System for analyzing and comparing current and prospective refrigeration packages

• US 6,438,981 B1
• Filed: 06/06/2000
• Issued: 08/27/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jay Daniel Whiteside
• Original Assignee: Jay Daniel Whiteside
• Inventors: Whiteside, Jay Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Tanner, Harry B.
• Application Number:
  US09/588,703
• Time in Patent Office: 812 Days
• Field of Search: 622/281, 621/25, 621/26, 621/27, 621/29, 621/30, 621/75, 625/10, 622/284, 622/285, 621/961, 621/962, 621/963
• US Class Current: 62/228.1
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 49/005 of safety devices F25B49/02 and F25B49/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling

Abstract

A system is provided that provides the operator of a refrigeration package, such as a water-chilling package, with both short term and long term economic and quantitative analyses of the operating chiller, comparing the existing performance to the hypothetical design rated performance of other chillers, using actual operating conditions and parameters under which the existing package operates. The system economically differentiates the future use of the existing chiller with respect to the future use of one or more prospective replacement chillers. The system performs such analyses using either historical evaporator tonnage and actual power usage data, or works in real time to provide a “snapshot” economic forecast, based on the immediate conditions. During real time monitoring of a wide variety of performance data, the system can also identify unsatisfactory performance conditions, i.e. faults, and provide the operator with onsite information as to the possible causes of, and potential solutions to, the unsatisfactory condition. The computer system and related hardware are provided, including that necessary to process and communicate the results of the analyses and monitoring to onsite displays, printers, data storage, and remote terminals and computers.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, if the design rated power requirement for the other chiller is a function of the evaporator tonnage, then the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the step of deriving the appropriate design rated power requirement for each designated time period based on the evaporator tonnage for such designated time period.

3.The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the step of obtaining other chiller information further comprises obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the step of obtaining real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data further comprises obtaining such data over an extended time period, the extended time period including at least two designated time periods; and

(c) the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises (1) determining a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period from the real evaporator tonnage equation data, (2) comparing each such representative evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller, and (3) excluding from consideration all designated time periods in which the representative evaporator tonnage exceeded such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the step of obtaining other chiller information further comprises obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the step of obtaining real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data further comprises obtaining such data over an extended time period, the extended time period including at least two designated time periods; and

(c) the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises (1) determining a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period from the real evaporator tonnage equation data, (2) comparing each such representative evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller, and (3) excluding from consideration all designated time periods in which the representative evaporator tonnage substantially exceeded such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the steps of:

(a)(1) deriving a representative cost to operate the first chiller for each designated time period, and (2) summing such costs over an extended time period, the extended time period including two or more designated time periods;

(b)(1) deriving the hypothetical power cost of the at least one other chiller for each designated time period in the extended time period, and (2) summing such costs over the extended time period; and

(c) determining the difference between the summed actual costs and the summed hypothetical costs.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises converting the power cost difference into a power cost difference per unit of time.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the step of determining a representative cost of power and a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the economically differentiating step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) determining the time at which the power cost difference equals the cost to replace the first chiller with the at least one other chiller;

(b) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers;

(c) determining, from the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, which of the other chillers has the lowest hypothetical operating cost;

(d) determining the rate of return on an investment equal to the cost of replacing the first chiller with the at least one other chiller, the income on the investment being equal to the actual and hypothetical power cost difference over a future period of time;

(e)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, and (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (2) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(f)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (3) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(g) determining cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller;

(h) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller; and

(i) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller, the power cost savings being reduced by the cost of replacing the first chiller with such chiller.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the power cost difference.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the amount of time each such chiller'"'"'s power cost difference would equal the cost to replace the first chiller with such chiller.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of communicating the results of the economic differentiation.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of other chillers is at least two.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the other chillers is design rated such that it is equivalent to the design rated performance of the first chiller with respect to power requirements.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the real tonnage derivation data includes data for the evaporator fluid flow rate, the temperature of the evaporator fluid entering the evaporator, the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator, and the specific heat of the evaporator fluid.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the evaporator fluid is water.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein the evaporator fluid is not water.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some of the real tonnage derivation data is stored prior to access.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining real power usage data and real tonnage derivation data step further comprises the step of measuring the data during chiller operation.

38. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of obtaining selection input by which the at least one other chillers for comparison is selected for economic differentiation.

