System for analyzing and comparing current and prospective refrigeration packages

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to refrigeration equipment, and more specifically to a system for analyzing currently performing refrigeration equipment.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The general performance parameters of refrigeration equipment are well known, and the industry currently has various means to monitor and evaluate the performance of such equipment, including means involving computers.

[0006] A recent standard by the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute (ARI Standard 550/590, effective 1998) encompasses the performance principles of refrigeration equipment in the context of water-chilling packages using the typical vapor compression cycle. This standard, as it currently reads, is incorporated herein by reference, as if set forth herein verbatim.

[0007] From industry practice and the standard it is clear that a primary performance characteristic of a water-chiller package is the amount of power required to generate the appropriate evaporator tonnage, since the product of the evaporator is the chilled water which is routed for specific cooling tasks to other parts of the location, e.g. the offices and rooms. The prior art includes several examples of monitoring the actual power requirements for a given evaporator tonnage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,438, by McMullin, issued in 1992, provided a system to monitor the performance of a water-chiller package, including examining its actual power requirements in light of its own design rated power requirements.

[0008] While the McMullin approach and other approaches may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

[0009] What is lacking in the prior art with respect to monitoring refrigeration packages, such as water-chilling packages, is the ability to assess the economic impacts of the existing performance against the chiller's own deign performance and the hypothetical performance of other chillers under the conditions existing at the time the existing chiller package is being evaluated. It is to the advantage of the operator, or owner, of such a water-chiller package to have a system that would monitor the water-chilling package, compare its power usage performance to its own design ratings, as well as, the design ratings of other chillers, that might be used to replace the one in operation. Such an economic comparison would enable the operator to make informed decisions as to the need to replace the existing water-chilling package with a different one, based on an analysis of how the prospective package would have performed under actual, historical operating conditions. Furthermore, current monitoring systems do not provide the communication of possible causes of, and potential solutions to, unsatisfactory conditions that are ascertained during the monitoring process.

[0010] My invention provides a system, including computer hardware, computer software, and related apparatus, that assesses the economic impacts of the existing chiller performance against the chiller's own design performance and the hypothetical performance of other chillers under the conditions existing at the time the existing chiller package is being evaluated. The operator is provided a system that monitors the water-chilling package and compares its power usage performance to its own design ratings, as well as, the design ratings of other chillers that might be used to replace the one in operation. Such an economic comparison enables the operator to make informed decisions as to the need to replace the existing water-chilling package with a different one, based on an analysis of how the prospective package would have performed under actual, historical operating conditions. My system also provides the communication of possible causes of, and potential solutions to, unsatisfactory conditions that are ascertained during the monitoring process.

[0011] My invention includes a method for economically analyzing the performance of an operating first chiller with respect to the hypothetical design rated performance of at least one other chiller, the method comprising the steps of: (a) for the first chiller and for each of at least one designated time periods, obtaining at least one set of real tonnage derivation data, real power usage data, and cost per unit of power data; (b) obtaining other chiller information, including design rating information for each of the other chillers, the design rating information including the design rated power requirement; (c) deriving the power cost difference to operate the first chiller compared to at least one of the other chillers; and (d) economically differentiating the future use of the first chiller with respect to the hypothetical future use of the at least one other chiller.

[0012] My invention also includes a method for analyzing the performance of an first chiller with respect to the hypothetical design rated performance of at least one other chiller, the method comprising the steps of: (a) for the first chiller and for each of at least one designated time periods, obtaining real power usage data and at least one set of real tonnage derivation data; (b) obtaining other chiller information, including design rating information for each of the other chillers, the design rating information including the design rated power requirement; (c) deriving the power requirement difference to operate the first chiller compared to at least one of the other chillers; and (d) differentiating the future use of the first chiller with respect to the hypothetical future use of the at least one other chiller, based on the power requirement difference.

