detail below, show configurations of the HVACR system 10 according to various operating modes.The chiller plant 112 includes a chiller circuit 112A and an air handling circuit 112B. In contrast to the embodiment inFigure 1, the HVACR system 110 does not include the terminal cooling circuit 18. The chiller circuit 112A includes a process fluid circuit that generally includes a system or fluid circuit that may include, as appropriate, pipes, lines, pumps, valves, etc., that are configured to direct a process fluid conditioned by the chiller 16 to the terminals 14A. The air handling circuit 112B includes a process fluid circuit that generally includes a system or fluid circuit that may include, as appropriate, pipes, lines, pumps, valves, etc., that are configured to direct a process fluid to the AHU 14B.The chiller circuit 112A generally includes the chiller 16; flow control devices 130, 132; a plurality of pumps 50A, 50B; a heat exchanger 36; terminals 14A; and a plurality of pumps 34A, 34B, fluidly connected. The pumps 34A, 34B and the pumps 50A, 50B can be used to circulate the process fluid throughout the chiller circuit 12A. The chiller 16 is not intended to be limited to a particular chiller design. For example, the chiller 16 can be an air-cooled chiller, a water-cooled chiller, or the like. The chiller 16 includes a refrigerant circuit (not shown) that can be configured to output the process fluid (e.g., water and glycol) at the temperature T2. The heat exchanger 36 is illustrated within dashed lines because the heat exchanger 36 is optional. Theheat exchanger 36 can be used for cooling (and in an embodiment, dehumidification as well) and can be the same as or similar to a heat exchanger of the AHU 14B. In an embodiment, including the heat exchanger 36 can reduce a cooling load on the heat exchanger of the AHU 14B. Reducing the cooling load on the heat exchanger of the AHU 14B can, in an embodiment, reduce a size and/or number of the ice storage tanks 22 included in the HVACR system 110. In an embodiment, including the heat exchanger 36 can provide an increase in efficiency of the HVACR system 110 over an HVACR system 110 that does not include the heat exchanger 36.The chiller circuit 112A and the air handling circuit 112B are fluidly connectable. In the illustrated embodiment, the chiller circuit 112A and the air handling circuit 112B are fluidly separated by, for example, preventing flow of the process fluid between the circuits 112A, 112B. The flow can be controlled using flow control devices 24, 26, and 28. The flow control devices 24, 26, and 28 can be, for example, valves. In an embodiment, the flow control devices 24 and 26 can be two-way valves having a flow enabled state and a flow disabled state. The flow control device 28 can be a three-way flow control device that includes a flow enabled state and a flow disabled state for the three connections. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control devices 24 and 26 are in the flow disabled state and the flow control device 28 is in a flow enabled state within the air handling circuit 112B and a flow disabled state for a connection between the air handling circuit 112B and a location that is downstream of the heat exchanger 36 in the chiller circuit 112A. In these states, the chiller circuit 112A and the air handling circuit 112B are fluidly separated.In the illustrated embodiment, the terminals 14A can be provided with the same process fluid as is used by the chiller 16. For example, the chiller 16 and the terminals 14A can both use a process fluid that includes a mixture of water and glycol.The air handling circuit 112B includes ice storage tanks 22 fluidly connected with the AHU 14B and a plurality of pumps 40A, 40B. The plurality of pumps 40A, 40B can be used for circulating the process fluid throughout the air handling circuit 112B. In the illustrated embodiment, two ice storage tanks 22 are shown. It will be appreciated that the number of ice storage tanks 22 can vary. That is, in an embodiment, there can be a single ice storage tank 22. In an embodiment, there can be more than two ice storage tanks 22. For example,the number of ice storage tanks 22 can be based on cooling requirements of the building for which the HVACR system 110 is being used. The air handling circuit 112B generally includes a same process fluidas the process fluid used by the chiller 16. That is, if the chiller 16 includes a process fluid that is a combination of water and glycol, then the air handling circuit 112B includes a process fluid that is a combination of water and glycol.In the illustrated embodiment, the chiller 16 can generally provide the process fluid at the temperature T2. The air handling circuit 112B can use melting of the ice in the ice storage tanks 22 to provide the process fluid at a temperature T3 to the AHU 14B. The operating mode shown inFigure 3may be representative of an operating mode