39. The method of claim 1, wherein the power cost difference deriving step further comprises the steps of:

(a) for the first chiller, deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period, from the real tonnage derivation data for such designated time period; and

(b) determining the difference in power requirements between the first chiller and at least one of the other chillers for each designated time period, from the representative evaporator tonnage, the real power usage data, and the design rated power requirements for the at least one other chiller.

40. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the steps of:

(a) multiplying the cost of power per unit of power times the actual amount of power used over an extended time period, the extended time period including two or more designated time periods;

(b) deriving the hypothetical power cost for the at least one other chiller for each designated time period in the extended time period, and summing such costs over the extended time period; and

(c) determining the difference between the actual power cost and the summed hypothetical costs.

55. The computer readable medium of claim 40, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises converting the power cost difference into a power cost difference per unit of time.

5. The method of claim 5, wherein:

(a) the step of obtaining other chiller information, further comprises the step of obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the step of deriving a representative cost further comprises the step of deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period;

(c) the step of summing the representative power cost used by the first chiller for each designated time period over an extended time period, further comprises the steps of (1) comparing the representative evaporator tonnage to such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, and (2) excluding from the extended period of time all designated time periods where the representative evaporator tonnage exceeds the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, such that the extended time period only includes designated time periods for which the representative evaporator tonnage is less than or equal to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage.

6. The method of claim 6, wherein the economically differentiating step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) determining the time at which the power cost difference equals the cost to replace the first chiller with the at least one other chiller;

(b) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers;

(c) determining, from the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, which of the other chillers has the lowest hypothetical operating cost;

(d) determining the rate of return on an investment equal to the cost of replacing the first chiller with the at least one other chiller, the income on the investment being equal to the actual and hypothetical power cost difference over a future period of time;

(e)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, and (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (2) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(f)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time, and (3) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(g) determining cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller;

(h) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller; and

(i) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller, the power cost savings being reduced by the cost of replacing the first chiller with such chiller.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the power cost difference.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the amount of time each such chiller'"'"'s power cost difference would equal the cost to replace the first chiller with such chiller.

7. The method of claim 7, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

11. The method of claim 11, wherein the unit of time used in the converting step is selected from the group consisting of hours, days, weeks, months, years, the designated time period, and integer multiples of the designated time period.

13. The method of claim 13, wherein the number of sets of real tonnage derivation data for each designated time period is two or more, the representative evaporator tonnage is the average of the derived evaporator tonnages for each such set, the real power usage data includes a datum for each set of real tonnage derivation data, each datum coinciding with one set of real tonnage derivation data, and the representative cost for a designated time period is based on the average of all real power usage data from the designated time period.

15. The method of claim 15, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

19. The method of claim 19, wherein the communicating step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) graphing one or more of the results;

(b) tabling one or more of the results;

(c) displaying one or more of the results;

(d) monitoring one or more of the results;

(e) compiling one or more of the results;

(f) printing one or more of the results;

(g) storing one or more of the results;

(h) recording one or more of the results;

(i) transmitting one or more of the results;

(j) presenting one or more of the results on a computer monitor;

(k) configuring one or more results with explanatory textual material;

(l) configuring one or more results with explanatory audio material;

(m) configuring one or more results with explanatory visual material;

(n) configuring one or more results with explanatory graphics;

(o) configuring one or more results into pie charts;

(p) configuring one or more results into bar graphs;

(q) configuring one or more results into time lines;

(r) ranking one or more of the results for each of the other chillers;

(s) providing access to one or more results to a remote computer; and

(t) presenting one or more results along with reference data.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the communicating step is selected from from the group consisting of:

(a) presenting one or more results along with design specifications of the at least one other chiller;

(b) presenting one or more results along with the total time over which real tonnage derivation data was collected;

(c) presenting one or more results along with the total time over which real tonnage derivation data was collected, excluding designated time periods in which the evaporator tonnage exceeded the maximum design rated evaporator tonnage of the other chiller;

(d) presenting one or more results along with the cost per unit of power data;

(e) presenting one or more results along with the calendar time periods over which real tonnage derivation data was collected;

(f) presenting one or more results along with explanation in a texual format;

(g) presenting one or more results along with explanation in an audio format; and

(h) presenting one or more results along with explanation in a visual format.

20. The method of claim 20, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

22. The method of claim 22, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

26. The method of claim 26, wherein the evaporator fluid flow rate, the temperature of the evaporator fluid entering the evaporator, and the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator, are measured, and the specific heat of the evaporator fluid is pre-determined.

