Johnson Controls York YHAU-C Installation and operating instructions

155.34-ICOM2.EN.UL (1219)
New release
Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance
Issue Date: 2019-12-27
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired
Absorption Chiller

Contents
ContentsImportant!....................................................................................................................................... 5
General safety guidelines................................................................................................................... 5
Safety symbols..................................................................................................................................... 5
Changeability of this document......................................................................................................... 6
Change bars............................................................................................................................... 6
Associated literature........................................................................................................................... 6
Nomenclature...................................................................................................................................... 7
General chiller information and safety........................................................................................ 8
Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 8
About this manual............................................................................................................................... 8
Warranty............................................................................................................................................... 8
Quality assurance................................................................................................................................ 9
Emergency shutdown......................................................................................................................... 9
High temperature and pressure cleaning........................................................................................ 9
Safety labels....................................................................................................................................... 10
Material safety data sheet................................................................................................................ 11
Product description...................................................................................................................... 12
Chiller components........................................................................................................................... 12
Control panel...................................................................................................................................... 14
How it works...................................................................................................................................... 15
Two step evaporator-absorber........................................................................................................ 16
Solution heat exchanger................................................................................................................... 17
Generator........................................................................................................................................... 17
Condenser.......................................................................................................................................... 18
Crystallization..................................................................................................................................... 18
Why does crystallization occur?...................................................................................................... 19
Handling, storage, installation and reassembly....................................................................... 20
Inspection........................................................................................................................................... 21
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller i

Installation guidelines....................................................................................................................... 21
Hoisting the machine........................................................................................................................ 22
Moving the machine on rollers........................................................................................................ 22
Jacking the machine.......................................................................................................................... 25
Structural support and installation................................................................................................. 26
Indoor and outdoor installation...................................................................................................... 26
Electrical.............................................................................................................................................. 27
Precautions for use........................................................................................................................... 27
Leak testing........................................................................................................................................ 28
Electrical shock cautions................................................................................................................... 28
Vibration and isolation details......................................................................................................... 29
Hot insulation and cold insulation procedure............................................................................... 36
Technical data............................................................................................................................... 38
Upper communication specification............................................................................................... 89
Upper communication system configuration..................................................................... 89
Scope of delivery..................................................................................................................... 90
Connection port for Ethernet communication.................................................................... 90
Communication specification................................................................................................ 91
Communication data.............................................................................................................. 91
User-Created............................................................................................................................ 92
2-Wire Type Cable Diagrams................................................................................................. 94
4 Wire Type Cable Diagrams................................................................................................. 95
Commissioning............................................................................................................................. 97
General guidelines for use............................................................................................................... 97
Before operation..................................................................................................................... 97
Precautions for the use of steam and water................................................................................. 98
Chilled water outlet temperature controller.................................................................................. 99
Liquid level gauges............................................................................................................................ 99
Starting the chiller............................................................................................................................. 99
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chillerii

Stopping the chiller......................................................................................................................... 100
Operation.................................................................................................................................... 113
YHAU-C control center.................................................................................................................... 113
Common items................................................................................................................................ 113
Change numeric values.................................................................................................................. 116
Operating status.............................................................................................................................. 117
Failure............................................................................................................................................... 133
Alarm................................................................................................................................................. 133
Control parameter........................................................................................................................... 137
Valve operation................................................................................................................................ 138
Date and time.................................................................................................................................. 139
Select language............................................................................................................................... 140
Safety switches................................................................................................................................ 141
Maintenance............................................................................................................................... 142
Valve inspection............................................................................................................................... 142
Solenoid valves................................................................................................................................ 142
Pump shut off valves...................................................................................................................... 142
Air purge valves and drain valves for chilled water, and cooling water................................... 143
Purge valves..................................................................................................................................... 143
Starting the chiller after it has been stopped for a long period................................................ 143
Checks before operation starts........................................................................................... 143
Checks after operation starts.............................................................................................. 143
Purge procedure.............................................................................................................................. 143
Capacity check method of vacuum pump.................................................................................... 144
Manual method to purge air directly from absorber................................................................. 145
Manual method to purge non-condensable gas from purging tank........................................ 146
Automatic method to purge non-condensable gas from purging tank................................... 147
Refrigerant refining method.......................................................................................................... 149
Manual refrigerant blowdown and diluting method.................................................................. 150
iiiYHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

