System for analyzing and comparing current and prospective refrigeration packages

• US 6,662,584 B1
• Filed: 06/27/2002
• Issued: 12/16/2003
• 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:
  US10/184,149
• Time in Patent Office: 537 Days
• Field of Search: 621/25, 621/26, 621/27, 621/29, 621/30, 621/75, 625/10, 622/284, 622/285, 621/961, 621/962, 621/963, 622/17, 622/30, 622/08, 622/09, 622/10, 622/11, 622/12
• US Class Current: 62/230
• 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 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. 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 various 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 analyzing the performance of a 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.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of deriving both low and high averages of historical data obtained over an extended period of time, for a performance measurement or derivation selected from the group consisting of:

(a) power requirement per ton of refrigeration;

(b) temperature of evaporator fluid entering the evaporator;

(c) actual power used; and

(d) actual evaporator tonnage.

3. 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.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

(a) obtaining the cost per unit of power; and

(b) economically differentiating the actual cost of power for the operating chiller with respect to the design rated cost of power.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of communicating the results of the power requirement differentiation.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the communicating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) if the actual power requirement is unsatisfactory when compared to the design rated power requirement, communicating an indication that an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(b) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the satisfactory determination is based on operator selected tolerance ranges.

8. The method of claim 5, 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.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the communicating step is selected 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 textual 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.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

12. The method of claim 3, wherein, if the design rated power requirement is a function of the evaporator tonnage, then the step of deriving the appropriate design rated power requirement for each designated time period based on the derived representative evaporator tonnage for such designated time period.

13. The method of claim 3, wherein the obtaining real power usage data and real tonnage derivation data step further comprises the step of measuring the data during chiller operation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of storing the data for future access.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time derivation and power requirement differentiation.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein such access occurs at least one time per thirty second interval.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time communication.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring additional chiller performance data.

19. The method of claim 18, 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 refrigerant;

(e) measuring the temperature of the condenser refrigerant;

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

(g) measuring the pressure of the evaporator refrigerant;

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

(i) measuring chiller vibration.

20. The method of claim 19, therein at least two of the group are selected.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring step further comprises selectively accessing such data for real time derivations and communication.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

(a) accessing the real derivation data, the real power usage data, the additional chiller performance data, and design rating information for the operating chiller;

(b) deriving additional chiller performance information from the data and information so accessed; and

(c) communicating the results of such derivations.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the communicating derivation results step further comprises the steps of:

(a) if any such derivation indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(b) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the deriving additional chiller performance information step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) deriving the temperature difference between the entering and leaving evaporator fluid;

(b) deriving the temperature difference between the entering and leaving condenser fluid;

(c) deriving the actual condenser tonnage;

(d) deriving the ratio of actual condenser tonnage to the design rated maximum condenser tonnage;

(e) deriving the ratio of actual evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage;

(f) deriving the temperature difference between the evaporator refrigerant and the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator;

(g) deriving the temperature difference between the condenser refrigerant and the condenser fluid leaving the condenser;

(h) deriving the evaporator refrigerant temperature from the evaporator refrigerant pressure;

(i) deriving the condenser refrigerant temperature from the condenser refrigerant pressure;

(j) deriving the actual amount of power used;

(k) deriving the actual motor amps; and

(l) deriving the ratio of actual motor load to maximum design rated motor load.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of:

(a) if the derivation of the difference between the evaporator refrigerant temperature and the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator indicates an unsatisfactory difference when compared to the design rated difference, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition; and

(b) if the derivation of the difference between the condenser refrigerant temperature and the temperature of the condenser fluid leaving the condenser indicates an unsatisfactory difference when compared to the design rated difference, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

27. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

(a) if the measurement of evaporator fluid flow rate indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(b) if the measurement of condenser fluid flow rate indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(c) if the measurement of chiller vibration indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the intended level of vibration, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(d) if the measurement of supply oil temperature to the compressor indicates an unsatisfactory temperature level, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition; and

(e) if the measurement of evaporator fluid temperature leaving the evaporator indicates an unsatisfactory temperature level, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

28. The method of claim 3, wherein the real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data are accessed from stored historical data over a time period equal to or greater than at least two designated time periods.

29. The method of claim 3, 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.

30. The method of claims 29, 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.

87. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

(a) if the measurement of evaporator fluid flow rate indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(b) if the measurement of condenser fluid flow rate indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(c) if the measurement of chiller vibration indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the intended level of vibration, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(d) if the measurement of supply oil temperature to the compressor indicates an unsatisfactory temperature level, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition; and

(e) if the measurement of evaporator fluid temperature leaving the evaporator indicates an unsatisfactory temperature level, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

31. 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 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.