in which the building of the HVACR system 110 is occupied. In an embodiment, the occupied operating condition may be generally referred to as a daytime operating mode.Figures 4A - 4Fare schematic diagrams showing configurations for the HVACR system 110 shown inFigure 3in various operating modes.Figure 4Arepresents an operating condition in which the ice from the ice storage tanks 22 may be used to provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A and dehumidification via the AHU 14B, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 4Amay be an alternative daytime operating mode relative toFigure 3. The operating mode inFigure 4Amay be generally operational when the building of the HVACR system 110 is occupied.In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid provided from the chiller 16 may be provided at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T2. In an embodiment, operating the chiller 16 to provide the relatively warmer process fluid may, for example, reduce an amount of energy consumed by the chiller 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control devices 24 and 26 are in the flow enabled state. Accordingly, the chiller circuit 112A and the air handling circuit 112B are fluidly connected. Because of the fluid connection, ice that is melting from the ice storage tanks 22 and is at a temperature lower than T2 can be mixed with the process fluid from the chiller 16. As a result, the process fluid can leave the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than T2, but be cooled to the temperature T2 at a location that is upstream of the terminals 14A. As a result, the process fluid provided to the terminals 14A can be provided at the temperature T2, even when the chiller 16 is outputting the process fluid at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T2. In the illustrated embodiment, the ice is melting from the ice storage tanks 22 and can be used to provide the process fluid of the outdoor air handling circuit 112B to the AHU 14B at the temperature T3.Figure 4Brepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used for both sensible cooling via the terminals 14A and dehumidification via the AHU 14B, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 4Bmay be an alternative daytime operating mode relative toFigures 3and4A. The operating mode inFigure 4Bmay be generally operational when the building of the HVACR system 110 is occupied.In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid provided from the chiller 16 may be provided at the temperature T3. In the illustratedembodiment, the flow control device 24 can be in the flow disabled state. The flow control device 26 can be in the flow enabled state. The flow control device 28 can be in a state in which flow is disabled between the chiller 16 and the flow control device 28. The flow control device 28 can be in a state in which flow is enabled between the AHU 14B and the flow control device 28. The flow control device 28 can be in the flow enabled state between the flow control device 28 and a location of the chiller circuit 112A that is downstream of the heat exchanger 36. The state of the flow control devices 24, 26, and 28, enables fluid communication between the chiller circuit 112A and the air handling circuit 112B. However, the ice storage tanks 22 are fluidly separated from the air handling circuit 112B by placing a flow control device 42 in a flow disabled state. In such an embodiment, the ice storage tanks 22 may, for example, be empty or have an insufficient amount of ice to provide the process fluid at the temperature T3. The chiller 16 can provide the process fluid at the temperature T3. In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid can be provided to the AHU 14B at the temperature T3. A flow control device 132 can enable some mixing of the process fluid at the temperature T3 can with warmer process fluid via the pumps 50A, 50B so that the process fluid is provided to the terminals 14A at the temperature T2. The diverted state of the flow control device 28 returns the process fluid to a location that is downstream of the heat exchanger 36.Figure 4Crepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 2Cmay be an operating mode that is enabled, for example, when the building of the HVACR system 110 is unoccupied. Accordingly, the operating mode inFigure 4Cmay alternatively be referred to as the nighttime operating mode in an embodiment.In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid can be provided from the chiller 16 at the temperature T4. