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Central A C Plants PDF
Central A C Plants PDF
Inourdepartment,theseplants(Aircooledorwatercooled)arecommonlyavailableabove10TR
upto100TR.ThesetypesofplantsaremoresuitableforlargeinstallationssuchasAIRRadioStudio/TV
StudioBuildingsandHighPowerTransmitterBuildings.Inwatercooledplants,externalcoolingtowers/
water spray ponds with water softening plants are the common features. These are invariably provided
withAHU(AirHandlingUnit)andsupply&returnductsforcarryingair.
Thecentralairconditioningplantsorthesystemsareusedwhenlargebuildings,hotels,theaters,airports,
shoppingmallsetcaretobeairconditionedcompletely.Thewindowandsplitairconditionersareusedfor
singleroomsorsmallofficespaces.Ifthewholebuildingistobecooleditisnoteconomicallyviabletoput
window or split air conditioner in each and every room. Further, these small units cannot satisfactorily
coolthelargehalls,auditoriums,receptionsareasetc.
In the central air conditioning systems there is a plant room where large compressor, condenser,
thermostaticexpansionvalveandtheevaporatorarekeptinthelargeplantroom.Theyperformallthe
functionsasusualsimilartoatypicalrefrigerationsystem.However,allthesepartsarelargerinsizeand
havehighercapacities.Thecompressorisofopenreciprocatingtypewithmultiplecylindersandiscooled
by the water just like the automobile engine. The compressor and the condenser are of shell and tube
type.Whileinthesmallairconditioningsystemcapillaryisusedastheexpansionvalve,inthecentralair
conditioningsystemsthermostaticexpansionvalveisused.
Thechilledispassedviatheductstoalltherooms,hallsandotherspacesthataretobeairconditioned.
Thusinalltheroomsthereisonlytheductpassingthechilledairandtherearenoindividualcoolingcoils,
andotherpartsoftherefrigerationsystemintherooms.Whatiswegetineachroomisthecompletely
silent and highly effective air conditions system in the room. Further, the amount of chilled air that is
neededintheroomcanbecontrolledbytheopeningsdependingonthetotalheatloadinsidetheroom.
Thecentralairconditioningsystemsarehighlysophisticatedapplicationsoftheairconditioningsystems
andmanyatimestheytendtobecomplicated.Itisduetothisreasonthatthereareveryfewcompanies
intheworldthatspecializeinthesesystems.Inthemoderneraofcomputerizationanumberofadditional
electronicutilitieshavebeenaddedtothecentralconditioningsystems.
Therearetwotypesofcentralairconditioningplantsorsystems:
1)DirectexpansionorDXcentralairconditioningplant:
Inthissystemthehugecompressor,andthecondenserarehousedintheplantroom,whiletheexpansion
valveandtheevaporatororthecoolingcoilandtheairhandlingunitarehousedinseparateroom.The
coolingcoilisfixedintheairhandlingunit,whichalsohaslargeblowerhousedinit.Theblowersucksthe
hotreturnairfromtheroomviaductsandblowsitoverthecoolingcoil.Thecooledairisthensupplied
throughvariousductsandintothespaceswhicharetobecooled.Thistypeofsystemisusefulforsmall
buildings.
2)Chilledwatercentralairconditioningplant:
Thistypeofsystemismoreusefulforlargebuildingscomprisingofanumberoffloors.Ithasthe
plantroomwherealltheimportantunitslikethecompressor,condenser,throttlingvalveandthe
evaporatorarehoused.Theevaporatorisashellandtube.OnthetubesidetheFreonfluidpassesat
extremelylowtemperature,whileontheshellsidethebrinesolutionispassed.Afterpassingthroughthe
evaporator,thebrinesolutiongetschilledandispumpedtothevariousairhandlingunitsinstalledat
differentfloorsofthebuilding.Theairhandlingunitscomprisethecoolingcoilthroughwhichthechilled
brineflows,andtheblower.
Theblowersuckshotreturnairfromtheroomviaductsandblowsitoverthecoolingcoil.Thecool
airisthensuppliedtothespacetobecooledthroughtheducts.Thebrinesolutionwhichhasabsorbed
theroomheatcomesbacktotheevaporator,getschilledandisagainpumpedbacktotheairhandling
unit.Tooperateandmaintaincentralairconditioningsystemsweneedtohavegoodoperators,
techniciansandengineers.Properpreventativeandbreakdownmaintenanceoftheseplantsisvital.
