McQuay chiller

[james.waite]

Hi,
I am currently investigating a series of failures associated with McQuays chillers (ALS D 229 2XEXN), The equipment has had a series of failed Screw compressors.
The failures have all been associated with a break down of the insulation of the compressor windings.
Points that I currently believe could be instrumental,
1) The presents of acid in the refrigerant system.
2) The failure of the Star delta interlock timer
3) The condition of the electrical supply
If anybody has had experience of this type of failure with McQuays chiller /Screw compressors I would be interested to have your input.
Thank you for your time.

[Grizzly]

Hi James.
The fact that the comps are McQuay is irrelevant.
Basically all three conditions you describe can be attributed to Motor burnouts and fluctuating voltages.
In some of the more remote sites we look after.
Supply voltage drops have been a huge problem.
You won't get the supply company to admit issues or indeed the site sometimes.
We got to the bottom of similar issues at one site by fitting power monitoring meters to each of the compressor motor supplies.
Which resulted eventually on a new site transformer being installed,
But more importantly it proved the fault was not with the equipment.
And the liability was shifted away from us.
You would be amazed at some of the recorded Voltage drops ( Which will cook compressor motor windings.)
Grizzly

[goshen]

Hi,
I am currently investigating a series of failures associated with McQuays chillers (ALS D 229 2XEXN), The equipment has had a series of failed Screw compressors (HSA 235 27YA / CO3A01700-14).
The failures have all been associated with a break down of the insulation of the compressor windings.
Points that I currently believe could be instrumental,
1) The presents of acid in the refrigerant system.
2) The failure of the Star delta interlock timer
3) The condition of the electrical supply
If anybody has had experience of this type of failure with McQuays chiller /Screw compressors I would be interested to have your input.
Thank you for your time.

Hi:
as grizzly stated ,all the symptomes you stated are voltage related ,when we have these problemes on a site, and believe me we have many ,we install a voltage and current recorder ,and usualy change the starting method, to a digital soft starter ,that protectes the comp from major and minor problemes like these,it is much cheaper ,to retrofit a starter then to change a comp!!!:)
good luck

[SkyWalker]

hi guys what sort of loggers do you use had a look on google and could only find meters clocking in at £1500+

[Grizzly]

hi guys what sort of loggers do you use had a look on google and could only find meters clocking in at £1500+


I will get back to you on that one. I am sure they were nowhere near that expensive.
But If you have to pay someone to wire them op then the costs could rise?
Well worth the investment though.
Grizzly

[james.waite]

Thanks guy's I've wanted to look into the power quality, now it's at the top of my list.
Info on the loggers would be great. Thanks for the advise.

[Grizzly]

Thanks guy's I've wanted to look into the power quality, now it's at the top of my list.
Info on the loggers would be great. Thanks for the advise.

Hi James
I have yet to get back to the office to find out who we are purchasing these power meters through?
I have identified the "entity" model which seems to be badged up as several different suppliers.
But I think they are made somewhere on the asian continent.
When i can find out more I will let you know.
Check out the attached.
Grizzly

[goshen]

Hi James
I have yet to get back to the office to find out who we are purchasing these power meters through?
I have identified the "entity" model which seems to be badged up as several different suppliers.
But I think they are made somewhere on the asian continent.
When i can find out more I will let you know.
Check out the attached.
Grizzly
Hi try these:
http://www.ddc.co.il/wordpress/?cat=35
http://www.supco.com/images/pdfs/2006%20%20Test%20Instrument%20Section%2076-93.pdf
http://www.satec-global.com/eng/products.aspx
:)

[Grizzly]

Hi James.
Check out the website below,
We purchased the 300 series.
Which we were allowed to do by Credit Card.
These have proved to as I say be very usefull.
Grizzly


http://www.advancedenergy.co.uk/index.php?cPath=6

[james.waite]

Thanks guy's... I have a picture of the offending unit. Now looking at the set-up it seems as thou a set of receivers have been fitted but not connected.. Or disconnected from the circuit. Not sure if anybody would know what spec McQuay unit these would be off?
I’m grasping at straws here but it just seems very peculiar that they are there at all. Your thought and ideas are welcome!!

[Grizzly]

Thanks guy's... I have a picture of the offending unit. Now looking at the set-up it seems as thou a set of receivers have been fitted but not connected.. Or disconnected from the circuit. Not sure if anybody would know what spec McQuay unit these would be off?
I’m grasping at straws here but it just seems very peculiar that they are there at all. Your thought and ideas are welcome!!

Judging by the size of those condensers.
I wouldn't think that either system is charge critical?
But you never know?
Maybe some kind McQuay engineer could advise?
Grizzly

[james.waite]

I agree, I can think of lot's of reasons for them not to be connected but not many for them to be there!!
I almost feel like the unit could have been converted whilst on site or maybe it was another series.. I am finding it hard to locate information on the ALS "D" 229 2XEXN lot's on all the other versions but not the "D"..