Sequence of Operation...................................................................................................................41
2IM 676
Introduction
General Description
McQuay SeasonPak air-cooled water chillers are complete, self-contained automatic refrigerating
units. Every unit is completely assembled, factory wired, charged, and tested. Each unit consists of
twin air-cooled condensers with integral subcooler sections, multiple accessible hermetic
compressors, replaceable tube dual circuit shell-and-tube evaporator, and complete refrigerant
piping. Liquid line components include manual liquid line shutoff valves, sight-glass/moisture
indicators, solenoid valves, and double diaphragm hydraulic element thermal expansion valves.
Other features include compressor crankcase heaters, an evaporator heater for chilled water freeze
protection, limited pumpdown during “on” or “off” periods, compressor lead-lag switch to alternate
the compressor starting sequence, and sequenced starting of compressors.
automatic operation. Condenser fan motors are fused in all three phases and started by their own
three-pole contactors. Compressors are not fused but may be protected by optional circuit breakers,
or by a field installed fused disconnect.
Inspection
Check all items carefully against the bill of lading. Inspect all units for damage upon arrival.
Report shipping damage and file a claim with the carrier. Check the unit name plate before
unloading, making certain it agrees with the power supply available. McQuay is not responsible for
physical damage after unit leaves the factory.
The electrical control center includes all safety and operating controls necessary for dependable
Note: Unit shipping and operating weights are available in the Physical Data tables
beginning on page 12.
Installation
Note: Installation is to be performed by qualified personnel who are familiar with local
codes and regulations.
WARNING
Sharp edges and coil surfaces are a potential hazard. Avoid contact with them.
Handling
Be careful to avoid rough handling of the unit. Do not push or pull the unit from anything other
than the base. Block the pushing vehicle away from the unit to prevent damage to the sheet metal
cabinet and end frame (see Figure 1).
To lift the unit, 2 1/2" (64mm) diameter lifting holes are provided in the base of the unit.
Arrange spreader bars and cables to prevent damage to the condenser coils or cabinet (see Figure 2).
IM 6763
Figure 1, Suggested pushing arrangement
control box location)
Figure 2, Suggested lifting arrangement
Spreader bars
recommended (Use
Caution)
Blocking required
across full width
NOTE: Number of fans can vary
from this diagram. Lifting method
remains the same.
Must use these rigging
holes. (Be aware of
Location
Unit Placement
ALR units are for outdoor applications and can be mounted on a roof or ground level. Set units on a
solid and level foundation. For roof mounted applications, install the unit on a steel channel or Ibeam frame to support the unit above the roof. For ground level applications, install the unit on a
substantial base that will not settle. A one piece concrete slab with footings extended below the frost
line is recommended. Be sure the foundation is level (within 1/2” [13 mm] over its length and
width). The foundation must support the operating weights listed in the Physical Data tables
beginning on page 12.
On ground level applications protect fins against vandalism using the optional coil guards or by
erecting a screen fence. The fence must allow free flow of air to the condenser coil for proper unit
operation.
4IM 676
Clearances
air inlet
The flow of air to and from the condenser coil must not be limited. Restricting air flow or allowing
air recirculation will result in a decrease in unit performance and efficiency. There must be no
obstruction above the unit that would deflect discharge air downward where it could be recirculated
back to the inlet of the condenser coil. The condenser fans are propeller type and will not operate
with ductwork on the fan outlet.
Install the unit with enough side clearance for air entrance to the coil and for servicing.
Provide service access to the evaporator, compressors, electrical control panel and piping
components as shown in Figure 3.
Do not allow debris to accumulate near the unit. Air movement may draw debris into the
condenser coil causing air starvation. Give special consideration to low ambient operation where
snow can accumulate. Keep condenser coils and fan discharge free of snow or other obstructions to
permit adequate airflow.
