Chiller vs VRF system

LG Electronics Inc.
LGEHQ CAC Team
1/14
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

1. Design Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

System concept Maintenance Reliability

VRF is very simplified refrigerant piping system. More flexible than water piping.
Feature
System composition

Chiller system
Cooling tower Chiller Water piping, Duct working FCU (Fan Coil Unit) AHU (Air Handling Unit) Water pumps

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Outdoor unit (air-cooled type) Indoor unit Refrigerant piping

Chiller

2/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

1. Design Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Network design Maintenance Reliability

Easy network wiring

Feature Chiller system
Complicated wiring

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Simple wiring

Network

ACP

3/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

1. Design Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Total management Maintenance Reliability

(For VRF) Manufacturer provide all equipment

Feature Chiller system
Complicated control structure, additional control manager in the system needed, increasing cost Third part control provider needed, interconnectivity problems.

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Simple control structure No additional control provider Central control and energy monitoring with low cost available

Control system

VAV boxes supplier [Manufacturer] 4/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

2. Operation Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Individual operation Maintenance Reliability

After office hours operation, VRF could be operated for the user demands.
Feature
Capacity control

Chiller system
The systems commonly condition the entire building at predetermined times, with no regard to user demands. (very hot midnight, weekend, holiday etc)

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

The systems condition only the necessary rooms with regard to user demands.

Operating Area

< Limited operation>

5/14

<Better Capacity operation>

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

2. Operation Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Temp. control Maintenance Reliability

Precise temperature control

Feature
Temperature control

Chiller system
Require 1 or 2

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Very precise 0.5

Cooling

MULTI V system Chiller system

0.5 0 C from set point

30 Room temp. 25 20 15

10

20

30
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40

50

60

70

MIN.

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

3. Installation Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Space (Duct working) Maintenance Reliability

VRF system doesnt need a duct space.

Feature
Space Efficiency

Chiller system
Large duct space

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Small refrigerant space

7/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

3. Installation Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Installation space Maintenance Reliability

VRF system is no need for a machine room.

Feature
Installation space

Chiller system
Need a machine room

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

No need a machine room

Pump
(Machine room drawing) Chiller (Rooftop drawing)

Boiler

Cooling tower

Outdoor Unit (On the rooftop)

(On the rooftop)

8/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

3. Installation Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Space (Pipe shaft) Maintenance Reliability

Efficient use of space is possible for VRF system

Feature
Space Efficiency

Chiller system
Large pipe shaft is needed for water piping

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Small pipe shaft is needed

CHILLER SYSTEM

VRF System

1/3
P P
9/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

3. Installation Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

System expansion Maintenance Reliability

VRF system expansion is very easy with extra outdoor & indoor unit.
Feature Chiller system
Capacity addition is difficult as additional mechanical room, pump, cooling tower, panel and piping is required.

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

System Expansion

System Expansion is Easy

10/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

4. Commissioning Comparison
Design Operation Installation

NO. of commissioning point Commissioning Maintenance Reliability

There are a lot of commissioning points for the chiller system

Feature
Commissioning

Chiller system
6 Steps Commissioning

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

1 Step Commissioning

(4)

6 steps Commissioning

1 step Commissioning

Water cooled chiller (3)

11/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

5. Maintenance Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Maintenance list Maintenance Reliability

Maintenance costs for a Multi V is lower than chilled water systems.

Feature

Chiller system
Filter cleaning Duct cleaning Water pipe maintenance Periodical oil change, overhaul Pump Water treatment Cooling tower cleaning

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Filter cleaning Heat exchanger cleaning Cycle check by notebook (LG MV)

Maintenance

(4)

Water cooled chiller (3)

12/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

5. Maintenance Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Water treatment Maintenance Reliability

(For Chiller Water treatment is required for clean water)

Feature
Water treatment

Chiller system
Water treatment is required (deficient service can cause legionary disease in the system)

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

No water treatment is needed

<Polluted Cooling Tower> 13/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

5. Maintenance Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Scale cleaning Maintenance Reliability

(For Chiller) Maintenance & cleaning periodically by exclusive company

Feature
Scale cleaning

Chiller system
Need to clean the water pipes System efficiency drop & origin of germs

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

No water pipes : No scale (use refrigerant)

After 2~3year

10%

Energy Loss

Unit : %

Unit : mm

thickness of scale

After 5~6year

After 7~8year

25~30%

35~40%
14/14

< The system is consist of refrigerant pipes >

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

5. Maintenance Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Maintenance Staff Maintenance Reliability

(For Chiller) Certified maintenance staff is needed

Feature
Maintenance Staff

Chiller system
The system requires certified maintenance staff not only for chillers but also pumps, boilers, cooling towers etc. More expensive maintenance cost.

