19 Series Centrifugal Chiller Fundamentals
SER 120

Centrifugal chillers represent a significant HVAC investment for the building owner, and each type of machine requires specific operating, servicing and maintenance practices to protect the investment. This course is intended for service technicians and operators of Carrier 19 series centrifugal chillers. The course covers fundamental principles of centrifugal chillers with in-depth coverage of the operation and service techniques associated with most Carrier centrifugal chillers produced over the last 30 years. Carrier chiller models covered include 19DV low pressure chillers and 19XR and 19MV high-pressure chillers. Participants learn how to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and service both the low- and high-pressure machines (including PIC controls). Studies include centrifugal refrigeration cycles, compressor theory, lubrication cycles, purge operation, refrigerants, heat exchangers, and heat transfer. The course also covers troubleshooting techniques and equipment needed to record and analyze machine temperatures and pressures; performance using heat exchanger approaches; waterside flow rate analysis; maintenance requirements; and logging machine data. This course is mostly classroom instruction and includes numerous exercises using the classroom information to analyze performance.

Who should attend this training

This course is for HVAC technicians with a minimum of one year of field experience or a graduate of an HVAC training program. Students are expected to have basic math skills and a basic understanding of HVAC tools (gages and digital thermometers) and troubleshooting equipment.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course each student should be able to:

• Identify & Utilize Product Data Literature: Students will be able to identify the correct product data literature using model and serial numbers. 
• Troubleshooting Skills: Students will learn to identify the correct troubleshooting literature and understand the steps to troubleshoot various issues. 
• Temperature & Pressure Calculations: Students will be able to calculate lift and approach based on given temperatures and pressures. 
• System Components & Functions: Students will understand the functions of various system components. 
• Flow and Pressure Calculations: Students will learn to calculate cooler water flow and convert PSI to feet of head. 
• Surge: Students will understand what causes surge. 
• Alarm Analysis: Students will learn to determine if the cause of an issue is outside the machine by analyzing alarms.
• Purge Systems: Students will understand the purpose and function of a purge system.

Training Methods Used

This course uses a combination of classroom lecture, videos, animations, tours in the training facility lab, demonstrations, car analogies, and Dad jokes to present the material. Student’s achievement of the learning objectives is determined by successful completion of the workshops, labs, homework, and final written and practical exam. Workshops are instructor guided exercises using the procedures taught in the lectures.

Topics Covered

• Overview of Carrier’s water cooled 19 series centrifugal chillers operation including the centrifugal chiller refrigeration cycle, centrifugal compressor operation, and cooler and condenser operation. 
• Operation and function of Carrier’s centrifugal compressors including transmissions, lubrication systems, inlet guide vanes, and split ring diffusers are covered. 
• Operation and function of Carrier’s centrifugal chillers condensers, coolers, and metering devices. 
• How to analyze machine / system performance and troubleshoot issues using refrigerant and water side conditions such as pressures and temperatures. 
• How to distinguish between chiller and system problems and how system issues affect the chiller. 
• Students will learn how to use the chiller control interfaces for machine setup and diagnostics and understand the chillers sequence of operation. 
• Review of recommended maintenance procedures and how site-specific conditions can affect maintenance requirements.

Completion requirements

To receive a certificate for this course student must be present for the entire course, complete all workshops and labs and receive a grade of 70% (C+) on graded labs, homework and final.

Prerequisite requirements

None.

Suggested background

For technicians just entering the HVAC field or persons with no field experience, this course is most effective when preceded by SER024 Intro to HVAC Service, which introduces participants to fundamental concepts of both air conditioning and heating systems, including lab time with service test equipment and tools.

Materials to bring

No special equipment is required. We provide the appropriate safety equipment required by Carrier. If you are required by your company to use other PPE, you may bring that to class.

What you will receive

Students in this course will receive a course workbook, notepad and highlighter/pen.

Appropriate dress for this class

This class has a number of exercises that take place in the lab on operating units; participants should wear long pants, closed toed shoes and appropriate shirt, long or short sleeve. If your employer requires special dress which is more stringent than these requirements, this dress should be worn.

Class hours

Class starts at 8 AM and ends at 5 PM daily. Travel arrangements should be made accordingly.

Location & lodging

Carrier University is located at 5900 Northwoods Business Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269. Lodging options can be found here.