Increased lift

Definition

The condition in which a chiller compressor must work harder to maintain the pressure differential because the condenser cannot reject heat effectively.

When condenser tubes scale or foul, heat transfer is impeded, the temperature difference across the condenser shrinks, and the refrigerant cannot condense efficiently. The compressor compensates by raising the pressure differential, called increased lift, which raises energy use and lowers cooling capacity. Severe imbalance forces the chiller to unload or shut down to protect itself.

Related concepts

Condenser · Pressure control of phase change · Condenser approach temperature

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🔥 thermodynamics