Catalogue

6 RLC-PRC006M-EN
Features and Benefits
Unit Performance Testing
The AHRI Certification Program has had a certification program covering air-cooled water chillers
for many years. With this in mind, customers may ask, "Do I need to factory performance test my
chiller?"
Trane began promoting factory performance tests for water-cooled water chillers in 1984 for the
same reasons it is valid today for air-cooled water chillers, to show we stand behind the products
we design and build.
The benefits of a performance test include verification of performance, prevention of operational
problems, and assurance of a smooth startup. Only a performance test conducted in a laboratory
or laboratory grade facility will confirm both performance and operation of a specific chiller.
While most factory performance tests go smoothly, should problems occur,Trane personnel can
quickly correct them and the chiller will ship as specified. Job site diagnosis, ordering of parts, and
waiting for delivery of replacement components is significantly reduced.
A factory performance test reduces startup time, thereby saving job site expense. A chiller that has
been tested is operation and performance proven.This allows the installing contractor to
concentrate on proper electrical wiring and water piping, and the service technicians to concentrate
on proper refrigerant charge, safeties diagnosis and initial logging of the chiller. Means of obtaining
full load on the chiller and proving its performance do not have to be determined by engineers or
contractors, thus saving time.The certified test report documents performance for the unit as built.
In addition, factory testing significantly reduces commissioning time and risk by reintroducing
manufacturer responsibility, where its mitigation should reside.
When a factory performance test is requested, the test can be conducted at the specified design
conditions for all packaged chillers. The test facility has the capability to control ambient test
conditions to assure our customers that our chillers will perform as predicted.
Rapid Restart™ testing is also available to demonstrate the chiller’s rapid restart capabilities for
disaster relief.While the chiller is operating at customer specified full load conditions, power to the
chiller is cut and the customer can witness how quickly the chiller will return to full load.
For more information on test performance testing, see brochure RL-SLB012-EN.