Decrystallization method................................................................................................................ 150
Indications of crystallization................................................................................................ 151
Decrystallization.................................................................................................................... 151
Precautions for de-crystallization....................................................................................... 152
Maintenance items.......................................................................................................................... 152
Refrigerant pump manual stop.......................................................................................... 154
Purge manual stop and start.............................................................................................. 155
Lifespan for various parts.............................................................................................................. 156
Water quality control...................................................................................................................... 157
Chemical water treatment.............................................................................................................. 157
Replacement of water..................................................................................................................... 157
Treatment for long stoppage of the absorption chiller.............................................................. 158
Chemical treatment......................................................................................................................... 158
Flow speed in tubes........................................................................................................................ 158
Storage method of the chiller........................................................................................................ 158
Wet storage method....................................................................................................................... 159
Dry storage method........................................................................................................................ 159
Precautions against external damage.......................................................................................... 159
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................... 169
Troubleshooting performance issues........................................................................................... 172
Vacuum pump.................................................................................................................................. 173
Abnormal solution and refrigerant levels.................................................................................... 173
Insufficient vacuum levels.............................................................................................................. 174
Actions to take against power failure........................................................................................... 175
Decommissioning, dismantling, and disposal........................................................................ 177
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chilleriv

Important!
Read before proceeding!
General safety guidelines
This equipment is a relatively complicated apparatus. During rigging, installation, operation,
maintenance, or service, individuals may be exposed to certain components or conditions including,
but not limited to: heavy objects, refrigerants, materials under pressure, rotating components, and
both high and low voltage. Each of these items has the potential, if misused or handled improperly,
to cause bodily injury or death. It is the obligation and responsibility of rigging, installation, and
operating/service personnel to identify and recognize these inherent hazards, protect themselves,
and proceed safely in completing their tasks. Failure to comply with any of these requirements
could result in serious damage to the equipment and the property in which it is situated, as well as
severe personal injury or death to themselves and people at the site.
This document is intended for use by owner-authorized rigging, installation, and operating/service
personnel. It is expected that these individuals possess independent training that will enable them
to perform their assigned tasks properly and safely. It is essential that, prior to performing any
task on this equipment, this individual shall have read and understood the on-product labels, this
document and any referenced materials. This individual shall also be familiar with and comply
with all applicable industry and governmental standards and regulations pertaining to the task in
question.
Safety symbols
The following symbols are used in this document to alert the reader to specific situations:
DANGER
Indicates a possible hazardous situation which will result in death or serious injury if proper care is not
taken.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which will result in possible injuries or damage to equipment
if proper care is not taken.
CAUTION
Identifies a hazard which could lead to damage to the machine, damage to other equipment and/or
environmental pollution if proper care is not taken or instructions and are not followed.
Note: Highlights additional information useful to the technician in completing the work being
performed properly.
5YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