Figure5,showingcontrolpanel,compressor,condenserandaccessories
Figure6,ShowingviewofAirConditioningPlantRoom
Figure7,ShowingoveralllayoutofAirConditioningSysteminamultistorybuilding
Aircycle
Figure8,ShowingoveralllayoutofAirConditioningDuctSysteminamultistorybuilding
Indoorairmaybetoocold,toohot,toodry,toowet,toodraftyortoostill.Theseconditionsare
changedbyrotatingtheairandthesetreatmentsareprovidedintheairconditioningaircycle.
Air distribution system directs the treated air from the air conditioning equipment to the space to be
conditionedandthenbacktotheequipment.Themaincomponentsintheaircycleare
(i)Fan (ii)Supplyduct
(iii)SupplyOutlets (iv)Returnoutlets
(v)Returnduct (vi)Filter
(vii)Coolingcoil(orheatingcoilforlowtemperatureareas).
Thetotalresistanceofthesecomponentstotheflowoftheairplusthefrictionresistancecaused
bytheairpassingthroughtheductrunaremajorfactorsindeterminingthesizeofthefanandfanmotor
andtheamountofairpressurethatisrequired.
ForaBroadcastStudiosetupthisresistanceisoftheorderof25mmto50mmofwatergauge.
Centrifugalfanismostcommonlyusedincommercialandresidentialinstallations.Itconsistsofascroll,a
shaftandawheel.Thescrollisactuallyahousingfortheshaftandwheelandtheshaftservesasanaxle
forthewheel.Thewheeliscylindricalinshapeandhasmanyblades.Centrifugalfansareavailablewith
forwardorbackwardcurvedblades.Aforwardcurvedfancandeliverarequiredquantityofairatlowfan
speed.Theairvelocityandspeedofthefanwheel(tipspeed)notonlyplayalargepartindeterminingthe
efficiencyofthefanbutalsoaffectthelevelofnoisegeneratedbythefan.Hightipspeedandhighvelocity
usuallyresultinmorenoise.
Remotelocationofthefanreducesthenoisebutthesystembecomemoreexpensive.Ductsmay
becircular,rectangularorsquareinshape.Fromtheappearanceandpracticalpointofview,rectangular
ductsaregenerallyadopted.Ductsarefabricatedfromawidevarietyofmaterials.Ductsmadeofsheet
metal are very common. The ducts are lined with glass wool or mineral wool slabs of 25 mm thickness
wrappedincoppernaphthanatetreatedcloth.
Outletsareanothermajorpartoftheairdistributionsystem.Theyareimportantfromthepointof
viewofappearance,functionsandperformance.Theprimaryfunctionoftheoutletsistoprovideproperly
controlleddistributionofairtotheroomandremovingtheairfromtheroom.
Ceilingdiffusers,grillesandregistersareusedassupplyoutletandgrillesareusedasreturnoutlets.
Operation
Beforestartingtheplant,ensurethatproperfunctioningofsafetycontrolsincludinginterlockcircuithave
beencheckedandcorrectlyset,andthatallmotorsaremeggertested,directionofrotationverified,all
bearingslubricatedandrefrigerationsystemfullycharged.Thecrankcaseheatermustbeenergisedwell
inadvance.
Proceedstepbystepforoperatingthesystemasfollows:
Starttheairhandlingunit,ensuringthatdampersinthesupplyductarefullyopen.
Openallwatervalvesandstartthewaterpump.Observepressuresatcondenserinletandoutlet.
Open hotgas valve on the condenser and the discharge service valve on the compressor. Open
dischargegaugevalvetoreadthepressure.
Followthesameprocedureandreadthesuctionpressure.
Openliquidlinevalve.Observestandingpressureonthegauges.Thisshouldbeapproximately7.03
2 2
kg/cm (100psi)forR12and10.5kg/cm (150psi)forR22toindicatethatthesystemistightwith
noleakage.
Open suction service valve and start the compressor. Observe the refrigerant and oil pressures.
Checkthecurrentdrawnbythecompressormotor,observetheoillevelinthecompressorsight
glass.Oilshouldbeclearwithoutfoamafteroperationhasstabilised.
