What will happen if some unloaders in a multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor fail to operate when needed?

When some unloaders in a multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor fail to operate, the system's ability to manage the refrigerant flow effectively is compromised. As a direct consequence, less refrigerant can be moved through the system when it is needed, which leads to a reduced cooling capacity. Consequently, this results in the chill water temperature increasing, as the compressor is not able to maintain the required temperature set point efficiently.

In a reciprocating compressor, unloaders help to regulate the system's pressure and capacity by allowing specific cylinders to unload during lower demand periods. If these unloaders do not function properly, the compressor will not be able to adjust its operation to match the cooling load, which causes an imbalance. This is why the chill water temperature will rise when the unloaders are not working, as the compressor cannot adapt adequately to cooling demands, leading to higher temperatures in the system.