WARNING
External wiring, unless specified as an optional connection in the manufacturer’s product line, is not
to be connected inside the control cabinet. Devices such as relays, switches, transducers and controls
and any external wiring must not be installed inside the micro panel. All wiring must be in accordance
with Johnson Controls’ published specifications and must be performed only by a qualified electrician.
Johnson Controls will NOT be responsible for damage/problems resulting from improper connections
to the controls or application of improper control signals. Failure to follow this warning will void the
manufacturer’s warranty and cause serious damage to property or personal injury.
Changeability of this document
In complying with Johnson Controls’ policy for continuous product improvement, the information
contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Johnson Controls makes
no commitment to update or provide current information automatically to the manual or
product owner. Updated manuals, if applicable, can be obtained by contacting the nearest
Johnson Controls Service office or accessing the Johnson Controls QuickLIT website at http://
cgproducts.johnsoncontrols.com.
It is the responsibility of rigging, lifting, and operating/ service personnel to verify the applicability
of these documents to the equipment. If there is any question regarding the applicability of these
documents, rigging, lifting, and operating/service personnel should verify whether the equipment
has been modified and if current literature is available from the owner of the equipment prior to
performing any work on the chiller.
Change bars
Revisions made to this document are indicated with a line along the left or right hand column in the
area the revision was made. These revisions are to technical information and any other changes in
spelling, grammar or formatting are not included.
Associated literature
Manual description Form number
Absorption chiller long term storage 50.20-NM11
Long-term storage checklist - Absorption chiller 50.20-CL10
Long-term storage requirements - General 50.20-NM10
Chiller start-up and commissioning checklist 155.34-CL2
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller6

Nomenclature
YHAU C -
500 EXE T LL
NOMINAL CAPACITY (RT
)
NONE: Single Effect Steam
UNIT
York Absorption
Unit
Design Symbol
<Model Series name>
EXE : 30 - 500RT nominal capacity
EXW2S : 630 - 1000RT nominal capacity
EXW4S : 1120 - 2000RT nominal capacity
<Generator Design>
None :Standard
T :Special
<Low temp. CHW>
L : 33.8°F CHW
LL : 23.0°F CHW
7YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

General chiller information and safety
Introduction
YORK YHAU-C absorption chillers are manufactured to the highest design and construction
standards to ensure high performance, reliability, and adaptability to all types of air conditioning
installations.
This chiller is for air conditioning or cooling a manufacturing process. Use this chiller after installing
the chilled water pump, cooling water pump, cooling tower, steam condensate control valve, valves,
strainers, pressure gauges, thermometers, and so on, according to the water quality information
contained in Maintenance.
About this manual
This manual and any other document supplied with the unit are the property of Johnson Controls,
which reserves all rights. This manual may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior
written authorization from an authorized Johnson Controls representative.
In addition, this manual:
• Includes suggested best working practices and procedures, which are issued for guidance only,
and they do not take precedence over the above stated individual responsibility and/or local
safety regulations.
• Contains all the information required for correct installation and commissioning of the unit,
together with operating and maintenance instructions.
• Should be read thoroughly before attempting to operate or service the unit.
• Contains detailed procedures, including installation, commissioning, and maintenance tasks that
must only be performed by suitably trained and qualified personnel.
The manufacturer will not be liable for any injury of damage caused by incorrect installation,
commissioning, operation, or maintenance resulting from a failure to follow the procedures and
instructions detailed in this manual.
Warranty
Johnson Controls warrants YHAU-C chillers in accordance with the Limited Warranty Engineered
Systems Equipment procedure. Refer to Limited Warranty (Form 50.05-NM2).
Johnson Controls warrants all equipment and materials against defects in workmanship and
materials for a period of 18 months from the date of shipment or 12 months from the date of start-
up, whichever comes first, unless labor or extended warranty has been purchased as part of the
contract.
The warranty is limited to parts only replacement and shipping of any faulty part, or subassembly,
which has failed due to defects in workmanship and materials. All claims must be supported by
evidence that the failure has occurred within the warranty period, and that the unit was operated
within the designed parameters specified.
All warranty claims must specify the unit model, serial number, order number, and run hours/
starts. Model and serial number information is printed on the unit identification plate.
The unit warranty will be void if any modification to the unit is carried out without prior written
approval from Johnson Controls. For warranty purposes, the following conditions must be satisfied:
• The initial start of the unit must be carried out by trained personnel from an authorized Johnson
Controls Field Service Office.
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller8