[0013] My invention also includes a method for analyzing the performance of an operating chiller, the method comprising the steps of: (a) for the operating chiller and for each of at least one designated time periods, obtaining real power usage data and at least one set of real tonnage derivation data; (b) obtaining design rating information for the operating chiller, the design rating information including the design rated power requirement; (c) for the operating chiller, deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period, from the real tonnage derivation data for such designated time period; (d) for the operating chiller, deriving the actual power requirement from the representative evaporator tonnage and the real power usage data; and (e) differentiating the actual power requirement for the operating chiller with respect to the design rated power requirement for such chiller. This method also comprises the step of communicating the results of the power requirement differentiation, including, if the actual power requirement is unsatisfactory when compared to the design rated power requirement, communicating an indication that an unsatisfactory condition exists; and also communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition. The satisfactory determination can be based on operator selected tolerance ranges.

[0014] My invention also includes a method for economically analyzing the performance of an operating first chiller with respect to the hypothetical design rated performance of at least two other chillers, the method comprising the steps of: (a) for the first chiller and for each of at least one designated time periods, obtaining at least one set of real tonnage derivation data, real power usage data, and cost per unit of power data; (b) obtaining other chiller information, including design rating information for at least two of the other chillers, the design rating information for each of the at least two chillers including the design rated power requirement; (c) deriving the power cost difference to operate the first chiller compared to the operation of at least one sequenced combination of at least two of the other chillers; and (d) economically differentiating the future use of the first chiller with respect to the hypothetical future use of the at least one sequenced combination of the at least two other chillers. This method also comprises the step of inputing the selection of the at least two other chillers in the combination, including the order in which the at least two other chillers in the selected combination will be utilized in operation.

[0015] My invention includes a computer readable medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer system, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer system to perform all the above method steps.

[0016] My invention also includes means for performing all the above method steps.

[0017] In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0018] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a typical water-chilling package.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a greatly simplified block diagram showing various system inputs.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a greatly simplified block diagram of a computer system containing a non-exclusive depiction of several available analytical output and output modes and formats with respect to my invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a greatly simplified block diagram of a computer system containing a non-exclusive depiction of several available analytical output and output modes and formats with respect to my invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an representation of the system's textual display of the “fault” for excessive power requirement, its possible causes, and its potential solutions.

[0024] FIG. 6 is an representation of the system's textual display of the “fault” for low evaporator fluid temperature differential, its possible causes, and its potential solutions.

[0025] FIG. 7 is an representation of the system's textual display of the “fault” for low condenser fluid temperature differential, its possible causes, and its potential solutions.

[0026] FIG. 8 is an representation of the system's textual display of the “fault” for low evaporator water flow rate, its possible causes, and its potential solutions.

[0027] FIG. 9 is an representation of the system's textual display of the “fault” for condenser water flow rate, its possible causes, and its potential solutions.

[0028] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the System for Analyzing and Comparing Current and Prospective Refrigeration Packages of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.

[0029] 10 water-chilling package

[0030] 12 evaporator

[0031] 14 compressor/motor

[0032] 16 compressor suction

[0033] 18 compressor discharge

[0034] 20 condenser

[0035] 22 condenser fluid inlet

[0036] 24 condenser outlet

[0037] 26 float valve

[0038] 28 evaporator fluid inlet

[0039] 30 evaporator fluid outlet

[0040] 100 computer system

[0041] 102 computer input—database RTDD, RPUD, specific heat

[0042] 104 computer input—real-time RTDD, RPUD

[0043] 106 computer input—database additional chiller information

[0044] 108 computer input—real-time additional chiller information

[0045] 110 computer input—programmed specific heat

[0046] 112 computer input—user input specific heat

[0047] 114 computer input—database cost per unit of power data

[0048] 116 computer input—user input cost per unit of power data

[0049] 130 computer input—database design rating information for at least one other chiller

[0050] 132 computer input—user input design rating information for at least one other chiller

[0051] 134 computer input—cost to replace with one of the other chillers

[0052] 134 computer input—

[0053] 136 computer input—unsatisfactory condition cause/solution information

[0054] 138 computer input—user input operator interest rate

[0055] 140 computer input—user input future cost analysis period

[0056] 142 computer input—user selected combination of at least two other chillers for joint analysis

[0057] 144 computer input—selection of at least one other chiller for comparison

[0058] A diagram of a typical water-chilling package 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Typically included is an evaporator 12, which discharges vaporized refrigerant to a centrifugal compressor/motor 14 through compressor suction 16. The compressed vapor is discharged through compressor discharge 18 to the condenser 20. In the condenser 20 heat is exchanged with condenser fluid which enters the condenser 20 through condenser fluid inlet 22, and exits through a condenser outlet 24. The condenser fluid is cooled in a cooling tower (not shown). The liquid refrigerant is discharged from the condenser 20 to float valve 26, from which it is discharged into the evaporator 12. In the evaporator 12, heat is taken from the evaporator fluid entering through the evaporator fluid inlet 28, and exiting through the evaporator fluid outlet 30.

