Our objective was to improve the operating efficiency of the chilled water [CHW] system at the Collins Aerospace Windsor Locks site. We analyzed and evaluated all components of the CHW system and proposed recommendations for improvement; thereby reducing energy consumption, increasing equipment lifespan, and reducing capital expenditures.
A hydraulic map and model were created to analyze the system’s flow characteristics, and computational tools developed in MATLAB allowed for comparison and evaluation of CHW consumption and optimize the system’s operating conditions and setpoints.
Recommendations had to satisfy the prerequisites that appropriate flow was maintained to the CHW user, and that a complete life-cycle cost/benefit analysis demonstrated a return-on-investment period less than five years.