Daikin’s intelligent chiller manager
17th January 2018
BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced the launch of a new chiller management solution to manage the startup, sequencing and staging of chillers to optimise energy usage.
The new Intelligent Chiller Manager (iCM) offers new features designed to optimise performance and energy. A built-in operating chiller setting ensures that the number of operating chillers always stays within a certain range, regardless of changes in demand throughout optimal start-up, sequencing and staging functions. In addition, matching chiller capacity to load demand allows the system to recognise a rise in demand when the last chiller is staged down by operating the pump dedicated to the Next ON chiller at a minimum VFD frequency.
The new system can determine whether chillers are available or not by monitoring inputs directly from the chiller unit controllers, pumps and shut off valves. This minimises the risk of an unexpected breakdown by 24/7 alarm monitoring and emailing via Daikin’s remote monitoring and control system daikinonsite.com. This, in combination with optimising the order in which available chillers are turned on and off depending on operating hours, further increases reliability and reduces maintenance costs.
The iCM determines which chillers are available for operation and controls the order and the part-load ratio in which they are turned on and off or stepped up and down. This is controlled by a range of factors including operating hours and energy efficiency targets while compensating for temperature and rotation.
Flexible options
The new controller is available in two versions and it can be ordered together with the chillers or as standalone to retrofit into an existing chiller plant. The standard version comes with a pre-set ready-made library of applications, offering a choice of three configuration options, depending on the number of chillers and peripherals to be managed. It is suitable for up to a maximum of eight chillers. A customised version can be programmed for other applications and sizes of plant.
Both versions provide the facility to measure and verify the energy efficiency of the plant. The new iCM also offers the possibility of remote monitoring and control. Operational data is collected and transferred via an internet connection to Daikin’s remote monitoring and control system daikinonsite.com, which also allows remote control and configuration. The iCM also allows integration with building management systems for improved intelligence.