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

No need special maintenance staff. Economic and easy maintenance

< Maintenance Staff> 15/14

<NO Maintenance Staff>

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

6. Reliability Comparison
Design Operation Installation Commissioning

Pipe Erosion Maintenance Reliability

(For Chiller) Certified maintenance staff is needed

Feature
Pipe Erosion

Chiller system
Pipe erosion can cause leakage. System capacity reduction. Brines use increase corrosion, anti corrosion additives needed

MULTI V Plus (VRF)

Refrigerant does not cause corrosion therefore no pipe damage occurred

< Water pipe leakage > 16/14

<Cooper Pipe>

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

7. Economic analysis
Initial Cost Running Cost Maintenance Cost

MULTI V vs Chiller

Total cost

Equipments & Installation cost

Type of Building: Shopping Mall Total area 9,000 m2 : 6 storey Building :1,500 m2/floor Actual cooling area : 1,500 m2 * 80 % * 6 Floor = 7,200 m2 Cooling Load (Tr) / m2 : 700 Tr *12000 Btu/Hr = 1,166 Btu/m2
Equipment : Water cooled chiller /Multi V unit - Water Cooled Chiller :Trane Water cooled chiller 350 Tr x 2 set =700 Tr + 300 Back up Pumps =400 Tr x 2 set AHU = 8000 CFM x 36 set Cooling Tower =1200 Gpm x 3 +3 Back up - VRF System :LG Multi V Plus II 48 Hp x 19 set=912 Hp 726 Tr

April 2008 Cooling Only Air Duct Included

Category

Product Chiller Price

Initial Cost (USD) 355,484 148,065 383,871 874,498 235,161

Initial Cost (USD)Total

Water Cooled C hiller

AHU / Cooling T ower / Pump, Pr ice Installation Multi V

877,097

Air conditioning time : Operation - 13 hour a day (09:00 ~ 22:00) - 30 days a month - average load by month

VRV

Installation

1,109,660

17/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

7. Economic analysis
Initial Cost Running Cost Maintenance Cost

MULTI V vs Chiller

Total cost

Electrical cost
Multi V running cost is 65 % compare to chiller
Running Cost (USD)Tota l
$400k Chiller $300k Multi V

Chiller

Category

Product

Multi V
$200k

Chiller Price

Water Cooled C hiller

Multi V

AHU / Coolin g Tower / Pu mp, Price Price

308,697

$100k

Running cost Savings up to 15th yr : 35%

$0k

200,158

10 th

12 th

Based on KW data chiller/Multi V Based on, Thailand electrical standard ARI-Air conditioning & Refrigeration Institute

18/14

ye ar

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

14 th

2n d

4t h

6t h

8t h

7. Economic analysis
Initial Cost Running Cost Maintenance Cost

MULTI V vs Chiller

Total cost

Maintenance cost
Multi V maintenance cost is 24 % compare to chiller
Category Price Maintenance Cost (USD)Total
$400k Chiller $300k Multi V

Chiller Multi V

Chiller Price Water Cooled C hiller Multi V AHU / Cooling Tower / Pump, Price Price 32,177

$200k

$100k

$0k

Maintenance Cost savings Up to 15th yr : 66%

10 th 12 th 14 th 2n d 4t h 6t h 8t h

11,468

Maintenance breakdown Chiller system -31 USD / Rt / yr.- 6 times/yr Multi V- 48 USD / Indoor / yr.- 6 times/yr - 145 USD / Outdoor / yr.- 6 times/yr

19/14

ye ar

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

7. Economic analysis
Initial Cost Running Cost Maintenance Cost Total cost

Category Initial cost (USD)

Chiller system 877,097

VRF system 927,057

Remarks

Running cost (USD)

Economic Maintenace cost Analysis (USD) Total cost (USD) BEP

308,698
32,177 1,217,972 -

200,158
11,468 1,138,683 1.7 years Shopping mall 6F, 9,000

20/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

8. LCC
LCC (Life Cycle Cost for 15 years) : Chiller 5.99 M$ > Multi V 4.27 M$ (71%) BEP (Break Even Point) : 1.7 Years

LCC (15 years)

BEP
+70K$

$7000k $6000k $5000k $4000k $3000k $2000k $1000k $0k

4th 5th 6th 7th

Chiller Multi V

Cost savings : 29%

+40K$

BEP : 1.7 Years

+10K$

10th

11th

12th

13th

14th

year

15th

BEP : 1.7 Years

- 20K$

8th

2nd

1st

3rd

9th

1st year

2nd year

3rd year

4th year

21/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

8. LCC

Initial Cost (1st year)

( K US$ )

LCC (15 years)