CompressorPumpDown
It is essential to collect the refrigerant in the condenser with isolation to prevent its loss before
opening the compressor or any other part of the system. This is called pumpdown and the operation
involvesthefollowingprocedure:
Shortthelowpressureswitchwithatemporaryjumperwiresothatthecompressordoesnotstop
beforetherefrigerantfromitisemptied.
Slowlyclosethesuctionvalvewiththecompressorrunning.
2
Whenthesuctionpressuredropstoabout0.15kg/cm (2psi),stopthecompressor.
2
Neverpumpthecompressorbelow0.15kg/cm topreventinfiltrationofmoistureanddirtintothe
crankcase.
Afterafewminutes,thedissolvedrefrigerantwillleavethecrankcaseraisingthesuctionpressure.
Thisadditionalrefrigerantcanbepumpedtothecondenserbyoperatingthecompressoragainfor
ashortwhile.
2
Repeattheaboveproceduretillthesuctionpressuredoesnotriseabove0.15kg/cm afterclosing
theservicevalves.
RemovingRefrigerantfromtheSystem
Itmaybenecessarytoremovetherefrigerantfromthesystemintoacylinderifthereisanexcesscharge
orthereisaleakinthecondenser.Takethefollowingstepsforthisoperation:
(a) Connect a suitable line between the angle valve provided for charging and an empty refrigerant
cylinder.
(b)Purgetheairfromtheconnectionline.
(c) Keep the cylinder cold by immersing it in ice cold waterto ensure afaster refrigerant flow from the
system.
(d) Start the compressor and open the liquid line charging valve, allowing the liquid into the empty
cylinder. If excess refrigerant is to be removed, hold the charging valve open only until the
dischargepressurereachesthenormalreading.Afterthisoperation,removethecharginglineand
closethechargingvalve.
Donotoverchargethecylinderasexcessivepressureisdangerous.
PurgingNonCondensibleGases
Presenceofnoncondensiblesgasessuchasaircauseshighdischargepressure,resultinginreductionof
capacityandhighpowerconsumption.Incasesuchsymptomsarepresent,thefollowingcheckshouldbe
done:
Shutdownthesystemovernight,longenoughforthetemperatureofallcomponentstoleveloff.
Readthestandingpressureandcompareitwiththerefrigerantsaturationpressurecorrespondingto
the temperature of the system. If the standing pressure exceeds the saturation pressure by 0.75
2
kg/cm (10psi)ormore,thenoncondensiblesareexcessiveandmustberemoved.
o o
Forexample,ifR22isusedandthesystemtemperatureis85 F(29.4 C)andstandingpressureis12.8
2
kg/cm (175psi),thenthereisexcessofnoncondensibles.SaturationpressureforR22correspondingtoa
o 2 2 2
temperature85 Fis11kg/cm .Thedifferenceis1.05kg/cm morethan0.75kg/cm ,indicatingcorrective
purging.Forpurging,takethefollowingsteps:
Pumpdownthesystemasdescribedearlier.
Immediatelyafterstoppingthecompressor,closethecompressordischargevalve.
Runthewaterthroughthecondensorforcondensationofrefrigerantvapour.
Crackopenthepurgevalveonthetopofthecondensorforaninstant,shutitagain.
Allow the system to stabilize for a few minutes before reopening and closing the purge valve.
Repeatedpurgingandclosingoperationshouldclearthesystemofnoncondensible.
Restorenormalsystemoperation,checktheimprovementindischargepressure.Checkrefrigerant
chargeandcompressoroilpressure.
RefrigerantCharging
A correct operating charge of refrigerant in the system is essential. Loss due to leakage in the
system has to be made up. It may be necessary to replace the entire charge. An over charge results in
unduly high temperatures, pressures and operating costs and may damage the system components. An
undercharged system leads to insufficient cooling, high operating cost, and, in hermetic system, the
compressormotormayfail.
Refrigerantmaybeaddedtothesystemeitherasavapourorliquiddependinguponthelocation
of charging point and quantity required. Generally, for adding makeup refrigerant, vapour charging
methodismoreconvenient.Fortotalsystemcharge,liquidchargingatthehighsidefollowedbyvapour
chargingatcompressorlowsidewillbequicker.
