Energy/operating cost savings available with the use of natural gas fueled engine-driven chillers

The availability and cost of electricity are causing an increasing number of industries and building owners to select natural gas fueled engine-driven chillers (EDCs) to satisfy comfort cooling/process load requirements. The use of an EDC can reduce operating costs (for the load it satisfies) 30 to 70% in many areas. A brief history of EDCs is given. EDC configurations, vibration management, enclosures, load following capability, and heat recovery are discussed. Maintenance requirements, facilities best suited for EDCs, and natural gas supply and demand and the role of natural gas distribution centers are also discussed. With the use of mature engineering design, `state-of-the-art´ control technology and industrial grade equipment, engine-driven chillers provide more than twenty years of reliable service