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control device 24 and the flow control device 26 may be in the flow enabled state. A flow control device 30 may be in a flow disabledstate to prevent the process fluid from bypassing the ice storage tanks 22. A flow control device 46 can be in a flow disabled state so that the process fluid is not provided to the AHU 14B. In an embodiment, the process fluid returned to the chiller 16 can be at a temperature T5.Figure 4Drepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22 and to provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 4Dmay generally be an operating mode in which ice can be made for later use (similar toFigure 4C), as well as cooling provided to the terminals 14A. Such an operating mode may be used when, for example, the building is unoccupied but there is a cooling demand. The operating mode inFigure 4Dcan be referred to as a nighttime operating mode.The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown and described relative toFigure 4C. InFigure 4D, the process fluid flow is enabled to the terminals 14A. InFigure 4D, the process fluid can be provided from the chiller 16 at the temperature T4. The process fluid leaving the ice storage tanks 22 is at the temperature T5. Flow control device 132 can enable mixing of some of this fluid at temperature T5 with fluid returning from the terminals 14A so that the resulting mixed fluid being provided to the terminals 14A can be at the temperature T2. The process fluid can be returned to the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T5.Figure 4Erepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22 and for dehumidification using the AHU 14B, according to an embodiment. The operating mode shown inFigure 4Emay generally be an operating mode in which ice can be made for later use, as well as dehumidification provided via the AHU 14B. Such an operating mode may be used when, for example, the building of the HVACR system 110 is unoccupied but there is a need to reduce humidity. The operating mode inFigure 4Ecan also be referred to as a nighttime operating mode.The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown and described relative toFigure 4C. The process fluid leaving the ice storage tanks 22 can be at the temperature T5. The process fluid can then be provided to the AHU 14B, and can be returned to the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T5.Figure 4Frepresents an operating condition in which the chiller 16 can be used to make ice for the ice storage tanks 22, provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A, anddehumidification via the AHU 14B. The operating mode shown inFigure 4Fcan also be referred to as a nighttime operating mode.The illustrated embodiment is similar to the embodiments described inFigures 4Dand4E. The embodiment ofFigure 4Fcan be a combination of the embodiments described inFigures 4Dand4E. In the embodiment ofFigure 4F, the process fluid can be provided from the chiller 16 at the temperature T4. The process fluid leaves the ice storage tanks 22 and can be provided to the chiller circuit 12A at the temperature T5. The process fluid can then be used to provide sensible cooling via the terminals 14A and dehumidification via the AHU 14B. The process fluid in the chiller circuit 12A can be returned to the chiller 16 at a temperature that is greater than the temperature T5.Figures 5A - 5Bare schematic diagrams of HVACR systems 200A, 200B including a free cooling option. InFigure 5A, the free cooling option includes a separate dry cooler 202 that is separate from the chiller 16. InFigure 5B, the free cooling option is incorporated into the chiller 16. The embodiment inFigure 5Bmay generally be the same as the embodiment inFigure 1. The embodiment inFigure 5Ais modified to include the dry cooler 202. It will be appreciated that the embodiment inFigure 3can similarly include a free cooling option.Figure 6is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit 310, according to an embodiment. The refrigerant circuit 310 generally includes a compressor 312, a condenser 314, an expansion device 316, and an evaporator 318. The compressor 312 can be, for example, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor, a centrifugal compressor, or the like. The refrigerant circuit 310 is an example and can be modified to include additional components. For example, in an embodiment,the refrigerant circuit 310 can include other components such as, but not limited to, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more flow control devices, a receiver tank, a dryer, a suction-liquid heat exchanger, or the like.The refrigerant circuit 310 can generally be applied in a variety of systems used to control an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, or the like) in a space (generally referred to as a conditioned space). Examples of such systems include, but are not limited to, HVACR systems or the like.The compressor 312, condenser 314, expansion device 316, and evaporator 318 are fluidly connected.The refrigerant circuit 310 can operate according to generally known principles. The refrigerant circuit 310 can be configured to heat or cool a liquid process fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid or medium such as, but not limited to, water, glycol, combinations thereof, or the like), in which case the refrigerant circuit 310 may be generally representative of a liquid chiller system. For example, the refrigerant circuit 310 may be implemented in the chiller 16 shown and described above in accordance withFigures 1 - 5Babove. