Optimal Design of Integrated Chiller Capacity with Ice Thermal Storage for Commercial Buildings through Cooling System Cascade Analysis

Abstract

Chilled water air conditioning system is used to supply cooling systems in large capacity for industrial processes and commercial buildings. Air conditioners contribute more than 60 percent of electricity consumption in buildings. District Cooling System (DCS) technology comprises a central chiller plant which provides advantage compared to local air conditioning system. It has higher efficiency, uses less power in system operation, allows more usable space in buildings, and can be operated with minimum manpower while handling same amount of cooling load. The integration of a chiller with ice thermal storage (ITS) offers more operational flexibility while reducing space cooling expenses. This paper presents a systematic framework for design and operation of District Cooling Plant (DCP) comprising an integrated chiller and ice thermal storage system. The Cooling System Cascade Analysis (COSCA) based on pinch analysis is constructed to determine the chiller optimal size and ice thermal storage capacity. The District Cooling System configuration for this study comprises a cooling tower, chiller (centrifugal, variable centrifugal, glycol) and ice thermal storage system. The application of this technique to fulfil 66,284 refrigerant tonne hour (RTH) cooling load demand from commercial buildings reveals the optimal capacity of the chiller is 3068.91 refrigerant tonne (RT), ice tank rating at 989 refrigerant tonne (RT) and ice tank capacity is 9892.75 refrigerant tonne hour (RTH).