---
title: Is better to shut down units when full load is not required?
description: TRUE or FALSE? When full load is not required, it’s best to shut down units in multiple chiller plants
---
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# [Is better to shut down units when full load is not required?](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/news-centre/true-or-false-when-full-load-is-not-required-its-best-to-shut-down-units-in-multiple-chiller-plants)
Written by [esther](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/news-centre/author/esther) | Apr 6, 2021 10:00:00 PM
As there are many myths in the industry, and they can remain in people’s minds. **Daikin Applied UK** are committed to putting our expertise and knowledge at the service of the people to clear up any **misbeliefs.** We aim to bring value and help customers make informed decisions when working on **commercial heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) projects**. This is why we have created a series of the most common myths in the industry and are going to be **MYTH BUSTING.**
Amongst the myths in the **HVAC industry,** there seems to be is a lot of information out there about the use of **multiple chiller plants** and how to **manage them effectively**. When it comes to **large buildings, chiller plants** may have a number of** different units installed working together** to reach the **target cooling capacity** needed to** satisfy the cooling needs for that building.**
While **multiple chiller plants** can achieve **high cooling capacity targets** more easily,** energy efficiency must still be considered**. Energy efficiency **impacts the environmental friendliness of the building** as well as the **operating costs** that building owners have to bear.
It is often thought that the best way to run a** multiple chiller plan**t is to **shut down part of the unit**s when there is **no requirement for full load, instead of running all of the units in part loads.**
In the instance of** multiple chiller installation**, many consider s**hutting down chillers** (and the related pumps) as the **load decreases,** as this is thought to be the best way to achieve **maximum energy efficiency when full load is not required.**
#### Is this TRUE or FALSE?
Well, the answer is **false.**
Thanks to the** high efficiency in part load** operation with inverter, running all the **chillers in the plant in part load (even if they have “fix-speed” pumps on primary circuits)** can be **more efficient than shutting down** part of the chillers.
The **Inverter or VDF (Variable Frequency Drive)** is an **electronic power component**, by **varying the frequency** of the motor power supply; it **modulates the compressor** **rotational speed (RPM)** and in such a way that is **controls the [compressor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U5olnv2t0M&t=7s) capacity.**
*Read more *[*here*](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/news-center/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-inverter-technology/)* about the benefits of using inverter technology*
This technology is recognised in being responsible in **helping chillers and heat pumps deliver great efficiency performances**, especially when it comes to **part load efficiency**.
**This technology can become crucial** also for **multiple chillers applications**, not only ensuring **greater energy efficiency** levels and **lower operating costs,** but also lower **maintenance costs** and **quick Return on the Investment (ROI).**
*Click *[*here*](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/news-center/why-is-part-load-efficiency-important/)* to find out more about why **part load efficiency is important***
Here is an example!
In the **hospitality industry**, specifically in a hotel, the** load typically varies** depending on the **season or room requirement**. During the **pandemic** for example, hotels could not operate at **full capacity.**
*Click *[*here*](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/news-center/hvac-systems-in-hotels-5-things-to-consider/)* find out more about **HVAC systems for hotels***
Let’s look at a specific** hotel application**. A hotel requires 2MW of **cooling capacity** at 46° C design ambient conditions. Considering that the **multiple chiller plant** (Fix speed pump on Primary plant) would run 8,760 hours per year and the cost of electricity would be 0.11 €/kW, here is how** Inverter chillers would compare to non-Inverter chillers.**
| Location | Seasonal efficiency | Savings on operating costs | ROI |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dubai | 24% higher | 24,220 EUR/year | 13 months |
#### Relying on controls to sequence the chillers in the plant
When a **HVAC** project requires the load across **multiple different sized units** to be split, it may be useful to rely on** smart solutions** that can help **control the chillers** as if they were **one big single unit.**
The **Daikin** [Intelligent Chiller Manager (iCM)](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/products/icm-intelligent-chiller-manager/), for instance, is a **smart tool** that can be used to help achieve such a solution. It is a** tool designed to control, sequence and optimise** the **performance of multiple chillers**, and is the perfect solution for this type of plant application. The** iCM,** in fact, **harmonises the way every single chiller in the plant operates,** this allows them to reach their **goal with minimum effort for energy consumption.** This **positively impacts the chillers’ durability and efficiency.**
Are you working on a project requiring a highly efficient multiple chiller plant? Then, get in touch with the form below!
[View full post](https://www.daikinapplied.uk/news-centre/true-or-false-when-full-load-is-not-required-its-best-to-shut-down-units-in-multiple-chiller-plants)
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