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit 310 and corresponding chiller (e.g., chiller 16) can be connected in parallel to condition the process fluid.In operation, the compressor 312 compresses a working fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid such as a refrigerant or the like) from a relatively lower pressure gas to a relatively higher-pressure gas. The relatively higher-pressure gas is also at a relatively higher temperature, which is discharged from the compressor 312 and flows through the condenser 314. The working fluid flows through the condenser 310 and rejects heat to a process fluid (e.g., water, glycol, combinations thereof, or the like), thereby cooling the working fluid. The cooled working fluid, which is now in a liquid form, flows to the expansion device 316. The expansion device 316 reduces the pressure of the working fluid. As a result, a portion of the working fluid is converted to a gaseous form. The working fluid, which is now in a mixed liquid and gaseous form flows to the evaporator 318. The working fluid flows through the evaporator 318 and absorbs heat from a process fluid (e.g., water, glycol, combinations thereof, or the like), heating the working fluid, and converting it to a gaseous form. The gaseous working fluid then returns to the compressor 312. The above-described process continues while the refrigerant circuit is operating, for example, in a cooling mode (e.g., while the compressor 312 is enabled).Figure 7is a schematic diagram of a method 400 for controlling a chiller plant (e.g., the HVACR systems 10, 110, and 200A/200B ofFigures 1 - 5B), according to an embodiment. The method 400 is generally representative of a control method that includes receiving information indicative of operating conditions in a building having the chiller plant, making an operating mode determination, and controlling the various components of the chiller plant to achieve the desired operating conditions.At 405, a plurality of operating factor inputs are received by a controller. The controller can include a processor, a memory, a clock, and an input/output (I/O) interface. In an embodiment, the controller can include fewer or additional components. The controller canreceive the operating factor inputs from a plurality of sensors. The operating factor inputs can include, for example, atime of day schedule, a cold water load, a cool water load, a chiller failure status, an ice inventory status, or the like. It will be appreciated that additional inputs may be received at 405.At 410, the controller utilizes the plurality of operating factor inputs to determine an operating mode of the chiller plant and a setpoint for the chiller plant. The controller may make separate decisions for the operating mode and the setpoint. For example, the operating mode determination may be made prior to making the setpoint determination, and the operating mode determination may be an input to the setpoint determination.The various operating modes can include, for example, an "Off" mode; a mode in which the chiller circuit (e.g., chiller circuit 12A) and the air handling ciruit (e.g., the air handling circuit 12B) operate separately (e.g.,Figure 1); a mode in which the chiller circuit (e.g., chiller circuit 12A) and the air handling ciruit (e.g., the air handling circuit 12B) operate together (e.g.,Figure 2A); a mode in which the chiller circuit (e.g., chiller circuit 12A) is operating and the air handling circuit (e.g., air handling circuit 12B) is not operating (e.g.,Figure 2B); a mode in which the air handling circuit (e.g., the air handling circuit 12B) is operating but the chiller is not operating (e.g.,Figure 2Dwhen the chiller is not operating); a mode in which ice is being made (e.g.,Figure 2C); a mode in which ice is being made and sensible cooling is enabled (e.g.,Figure 2Dwhen the chiller is operating); a mode in which ice is being made and dehumidification is being performed (e.g.,Figure 2E); and a mode in which ice is being made, sensible cooling is enabled, and dehumidification is being performed (e.g.,Figure 2F). Each of the operating modes correspond to particular settings for the components of the chiller plant. The setpoint determination corresponds to an ice plant setpoint, a chiller setpoint, valve controls, pump speeds, and a chiller demand limit setpoint.At 415, the controller communicates with the various components in the chiller plant to place the chiller plant in the corresponding mode with settings selected for the particular setpoint. For example, in the operating mode ofFigure 1(e.g., chiller circuit 12A and