Figure 3, Clearance requirements
5 ft. (1524mm) Clearance for
air inlet
4 Ft.
(1220mm)
clearance for
5 Ft. (1524mm) clearance for
ALR Unit SizeMinimum "X" Dimension
032E -075E8 ft (2438 mm)
080E - 185E10 ft (3048 mm)
"X" clearance
for evaporator
tube removal
Sound Isolation
The ultra-low sound levels of the ALR reciprocating
chiller is suitable for most applications. When
additional sound reduction is necessary, locate the
unit away from sound sensitive areas. Avoid
locations beneath windows or between structures
where normal operating sounds may be
objectionable. Reduce structurally transmitted sound
by isolating water lines, electrical conduit and the
unit itself. Use wall sleeves and rubber isolated
piping hangers to reduce transmission of water or
pump noise into occupied spaces. Use flexible
electrical conduit to isolate sound through electrical
conduit. Spring isolators are effective in reducing the low amplitude sound generated by
reciprocating compressors and for unit isolation in sound sensitive areas.
Service Access
Each end of the unit must be accessible after installation for periodic service. Compressors, filterdriers, and manual liquid line shutoff valves are accessible on each side of the unit adjacent to the
control box. High pressure, low pressure, and motor protector controls are on the compressor.
Freezestats and cooler barrel thermostats are near the cooler. Most other operational, safety and
starting controls are located in the unit control box.
The condenser fan and motors can be removed from the top of the unit.
IM 6765
Vibration Isolators
Vibration isolators are recommended for all roof mounted installations or wherever vibration
transmission is a consideration.
Table 1 lists isolator loads and type. Table 2 lists spring isolator part numbers for all unit sizes. See
Dimensional Data beginning on page 36 for dimensions required to secure each isolator to the
mounting surface.
Table 1, Isolator loads and type
ALRISOLATOR LOADS AND TYPE FOR EACH MOUNTING LOCATION
Local authorities can supply the installer with the proper building and safety codes required for safe
and proper installation.
Install piping with minimum bends and changes in elevation to minimize pressure drop.
Consider the following when installing water piping:
1. Vibration eliminators to reduce vibration and noise transmission to the building.
2. Shutoff valves to isolate the unit from the piping system during unit servicing.
3. Manual or automatic air vent valves at the high points of the system. Install drains at the
lowest points in the system.
4. A means of maintaining adequate system water pressure (expansion tank or regulating valve).
5. Temperature and pressure indicators located at the unit to aid in unit servicing.
6. A strainer or other means of removing foreign matter from the water before it enters the pump.
Place the strainer far enough upstream to prevent cavitation at the pump inlet (consult pump
manufacturer for recommendations). The use of a strainer will prolong pump life and keep
system performance up.
7. Place a strainer in the water line just before the inlet of the evaporator. This will help prevent
foreign material from entering and decreasing the performance of the evaporator.
CAUTION
If separate disconnect is used for the 110V supply to the evaporator heating cable, mark
the disconnect clearly to ensure disconnect is not accidentally shut off during cold seasons.
8. The shell-and-tube evaporator has a thermostat and heating cable to prevent freeze-up down to -
20°F (-29°C). It is suggested that the heating cable be wired to a separate 110V supply circuit.
As shipped from the factory, the heating cable is wired to the control circuit. All water piping
to the unit must also be protected to prevent freezing.
9. If the unit is used as a replacement chiller on a previously existing piping system, flush the
system thoroughly before unit installation. Regular water analysis and chemical water
treatment on the evaporator is recommended immediately at equipment start-up.
10. The total water volume in the system should be sufficient to prevent frequent “on-off” cycling.
Turnover rate should not be less than 15 minutes for normal variable cooling loads. Turnover
rate for process cooling or a constant load,should not be less than 6 minutes.
11. When glycol is added to the water system for freeze protection, the refrigerant suction pressure
will be lower, cooling performance less, and water side pressure drop greater. If the percentage
of glycol is high, or if propylene is used instead of ethylene glycol, the added pressure drop and
loss of performance could be substantial. Reset the freezestat and low leaving water alarm
temperatures. The freezestat is factory set to default at 36°F (2.2°C). Reset the freezestat
setting to approximately 4 to 5 degress F (2.3 to 2.8 degress C) below the leaving chilled water
setpoint temperature. See the section titled “Glycol Solutions” for additional information
concerning glycol.
