AC drives in HVAC systems features and benefits

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AD8 EN REVD 2008

Application notes

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6. 5.

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Liquid cooler fans Chiller compressor Chilled water pump Supply fan Return fan
Copyright 2006 ABB

Condenser water pump

This drawing shows how common HVAC applications can be controlled with variable speed AC drives. The diagram includes every component of the air conditioning system, but it is only an example of one of the many ways in which an HVAC system with ACdrives can be controlled. By controlling the speed of the motor, the AC drive becomes a powerful tool for achieving the purpose

of the HVAC system: to maintain the air quality of a room or space for working and living. AC drives have many advantages over traditional methods, including better control of the system, lower noise levels and vast energy savings.

1. Liquid cooler fans

Benefits: Energy savings Easier to maintain low noise levels Accurate control to keep desired condenser water temperature Function: Liquid cooler fans are controlled according to the temperature of the condenser water outlet. Condenser water temperature is kept constant with PID control. To prevent unnecessary cooling, liquid cooler fans are not started until the condenser water pump exceeds maximum speed. If water temperature falls too low, circulation can be stopped with a solenoid valve. Fans can also be programmed to run fixed speed for a certain time, e.g. once a week, to avoid condensation in the motors.

4. Chilled water pump

Benefits: Energy savings Accurate control to keep desired duct temperature Elimination of water hammer due to soft starting and stopping Reduced pump and pipe sizes Function: Chilled water pump circulates chilled water in a cooling coil according to the temperature of the supply air. Operation is enabled when the duct temperature rises above a preset level and chiller compressor is running.

AD8 EN REVD 2008

3. Chiller compressor
Benefits: Energy savings Reduced peak demand charges Elimination of water hammer or hydraulic shock due to soft starting and stopping Increased chiller life Tighter chilled water temperature control Reduced maintenance demand Function: An AC drive optimizes compressor motor speed to actual cooling demand. The compressor is controlled according to the temperature of the chilled water. The compressors minimum speed is 60 per cent of its normal speed. Operation is enabled when chilled water pump and condenser water pump are running.

Benefits: Energy savings Accurate control to keep desired duct pressure Reduced maintenance of mechanical equipment such as belts and bearings due to reduced operating speeds and AC drive soft starting and stopping Easier to maintain low noise levels Function: Room pressure is controlled by changing the speed of the return fan according to the exhaust duct pressure. Return fan keeps up constant under pressure in the exhaust duct by using PID control. Exhaust air dampers will be opened when the fan is started. Operation is enabled when damper is fully open (damper end switch).

ABB Oy Drives P. O. Box 184 FI - 00381 Helsinki Finland Telephone +358 10 2211 Telefax +358 10 222 2287 Internet www.abb.com/drives E-mail: hvac@fi.abb.com

Copyright 2008 ABB. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Application notes

5. Supply fan
Benefits: Energy savings Accurate control to keep desired air quality/ CO2 content Reduced maintenance of mechanical equipment such as belts and bearings due to reduced operating speeds and AC drive soft starting and stopping Easier to maintain low noise levels Function: Room air quality is controlled by changing the speed of the supply fan according to the CO2 content of the exhaust air. The outdoor air damper will be opened when the fan is started. Operation is enabled when the damper is fully open (damper end switch).

2. Condenser water pump

Benefits: Energy savings Accurate control to keep desired condenser water temperature Elimination of water hammer due to soft starting and stopping Reduced pump and pipe sizes Function: Condenser water pump is controlled with a PID controller according to the temperature of the condenser water. Operation is enabled when the chilled water pump and the chiller compressor are running.

6. Return fan