air handling circuit 12B operating separately), the settings can include disabling flow through flow control device 44, enabling flow through flow control device 30, disabling flow through flow control device 24, etc.Examples of operating modes for a chiller plant and corresponding settings that may be implemented using the above systems and the method 400 can include those identified in the following Tables 1A and 1B. It will be appreciated that the operating modes in Tables 1A and 1B can vary. For example, a chiller plant may not include all operating modes of Tables 1A and 1B. In an embodiment, a chiller plant may include more operating modes than included in Tables 1A and 1B. It will be appreciated that certain operating specifics (e.g., temperature set points, etc.) in the following tables may vary according to the implementation.Table 1A - Example Operating Modes for a Chiller PlantModeOffChiller and Ice SeparateChiller and Ice CombinedChiller OnlyIce OnlyDisable chiller 16Enable chiller 16 Cooling Water set point - 55°F Demand limit - 50%Enable chiller 16 Cooling Water set point - 55°F Demand limit - 50%Enable chiller 16 Cooling Water set point - 40°F Demand limit - 100%Disable chiller 16Disable pumps 34A, 34BModulate pumps 34A, 34BModulate pumps 34A, 34BModulate pumps 34A, 34BModulate pumps 34A, 34BEnable flow control device 13Modulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowModulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowModulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowDisable flow control device 13Disable flow through flow control device 44Disable flow through flow control device 44Disable flow through flow control device 44Disable flow through flow control device 44Disable flow through flow control device 44Enable flow through flow control device 30Enable flow through flow control device 30Modulate flow control device 30 to maintain set point at 55 °FEnable flow through flow control device 30Modulate flow control device 30 to maintain set point at 40 °FEnable flow through heat exchanger 32Modulate flow through heat exchanger 32 to control at 57 °FModulate flow through heat exchanger 32 to control at 57 °FModulate flow through heat exchanger 32 to control at 57 °FModulate flow through heat exchanger 32 to control at 57 °FDisable pumps 50A, 50BModulate pumps 50A, 50BModulate pumps 50A, 50BModulate pumps 50A, 50BModulate pumps 50A, 50BDisable flow control device 24 (bypass ice storage tanks 22)Disable flow control device 24 (bypass ice storage tanks 22)Enable flow control device 24Disable flow control device 24 (bypass ice storage tanks 22)Enable flow control device 24Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Disable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 46 (flow from ice storage tanks 22)Modulate flow control device 46 (maintain supply water at 40 °F)Modulate flow control device 46 (maintain supply water at 40 °F)Enable flow control device 46 (flow from chiller 16)Disable flow control device 46 (flow bypassing ice storage tanks 22)Disable pumps 40A, 40BModulate pumps 40A, 40BModulate pumps 40A, 40BModulate pumps 40A, 40BDisable pumps 40A, 40B100% return to ice storage tanks 22100% return to ice storage tanks 22100% return to ice storage tanks 22100% return to chiller 16100% return to ice storage tanks 22Table 1B - Example Operating Modes for a Chiller PlantModeIce OnlyMake IceMake Ice and Sensible CoolingMake Ice and DehumidificationMake Ice, Sensible Cooling and DehumidificationDisable chiller 16Enable chiller 16 - Ice Making Demand limit - 100%Enable chiller 16 - Ice Making Demand limit - 100%Enable chiller 16 - Ice Making Demand limit - 100%Enable chiller 16 - Ice Making Demand limit - 100%Modulate pumps 34A, 34BEnable pumps 34A, 34B at full speedEnable pumps 34A, 34B at full speedEnable pumps 34A, 34B at full speedEnable pumps 34A, 34B at full speedDisable flow control device 13Modulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowModulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowModulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowModulate flow control device 13 to maintain chiller minimum flowDisable flow through flow control device 44Enable flow through flow control device 44Enable flow through flow control device 44 - modulating closed if flow through heat exchanger 32 is enabled at 100% for 5 minutesEnable flow through flow control device 44 - modulating closed if flow control device 38 is enabled at 100% for 5 minutesEnable flow through flow control device 44 - modulating closed if flow control device 38 or flow through heat exchanger 32 is enabled at 100% for 5 minutesModulate flow control device 30Disable flow control device 30Disable flow control device 30Disable flow control device 30Disable flow control device 30Modulate flow through heat exchanger 32Disable flow through heat exchanger 32Modulate flow through heat exchanger 32Disable flow through heat