In-situ diagnosis of vapor-compressed chiller performance for energy saving

In-situ diagnosis of chiller performance is an essential step for energy saving business. The main purpose of the in-situ diagnosis is to predict the performance of a target chiller. Many models based on thermodynamics have been proposed for the purpose. However, they have to be modified from chiller to chiller and require profound knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer. This study focuses on developing an easy-to-use diagnostic technique that is based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The effect of sample data distribution on training the ANFIS is investigated. It is found that the data sampling over 10 days during summer results in a reliable ANFIS whose performance prediction error is within measurement errors. The reliable ANFIS makes it possible to prepare an energy audit and suggest an energy saving plan based on the diagnosed chilled water supply system.