Comfort At Work: Q&A: 17/19EX Centrifugal Chillers


Does the 17/19EX chiller use an environmentally friendly refrigerant?

Both the 17/19EX chiller use HFC-134a, which is a chlorine free refrigerant with a zero Ozone depletion factor, that has been identified as one of the safest refrigerants in the industry. Beyond refrigerant choice for this machine, the 17/19EX has additional features that are significant environmentally favorable. For example for servicing, containment is built into the unit as standard. ASME construction and high pressure design further ensure a tight leak free machine during operation and off hours.

Is there an open-drive machine available in the 17/19EX chiller line Is there an open-drive machine available in the 17/19EX chiller line?

The 17/19EX chiller line is composed of both hermetic and open-drive units. The hermetic chiller is designated as 19EX, while the open-drive chiller is the 17EX. This is one of the many features that make this product line a perfect fit for a wide range of applications.

What is the efficiency range of the 17/19EX line of chillers What is the efficiency range of the 17/19EX line of chillers?

At ARI conditions, the 17/19EX chiller line has an efficiency range of 0.55 to 0.68 IkW/ton (0.156 to 0.193 IkW/kW). The exact value within this range depends upon the application capacity, size of heat exchangers and the type of drive (open vs hermetic). Contact your local Carrier salesperson for more specific information.

On jobs in which sound levels are of major concern, can something be done to reduce the sound level of a 19EX or a 17EX chiller On jobs in which sound levels are of major concern, can something be done to reduce the sound level of a 19EX or a 17EX chiller?

On each of these chillers, something can be done to reduce the overall sound levels. On the 19EX the sound level can be reduced by several dBA by applying an acoustic sound blanket that has been custom designed for this piece of equipment. On a 17EX there is also a custom-designed acoustic blanket, but, in addition, a low-noise motor is strongly recommended when significant sound reduction is the goal. Open motors such as TEWAC and WPI or WPII with acoustic baffles are examples of low-noise motors that are available through Carrier. Please contact your local Carrier salesperson for more details.

What design features are built into the 17/19EX chiller line of equipment to improve cycle efficiency What design features are built into the 17/19EX chiller line of equipment to improve cycle efficiency?

All 17/19EX chillers are 2-stage and incorporate a flash subcooler in the condenser as well as a flash economizer. These features, combined with high-performance tubing that is both internally and externally enhanced result in high cycle efficiency.

For applications that have the potential for significant operating hours with low entering condenser water temperatures in the 55 F to 65 F range, will the 17/19EX chiller line be the right choice For applications that have the potential for significant operating hours with low entering condenser water temperatures in the 55 F to 65 F range, will the 17/19EX chiller line be the right choice?

Yes! Unlike most large centrifugal water chillers that are commercially available, the 17/19EX chillers use a variable orifice system as opposed to a fixed orifice for refrigerant metering. The system of 2 variable orifices that are between the cooler and the condenser insure that the proper refrigerant liquid level is maintained in the cooler under a wide variety of operating conditions. The ability to handle these low entering condenser water temperatures is one of the unique features of this line of equipment.

Are the 17/19EX chillers a good choice for ice-storage applications Are the 17/19EX chillers a good choice for ice-storage applications?

The 17/19EX chiller line is the choice for ice storage applications. The dual-stage compressors are the best choice for handling high-lift conditions at full load as well as high-lift conditions as the load falls off. These high-lift conditions at all chiller loads are almost always the conditions that are encountered on ice-storage applications.

Are hinged waterboxes available on the 17/19EX chiller line of equipment Are hinged waterboxes available on the 17/19EX chiller line of equipment?

Hinged waterboxes are a standard option on 17/19EX chillers. This design allows quick and convenient access to the heat exchanger tubing without the necessity of overhead cranes.

Are the 17/19EX chillers shipped as a single piece, even up to 2300 tons Are the 17/19EX chillers shipped as a single piece, even up to 2300 tons?

All 17/19EX chillers are shipped as a single piece. These chillers are designed such that major chiller components are bolted to each other for easy disassembly when there are tight access areas at the jobsite. Among the standard Carrier certified prints is a component disassembly drawing that details these major components. Your local Carrier salesperson can provide all the specifics.

The 17EX is an open-drive chiller, but are driver types other than motors available The 17EX is an open-drive chiller, but are driver types other than motors available?

The standard 17EX chiller employs an open motor, but other driver types such as turbines and gas engines can be offered for some applications. Your local Carrier salesperson must be contacted for details.

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