• Only genuine YORK approved spare parts, oils, solutions, chemicals, and refrigerants must be
used.
• All of the scheduled maintenance operations detailed in this manual must be performed at the
specified times by suitably trained and qualified personnel.
Failure to satisfy any of these conditions will automatically void the warranty. Refer to Limited
Warranty (Form 50.05-NM2) for complete details.
Quality assurance
Units comply with the following directives:
• GB/T 18431-2014 Steam and Hot Water Lithium Bromide Absorption Chiller
• UL 1995 2011 Ed.4 + R: 03Oct2014 Standard for Safety Heating and Cooling Equipment
• UL 508A Industrial Control Panel
• NFPA70 National Electrical Code
• NFPA79 Electrical Standard for Industry Machine
• Pressure vessel will follow ASME
The unit must be grounded. No installation or maintenance work should be attempted on the
electrical equipment without first switching the power off, then isolating and locking-off the power
supply. Servicing and maintenance on live equipment must not be attempted. Do not attempt to
gain access to the control panel or electrical enclosures during normal operation of the unit.
Components may also have sharp edges. Reasonable care should be taken when working in contact
with any components to avoid risk of minor abrasions and lacerations.
Emergency shutdown
In case of emergency, the control panel is fitted with an incoming supply circuit breaker with a red
handle as shown below, which can be used as the emergency stop for the device. Turn the handle
counter clockwise to shut down the chiller.
LD29622
High temperature and pressure cleaning
High temperature and pressure cleaning methods (e.g. steam cleaning) should not be used on any
part of the pressure system as this may cause operation of the pressure relief devices. Detergents
and solvents, which may cause corrosion, should also be avoided.
9YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

Safety labels
For safe operation, read the instructions first.
WARNING: This machine may start automatically
without prior warning.
CAUTION: Hot surface.
WARNING: Safety relief valve may discharge gas or
liquid without prior warning.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock
General attention symbol.
WARNING: On isolating the supply it may take up to
300 seconds for the capacitor voltage to fall below 50 V.
WARNING: Risk of gas poisoning
WARNING: Risk of fire
WARNING: Rotating object
CAUTION: Prohibited
CAUTION: Risk of tumble
CAUTION: Risk of getting hand caught in
WARNING: Risk of electrical arc
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller10

Material safety data sheet
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) specify proper procedures for handling and working with
applicable chemicals, including items such as physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, storage,
disposal, and spill procedures.
11YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

Product description
The principle of refrigeration is the exchange of heat and, in absorption liquid chilling, there are
four basic heat exchange surfaces: the evaporator, the absorber, the generator, and the condenser.
See Figure 1.
Like any refrigeration system, an absorption chiller uses evaporation and condensation to remove
heat. The single effect absorption cycle uses deionized water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide
(LiBr) as the absorbent. The entire process occurs in almost a complete vacuum.
Chiller components
The absorption chiller unit consists of the following components:
• Evaporator
• Absorber
• Condenser
• Generator
• Solution heat exchanger to heighten the cycle efficiency and piping to connect them
• Pumps to circulate the refrigerant and solution in the cycle
• Purge unit to purge non-condensable gas out of the machine
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller12

Figure 1: YHAU-C components
Components
ACooling Water Inlet
BTouch Panel Display
CControl Panel
DCooling Water Outlet
EChilled Water Inlet
FAbsorber
GSolution spray pump
HEvaporator
ISolution Circulation Pump
13YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

Control panel
The absorption chiller comes with a factory mounted and pre-wired control system. The control
panel enclosure is equipped with a hinged access door with lock and key. The control panel includes
a touch panel showing all system parameters in various languages with numeric data in metric
units. For details of the control panel, see Operation.
Note: Confirm the main power switch is within 6.56 ft ( 2 m) of the ground. If not, install the
operation platform.
WARNING
Turn off the power supply by the handle breaker when opening the control panel.
The unit is also equipped with two methods to start and stop operations:
• Touch panel
• External signal
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller14

How it works
The single effect (steam-fired) absorption chiller uses deionized water as the refrigerant and
lithium bromide (LiBr) solution as the absorbent.
The vapor pressure of the lithium bromide solution is lower than the vapor pressure of the
refrigerant. The vapor pressure of the LiBr solution is directly related to the amount of refrigerant
(water) present in the solution with the LiBr and the solution temperature.
Figure 2: Single effect steam absorption chiller cycle diagram
15YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

