Trane Introduces myPLV tool to Provide Application-Specific Chiller Performance Metrics
myPLV predicts chiller efficiency more accurately than IPLV, helps building owners make better purchasing decisions
La Crosse, Wis., June 24, 2014 — Trane, a leading global provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has developed a new tool to help building owners make better purchasing decisions. The Trane myPLV™ calculator is a free, manufacturer-agnostic tool that helps engineers, businesses and building owners quickly and accurately estimate chiller energy usage based on project specific operating conditions so they can select the right heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) solutions for their building and application.
Currently, the HVAC industry most often uses the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) to estimate future chiller performance. The IPLV is calculated using four operating points and weighting factors to estimate the percentage of time a single chiller, following an average load profile, will operate at various loads at a given set of entering-condenser water temperatures.
In addition to the part-load assumptions, the IPLV calculation uses the weighted national averages of various factors —including weather data from 29 U.S. cities and building data based on a Department of Energy study. Because the IPLV calculations are based on weighted averages for various buildings and climate zones, they cannot be applied to specific building types or locations.
“The AHRI IPLV metric was not intended to predict the annualized energy consumption of a chiller in specific applications or operating conditions but for the lack of a simple and accurate tool, the industry has been using it to do just that,” said Brian Fiegen, leader of Trane applications engineering group. “The problem is that a chiller in a hot and humid climate will operate differently than one in a cooler or drier climate, and the operation of a hospital is very different from an education or commercial facility.”
The myPLV approach recognizes that every building project is unique. This free tool can be downloaded at Trane.com/myplv. Users enter their location and building type, building peak load, number and size of the chillers in the plant and chiller condenser control strategy. Then the myPLV calculator uses industry-standard building model data, in combination with the user-specific information, to accurately estimate applied chiller operating conditions for the specific building and application.
The myPLV™ calculator provides customers an accurate estimate of their chiller future performance and helps engineers and building owners to make better informed purchasing decisions.
To learn more or to download a free copy of the myPLV tool, visit Trane.com/myplv.
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About Ingersoll Rand and Trane
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands — including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane® — work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced control. Ingersoll Rand is a global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com or trane.com.
SOURCE: Ingersoll Rand and Trane