Energy audit case studies II - air conditioning (cooling) systems

This paper discusses a novel methodology for determination of the efficienc ies of each segment in a centralized air conditioning (A/C) plant. The meth odology is useful analytical tool in energy audit where it can be used for decision support for evolution of energy conservation measures and techno-e conomic evaluation of the various options. The procedure is applied to thre e A/C plants of capacity range from 50 to 500 TR. Losses in chilled air duc ts and cycling losses in the refrigerant circuit are identified to be the m ajor causes for decrease in the efficiency and capacity under rating of the systems. Effective controls and insulation of air ducts: have been shown t o be: the must cost effective solutions to improve the energy efficiency of the A/C plants. The generalized experimental data on overall performance o f sixteen A/C plants is also provided. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.