31. The method of claim 31, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of storing the data for future access.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time derivation and economic differentiation.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring additional chiller performance data.

33. The method of claim 33, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time communication.

35. The method of claim 35, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) measuring the condenser fluid flow rate;

(b) measuring the temperature of the condenser fluid entering the condenser;

(c) measuring the temperature of the condenser fluid leaving the condenser;

(d) measuring the temperature of the evaporator refigerant;

(e) measuring the temperature of the condenser refigerant;

(f) measuring the temperature of the supply oil to the compressor;

(g) measuring the pressure. of the evaporator refigerant;

(h) measuring the pressure of the condenser refigerant; and

(i) measuring chiller vibration.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring step further comprises selectively accessing such data for real time derivation and communication.

36. The method of claim 36, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

41. 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.

42. The method of claim 42, wherein the obtaining other chiller information step further comprises the step of inputing the selection of the at least two other chillers in the combination.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the number of sequenced combinations is at least two.

43. The method of claim 43, wherein the inputing the selection step further comprises the step of inputing the order in which the at least two other chillers in the selected combination will be utilized in operation.

45. 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 method steps 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.

46. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein, if the design rated power requirement for the other chiller is a function of the evaporator tonnage, then the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the step of deriving the appropriate design rated power requirement for each designated time period based on the evaporator tonnage for such designated time period.

47. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein:

(a) the step of obtaining other chiller information further comprises obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the step of obtaining real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data further comprises obtaining such data over an extended time period, the extended time period including at least two designated time periods; and

(c) the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises (1) determining a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period from the real evaporator tonnage equation data, (2) comparing each such representative evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller, and (3) excluding from consideration all designated time periods in which the representative evaporator tonnage exceeded such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller.

48. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein:

(a) the step of obtaining other chiller information further comprises obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the step of obtaining real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data further comprises obtaining such data over an extended time period, the extended time period including at least two designated time periods; and

(c) the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises (1) determining a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period from the real evaporator tonnage equation data, (2) comparing each such representative evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller, and (3) excluding from consideration all designated time periods in which the representative evaporator tonnage substantially exceeded such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller.

49. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the steps of:

(a)(1) deriving a representative cost to operate the first chiller for each designated time period, and (2) summing such costs over an extended time period, the extended time period including two or more designated time periods;

(b)(1) deriving the hypothetical power cost of the at least one other chiller for each designated time period in the extended time period, and (2) summing such costs over the extended time period; and

(c) determining the difference between the summed actual costs and the summed hypothetical costs.

57. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the step of determining a representative cost of power and a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period.

59. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the economically differentiating step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) determining the time at which the power cost difference equals the cost to replace the first chiller with the at least one other chiller;

(b) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers;

(c) determining, from the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, which of the other chillers has the lowest hypothetical operating cost;

(d) determining the rate of return on an investment equal to the cost of replacing the first chiller with the at least one other chiller, the income on the investment being equal to the actual and hypothetical power cost difference over a future period of time;

(e)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, and (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time and (2) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(f)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time and (3) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(g) determining cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller;

(h) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller; and

(i) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller, the power cost savings being reduced by the cost of replacing the first chiller with such chiller.

61. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the power cost difference.

62. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the amount of time each such chiller'"'"'s power cost difference would equal the cost to replace the first chiller with such chiller.

63. The computer readable medium of claim 46, further comprising the step of communicating the results of the economic differentiation.

68. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the number of other chillers is at least two.

69. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein at least one of the other chillers is design rated such that it is equivalent to the design rated performance of the first chiller with respect to power requirements.

70. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the real tonnage derivation data includes data for the evaporator fluid flow rate, the temperature of the evaporator fluid entering the evaporator, the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator, and the specific heat of the evaporator fluid.

72. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the evaporator fluid is water.

73. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the evaporator fluid is not water.

74. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein at least some of the real tonnage derivation data is stored prior to access.

75. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the obtaining real power usage data and real tonnage derivation data step further comprises the step of measuring the data during chiller operation.

83. The computer readable medium of claim 46, further comprising the step of obtaining selection input by which the at least one other chillers for comparison is selected for economic differentiation.

84. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the power cost difference deriving step further comprises the steps of:

(a) for the first chiller, deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period, from the real tonnage derivation data for such designated time period; and

(b) determining the difference in power requirements between the first chiller and at least one of the other chillers for each designated time period, from the representative evaporator tonnage, the real power usage data, and the design rated power requirements for the at least one other chiller.

85. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the step of deriving the power cost difference further comprises the steps of:

(a) multiplying the cost of power per unit of power times the actual amount of power used over an extended time period, the extended time period including two or more designated time periods;

(b) deriving the hypothetical power cost for the at least one other chiller for each designated time period in the extended time period, and summing such costs over the extended time period; and

(c) determining the difference between the actual power cost and the summed hypothetical costs.

50. The computer readable medium of claim 50, wherein:

(a) the step of obtaining other chiller information, further comprises the step obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the step of deriving a representative cost further comprises the steps of deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period;

(c) the step of summing the representative power cost used by the first chiller for each designated time period over an extended time period, further comprises the steps of (1) comparing the representative evaporator tonnage to such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, and (2) excluding from the extended period of time all designated time periods where the representative evaporator tonnage exceeds the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, such that the extended time period only includes designated time periods for which the representative evaporator tonnage is less than or equal to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage.

51. The computer readable medium of claim 51, wherein the economically differentiating step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) determining the time at which the power cost difference equals the cost to replace the first chiller with the at least one other chiller;

(b) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers;

(c) determining, from the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, which of the other chillers has the lowest hypothetical operating cost;

(d) determining the rate of return on an investment equal to the cost of replacing the first chiller with the at least one other chiller, the income on the investment being equal to the actual and hypothetical power cost difference over a future period of time;

(e)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, and (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (2) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(f)(1) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, (2) determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (3) ranking the rates of return so determined;

(g) determining cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller;

(h) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller; and

(i) determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller, the power cost savings being reduced by the cost of replacing the first chiller with such chiller.

53. The computer readable medium of claim 51, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the power cost difference.

54. The computer readable medium of claim 51, wherein the economically differentiating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two other chillers; and

(b) ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the amount of time each such chiller'"'"'s power cost difference would equal the cost to replace the first chiller with such chiller.

52. The computer readable medium of claim 52, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

56. The computer readable medium of claim 56, wherein the unit of time used in the converting step is selected from the group consisting of hours, days, weeks, months, years, the designated time period, and integer multiples of the designated time period.

58. The computer readable medium of claim 58, wherein the number of sets of real tonnage derivation data for each designated time period is two or more, the representative evaporator tonnage is the average of the derived evaporator tonnages for each such set, the real power usage data includes a datum for each set of real tonnage derivation data, each datum coinciding with one set of real tonnage derivation data, and the representative cost for a designated time period is based on the average of all real power usage data from the designated time period.

60. The computer readable medium of claim 60, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

64. The computer readable medium of claim 64, wherein the communicating step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) graphing one or more of the results;

(b) tabling one or more of the results;

(c) displaying one or more of the results;

(d) monitoring one or more of the results;

(e) compiling one or more of the results;

(f) printing one or more of the results;

(g) storing one or more of the results;

(h) recording one or more of the results;

(i) transmitting one or more of the results;

(j) presenting one or more of the results on a computer monitor;

(k) configuring one or more results with explanatory textual material;

(l) configuring one or more results with explanatory audio material;

(m) configuring one or more results with explanatory visual material;

(n) configuring one or more results with explanatory graphics;

(o) configuring one or more results into pie charts;

(p) configuring one or more results into bar graphs;

(q) configuring one or more results into time lines;

(r) ranking one or more of the results for each of the other chillers;

(s) providing access to one or more results to a remote computer; and

(t) presenting one or more results along with reference data.

66. The computer readable medium of claim 64, wherein the communicating step is selected from from the group consisting of:

(a) presenting one or more results along with design specifications of the at least one other chiller;

(b) presenting one or more results along with the total time over which real tonnage derivation data was collected;

(c) presenting one or more results along with the total time over which real tonnage derivation data was collected, excluding designated time periods in which the evaporator tonnage exceeded the maximum design rated evaporator tonnage of the other chiller;

(d) presenting one or more results along with the cost per unit of power data;

(e) presenting one or more results along with the calendar time periods over which real tonnage derivation data was collected;

(f) presenting one or more results along with explanation in a texual format;

(g) presenting one or more results along with explanation in an audio format; and

(h) presenting one or more results along with explanation in a visual format.

65. The computer readable medium of claim 65, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

67. The computer readable medium of claim 67, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

71. The computer readable medium of claim 71, wherein the evaporator fluid flow rate, the temperature of the evaporator fluid entering the evaporator, and the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator, are measured, and the specific heat of the evaporator fluid is predetermined.