exchanger 32Modulate flow through heat exchanger 32Modulate pumps 50A, 50BDisable pumps 50A, 50BModulate pumps 50A, 50BDisable pumps 50A, 50BModulate pumps 50A, 50BEnable flow control device 24Enable flow control device 24Enable flow control device 24Enable flow control device 24Enable flow control device 24Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Enable flow control device 42Disable flow control device 46 (flow bypassing ice storage tanks 22)Disable flow control device 46 (flow bypassing ice storage tanks 22)Disable flow control device 46 (flow bypassing ice storage tanks 22)Disable flow control device 46 (flow bypassing ice storage tanks 22)Disable flow control device 46 (flow bypassing ice storage tanks 22)Disable pumps 40A, 40BDisable pumps 40A, 40BDisable pumps 40A, 40BDisable pumps 40A, 40BDisable pumps 40A, 40B100% Return to ice storage tanks 22100% Return to ice storage tanks 22100% Return to ice storage tanks 22100% Return to ice storage tanks 22100% Return to ice storage tanks 22The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present invention which is defined by the claims that follow. See more
Claims
A chiller plant (12, 112), comprising:a chiller circuit (12A, 112A) including a chiller (16) and a process fluid circuit, the chiller being configured to provide a process fluid at a first temperature; andan air handling circuit (12B, 112B) including a plurality of ice storage tanks (22) and an air handling unit (14B),characterized in thatthe chiller circuit (12A, 112A) and the air handling circuit (12B, 112B) are fluidly connectable such that the chiller (16) is used to create ice for the plurality of ice storage tanks (22);wherein the chiller plant comprises flow control devices (24, 26, 28) each configured to move between a flow disabled state and a flow enabled state, for fluidly separating and fluidly connecting the chiller circuit (12A, 112A) and the air handling circuit (12B, 112B).The chiller plant (112) according to claim 1, wherein the chiller circuit (112A) and the air handling circuit (112B) are operable separately, wherein the chiller (16) provides the process fluid at the first temperature to a plurality of sensible cooling terminals (14A), and ice in the plurality of ice storage tanks (22) serves as a process fluid for the air handling unit (14B).The chiller plant (12) according to claim 1, wherein the chiller circuit (12A) includes a first process fluid circuit, and a first heat exchanger (32), the chiller (16) being configured to provide a first process fluid at a first temperaturethe chiller plant (12) further comprising:a terminal cooling circuit (18) including a plurality of terminals (14A), the terminal cooling circuit (18) providing a second process fluid to the plurality of terminals (14A) at a second temperature that is different from the first temperature, the terminal cooling circuit (18) being fluidly separate from, but thermally communicating with the chiller circuit (12A) via the first heat exchanger (32).The chiller plant (12) according to claim 3, wherein the first process fluid and the second process fluid are different.The chiller plant (12) according to claim 3, wherein the ice storage tanks (22) provide the first process fluid at a third temperature to the air handling unit (14B).The chiller plant (12, 112) according to claim 5, wherein the third temperature is less than the first temperature.The chiller plant (12, 112) according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of connecting lines, wherein the connecting lines fluidly connect the chiller circuit (12A, 112A) and the air handling circuit (12B, 112B).The chiller plant (12, 112) according to claim 3, wherein the chiller circuit (12A, 112A) further comprises a second heat exchanger (36) disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger (32).A method of operating the chiller plant (12, 112) according to claim 1, the method comprising:receiving, by a controller, a plurality of operating factor inputs from one or more sensors in the chiller plant (12, 112);determining, by the controller, an operating mode and a setpoint based on the plurality of operating factors; andsending, by the controller, operating states to one or more components of the chiller plant (12, 112) to place the chiller plant (12, 112) in the operating mode and at the setpoint as determined.The method according to claim 9, wherein determining, by the controller, the operating mode and the setpoint based on the plurality of operating factors includes determining the operating mode first, and using the operating mode as an input to determining the setpoint.The method according to claim 9, wherein sending, by the controller, operating states includes sending one or more of an instruction to enable or disable a flow control device(24, 26, 28, 30, 38), enable or disable a pump (34A, 34B, 40A, 40B, 50A, 50B), modify a pump speed, and enable or disable a chiller (16).
