30 Series Screw and Scroll Chiller Fundamentals
SER 270

In this class the service technician will learn how to properly operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and service Carrier’s scroll and screw 30 Series air-cooled and water-cooled chillers. Models covered include XV, RC, RAP/RB, XA, and XW, however skills learned will apply to earlier models of 30 series chillers as well. The course will include an overview of the chiller refrigeration cycle, including operation / function of compressors, coolers, water and air-cooled condensers, and metering devices. Students will learn how to determine system performance by recording and analyzing refrigerant and water pressures and temperatures, and using the collected information to calculate water flows, machine capacity, etc. The course covers topics such as EXV control, refrigerant charge adjustment, and capacity control, as well as operation and troubleshooting of the onboard control system. This class is mostly done in the classroom; however, lab exercises are done using hands-on controls and multiple onsite chiller units, allowing students to have hands-on knowledge of chiller control operation. The skills learned in this class will allow service technicians, facilities personnel, and operators to run machines more efficiently and reduce service time and callbacks.

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 class each student should be able to:

• Identify Product Literature: Students will locate and identify the correct product literature based on model and serial numbers.  
• Differentiate Signal Types: Students will be able to differentiate between analog and digital signals and their applications.
• Control Methods for EXV: Students will be able to determine the control methods for the unit’s EXV (Electronic Expansion Valve).
• Oil Movement in Screw Compressors: Students will be able to explain how oil is moved through screw compressors after start-up.  
• Operating Modes: Students will understand different operating modes and their implications.
• Common External Issues Causing Alarms: Students will be able to identify common external issues that cause alarms in chillers.  
• Calculating Cooler Water Flow: Students will be able to calculate cooler water flow using different methods.  
• Economizer Functionality: Students will explain the functionality and applications of economizers.
• Types of Condensers in Water-Cooled Chillers: Students will identify the types of condensers used in water-cooled chillers.  
• Shutting Down Chillers: Students will describe the methods to shut down chillers in non-emergency situations.  
• Determining External Causes of Machine Issues: Students will be able to identify when the cause of machine issues is external.
• Checking Parameters Before Resetting Machines: Students will list the parameters to check before resetting machines if no problems are found.  
• Troubleshooting Non-Starting Machines: Students will be able to troubleshoot why a machine will not start despite no alarms. 

Training Methods Used

This class uses a combination of classroom lecture, videos, animations, tours in the training facility lab, demonstrations, practical labs on operating equipment and workshops 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 30 series chiller refrigeration cycle overview including scroll and screw compressor operation, DX and flooded cooler operation, and air / water cooled condenser operation. 
• Operation and function of the compressors, oil separators, lubrication systems, condensers, coolers, economizers, and metering devices, are covered. 
• Students will learn how to analyze chiller 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 class, student must be present for the entire class, 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.