1,228
7%
Electrical Fee 308

5,992 1,321
200 11

35%
Electrical Fee
77%

4,274

73%

Maintenance

32

Product & Installation

1,109 877

Maintenance Product & Installation

8% 15%

4% 23%

Chiller

Multi V

Chiller

Multi V

22/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

App. Cost estimation

Type of building : Shopping mall
Water cooled Chiller :350 TR x 2 set=700 Tr + 300Tr (back up) VRF system:48 Hp x 19 set = 912 Hp (726TR) Commercial Building : (Shopping Mall - 9,000 Total Area) - 6 storey building:1500 per floor Actual cooling area : 1,500 * 80% * 6F = 7,200 Cooling load(TR) / : 700TR * 12,000Btu/h/TR 7,200 = 1167 Btu/ Classification Chiller (screw type) back up chiller (screw type) Cooling tower (open type) back up cooling tower (open type) Product Pump (Condenser) + 1 back up Pump (Evaporator) + 1 back up AHU Sub total Pipe & Insulation Valve & Acc. Installation Power & Control Duct working Sub total Total (Product + Installation) Outdoor unit Indoor unit ceiling duct Wired remote controller Centrol controller (ACP) Product Centrol control software (AC Manager) Y branch ODU joint Sub total Outdoor unit Installation Indoor unit ceiling duct piping & electrical work duct work Sub total Total (Product + Installation) I lot 45,000 36,000 90 90 4,050,000 3,240,000 7,290,000 34,399,445 130,645 104,516 235,161 1,109,660 Capacity 350 RT 300 RT 400 RT 400 RT 1200 GPM 840 GPM 8,000 CFM Price 3,960,000 3,100,000 500,000 500,000 100,000 90,000 70,000 EA 2 1 2 1 3 3 36 Sub total (THB) 7,920,000 3,100,000 1,000,000 500,000 300,000 270,000 2,520,000 15,610,000 % Sub total (USD) 255,484 100,000 32,258 16,129 9,677 8,710 81,290 503,548

Water Cooled Chiller (Screw type)

57%

48 Hp 10 Hp

VRF

957,000 91,355 2,915 81,125 141,570 1,650 3,300

19 90 90 1 1 57 38

9,000,000 2,900,000 11,900,000 27,510,000 18,183,000 8,221,950 262,350 81,125 141,570 94,050 125,400 27,109,445

33% 11% 43% 100%

79%

290,323 93,548 383,871 887,419 586,548 265,224 8,463 2,617 4,567 3,034 4,045 874,498

21% 100%

23/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

App. Actual running cost

Energy consumption / unit
(kW)

Category

EA

Total energy consumption

(kW)

Water Cooled Chiller (Screw type)

Chiller-350 Tr Cooling tower-1260 GPM Pump-50 Hp AHU-10 tr Total Outdoor Unit 48 HP-R410a Indoor Unit 10 HP CCD Total 13 30 100% 1% 42% 45% 12%

271 14.9 55.2 2.35 42 0.8

2 2 6 48 19 90

542 29.84 331.2 112.8 1015.84 798 72 870.0 Chiller

Chiller system Power consumption under partial load Load Chillier 100% 542 75% 50% 179 84 474 474 653 558 75% 50% 609 287 25% 47 474 521 25% 165

Others 474 Total 1016 VRF system Load VRF 100% 870

VRF

operating time / day (hours) operating day / month Cooling load portion IPLV 100% cooling load 75% cooling load 50% cooling load 25% cooling load VRF (MULTI V system) Operation hours 0.1 5.5 5.9 1.6 13.0 kWh / day 113.1 3,325.1 1,679.5 257.9 5,375.6

Load 100% 75% 50% 25%

Power consumption kW 542 179.2 83.9 47.2 Chiller system portion 100% 33% 15% 9% VRF Chiller Gap kWh / month 132.06 3,565.60 3,262.78 812.82 7,773.3 3,961.78 106,967.95 97,883.37 24,384.67 233,197.8 VRF Chiller operating cost 1 year 200,158 308,698 Used by Schedule 4.2.2 condition electrical charge in Thailand THB / month 517,076 797,469 280,393 USD 16,680 25,725 9,045

kWh / month 3,393.0 99,754.2 50,386.1 7,736.0 161,269.3

Operation hours 0.1 5.5 5.9 1.6 13.0

kWh / day

24/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

App. Maintenance cost

Maintenance cost Cost Chiller (Screw type) Cooling tower Chiller (Screw type) Pump AHU Control engineer Total Indoor unit VRF Outdoor unit Total THB 950 THB / RT, year 997,500 1500 THB / indoor unit, year 270,000 4500 THB / ODU module, year 85,500 Total 355,500 USD 32,177 6 6 6 11,468 Remarks times / year times / year times / year 840 Hp 3,000 4,500 Baht/unit 90 19 350 RT 400 RT 1200 GPM 15 RT 2 persons 105,000 60,000 15,600 2,000 20,000 Unit Baht/unit Baht/unit Baht/unit Baht/unit Baht/unit 2 2 6 70 12

Category

Capacity

EA

Maintenance cost / year 210,000 120,000 93,600 140,000 240,000 803,600 270,000 85,500 355,500

A note

Chiller VRF

25/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.

App. Energy efficiency (IPLV) ARI Released The New Standard in 2003
Available through the ARI web site: WWW.ARI.ORG

Portion by cooling load (%)

kW / kW (ARI Part load weighting factors)

IPLV OR = APLV

1
0.01 + 0.42 + 0.45 + 0.12 A B C D

ARI550/590-2003

WEIGHTED (%) Cooling Load

1%

42%

45%

12%

100%

75%

50%

25%

26/14

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved LG Electronics Inc.