VARIABLE PRIMARY SYSTEM

An evolution from primary secondary system

Derek Foong
1 | Hydronic Balancing & Control
 VARIABLE PRIMARY
Δp sensor is always near to pump!

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

M ΔP
CTRL

M
M

M
M
FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 |2

 DP CONTROL LOCATION

C C C
C C
C C
C

ΔP

M
M

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 |3

Constant ΔP Characteristics
Power = Flow x
ΔP Pressure

Pum
pc urve

200kPa

r ve
cu
te m
s
Sy

Flow %

50% 100%
 VARIABLE PRIMARY

With ABQM, sensor can be installed in the most critical unit.

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

M ΔP
CTRL

M
FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 |5

 VARIABLE PRIMARY

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

MM ΔP
CTRL

M
FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 |6

 VARIABLE PRIMARY
AB-QM sizing is a single largest chiller’s 35% flow.
Minimum flow setting is 35% of a single chiller’s flow.

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

ΔP
CTRL
M

M
FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 |7

 Bypass does not maintain flow but allows min flow

 Algorithm programming crucial. Cannot be underestimated.

 If bypass control is not done properly,it destroys overall efficiency of the system
during part load.
 Proportional band needs to have zero bias setting. By default, it is always 50%
bias.

Min flow control algorithm (Conventional P+I) Min flow control algorithm (Fuzzy)

Fuzzy logic can define

Premature flow mixing behaviour range to
at return header. eliminate premature

Valve opening
Valve opening

Destroys ΔT. mixing .

V.S.

Flow Flow

30% Flow 30% Flow

Setpoint Setpoint

8 | Hydronic Balancing & Control

 VARIABLE PRIMARY SYSTEM

Simulation of a bypass control

Derek Foong
9 | Hydronic Balancing & Control
VARIABLE PRIMARY

Each Chiller
PIBCV is sized and set to
Maximum Flow 1000 GPM
300 GPM as 100% opening.
Minimum flow 300 GPM

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

MM ΔP
CTRL

M
FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 | 10

VARIABLE PRIMARY

Each Chiller
PIBCV is sized and set to
Maximum Flow 1000 GPM
300 GPM as 100% opening.
Minimum flow 300 GPM

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

MM ΔP
CTRL

M
0 GPM

300 GPM 300 GPM

FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 | 11

VARIABLE PRIMARY

Each Chiller
PIBCV is sized and set to
Maximum Flow 1000 GPM
300 GPM as 100% opening.
Minimum flow 300 GPM

Chiller 1

Chiller 2 C C C C
C C C C

MM ΔP
CTRL

M
GPM
0 GPM
200

300 GPM 100

300 GPM
GPM
FM

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 | 12

 DP CONTROL LOCATION WHAT HAPPENS DURING PARTIAL LOAD?

UNDERFLOW!

C C C C
C C C C

NO OVER & UNDER FLOWS! ΔP

M M
M M
M M

M
ABQM CREATES NECESSARY PRESSURE DROP AT ALL TIMES!

Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 | 13

 VARIABLE ΔP CHARACTERISTICS

ΔP Power = Flow x
Pressure
Efficiency
When ΔP sensor is located in critical
unit it is possible to obtain
proportional pump curve

200kPa
Energy
Saving
120kPa

Flow %
50% 100%
Division, SBA or department name Optional footer text 11/12/21 | 14