How are compressor surge problems avoided?
The application method employed by the Chiller Plant Optimizer is fail safe and works to avoid a situation that might create compressor stall which leads to surging. Lets quickly review underlying cause of compressor surge and the potential conditions that lead to this situation. A compressor surges when the compressed gases (refrigerant gas) flow backward into the compressor. This will happen if the compressor is overloaded, that is if the chiller capacity is insufficient to carry the load. A second cause is high pressure in the condenser as a result extremely high entering condenser water temperature, or extremely low condenser water flow. Since the Chiller Plant Optimizer is in direct control of condenser water temperature and condenser water flow, it maintains these parameters well out of the range where surge problems will occur. The methods employed by the Chiller Plant Optimizer will not let part load efficiency improvements limit capacity demands when needed by the chiller.