12. Perform a preliminary leak check before insulating the piping and filling the system.
13. Piping insulation should include a vapor barrier to prevent condensation and possible damage
to the building structure.
IM 6767
Figure 4, Typical field evaporator water piping
Vent
Outlet
Valved
pressure
gauge
Vibration
Eliminator
Flow
Switch
Balancing
valve
Gate valve
Protect all field piping
against freezing
Drain
Vibration
Eliminator
Water
strainer
Gate valve
Flow Switch
Mount a water flow switch in either the entering or leaving water line to shut down the unit when
water flow is interrupted.
A flow switch is available from McQuay (part number 00175033-00). It is a “paddle” type
switch and adaptable to any pipe size from 3” (76mm) to 8” (203mm) nominal. Certain minimum
flow rates are required to close the switch and are listed in Table 3. Installation should be as shown
in Figure 5. Connect the normally open contacts of the flow switch in the unit control center at
terminals 5 and 6. There is also a set of normally closed contacts on the switch that can be used for
an indicator light or an alarm to indicate when a “no flow” condition exists. Freeze protect any flow
switch that is installed outdoors.
NOTE: Differential pressure switches are not recommended for outdoor installation.
Bring water piping to the cooler from the bottom of the unit or through the side between the vertical
supports.
8IM 676
Note: The procedure
does not specify the
type of glycol. Use
the derate factors
found in Table 4 for
corrections when
using ethylene glycol
and those in Table 5
for propylene glycol.
Note: On units sizes 160E through 185E there is a diagonal bracket off of a vertical support
which will interfere with the water connection if brought in from the side. This brace can be
removed, but only after the unit is in place.
Refrigerant Charge
All units are designed for use with HCFC-22 and other refrigerants. See nameplate for specific
refrigerant used. Units are shipped with an operating charge. The operating charge
(using HCFC-22) for each unit is shown in the Physical Data tables beginning on page 12.
Glycol Solutions
The system glycol capacity, glycol solution flow rate in GPM, and pressure drop through the cooler
may be calculated using the following formulas and table.
1. Capacity -- Find the reduced capacity by multiplying the chiller’s capacity with water by the
capacity correction factor C.
2. Flow -- To determine evaporator gpm (or Delta-T) knowing Delta-T (or gpm) and capacity:
×
Glycol GPM (from table)=
24capacity glycol
DeltaT
For Metric Applications -- To determine evaporator L/s (or Delta-T) knowing Delta-T (or L/s)
and kW:
Glycol L / s(from table)=
4. 18
kW
×−
DeltaT
3. Pressure drop -- To determine pressure drop through the evaporator, when using glycol, enter
the water pressure drop curve on page 11 at the actual glycol GPM. Multiply the water pressure
drop by PD correction factor from Table 4 or Table 5 to obtain corrected glycol pressure drop.
4. To determine the unit's power consumption when using glycol, multiply the water system kW by
factor kW.
Test coolant with a clean, accurate glycol solution hydrometer (similar to that found in service
stations) to determine the freezing point. Obtain percent glycol from the freezing point table below.
On glycol applications it is normally recommended by the supplier that a minimum of 25% solution
by weight be used for protection against corrosion.
()
−
×
Flow
×
G
IM 6769
CAUTION
Do not use an automotive grade antifreeze. Industrial grade glycols must be used.
Automotive antifreeze contains inhibitors which will cause plating on the copper tubes
within the chiller evaporator. The type and handling of glycol used must be consistent with
local codes.
Evaporator flow rate must fall between the minimum and maximum values shown in the evaporator
pressure drop curve. Flow rates below the minimum values will result in laminar flow which will
reduce efficiency, cause erratic operation of the expansion valve and could cause low temperature
cutouts. Flow rates exceeding the maximum values can cause erosion on the evaporator water
connections and tubes.
Measure the chilled water pressure drop through the evaporator at field installed pressure taps.
It is important not to include the effect of valves or strainers in these readings.
Varying chilled water flow through the evaporator while the compressor(s) are operating is not