Under no circumstances should liquid refrigerant be allowed to enter the compressor to avoid
damagetothecompressor.Theprocedureforvapourchargemethodisdescribedbelow:
Openthesuctionanddischargeshutoffvalvesofthecompressor.Installagaugeinthedischarge
gaugeportandopenthegaugelineifagaugeporthasnotbeenprovided.
Connect a refrigerant cylinder and the connection with a compound gauge, to the charging valve
providedoncompressorsuctionline.Purgetheairfromthelinesandtightentheconnections.
Admit the refrigerant by slowly opening the refrigerant cylinder. The cylinder should be kept in
uprightpositiontopreventtherefrigerantfromenteringthecompressorinliquidstate.
Startthecompressor.
As the cylinder gets emptied, its pressure will drop to the same level as the suction pressure. The
remaining refrigerant can be drawn from the cylinder by closing the suction shut off valve and
pullingavacuumonthecylinderwiththecompressorrunning.
Checkthequantityofrefrigerantchargebynotingthedifferenceintheweightofthecylinderand
observingthepressure.
WaterTreatment
Algae/slime scale and corrosion on the water side of the heat transfer equipment retards heat
transfer causing general loss of efficiency and breakdowns. Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide
absorbed from the air and dissolved in water cause corrosion, reducing the capacity of lines, increasing
frictionallossesandpumpingcost.Hardwatercausesscalingproblem.Whenheated,themineralsareleft
behind,whichformadepositontheheatexchangersurface.Theheattransferratingofthescaleisvery
much lower than metal. Retarded heat transfer results in increased discharge pressure causing loss in
capacityandincreasedpowerconsumption.
Scalingofthecondensortubesinarecirculatedwatersystemisunavoidable.Descalinghastobe
carriedoutasapreventivemaintenanceonceevery12monthsorearlierdependingonthehardnessof
thewater.Descalingcanbecarriedoutquiteconvenientlybycirculatingmildinhibitedacidsolutionwith
thehelpofasmallpumpconnectedacrossthecondensorinletandthewatervalvesareclosedtoconfine
thecirculationtothecondenseronly.
Chemical compounds are available which suspend minerals of dissolved scale. Algae attach
themselvestothesurfaces,andsincetheyarelivingplants,theygrowuntiltheyclogthepassagesofthe
system. Bacteria forms slime and close the system in much the same way as algae. Algae/Slime is
controlledbyuseoftoxic.Aspecialistshouldbeconsultedtodeterminethealgae/slime.
Thetroubleshouldbediagnosedasaccuratelyaspossiblebeforeanyrepairisattempted.Definite
symptomswillaccompanyafaultyoperationinthesystem.Thefollowingtroubleshootingchartwillhelp
infaultlocationandpromptcorrection:
********
Note:
Both H1 and H2 are determined from the psychometric chart with help of Dry bulb
temperature (Tdb in deg F.) and Wet bulb temperature (Twb in deg F.) Similarly
Specific volume (S) is determined from the psychometric chart
Example 1:
Calculations:
H1 = Enthalpy for return air, in Btu/ Lb, determined from psychometric chart in r/o
(X)
= 31.8 Btu/Lb.
H2 = Enthalpy for supply air, in Btu/ Lb, determined from psychometric chart in r/o
(Y)
= 19.8 Btu/Lb.
S = Specific volume of return air = 13.7 cubic Ft./ Lb.
= 38.8 TR (Answer)
Heat gained by water = { Q x Sp. Heat x (Th Tc) x 60} Btu/Hr ---- (A)
= heat rejected by the refrigerant in the condenser
Refrigeration capacity in TR =
[Heat gained by water in Btu/Hr] [Heat developed due to work done by compressor in Btu/Hr]
12000
= (A) - (B)
12000
Sample measurements
Q = Quantity of water flowing through the water cooled condenser = 620 Ltr/ Min
Th = Temperature at condenser outlet = 990 F
Tc = Temperature at condenser inlet = 920 F
V = compressor Voltage = 390 Volts
I = compressor Current = 60 Amp
Cos = Power Factor = 0.85
Calculations:
(A) = Heat rejected by the refrigerant in the condenser
=Qx Sp. Heat x (Th Tc) x 60 Btu/Hr
= 620 x 2.204 x (99 92) x 60 = 57,3922 Btu/Hr
***********
HVACAirConditioningTroubleshootingandRepair
ThefollowingisangeneralA/Csystemtroubleshootingguide.Realizethatitisgenericandmanyofthe
thingslistedheremaynotapplytothe944.
