Application of a generic evaluation methodology to assess four different chiller FDD methods (rp-1275)

A previous paper (Reddy 2007) suggested a generic approach for evaluating the performance of fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods and proposed general expressions normalized to an ideal FDD method. These expressions were then tailored to large chillers, and specific numerical values of several of the quantities appearing in these expressions were suggested based on discussions with a chiller manufacturer and service companies as well as analysis of chiller performance data from a laboratory chiller. This paper first describes four promising chiller FDD methods (two of which are modified versions of those proposed for rooftop units) and then illustrates their customization using steady-state chiller performance data gathered from a laboratory chiller as part of a previous research project. Subsequently, results of evaluating these four FDD methods in the framework of the generic assessment methodology are presented and their implications discussed. This paper illustrates the application of the FDD methodology and highlights the benefit of the FDD evaluation tool in identifying the most promising FDD method suitable for later field evaluation.