Kühleranlage (12, 112), umfassend:einen Kühlerkreislauf (12A, 112A), der einen Kühler (16) und einen Prozessfluidkreislauf beinhaltet, wobei der Kühler dazu ausgelegt ist, ein Prozessfluid bei einer ersten Temperatur bereitzustellen; undeinen Luftbehandlungskreislauf (12B, 112B), der mehrere Eisspeichertanks (22) und eine Luftbehandlungseinheit (14B) beinhaltet,dadurch gekennzeichnet, dassder Kühlerkreislauf (12A, 112A) und der Luftbehandlungskreislauf (12B, 112B) strömungstechnisch verbindbar sind, so dass der Kühler (16) verwendet wird, um Eis für die mehreren Eisspeichertanks (22) zu erzeugen;wobei die Kühleranlage Durchflusssteuervorrichtungen (24, 26, 28) umfasst, die jeweils dazu ausgelegt sind, sich zwischen einem Zustand mit deaktiviertem Durchfluss und einem Zustand mit aktiviertem Durchfluss zu bewegen, um den Kühlerkreislauf (12A, 112A) und den Luftbehandlungskreislauf (12B, 112B) strömungstechnisch zu trennen und strömungstechnisch zu verbinden.Kühleranlage (112) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Kühlerkreislauf (112A) und der Luftbehandlungskreislauf (112B) separat betreibbar sind, wobei der Kühler (16) das Prozessfluid bei der ersten Temperatur zu mehreren empfindlichen Kühlanschlüssen (14A) bereitstellt und Eis in denmehreren Eisspeichertanks (22) als ein Prozessfluid für die Luftbehandlungseinheit (14B) dient.Kühleranlage (12) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Kühlerkreislauf (12A) einen ersten Prozessfluidkreislauf und einen ersten Wärmetauscher (32) beinhaltet, wobei der Kühler (16) dazu ausgelegt ist, ein erstes Prozessfluid bei einer ersten Temperatur bereitzustellen,wobei die Kühleranlage (12) ferner Folgendes umfasst:einen Anschlusskühlkreislauf (18), der mehrere Anschlüsse (14A) beinhaltet, wobei der Anschlusskühlkreislauf (18) ein zweites Prozessfluid zu den mehreren Anschlüssen (14A) bei einer zweiten Temperatur bereitstellt, die sich von der ersten Temperatur unterscheidet, wobei der Anschlusskühlkreislauf (18) strömungstechnisch von dem Kühlkreislauf (12A) getrennt ist, jedoch über den ersten Wärmetauscher (32) thermisch mit diesem kommuniziert.Kühleranlage (12) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das erste Prozessfluid und das zweite Prozessfluid unterschiedlich sind.Kühleranlage (12) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Eisspeichertanks (22) das erste Prozessfluid bei einer dritten Temperatur zu der Luftbehandlungseinheit (14B) bereitstellen.Kühleranlage (12, 112) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die dritte Temperatur niedriger als die erste Temperatur ist.Kühleranlage (12, 112) nach Anspruch 3, die ferner mehrere Verbindungsleitungen umfasst, wobei die Verbindungsleitungen den Kühlerkreislauf (12A, 112A) und den Luftbehandlungskreislauf (12B, 112B) strömungstechnisch verbinden.Kühleranlage (12, 112) nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Kühlerkreislauf (12A, 112A) ferner einen zweiten Wärmetauscher (36) umfasst, der stromaufwärts des ersten Wärmetauschers (32) angeordnet ist.Verfahren zum Betreiben der Kühleranlage (12, 112) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:Empfangen, durch eine Steuerung, mehrerer Betriebsfaktoreingaben von einem oder mehreren Sensoren in der Kühleranlage (12, 112);Bestimmen, durch die Steuerung, eines Betriebsmodus und eines Sollwerts basierend auf den mehreren Betriebsfaktoren; undSenden, durch die Steuerung, von Betriebszuständen an eine oder mehrere Komponenten der Kälteanlage (12, 112), um die Kälteanlage (12, 112) in den Betriebsmodus und auf den Sollwert wie bestimmt zu versetzen.Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Bestimmen, durch die Steuerung, des Betriebsmodus und des Sollwerts basierend auf den mehreren Betriebsfaktoren zunächst Bestimmen des Betriebsmodus und Verwenden des Betriebsmodus als eine Eingabe zum Bestimmen des Sollwerts beinhaltet.Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Senden, durch die Steuerung, von Betriebszuständen Senden einer oder mehrerer einer Anweisung zum Aktivieren oder Deaktivieren einer Durchflusssteuervorrichtung (24, 26, 28, 30, 38), Aktivieren oder Deaktivieren einer Pumpe (34A, 34B, 40A, 40B, 50A, 50B), Modifizieren einer Pumpendrehzahl und Aktivieren oder Deaktivieren eines Kühlers (16) beinhaltet.
Installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112), comprenant :un circuit de refroidisseur (12A, 112A) incluant un refroidisseur (16) et un circuit de fluide de processus, le refroidisseur étant configuré pour fournir un fluide de processus à une première température ; etun circuit de traitement d'air (12B, 112B) incluant une pluralité de réservoirs de stockage de glace (22) et une unité de traitement d'air (14B),caractérisée en ce quele circuit de refroidisseur (12A, 112A) et le circuit de traitement d'air (12B, 112B) sont fluidiquement raccordables de manière telle que le refroidisseur (16) est utilisé pour créer de la glace pour la pluralité de réservoirs de stockage de glace (22) ;dans laquelle l'installation avec refroidisseur comprend des dispositifs de commande de débit (24, 26, 28), chacun configuré pour se déplacer entre un état de débit désactivé et un état de débit activé, pour fluidiquement séparer et fluidiquement raccorder le circuit de refroidisseur (12A, 112A) et le circuit de traitement d'air (12B, 112B).Installation avec refroidisseur (112) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le circuit de refroidisseur (112A) et le circuit de traitement d'air (112B) sont utilisables séparément, dans laquelle le refroidisseur (16) fournit le fluide de processus àla première température à une pluralité de matériaux de refroidissement sensible (14A), et de la glace dans la pluralité de réservoirs de stockage de glace (22) sert de fluide de processus pour l'unité de traitement d'air (14B).Installation avec refroidisseur (12) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le circuit de refroidisseur (12A) incluent un premier circuit de fluide de processus, et un premier échangeur de chaleur (32), le refroidisseur (16) étant configuré pour fournir un premier fluide de processus à une première température, l'installation avec refroidisseur (12) comprenant en outre :un circuit de refroidissement de terminaux (18) incluant une pluralité de terminaux (14A), le circuit de refroidissement de terminaux (18) fournissant un second fluide de processus à la pluralité de terminaux (14A) à une deuxième température qui est différente de la première température, le circuit de refroidissement de terminaux (18) étant fluidiquement séparé du circuit de refroidisseur (12A), mais en communication thermique avec celui-ci, par l'intermédiaire du premier échangeur de chaleur (32).Installation avec refroidisseur (12) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le premier fluide de processus et le second fluide de processus sont différents.Installation avec refroidisseur (12) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle les réservoirs de stockage de glace (22) fournissent le premier fluide de processus à une troisième température à l'unité de traitement d'air (14B).Installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle la troisième température est inférieure à la première température.Installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) selon la revendication 3, comprenant en outre une pluralité de conduites de raccordement, dans laquelle les conduites de raccordement raccordent fluidiquement le circuit de refroidisseur (12A, 112A) et le circuit de traitement d'air (12B, 112B).Installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le circuit de refroidisseur (12A, 112A) comprend en outre un second échangeur de chaleur (36) disposé en amont du premier échangeur de chaleur (32).Procédé de fonctionnement de l'installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) selon la revendication 1, le procédé comprenant :la réception, par une unité de commande, d'une pluralité d'entrées de facteurs de fonctionnement en provenance d'un ou de plusieurs capteurs dans l'installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) ;la détermination, par l'unité de commande, d'un mode de fonctionnement et d'une valeur de consigne sur la base de la pluralité de facteurs de fonctionnement ; etl'envoi, par l'unité de commande, d'états de fonctionnement à un ou plusieurs composants de l'installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) pour placer l'installation avec refroidisseur (12, 112) dans le mode de fonctionnement et à la valeur de consigne tels que déterminés.Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la détermination, par l'unité de commande, du mode de fonctionnement et de la valeur de consigne sur la base de la pluralité de facteurs de fonctionnement inclut la détermination du mode de fonctionnement en premier, et l'utilisation du mode de fonctionnement en tant qu'entrée pour la détermination de la valeur de consigne.Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'envoi, par l'unité de commande, d'états de fonctionnement incluent l'envoi d'une ou de plusieurs d'une instruction pour activer ou désactiver un dispositif de commande de débit (24, 26, 28, 30, 38), activer ou désactiver une pompe (34A, 34B, 40A, 40B, 50A, 50B), modifier une vitesse de pompe, et activer ou désactiver un refroidisseur (16).
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CN203375594U | N/A | N/A |
CN201177332Y | N/A | N/A |
JP2000055417A | N/A | N/A |
JPH01121641A | N/A | N/A |
JPH07301433A | N/A | N/A |
JPH11294832A | N/A | N/A |
8659419 | 20/10/1998 | Air condition installation adjustable in storing and dispensing coolness |
CN203375594 | N/A | N/A |