76. The computer readable medium of claim 76, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of storing the data for future access.

77. The computer readable medium of claim 76, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time derivation and economic differentiation.

79. The computer readable medium of claim 76, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring additional chiller performance data.

78. The computer readable medium of claim 78, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time communication.

80. The computer readable medium of claim 80, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) measuring the condenser fluid flow rate;

(b) measuring the temperature of the condenser fluid entering the condenser;

(c) measuring the temperature of the condenser fluid leaving the condenser;

(d) measuring the temperature of the evaporator refigerant;

(e) measuring the temperature of the condenser refigerant;

(f) measuring the temperature of the supply oil to the compressor;

(g) measuring the pressure of the evaporator refigerant;

(h) measuring the pressure of the condenser refigerant; and

(i) measuring chiller vibration.

82. The computer readable medium of claim 80, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring step further comprises selectively accessing such data for real time derivation and communication.

81. The computer readable medium of claim 81, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

86. 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 method steps 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.

87. The computer readable medium of claim 87, wherein the obtaining other chiller information step further comprises the. step of inputing the selection of the at least two other chillers in the combination.

89. The computer readable medium of claim 87, wherein the number of sequenced combinations is at least two.

88. The computer readable medium of claim 88, wherein the inputing the selection step further comprises the step of inputing the order in which the at least two other chillers in the selected combination will be utilized in operation.

90. A system for economically analyzing the performance of an operating first chiller with respect to the hypothetical design rated performance of at least one other chiller, comprising:

(a) for the first chiller and for each of at least one designated time periods, means for obtaining at least one set of real tonnage derivation data, real power usage data, and cost per unit of power data;

(b) means for obtaining other chiller information, including design rating information for each of the other chillers, the design rating information the design rated power requirement;

(c) means for deriving the power cost difference to operate the first chiller compared to at least one of the other chillers; and

(d) means for economically differentiating the future use of the first chiller with respect to the hypothetical future use of the at least one other chiller.

91. The system of claim 91 wherein, if the design rated power requirement for the other chiller is a function of the evaporator tonnage, then the means for deriving the power cost difference further comprises means for deriving the appropriate design rated power requirement for each designated time period based on the evaporator tonnage for such designated time period.

92. The system of claim 91 wherein:

(a) the means for obtaining other chiller information further comprises means for obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the means for obtaining real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data further comprises means for obtaining such data over an extended time period, the extended time period including at least two designated time periods; and

(c) the means for deriving the power cost difference further comprises (1) means for determining a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period from the real evaporator tonnage equation data, (2) means for comparing each such representative evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller, and (3) means for excluding from consideration all designated time periods in which the representative evaporator tonnage exceeded such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller.

93. The system of claim 91 wherein:

(a) the means for obtaining other chiller information further comprises means for obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the means for obtaining real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data further comprises means for obtaining such data over an extended time period, the extended time period including at least two designated time periods; and

(c) the means for deriving the power cost difference further comprises (1) means for determining a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period from the real evaporator tonnage equation data, (2) means for comparing each such representative evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller, and (3) means for excluding from consideration all designated time periods in which the representative evaporator tonnage substantially exceeded such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage for the at least one other chiller.

94. The system of claim 91 wherein the means for deriving the power cost difference further comprises:

(a)(1) means for deriving a representative cost to operate the first chiller for each designated time period, and (2) means for summing such costs over an extended time period, the extended time period including two or more designated time periods;

(b)(1) means for deriving the hypothetical power cost of the at least one other chiller for each designated time period in the extended time period, and (2) means for summing such costs over the extended time period; and

(c) means for determining the difference between the summed actual costs and the summed hypothetical costs.

100. The system of claim 91 wherein the economically differentiating means further comprises converting the power cost difference into a power cost difference per unit of time.

102. The system of claim 91 wherein the means for deriving the power cost difference further comprises means for determining a representative cost of power and a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period.

104. The system of claim 91 wherein the economically differentiating means is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) means for determining the time at which the power cost difference equals the cost to replace the first chiller with the at least one other chiller;

(b) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers;

(c) means for determining, from the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, which of the other chillers has the lowest hypothetical operating cost;

(d) means for determining the rate of return on an investment equal to the cost of replacing the first chiller with the at least one other chiller, the income on the investment being equal to the actual and hypothetical power cost difference over a future period of time;

(e)(1) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, and (2) means for determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (2) means for ranking the rates of return so determined;

(f)(1) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, (2) means for determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (3) means for ranking the rates of return so determined;

(g) means for determining cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller;

(h) means for determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller; and

(i) means for determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller, the power cost savings being reduced by the cost of replacing the first chiller with such chiller.

