A variation of the traditional primary-secondary pumping scheme is primary-secondary zone
pumping (Fig. 1). This configuration is also referred to as distributive pumping. The
principles of primary-secondary pumping still apply. The difference in this design is that
the main distribution pump is eliminated in favor of multiple zone or building pumps.
Using this approach and under the right conditions, pumping horsepower can be saved
initially and in the future. Zones close to the chiller plant are not overheaded
(over-pressurized) to meet the demands of the zones farther downstream. In large
applications, pressure may also be reduced-saving pipe, valve, coil, and tank first cost.
Gil Carlson of Bell & Gossett demonstrated the value of primary-secondary zone control
in the early 1960s.
Design considerations
Each zone pump is decoupled from the chiller pumps through a common pipe. They are,
however, not decoupled from each other. Essentially, they operate in parallel. The suction
and discharge of the pumps are connected through shared supply and return piping. A very
small pressure drop must be maintained in the pipe shared by these pumps. This pipe
includes the common pipe and the shared supply and return header (Fig. 2). The designer
must be extremely careful with the selection of the pumps and the balancing of each zone.
Pumps should have the same or similar pump curves.
Pipe sizing
Friction loss in the shared piping dramatically effects the performance of zone pumped
systems. Per ASHRAE’s recommendation, friction loss no greater than 4 per 100 ft. of
equivalent pipe should be followed. Friction loss must be calcu-lated at the maximum flow
rate expected in the future.
Pump selection
The action of pumps in the downstream zones (Pumps B and C) will affect the pump in Zone A
(and vice versa), unless the distribution pipe has a very small pressure drop due to a
large diameter or a very short length as shown in Fig. 2. Friction loss in the piping is
based on a squared law function. The friction loss assigned to Zone Pump A must be based
on the total flow in the shared pipe. Zone Pump A must overcome the added pressure drop in
the shared pipe based on all of the pumps in full operation.
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| 2. Shared piping. |
Future loads
As loads are added in the zones, pressure drops increase in the zone piping as well as in
the shared piping. Existing pumps may need to be increased in size, be replaced to meet
the new resistance, or sized larger in anticipation of future conditions.
Future zones
As with future load changes, future zone requirements must also be considered. Pumps must
be selected with future zone character-istics in mind. The addition of an unexpected zone
may require the replacement or modification of all or some of the existing zone pumps. If
future zone requirements are known, the existing pumps can be selected large enough to
meet future requirements.
Pumping compatibility
The square law relationship between the piping system and the pumps is very important,
especially when applying adjustable frequency drives to zone pumping. When the decision is
made to apply zone pumping, the decision must also be made whether all of the pumps will
be constant speed or use variable speed. Since the zone pumps are operating in parallel,
the pumps’ operating curves must be compatible. The point of operation of down stream
pumps will affect the performance of the upstream pumps and vice versa.
Downstream users
Since each zone pump must be capable of providing enough differential pressure to
transport water from the chiller plant to the loads and back to the chiller plant, each
successive zone pump must be larger in horsepower even if the zone flow rates and pressure
drops are similar. In a districttype system, the customer at the end of the distribution
system can require pumps of signifi-cantly greater horsepower than those close to the
plant.
Controls
Each zone operates independently and requires its own variable speed controls. It is not
recommended to mix constant speed and variable speed zones in the same system.
Balance
Balance is a critical factor in the design and operation of a zone-pumped system. If the
system is not properly balanced, the return distribution pipe may be over-pressurized.
Over-pressurization will compound the system problems. Valves can lift off their seats,
resulting in hunting and poor temperature control.
Primary-secondary- tertiary (tertiary) pumping systems
Another variation of primary-secondary pumping is tertiary pumping (Fig. 3). Secondary
pumps distribute the chilled water from the central plant to the connected buildings or
zones. Individual buildings or zones are decoupled from the distribution loop through a
tertiary bridge. A major advantage of tertiary pumping is that the individual zones are
hydraulically and thermally decoupled.
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3.
Primary-secondary-tertiary pumping. |
This allows the designer some flexibility to control each zone
independently, relative to differential pressure and temperature. Zones may be a
collection of coils, air handlers, or entire buildings. This advantage is ultimately
expressed in district cooling and heating systems where individual users are decoupled
through the means of gasketed plate heat exchangers (GPX). When GPX are used, cross
contamination of HVAC fluids may also be prevented.The operator of the distribution system
is isolated from the users and is not subjected to potential excessive static
pressure.
Design considerations
The addition of tertiary pumps may increase the initial-connected horsepower of the
system, but the level of control is increased. Under the right conditions, overall
operating cost can be reduced. To optimize the performance of a tertiary-pumped system,
control of the tertiary bridge modulating valve is critical.
