Got a 150-ton centrifugal chiller on Idaho Power Schedule 9 that's been creating demand spikes every morning startup. Peak demand charges are $12.85/kW which adds up fast. Building engineer thinks soft start equipment might help smooth out the inrush current. Anyone installed soft starts on large chillers? Seeing real demand reduction or just marketing hype?
Idaho Power Schedule 9 - chiller soft starts making difference?
We put soft starts on two 100-ton units last year here in Boise. Definitely reduced the startup spike but don't expect miracles. Went from about 180 kW startup peak to maybe 140 kW. For $3,500 per unit, it'll take a few years to pay back at our demand rates. Bigger benefit was reducing stress on the electrical system and extending equipment life.
Also worth checking if you can adjust startup sequencing. If that chiller starts at the same time as other equipment, try delaying it 5-10 minutes. Sometimes the simple solutions work better than expensive hardware upgrades.