106. The system of claim 91 wherein the economically differentiating means further comprises:

(a) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers; and

(b) means for ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the power cost difference.

107. The system of claim 91 wherein the economically differentiating means further comprises:

(a) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two other chillers; and

(b) means for ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the amount of time each such chiller'"'"'s power cost difference would equal the cost to replace the first chiller with such chiller.

108. The system of claim 91 further comprising the means for communicating the results of the economic differentiation.

109. The system of claim 100 wherein the communicating means is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) means for graphing one or more of the results;

(b) means for tabling one or more of the results;

(c) means for displaying one or more of the results;

(d) means for monitoring one or more of the results;

(e) means for compiling one or more of the results;

(f) means for printing one or more of the results;

(g) means for storing one or more of the results;

(h) means for recording one or more of the results;

(i) means for transmitting one or more of the results;

(j) means for presenting one or more of the results on a computer monitor;

(k) means for configuring one or more results with explanatory textual material;

(l) means for configuring one or more results with explanatory audio material;

(m) means for configuring one or more results with explanatory visual material;

(n) means for configuring one or more results with explanatory graphics;

(o) means for configuring one or more results into pie charts;

(p) means for configuring one or more results into bar graphs;

(q) means for configuring one or more results into time lines;

(r) means for ranking one or more of the results for each of the other chillers;

(s) means for providing access to one or more results to a remote computer; and

(t) means for presenting one or more results along with reference data.

111. The system of claim 109, wherein the communicating means is selected from from the group consisting of:

(a) means for presenting one or more results along with design specifications of the at least one other chiller;

(b) means for presenting one or more results along with the total time over which real tonnage derivation data was collected;

(c) means for presenting one or more results along;

with the total time over which real tonnage derivation data was collected, excluding designated time periods in which the evaporator tonnage exceeded the maximum design rated evaporator tonnage of the other chiller;

(d) means for presenting one or more results along with the cost per unit of power data;

(e) means for presenting one or more results along with the calendar time periods over which real tonnage derivation data was collected;

(f) means for presenting one or more results along with explanation in a texual format;

(g) means for presenting one or more results along with explanation in an audio format; and

(h) means for presenting one or more results along with explanation in a visual format.

113. The system of claim 91 wherein the number of other chillers is at least two.

114. The system of claim 91 wherein at least one of the other chillers is design rated such that it is equivalent to the design rated performance of the first chiller with respect to power requirements.

115. The system of claim 91 wherein the real tonnage derivation data includes data for the evaporator fluid flow rate, the temperature of the evaporator fluid entering the evaporator, the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator, and the specific heat of the evaporator fluid.

117. The system of claim 91 wherein the evaporator fluid is water.

118. The system of claim 91 wherein the evaporator fluid is not water.

119. The system of claim 91 wherein at least some of the real tonnage derivation data is stored prior to access.

120. The system of claim 91 wherein the means for obtaining real power usage data and real tonnage derivation data means further comprises means for measuring the data during chiller operation.

128. The system of claim 91 further comprising means for obtaining selection input by which the at least one other chillers for comparison is selected for economic differentiation.

129. The system of claim 91 wherein the power cost difference deriving means further comprises:

(a) for the first chiller, means for deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period, from the real tonnage derivation data for such designated time period; and

(b) means for determining the difference in power requirements between the first chiller and at least one of the other chillers for each designated time period, from the representative evaporator tonnage, the real power usage data, and the design rated power requirements for the at least one other chiller.

130. The system of claim 91 wherein the means for deriving the power cost difference further comprises:

(a) means for multiplying the cost of power per unit of power times the actual amount of power used over an extended time period, the extended time period including two or more designated time periods;

(b) means for deriving the hypothetical power cost for the at least one other chiller for each designated time period in the extended time period, and summing such costs over the extended time period; and

(c) means for determining the difference between the actual power cost and the summed hypothetical costs.

