Energy Management of Chillers by Multilevel Control and Optimization

This paper deals with multilevel control and optimization of a chiller system. The system consists of multiple chillers, feed pumps, and cooling towers. A multilevel control structure is presented. The first level contains control loops for chilled water temperature, vane position, and condenser water temperature. Second level controls provide supervisory adjustments of set points of first level controls. Third level is optimum load allocation of chillers and pumps. A fourth level supervisory deals with the coordination of conflicting goals of subsystems to provide a load strategy. Performance analysis (monitoring, trouble shooting) are also presented. A digital and distributed control system is utilized for implementation. The distributed system has a flexible architecture compatible for each level of control sophistication. It offers simple function blocks for digital control of first-level loops, as well as, the higher levels without any need of computer programming.