[0059] In the various embodiments of my system, a computer 100 obtains data, both by the direct measurement of such data, from current or past operator data input, from programmed constants, and from stored data. FIG. 2 depicts the various data and information inputs received by the computer 100 as needed to perform the various derivations discussed herein.

[0060] As indicated in FIG. 2, data may be received from a data base 102 containing historical real tonnage derivation data, including the temperature of the water leaving (T_el) the evaporator 12, the temperature of the water entering (T_ee) the evaporator 12, the mass flow rate. of the water (m_we) from the evaporator 12, and the specific heat (c) of the evaporator water. Historical real power usage data (kw/h) is also present in the database 102. In some applications, the same data is obtained in real time 104 from direct measurement.

[0061] Another data source 106 includes additional chiller 10 performance information, including, but not limited to, the mass flow rate of the water (m_wc) from the condenser 20, the temperature of the condenser water entering (T_e) the condenser 12, the temperature of the condenser water leaving (T_cl) the condenser 12, the temperature of the evaporator refrigerant (T_er), the temperature of the condenser refrigerant (T_cr), the pressure of the evaporator refrigerant (P_er), the pressure of the condenser refrigerant (P_cr), the temperature of the supply oil (T_soc) to the compressor 14, and the amount of chiller vibration (CV).

[0062] Similar additional chiller performance information is also obtained in real time 108.

[0063] The specific heat of the evaporator water can be obtained as a program constant 110. It can also be a user input 112.

[0064] Cost per unit of power data is provided from a database 114 or from user input 116.

[0065] A database 130 provides design rating information for at least one other chiller, including design rated power requirements (DRPR), design rated maximum evaporator tonnage (DRMET), the cost to replace the operating first chiller with at least one of the other chillers (RCOC), and additional design rating information for the other chillers. Similar design rating information for such other chillers can also be provided from user input 132.

[0066] The cost to replace the operating first chiller with at least one of the other chillers is obtainable 134

[0067] When unsatisfactory conditions, i.e. faults, are noted, the system obtains fault cause and solution information 136.

[0068] In some embodiments, an interest rate of interest to the operator can be input 138. In a similar fashion, the user can select the appropriate number of years in the future cost analysis period (FCAP) 140.

[0069] The user can also select a sequenced combination 142 of two other chillers, for a comparison of the operating first chiller's performance to the combined performance of such other two chillers. Similarly, the user inputs which of the other chillers is to be compared to the operating first chiller 144.

[0070] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the variety of analytical outputs and output modes and formats that can be utilized by my system.

[0071] In the preferred system application a computer 100 obtains a set of real tonnage derivation data and the real power usage data every two seconds during the operation of the water-chiller package. The evaporator tonnage (ET) is calculated for each such set of real tonnage derivation data and averaged several times over gradually increasing increments, eventually resulting in the determination of a representative evaporator tonnage (RET) for the designated time period (DTP) of one hour. Incremental averages are recorded, as well. From the real power usage data and the known cost per unit of power, an actual cost of power for the designated time period (ACDTP) can be determined. This process is repeated for a total test period (TTP) measured in days. Times during which the chiller was down and out of operation, are excluded leaving an extended time period (ETP) that is used for analysis. The extended time period will typically include several hundred or even thousand designated time periods.

[0072] Having excluded the down time days, the actual cost of power over the extended period of time (ACETP) can be represented by the equation:

[0073] ACETP=Σ_j=1^PACDTP_j

[0074] where P is the number of designated time periods in the extended time period.

