Energy waste reduction for chillers

Chillers are a major source of energy consumption in many buildings. They can account for up to 50% of a building’s electricity use during peak cooling months. There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce energy waste in chillers, including:

• Selecting the right chiller for the application. When selecting a chiller, it is important to consider the specific needs of the building. Factors to consider include the size of the building, the climate, and the type of load. Selecting a chiller that is too large or too small for the application can lead to energy waste.
• Optimizing chiller operation. Once a chiller has been installed, it is important to optimize its operation. This can be done by adjusting the chiller’s controls to match the load, and by regularly inspecting and maintaining the chiller.
• Using energy-efficient chillers. Newer chillers are typically more energy-efficient than older models. When possible, it is advisable to replace older chillers with newer, more efficient models.
• Improving the efficiency of the cooling tower. If the chiller is water-cooled, it is important to improve the efficiency of the cooling tower. This can be done by cleaning the tower regularly, and by adjusting the tower’s controls to match the load.
• Using economizers. Economizers can be used to reduce the load on chillers by using outside air to cool the building when the outside temperature is below a certain threshold.
• Optimizing the building envelope. The building envelope should be optimized to reduce heat gain and loss. This can be done by sealing cracks and gaps, and by adding insulation.
• Using daylighting. Daylighting can be used to reduce the need for artificial lighting, which can help to reduce the load on chillers.
• Using demand-side management (DSM) programs. DSM programs can help to reduce energy consumption by providing incentives for customers to reduce their energy use during peak demand periods.
• Finally, reach out to your local utility and see if their energy efficiency program offers low or not cost tune-ups.

By taking these steps, it is possible to reduce energy waste in chillers and save money on energy bills.