95. The system of claim 95, wherein:

(a) the means for obtaining other chiller information, further comprises means for obtaining the design rated maximum evaporator;

tonnage for the at least one other chiller;

(b) the means for deriving a representative cost further comprises means for deriving a representative evaporator tonnage for each designated time period;

(c) the means for summing the representative power cost used by the first chiller for each designated time period over an extended time period, further comprises (1) means for comparing the representative evaporator tonnage to such design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, and (2) means for excluding from the extended period of time all designated time periods where the representative evaporator tonnage exceeds the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage, such that the extended time period only includes designated time periods for which the representative evaporator tonnage is less than or equal to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage.

96. The system of claim 96, wherein the economically differentiating means is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) means for determining the time at which the power cost difference equals the cost to replace the first chiller with the at least one other chiller;

(b) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers;

(c) means for determining, from the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, which of the other chillers has the lowest hypothetical operating cost;

(d) means for determining the rate of return on an investment equal to the cost of replacing the first chiller with the at least one other chiller, the income on the investment being equal to the actual and hypothetical power cost difference over a future period of time;

(e)(1) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, and (2) means for determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (2) means for ranking the rates of return so determined;

(f)(1) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers, (2) means for determining the rates of return for at least two investments wherein each investment equals the cost of replacing the first chiller with one of the at least two other chillers, the income on each such investment being equal to the power cost difference derived for such chiller over a future period of time. and (3) means for ranking the rates of return so determined;

(g) means for determining cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller;

(h) means for determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller; and

(i) means for determining the net present value of power cost savings over future periods of time, the cost savings being generated by the power cost difference between the first chiller and the at least one other chiller, the power cost savings being reduced by the cost of replacing the first chiller with such chiller.

98. The system of claim 96, wherein the economically differentiating means further comprises:

(a) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two of the other chillers; and

(b) means for ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the power cost difference.

99. The system of claim 96, wherein the economically differentiating means further comprises:

(a) means for determining the power cost differences between the first chiller and each of at least two other chillers; and

(b) means for ranking the at least two other chillers in order of the amount of time each such chiller'"'"'s power cost difference would equal the cost to replace the first chiller with such chiller.

97. The system of claim 97, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

101. The system of claim 101, wherein the unit of time used in the converting means is selected from the group consisting of hours, days, weeks, months, years, the designated time period, and integer multiples of the designated time period.

103. The system of claim 103, wherein the number of sets of real tonnage derivation data for each designated time period is two or more, the representative evaporator tonnage is the average of the derived evaporator tonnages for each such set, the real power usage data includes a datum for each set of real tonnage derivation data, each datum coinciding with one set of real tonnage derivation data, and the representative cost for a designated time period is based on the average of all real power usage data from the designated time period.

105. The system of claim 105, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

110. The system of claim 110, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

112. The system of claim 112, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

116. The system of claim 116, wherein the evaporator fluid flow rate, the temperature of the evaporator fluid entering the evaporator, and the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator, are measured, and the specific heat of the evaporator fluid is pre-determined.

121. The system of claim 121, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for storing the data for future access.

122. The system of claim 121, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for accessing the data for real time derivation and economic differentiation.

124. The system of claim 121, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for measuring additional chiller performance data.

123. The system of claim 123, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for accessing the data for real time communication.

125. The system of claim 125, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring means is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) means for measuring the condenser fluid flow rate;

(b) means for measuring the temperature of the condenser fluid entering the condenser;

(c) means for measuring the temperature of the condenser fluid leaving the condenser;

(d) means for measuring the temperature of the evaporator refigerant;

(e) means for measuring the temperature of the condenser refigerant;

(f) means for measuring the temperature of the supply oil to the compressor;

(g) means for measuring the pressure of the evaporator refigerant;

(h) means for measuring the pressure of the condenser refigerant; and

(i) means for measuring chiller vibration.

127. The system of claim 125, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring means further comprises selectively accessing such data for real time derivation and communication.

126. The system of claim 126, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

131. A system for economically analyzing the performance of an operating first chiller with respect to the hypothetical design rated performance of at least two other chillers, comprising:

(a) for the first chiller and for each of at least one designated time periods, means for obtaining at least one set of real tonnage derivation data, real power usage data, and cost per unit of power data;

(b) means for 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) means for 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) means for 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.

132. The system of claim 132, wherein the obtaining other chiller information means further comprises means for inputing the selection of the at least two other chillers in the combination.

134. The system of claim 132, wherein the number of sequenced combinations is at least two.

133. The system of claim 133, wherein the inputing the selection means further comprises means for inputing the order in which the at least two other chillers in the selected combination will be utilized in operation.