MCC Panels and Chillers

yes it is recommended to use mcc panel for chillers because chillers are having more no of motors .for these motors protection starters should be used.some time for sp.purpose VFDs are also used for smooth running energy saving.

panel should be installed under the roof near chillers only.if VFD used proper ventilation or AC should be used.

normally lighing should be separate panel.

This may depend on the requirements of the installation's local jurisdiction. An MCC is one way to go. An MCC would typically be provided by the electrical contractor, and would receive signals from the chiller package to start/stop the various motors, etc.

Another option would be for the chiller package to have its own Industrial Control Panel, which would receive one feed from the main electrical system and would have its own short circuit, overload protection, and starters for each motor. Most likely such an arrangement would be furnished by the manufacturer of the chiller package.

In the US, such panels are governed by UL 508, ETL 508, or other accepted standards agencies with an Industrial Control Panel classification.

1) Yes! Theoratically an isolator would suffice to switch on/switch off the motors. But, the electrical life of the isolator is very less, may be of the order of a few hundred operating cycles. You may have to replace the isolator quite often. What about the downtime cost? Alternately an MCC with individual starters for each motor, will be controlled by contactors, whose electrical life is of the order of a few lakh operating cycles. You would like to have a product which has more "life". Wouldn't you? Moreover, during fault conditions the isolator may not be able to handle the fault currents and might damage itself and also the installation. So, it is always advisable to go for motor starter feeders for motor loads.

2) Yes! In the same MCC you can have seperate starter feeders for Chiller, AHU, FAHU, Circulating Pumps, etc.

3) MCC panel may be installed in an indoor room or can also be installed rooftop (outdoors). Just be careful about the IP Protection in each case.

4) Normally it is not a good practice to combine other distribution loads like lighting, power distribution, from an MCC. You better provide feeders for the same in a PCC.

thanks a lot................

MCC for Chiller is one way to go. However, most of the problem during the initial design is the space problem at the roof (Chillers high capacity rating and other HVAC equipment requires bigger space) and the electrical room needed for MCC is already taken up by the mentioned equipments. Another alternative Is to provide a isolator and control panel/BMS control and monitoring at the roof. Instead of providing MCC(sub) the feeder can be directly connected to main panel to cut cost and space. Electra

THANKS FOR UR CLEAR ANSWER

Depends.... If the chillers has its own control panel with independent protection devices for each motor & compressors ie .. a Chillers skid.. then I would answer no....