chiller motor

[ka043710]

hi guys,
i just found out that 100tons is equivalent to 350kw which is also equivalent to 469.2hp (electric). however, my 100ton chiller motor is only rated for 150hp, which is less than 469.2hp but runs fine. why is that so?

at face value, how do i determine the energy consumption (in kwh) of a 100ton chiller? can i just use the 350kw equivalent for my calculations?

 

[MintJulep]

Cooling effect and the power required to drive a machine that produces cold are NOT the same.

Search the archives of this site, the web or your thermo texts for "coeficient of performance".

 

[ka043710]

thanks, mintjulep!

 

[imok2]

Here are some free info that you might use

http://www.automatedbuildings.com/frame_resources.ht

 

[stanlsimon]

If you can get an ammeter on the live conductors feeding the chiller then measure each of the three phase legs.
Power consumption for each phase is volts x amps x power factor. If you have a 460 volt wye winding chiller then total power is 3 x 277 x ampdraw x pf . Get the power factor from the mfr. Or use 0.9 as a rough approximation. You should also measure the voltage to neutral at the chiller disconnect. If you don't know what you are doing with live electrical get an electrician. There's no value in frying yourself.

The mfr's data will also give you kw consumption (what it's suppossed to be)at various operating conditions.