Two step evaporator-absorber
The evaporator and the absorber are split into two sections. This design allows the cycle
concentration to be lower than a conventional absorber/evaporator. The lower concentrations
mean the unit is more reliable, operates with increased efficiency, and has a lower corrosion
potential.
Chilled water flows through both evaporator sections. It enters the lower evaporator tubes first. It
then moves to and through the upper evaporator tubes before it leaves the chiller.
Each evaporator operates at a slightly different temperature and pressure. The refrigerant in the
lower evaporator boils at a slightly higher temperature than in the upper one. The chilled water is
cooled in two steps.
The absorber is split into two sections also. A strong solution enters the top of the upper absorber.
It flows down through the upper absorber bundle.
The upper bundle operates at a lower vapor pressure. As a result, the upper evaporator can
operate at a lower pressure and temperature.
The solution flows into the top of the lower absorber section. When the LiBr solution enters the
lower absorber section it is already diluted by the refrigerant vapor that boiled off in the upper
evaporator. Bacause the lower evaporator is the first step of the chilled water cooling, the dilute
solution vapor pressure is adequate to maintain the lower evaporator at the required temperature
and pressure.
The cooling tower water enters the lower absorber section first, keeping the vapor pressure of the
weaker solution as low as possible.
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller16

Solution heat exchanger
The dilute (weak) LiBr solution leaving the lower absorber section is pumped to the generator
section through a solution to solution heat exchanger. It is preheated before entering the
generator section. Such preheating of the dilute solution reduces the driving heat source
requirement in the generator and also helps to cool down the concentrated (strong) solution
before entering the upper absorber section.
Generator
The generator is a falling film design. The steam passes through the stainless steel tubes. There it
heats the preheated dilute solution from the solution heat exchanger and the steam drain cooler.
The refrigerant (water) vapors migrate to the condenser, leaving behind a concentrated (strong)
LiBr solution that is then cooled before being distributed in the upper absorber section.
17YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller

Condenser
The refrigerant vapors leaving the generator condense in the condenser section into liquid
refrigerant, using cooling (condenser) water. The liquid refrigerant water is then distributed first in
the lower evaporator section.
Crystallization
All absorption chillers that use LiBr and water as the solution/refrigerant pair are subject to
crystallization. This is due to the fact that some areas of the unit operate with solution liquid
concentration levels that are only possible at higher than the normal ambient temperature
surrounding the unit. For example, the solution concentration in the generator of a single stage
absorption unit is usually 64.3% LiBr by weight. LiBr solutions begin to crystallize at 110°F.
Crystallization happens when the LiBr solution temperature drops too low or the concentration is
too high. The LiBr solution becomes like slush. At this point the LiBr solution can not absorb any
more water and starts to solidify (crystallize).
Crystallization occurs in the solution heat exchanger. In addition, it happens in the generator. It
also happens in pipes that are not well insulated and are located in rooms where the temperature
can affect the solution moving through the pipes.
To prevent crystallization, make sure that the solution temperature is high and the concentration at
the optimum percentage is less than 64%.
Because the solution temperature in the generator is normally high enough, no crystallization
occurs as long as the higher temperature is maintained. Before the unit is shut down, make sure
the solution is sufficiently diluted in all areas of the unit to prevent crystallization during the off
cycle. Remember, the solution temperature eventually becomes equal to the ambient temperature
of the room.
To prevent crystallization, all units employ a dilution cycle. As long as the unit is able to dilute itself
during an orderly shutdown sequence, the unit is able to sit idle at fairly low plant room ambient
temperatures without any potential of crystallization. Usually, after a dilution cycle, the average
solution concentration in the chiller is lower than 45% LiBr by weight. Although the crystallization
line on Figure 74 does not extend that far, you can see that the solution at 45% concentration does
not have a tendency to crystallize at normal ambient temperatures.
YHAU-C Single Effect Steam-Fired Absorption Chiller18