[0075] The system simultaneously calculates the hypothetical cost of power over each designated time period (HCDTP) for at least one of the other chillers, using the same cost per unit of power (CUP), the representative evaporator tonnage calculated above, and the design rated power requirement (DRPR) for the other chiller. The hypothetical cost of power over the extended period of time (HCETP) can be represented by the equation:

[0076] HCETP=Σ_j=1^PHCDTP_j

[0077] where P again equals the number of designated time periods in the extended time period.

[0078] In some instances the design rated power requirement is provided by the manufacturer as a function of the evaporator tonnage. If such is the case, it is an advantage of my system that the design rated power requirement of the other chiller can be calculated for each designated time period using the representative evaporator tonnage for such designated time period. In this manner, the correct design rated power requirement is utilized for each designated time period.

[0079] When the hypothetical cost over the extended time period and the actual cost over the extended time period are known, the total power cost difference over the extended time period (CDETP), can be determined by taking the difference, as shown in the following equation:

[0080] CDETP=ACETP−HCETP

[0081] This cost difference can be restated as a cost difference per unit of time, e.g. days (CD/DAY). In this example application, the most relevant time consideration is the total time period during which data was collected. Accordingly, the cost difference per day can be determined from the equation:

[0082] CD/DAY=CDETP/TTP

[0083] Using this cost difference per day as a basis, the system provides an economic differentiation between continuing with the operating first chiller or replacing it with the other chiller. In one application of the system, replacement cost recovery time period (RCRTP) is determinable from the foregoing cost difference per day and the known replacement cost for the other chiller (RCOC). The following equation determines the replacement cost recovery time period in years:

[0084] RCRTP=RCOC÷(CD/DAY×365)

[0085] Since replacement cost for the other chiller is an operator input, the operator can adjust this amount to includes various combinations of the purchase price, the price of collateral equipment associated with the installation, lost business income during installation, manufacturer discounts, and any other factors specific to the operator's business that might need to be considered.

[0086] In another application, a future cost analysis period (FCAP) is selected by the user, with the future cost analysis period being a number of years. The cost difference per day is used with the future cost analysis period to derive the future savings cash flows generated by the replacement of the operating first chiller with the other chiller. The gross future savings cash flow (FSCFG), i.e. without considering the replacement cost for the other chiller, is determinable from the equation:

[0087] FSCFG=CD/DAY×365×FCAP

[0088] Similarly, the net future savings cash flow (FSCFN), i.e. considering the replacement cost for the other chiller, is determinable from the equation:

[0089] FSCFN=(CD/DAY×365×FCAP)−RCOC

[0090] The interest rate of interest to the operator (OIR) can be used to determine the present value factors (PVF) for each year of the future cost analysis period. The cost difference per day is then utilized, along with such factors, to determine the present value of the future savings. When the replacement cost for the other chiller is ignored the net present value of the future savings (PVS) can be determined from the following equation:

[0091] PVS=Σ_k=1^FCAP(CD/DAY×365×PVF_k)

[0092] When replacement cost for the other chiller is considered as having been spent at the beginning of the future cost analysis period, the net present value of the future savings (PVSRC) can be determined from the following equation:

[0093] PVSRC=Σ_k=1^FCAP(CD/DAY×365×PVF_k)−RCOC

[0094] The future cost savings can be treated as a return on an investment equal to the replacement cost for the other chiller. An internal rate of return (IRR) can be determined for the prospective investment using typical accounting techniques, wherein the present value of the future savings is set equal to the present value of the investment.

[0095] The cost difference per day, replacement cost recovery time period, gross future savings cash flow, net future savings cash flow, net present value, net present value considering replacement cost, and internal rate of return will be different for different chillers, as each undergoes the foregoing analysis. Since these are items of great economic interest to the operator, it is an advantage of my system, that all other chillers, for which design rating information and replacement costs are available, can be analyzed as a group. After such an analysis, the other chillers are ranked according to the selected economic item, for example, in order of descending replacement cost recovery time period.

[0096] It is an advantage of my system that, in determining the cost difference per day, the operator can choose any number of days by which to divide the cost difference over the extended time period. Based on the operator's familiarity with historical downtimes, and other factors, the operator may choose to use a number of days other than the number of days in the total test period.

