HVAC system designers are faced with unique challenges when attempting to design energy-efficient HVAC systems. Code-driven energy efficiency requirements, owner’s project requirements (OPR), the latest HVAC analytics software, LEED project goals, chilled or hot water plant controls optimization packages, and manufacturer-driven cooling and heating technologies are all factors a designer must consider.
From a code perspective, and as it relates to water-chilling packages that are water-cooled, electrically operated, and centrifugal-type with a capacity larger than 600 tons, the 2018 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has kept the same requirements as stated in the 2015 version of the code. Even though it’s not uncommon for a designer to receive water-cooled centrifugal chiller selections from manufacturers that boast an IPLV at or slightly above 0.3, from an energy performance perspective, we can only ask so much from water-cooled chillers that are provided with centrifugal compressors.