Symptom/PossibleCause Solutions
LowCompressorDischargePressure Repair
1.Leakinsystem 1.Repairleakinsystem
2.Defectiveexpansionvalve 2.Replacevalve
3.Suctionvalveclosed 3.Openvalve
4.Freonshortage 4.Addfreon
5.Pluggedreceiverdrier 5.Replacedrier
6.Compressorsuctionvalveleaking 6.Replacevalve
7.Badreedvalvesincompressor 7.Replacereedvalves
HighCompressorDischargePressure
Repair
1.Airinsystem
1.Rechargesystem
2.Cloggedcondenser
2.Cleancondenser
3.Dischargevalveclosed
3.Openvalve
4.Overchargedsystem
4.Removesomerefrigerant
5.Insufficientcondenserair
5.Installlargefan
6.Loosefanbelt
6.Tightenfanbelt
7.Condensernotcenteredonfanortoofarfrom
7.Centerandcheckdistance
radiator
LowSuctionPressure Repair
1.Refrigerantshortage 1.Addrefrigerant
2.Worncompressorpiston 2.Replacecompressor
3.Compressorheadgasketleaking 3.Replaceheadgasket
4.Kinkedorflattenedhose 4.Replacehose
5.Compressorsuctionvalveleaking 5.Changevalveplate
6.Moistureinsystem 6.Replacedrier
7.Trashinexpansionvalveorscreen 7.Replacedrier
HighSuctionPressure Repair
1.Looseexpansionvalve 1.Tightenvalve
2.Overchargedsystem 2.Removesomerefrigerant
3.Expansionvalvestuckopen 3.Replaceexpansionvalve
4.Compressorreedvalves 4.Replacereedvalves
5.Leakingheadgasketoncompressor 5.Replaceheadgasket
CompressorNotWorking
Repair
1.Brokenbelt
1.Replacebelt
2.Brokenclutchwireorno12vpower
2.Repairwireorcheckforpower
3.Brokencompressorpiston
3.Replacecompressor
4.Badthermostat
4.Replacethermostat
5.Badclutchcoil
5.Replaceclutchcoil
6.LowRefrigerantlowpressureswitchhascut
6.Addrefrigerant
offclutchpower
EvaporatorNotCooling Repair
1.Frozencoil,switchsettoohigh 1.Turnthermostatswitchback
2.Drivebeltslipping 2.Tightenbelt
3.Hotairleaksintocar 3.Checkforholesoropenvents
4.Pluggedreceiverdrier 4.Replacedrier
5.Capillarytubebroken 5.Replaceexpansionvalve
6.Shortageofrefrigerant 6.Addrefrigerant
7.Highheadpressure 7.Seeproblem#2
8.Lowsuctionpressure 8.Seeproblem#3
9.Highsuctionpressure 9.Seeproblem#4
10.Defectiveexpansionvalve 10.Replaceexpansionvalve
11.Frozenexpansionvalve 11.Evacuateandreplacedrier
Repair
FrozenEvaporatorCoil
1.Replacethermostat
1.Faultythermostat
2.Settodrivingcondition
2.Thermostatnotsetproperly
3.Checkforexcessiveducthoselength,
3.Insufficientevaporatorair
kinkorbend.
ACSystemGaugeReadings
ThefollowingtableisageneralguidelineforA/Csystempressuresandtemperaturesbasedonambient
outsidetemperature.Rememberthattheseareaguidelineandyouractualtemperaturesandpressures
willvarydependingonhumidityintheairandtheconditionofyoursystem.
A/CSystemPressureReadings
AmbientTemperature LowSidePressure HighSidePressure CenterVentTemperature
60F 2838psi 130190psi 4446F
70F 3040psi 190220psi 4448F
80F 3040psi 190220psi 4348F
90F 3540psi 190225psi 4450F
100F 4050psi 200250psi 5260F
110F 5060psi 250300psi 6874F
120F 5565psi 320350psi 7075F
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