[0097] It will sometimes occur that the other chiller being analyzed will have a manufacturer's design rated maximum evaporator tonnage (DRMET) which is less than some of the representative evaporator tonnages recorded during the extended time period. It is a further advantage of my system that as each representative evaporator tonnage is determined, the representative evaporator tonnage is compared to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the other chiller. In a particular designated time period, if the representative evaporator tonnage exceeds the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage by an operator determined amount, from zero to a user inputted percent of the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, then the designated time period, and the cost difference attributable to such designated time period, are excluded from the extended time period and the corresponding cost difference over the extended time period.

[0098] In such a case, the actual power costs for the designated time period (ACDTP) is equal to zero for the excluded designated time periods, and the adjusted actual power costs over the extended period of time (ACETPX) is determinable from the sum of the remaining actual cost differences.

[0099] Similarly, the hypothetical cost difference for the excluded designated time periods are equal to zero and the adjusted hypothetical cost over the extended time period (HCEPTX) is determinable from the sum of the remaining hypothetical cost differences.

[0100] The adjusted power cost difference, reflecting the adjusted extended time period (CDETPX) can then be determined from the equation:

[0101] CDETPX=ACETPX−HCETPX

[0102] As before it is converted to an adjusted power cost difference per day (CDX/DAY) by the equation:

[0103] CDX/DAY=CDETPX/TTP

[0104] An adjusted replacement cost recovery time period can also be determined based on the adjusted power cost difference per day. It is an advantage of my system that the operator can choose the number of days to include in each of the “recovery years,” the operator being able to choose to apply the adjusted power cost difference per day for every day in an ordinary year, or to limit such days to something less than 365. Such a limitation might be applicable when an operator wants to consider that the replacement chiller's lower maximum evaporator tonnage will have to be made up from another chiller, having its own power cost. Assuming, that an operator chose to limit the number of days in the “recovery year” to a lower number of days reflecting the ratio of the adjusted extended period of time to the unadjusted period, the following equation would determine the adjusted replacement cost recovery time period (RCRTPX):

[0105] RCRTPX=RCOC÷(CDX/DAY×ETPX÷24×365÷TTP)

[0106] where ETPX is the adjusted extended time period.

[0107] As part of the full utilization of my system, the design rating information for one of the other chillers is the design rating information for the operating first chiller. Deficits between design rated performance and actual performance are derived and economically analyzed.

[0108] In other embodiments of my system, the power requirement difference between the operating first chiller and the other chiller is determined for each designated time period. From the power requirement difference a single power cost difference is determined for each designated time period (CDDTP). When done in this order, the power cost difference over the extended period of time (CDETP) is determined from the equation:

[0109] CDETP=Σ_j=1^PCDDTP_J

[0110] where P is the number of designated time periods in the extended time period.

[0111] Another analytical variation is in an additional embodiment, wherein the total power requirement for the operating first chiller is determined for the entire extended time period prior to multiplying by the cost per unit of power to derive the actual cost over the extended time period.

[0112] FIG. 3 is a greatly simplified block diagram of the computer system, containing a non-exclusive depiction of several available analytical output and output modes and formats with respect to the above-described features, especially with regard to the economic differentiation of the operating first chiller and the one or more chillers to which it is being compared. For example, a historical record of the representative tonnage data (RET) and real power usage data (RPUD) can be plotted against time, displayed on the screen, printed in graph form, printed in table form, stored for a future analysis on my system, or accessed by a remote computer using ordinary telephone lines, or handheld wireless remote access devices. Upon review of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art of presenting economic forecasts involving future cash flows, investments and the like will note the availability of many presentation formats and media which can be utilized for the purpose of communicating the results of my system's analyses, all in accordance with the present invention, and as determined by the intended end use for the overall device, as will occur to those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure.

[0113] In additional embodiments of my system, the computer has the ability to obtain and analyze real time real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data 104, as well as, the real time additional chiller information 108. My system is advantageous in that real time observation of such data allows many specific unsatisfactory performance conditions to be ascertained and brought to the operator's attention, along with explanatory information as to the possible causes and solutions of such conditions.

[0114] FIG. 4 is a greatly simplified block diagram of the computer system, containing a non-exclusive depiction of several avail able analytical output and output modes and formats with respect to the foregoing real time analysis.