32. The computer readable medium of claim 31, further comprising the step of deriving both low and high averages of historical data obtained over an extended period of time, for a performance measurement or derivation selected from the group consisting of:

(a) power requirement per ton of refrigeration;

(b) temperature of evaporator fluid entering the evaporator;

(c) actual power used; and

(d) actual evaporator tonnage.

33. 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 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.

34. The computer readable medium of claim 33, further comprising the steps of:

(a) obtaining the cost per unit of power; and

(b) economically differentiating the actual cost of power for the operating chiller with respect to the design rated cost of power.

35. The computer readable medium of claim 33, further comprising the step of communicating the results of the power requirement differentiation.

36. The computer readable medium of claim 35, wherein the communicating step further comprises the steps of:

(a) if the actual power requirement is unsatisfactory when compared to the design rated power requirement, communicating an indication that an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(b) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

37. The computer readable medium of claim 36, wherein the satisfactory determination is based on operator selected tolerance ranges.

38. The computer readable medium of claim 35, 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.

39. The computer readable medium of claim 38, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

40. The computer readable medium of claim 35, wherein the communicating step is selected 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 textual 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.

41. The computer readable medium of claim 40, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

42. The computer readable medium of claims 33, wherein, if the design rated power requirement is a function of the evaporator tonnage, then the step of deriving the appropriate design rated power requirement for each designated time period based on the derived representative evaporator tonnage for such designated time period.

43. The computer readable medium of claim 33, wherein the obtaining real power usage data and real tonnage derivation data step further comprises the step of measuring the data during chiller operation.

44. The computer readable medium of claim 43, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of storing the data for future access.

45. The computer readable medium of claim 43, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time derivation and power requirement differentiation.

46. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein such access occurs at least one time per thirty second interval.

47. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of accessing the data for real time communication.

48. The computer readable medium of claim 43, wherein the measuring step further comprises the step of measuring additional chiller performance data.

49. The computer readable medium of claim 48, 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 refrigerant;

(e) measuring the temperature of the condenser refrigerant;

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

(g) measuring the pressure of the evaporator refrigerant;

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

(i) measuring chiller vibration.

50. The computer readable medium of claims 49, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

51. The computer readable medium of claim 48, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring step further comprises selectively accessing such data for real time derivations and communication.

52. The computer readable medium of claim 48, further comprising the steps of:

(a) accessing the real derivation data, the real power usage data, the additional chiller performance data, and design rating information for the operating chiller;

(b) deriving additional chiller performance information from the data and information so accessed; and

(c) communicating the results of such derivations.

53. The computer readable medium of claim 52, wherein the communicating derivation results step further comprises the steps of:

(a) if any such derivation indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(b) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

54. The computer readable medium of claim 52, wherein the deriving additional chiller performance information step is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) deriving the temperature difference between the entering and leaving evaporator fluid;

(b) deriving the temperature difference between the entering and leaving condenser fluid;

(c) deriving the actual condenser tonnage;

(d) deriving the ratio of actual condenser tonnage to the design rated maximum condenser tonnage;

(e) deriving the ratio of actual evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage;

(f) deriving the temperature difference between the evaporator refrigerant and the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator;

(g) deriving the temperature difference between the condenser refrigerant and the condenser fluid leaving the condenser;

(h) deriving the evaporator refrigerant temperature from the evaporator refrigerant pressure;

(i) deriving the condenser refrigerant temperature from the condenser refrigerant pressure;

(j) deriving the actual amount of power used;

(k) deriving the actual motor amps; and

(l) deriving the ratio of actual motor load to maximum design rated motor load.

55. The computer readable medium of claim 54, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

56. The computer readable medium of claim 54, further comprising the steps of:

(a) if the derivation of the difference between the evaporator refrigerant temperature and the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator indicates an unsatisfactory difference when compared to the design rated difference, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition; and

(b) if the derivation of the difference between the condenser refrigerant temperature and the temperature of the condenser fluid leaving the condenser indicates an unsatisfactory difference when compared to the design rated difference, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

57. The computer readable medium of claim 48, further comprising the steps of:

(a) if the measurement of evaporator fluid flow rate indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(b) if the measurement of condenser fluid flow rate indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(c) if the measurement of chiller vibration indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the intended level of vibration, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition;

(d) if the measurement of supply oil temperature to the compressor indicates an unsatisfactory temperature level, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition; and

(e) if the measurement of evaporator fluid temperature leaving the evaporator indicates an unsatisfactory temperature level, then (1) communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

58. The computer readable medium of claim 33, wherein the real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data are accessed from stored historical data over a time period equal to or greater than at least two designated time periods.

