To design a skid for chiller system and verify it through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) such that the skid structurally capable to sustain seismic loads at the event of earthquake.
The chiller system has several components such as compressors, expansion tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, VFDs, control panels, piping and vent fan, installed at various locations. The components themselves need not to be analyzed. They are modeled as mass elements at their respective center of gravities, attached to the skid by RBE elements. An analysis has been done on skid as per standards.
The cross members spacing and thickness have been chosen in such a way that the skid can sustain seismic loads along with dead load exerted on chiller components at the event of earthquake. Maximum stress value observed (26.5 ksi) on skid is well below the allowable value (32.4 ksi) for the A36 steel material.