[0115] For example, the operator is continually informed by the monitor display, as to how much power the operating chiller is using (ACTUAL KW), its actual power requirement (KW PER TON), and its power usage efficiency (KW PER TON EFFICIENCY) compared to its design power requirement. From such information, a “snapshot” economic forecast is continuously displayed such that the operator can understand the future costs of any immediate power requirement inefficiency, on a daily basis (INEFFICIENT COST PER DAY), a monthly basis (INEFFICIENT COST PER DAY), or a yearly basis (INEFFICIENT COST PER DAY). Related to this information is the cost of power assuming the operating first chiller used only its design rated power requirement for the day (DESIGN COST AT 100% PER DAY). Particular performance aspects can be individually displayed in real time, as well, such as the immediate evaporator tonnage (ACTUAL EVAPORATOR TONNAGE), immediate condenser tonnage (ACTUAL CONDENSER TONNAGE), immediate evaporator fluid temperature differential (ACTUAL EVAPORATOR DELTA-T), immediate condenser fluid temperature differential (ACTUAL CONDENSER DELTA-T), a comparison of the actual motor load to the maximum rated motor load (PERCENT OF MOTOR LOAD), a comparison of actual evaporator tonnage to the maximum design rated evaporator tonnage (PERCENT OF EVAPORATOR TONNAGE),), and a comparison of actual condenser tonnage to the maximum design rated condenser tonnage (PERCENT OF CONDENSER TONNAGE).

[0116] With further respect to the real time benefits of the system, FIG. 5 illustrates the content of a representative computer monitor display portion addressing the “fault” arising when the actual power requirements of the chiller exceed the design rated power requirements for such chiller. Both potential causes and solutions are provided. Similarly, FIGS. 6-9, illustrate the contents of a similar monitor displays, addressing an unsatisfactory conditions such as low evaporator fluid temperature differential, low condenser fluid temperature differential, low evaporator fluid flow rate, and low condenser fluid flow rate, respectively. It is contemplated that similar messages will be provided for other unsatisfactory performance conditions, including chiller vibration, low evaporator fluid temperature leaving the evaporator, and high supply oil to the compressor temperature, among others.

[0117] With respect to all real time performance monitoring for unsatisfactory conditions, the operator can input acceptable tolerance ranges or rely on the manufacture design rated levels of performance.

[0118] In other embodiments, the system performs one or more quantitative analyses of the power requirement differences between the future use of the operating first chiller compared to at least one other chiller, without reference to costs.

[0119] FIGS. 3-4 depict the inclusion of various computer system related components related to display, printing, monitoring, storing, remotely accessing, and data processing, all or some of which are utilized to communicate the analytical results of the system shown on such figures, in one or more of the communication modes and formals shown. Storage media commonly take the form of one or more memory devices, (e.g. random-access memory) in combination with, e.g., one or more mass storage devices, such as hard-disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, and flash memory devices, among others. One or more such storage media are used in the presently disclosed embodiments of my invention.

[0120] The computer 100 will have a processor, typically a central processing unit (CPU), and display processing hardware coupled to the monitor, other terminals, printers, graph plotters, and the like. Other communication processing hardware will be present including modems and the like for remotely accessing the computer.

[0121] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the CPU functions under the control of the programmed software application to process the various data and information inputs, described in part, on FIG. 2. The resultant output of this processing may then be displayed or communicated as described above, and as depicted in FIGS. 3-9.

[0122] The above-described analytical results and features, may be implemented by programming a suitable general-purpose computer having appropriate hardware. The programming may be accomplished through the use of a program storage device readable by the computer and encoding a program of instructions executable by the computer for performing the analyses and functions described above. The program storage device may take the form of, e.g. one or more floppy disks; a CD ROM or other optical disk; a magnetic tape; a read-only memory chip (ROM); and other forms of the kind well-known in the art or subsequently developed. The program of instructions may be “object code,” i.e., in binary form that is executable more-or-less directly by the computer; in “source code” that requires compilation or interpretation before execution; or in some intermediate form such as partially compiled code.

[0123] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above, in particular with respect to other types of refrigeration packages, and chillers using on-water evaporator fluids, e.g. glycol.

[0124] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.