Tertiary bridge design
The same design criteria used for the secondary bridge should be followed (Fig. 4).
Temperature sensor locations
Proper valve control requires that temperature sensors are located at the supply water
temperature to the tertiary zone, T1; return temperature to the chiller plant, T2 (a
low-flow bypass is maintained across the return control valve to provide an accurate water
temper-ature); and the supply water temper-ature from the chiller plant, T3. Proper
control permits the zone to operate at the highest possible temperature without control in
the zone. This maximizes the flow through each coil and control valve providing better
heat transfer and valve authority. Maximizing the flow in the tertiary also reduces the
amount of water from the secondary. This reduces the flow in the secondary and may result
in the reduction of the number of chillers on-line in the chiller plant.
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4. Tertiary zone bridge. |
Secondary pumps
Secondary pumps are selected for present flow to minimize initial horsepower. The pressure
drop across the control valve of the highest head zone must be included. Consideration
should be given for future flow conditions. Careful selection will permit the use of
present flow pumps under future conditions. Since the secondary pumps are typically the
largest pumps in the system, adjustable frequency drives and controls should be considered
if economically justifiable.
Tertiary pumps
Tertiary pumps are selected based on the flow and head require-ments for the zone or
building load. These pumps are often low horsepower and do not need to be of variable
speed unless it is economically justifiable. If variable speed is elected, differential
pressure sensors are located across the largest, farthest load and two-way control valve.
Consideration must also be given to low flow conditions. These are similar to the design
parameters for primary-secondary pumping systems. Zones close to the chiller plant may
operate under high distribution piping differential head. If the differential head is
sufficient at all times, tertiary pumps may not be required for the nearby zones.
Primary variable speed pumping systems
This type of system is not a variation of primary-secondary pumping. The concept behind
primary variable speed pumping is the elimination of the secondary pumps to reduce first
cost, space requirements, and maintenance (Fig.5). Constant volume is no longer maintained
through the chillers. Variable system flow is directly achieved through the modulation of
flow through the chillers. Primary variable speed pumping systems are especially
attractive in primary-pumped retrofit situations since space may not be available for
additional pumps and piping.
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5. Primary variable speed
pumping. |
Design considerations- Control logic and sequencing for
the pumps and chillers is the heart of this type of system. With the advent of more
sophisticated microprocessor controls, the potential problems associated with
under-flowing or overflowing the chillers can be addressed. Operation of the variable
speed pumps is also provided through the microprocessor control.
Chillers
Multiple chillers are required to maximize the turndown capacity of the chilled water
plant. With only one chiller, the low-flow range is limited to the minimum flow of the
single chiller. Multiple chillers lower the minimum flow limitation. The designer must
know the minimum flow requirements for each chiller. Chillers of the same size,
efficiency, and manufacture simplify the control sequence. Close coordination with the
chiller manufacturer is highly recommended, especially in retrofit appli-cations.
Common pipe
The common pipe is not eliminated in primary variable speed pumping. It is modified into a
low-flow bypass. To ensure that minimum flow is always maintained through the chiller, a
bypass with a modulating control valve is employed. As loads diminish, system flow
reduces. When the system flow approaches the minimum flow requirement of the chiller, the
modulating two-way valve in the bypass opens. The sum of the flow in the system plus the
flow in the bypass must exceed the minimum flow requirement of the chillers. Flowmeters
are installed in both the supply and the bypass to calculate the flow sequence.
Primary pumps
Primary variable speed pumps are selected in a manner similar to secondary pumps in
primary-secondary pumping systems. Pumps should be of equal size and designed for parallel
operation. Pumps with differing flow and head characteristics do not work well together in
parallel. Careful selection will permit the use of present flow pumps under future
conditions.
Differential pressure sensor locations
The principle method of pump control is differential pressure transmitters. As with other
variable speed systems, the largest, farthest loads are usually the most critical to
monitor. Sensors close to the chiller plant provide valuable information for minimizing
system differential pressure during low flow conditions.
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Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of
various pumping systems. |
Conclusion
There are many ways modern HVAC systems can be pumped. Each method has its own advantages
and disadvantages to the user or operator (Table 1). The designer must consider present
system use, plans for the future, cost considerations, and the ability level of the
operator. With more tools in the toolbox, the engineer is better equipped to make the
decision, “Which system is the best for my client?”
This article is an abridged version of a Fluid Handling Staff article that was originally
published in the October, 1998 issue of HPAC magazine.
Part I appeared in the January, 1999 issue of TechTalk 4.
Article
Morton Grove
Tel 847 966-3700
Applying Variable Volume Pumping - Part II