59. The computer readable medium of claim 33, 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.

60. The computer readable medium of claim 59, 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.

61. A system for analyzing the performance of an 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 real power usage data and at least one set of real tonnage derivation data;

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

(d) means for 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.

62. The system of claim 61, further comprising means for deriving both low and high averages of historical data obtained over an extended period of time, for a performance measurement or derivation selected from the group consisting of:

(a) power requirement per ton of refrigeration;

(b) temperature of evaporator fluid entering the evaporator;

(c) actual power used; and

(d) actual evaporator tonnage.

63. A system for analyzing for analyzing the performance of an operating chiller, comprising:

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

(b) means for obtaining design rating information for the operating chiller, the design rating information including the design rated power requirement;

(c) for the operating chiller, means for 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, means for deriving the actual power requirement from the representative evaporator tonnage and the real power usage data; and

(e) means for differentiating the actual power requirement for the operating chiller with respect to the design rated power requirement for such chiller.

64. The system of claim 63, further comprising:

(a) means for obtaining the cost per unit of power; and

(b) means for economically differentiating the actual cost of power for the operating chiller with respect to the design rated cost of power.

65. The system of claim 63, further comprising means for communicating the results of the power requirement differentiation.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein the communicating means further comprises:

(a) if the actual power requirement is unsatisfactory when compared to the design rated power requirement, means for communicating an indication that an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(b) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the satisfactory determination is based on operator selected tolerance ranges.

68. The system of claim 65, 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.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

70. The system of claim 65, wherein the communicating means is selected 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 textual 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.

71. The system of claim 70, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

72. The system of claim 63, wherein, if the design rated power requirement is a function of the evaporator tonnage, then means for deriving the appropriate design rated power requirement for each designated time period based on the derived representative evaporator tonnage for such designated time period.

73. The system of claim 63, wherein the obtaining real power usage data and real tonnage derivation data means further comprises means for measuring the data during chiller operation.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for storing the data for future access.

75. The system of claim 73, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for accessing the data for real time derivation and power requirement differentiation.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein such access occurs at least one time per thirty second interval.

77. The system of claim 75, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for accessing the data for real time communication.

78. The system of claim 73, wherein the measuring means further comprises means for measuring additional chiller performance data.

79. The system of claim 78, 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 refrigerant;

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

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

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

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

(i) means for measuring chiller vibration.

80. The system of claim 79, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

81. The system of claim 78, wherein the additional chiller performance data measuring means further comprises selectively accessing such data for real time derivations and communication.

82. The system of claim 78, further comprising:

(a) means for accessing the real derivation data, the real power usage data, the additional chiller performance data, and design rating information for the operating chiller;

(b) means for deriving additional chiller performance information from the data and information so accessed; and

(c) means for communicating the results of such derivations.

83. The system of claim 82, wherein the communicating derivation results means further comprises:

(a) if any such derivation indicates unsatisfactory performance when compared to the design rated performance, means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(b) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

84. The system of claim 82, wherein the means for deriving additional chiller performance information is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) means for deriving the temperature difference between the entering and leaving evaporator fluid;

(b) means for deriving the temperature difference between the entering and leaving condenser fluid;

(c) means for deriving the actual condenser tonnage;

(d) means for deriving the ratio of actual condenser tonnage to the design rated maximum condenser tonnage;

(e) means for deriving the ratio of actual evaporator tonnage to the design rated maximum evaporator tonnage;

(f) means for deriving the temperature difference between the evaporator refrigerant and the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator;

(g) means for deriving the temperature difference between the condenser refrigerant and the condenser fluid leaving the condenser;

(h) means for deriving the evaporator refrigerant temperature from the evaporator refrigerant pressure;

(i) means for deriving the condenser refrigerant temperature from the condenser refrigerant pressure;

(j) means for deriving the actual amount of power used;

(k) means for deriving the actual motor amps; and

(l) means for deriving the ratio of actual motor load to maximum design rated motor load.

85. The system of claim 84, wherein at least two of the group are selected.

86. The system of claim 84, further comprising:

(a) if the derivation of the difference between the evaporator refrigerant temperature and the temperature of the evaporator fluid leaving the evaporator indicates an unsatisfactory difference when compared to the design rated difference, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

     2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition; and

(b) if the derivation of the difference between the condenser refrigerant temperature and the temperature of the condenser fluid leaving the condenser indicates an unsatisfactory difference when compared to the design rated difference, then (1) means for communicating an indication that such an unsatisfactory condition exists; and

(2) means for communicating suggestions as to potential causes of and solutions to the unsatisfactory condition.

88. The system of claim 63, wherein the real tonnage derivation data and real power usage data are accessed from stored historical data over a time period equal to or greater than at least two designated time periods.

89. The system of claim 63, 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.

90. The system of claim 89, 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.