Development, evaluation, and validation of a robust virtual sensing method for determining water flow rate in chillers

Abstract

Monitoring the water flow rate through chillers is necessary and important for safety and optimal operation of a chiller system. Conventional measuring methods are reluctantly accepted by end users due to high implementation cost and continuous maintenance requirements. In this study, a cost-effective virtual sensing method was developed to determine the water flow rate in chillers using generally available chiller onboard measurements. The method was implemented, evaluated, and demonstrated in both a laboratory test environment and a field test environment. The test results show that the method is capable of accurately monitoring the water flow rate in the condenser loop and evaporator loop using low-cost and noninvasive measurements obtained while the system is operating. In terms of application, the proposed method is promising for embedment within a chiller onboard controller or a monitor system to monitor actual water flow rate in the chiller system.