Comfort At Work: Q&A: 17DA series centrifugal chiller


What is the cooling media and capacity range for the 17DA series centrifugal chiller?

The 17DA is a centrifugal water or brine chiller that has a capacity range from 3000 to 6500 tons at water chilling temperatures, using HFC-134a. The 17DA is an industrial grade, high efficiency liquid chiller.

How low in IkW/Ton can the 17DA get to How low in IkW/Ton can the 17DA get to?

The IkW level the 17DA can get down to is 0.58 IkW/ton at the typical central water conditions of 56 F to 40 F in the cooler and 85 F with 3 gpm/ton in the condenser. This is equivalent to 0.54 IkW/ton at ARI conditions.

What driver types are available?

The 17DA is a world class open drive unit with a wide range of drivers available. They include 60 Hz and 50 Hz electric motors ranging from 2300 volts to 13,200 volts. Motor types and enclosures available are induction, synchronous, wound rotor, variable speed with Open Drip Proof, WP1, WPII, TEWAC and other enclosures. Steam turbine drives using condensing, non-condensing, or extraction turbines are available using steam pressures from as low as 10 psig to as high as 650 psig. Other specialty drive types are also available.

Are the 17DA controls ‘Standard’ Are the 17DA controls `Standard'? If so, will I have a hard time interfacing them to my existing BMS system?

There are standard microprocessor panels available, but we will also custom build controls to meet any specifications and to include any special features you may require.

What options are available on the 17DA What options are available on the 17DA?

Many more options are available than I can mention here but a partial list includes: a separate free-standing storage tank with pumpout unit mounted and piped for up to 23,500 lbs for HFC-134a, 300 psig marine waterboxes, waterbox cover hinges, dual relief valves with rupture discs and transfer valve, free cooling, refrigerant filter drier, bearing RTD, and Bently-Neveda vibration probes with proximeters.

How flexible is the 17DA? Can it meet my specific conditions?

The units are built up from 10 compressor sizes, 12 cooler sizes, and 12 condenser sizes. Each unit can be matched to about any type driver that you may want. This gives us the flexibility to meet your specific job and site conditions and save you money.

Is the 17DA ARI certified?

The capacity of the units are beyond the limits where ARI certifies refrigeration machines, but the 17DA is rated in accordance with the latest ARI performance rating methods.

How easy is the 17DA to service?

The 17DA was designed with serviceability in mind. For example, to service the impeller, you simply have to remove the suction elbow and take off a round plate to have complete access to the impeller and diffuser ring. In addition, our unique `Atmospheric' lube system and slit-sleeve journal and thrust bearings lets you get at and inspect the bearings without having to wait 48 hours to pumpdown the unit. To inspect the bearings you simply remove the bearing hosing cover, unbolt the split bearing covers and roll out the bearings for inspection. With some of the competing machines you have to remove refrigerant, oil lines, multiple covers and take the coupling off.

Does the 17DA require the use of hot gas bypass Does the 17DA require the use of hot gas bypass?

The 17DA was designed to meet typical load requirements without the use of an inefficient hot gas bypass. The single high lift impeller is controlled at the inlet by variable inlet guide vanes and at the discharge by a diffuser ring. This allows the unit to go from 100% of full load to 15% of full load without hot gas bypass.

How big are the units and are they shipped as a single piece How big are the units and are they shipped as a single piece?

A 3000 ton unit is approximately 31 ft long, 21 ft wide, and 16 ft high with a total dry weight of 150,000 lbs. A 6500 ton unit is 34 ft long, 22 ft wide, and 18 ft high with a total dry weight of 225,000 lbs. The 17DA is too large to ship as a single piece. The cooler, condenser, compressor, driver, and storage tank are each shipped as components and erected at the job site.

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