File In/With: N/A SI0116

New 2-05
Equipment
Affected: YR Chillers
ES Service
Information Diagnosing Open SCR Faults in YR Chillers

Background

The OPEN SCR fault is intended to protect the chiller motor from signal phase current issues. However, in some
cases with YR chillers, this fault is causing the technician to misdiagnose the problem.

Units Affected

All YR chillers where a liquid cooled, solid-state starter is used.

Cause of Failure

The following describes the normal condition for this fault. To determine an OPEN SCR fault in the Style
‘B’ liquid cooled solid state starter, the logic/trigger board measures the voltage across each SCR. After the
first 40 seconds of run time with normal running conditions the SCR’s will be turned on fully, and the voltage
measurement should be 0.6 – 3.0 VDC. If an SCR were to open any time after the first 40 seconds of run time for
5 seconds, then an OPEN SCR fault will occur.

If the chiller is started with load on the compressor, then the LCSSS may not turn on the SCR’s fully after 45
seconds of run time. This will cause the LCSSS to shut down the chiller and display OPEN SCR fault. With an
unloaded compressor, the compressor motor will pull starting current for less then 10 seconds.

With the YR chiller, there are some events where the slide valve is not returning to the unload position before
starting. When the chiller is in a loaded condition at start, the LCSSS will continue to turn on and off the SCR’s
to maintain the starting current value. The OPEN SCR fault will be displayed under these conditions.

Solution for this Problem

• Ensure that the starting current for the LCSSS is properly adjusted.
• If the fault always occurs 45 seconds after the chiller is started, then there may be a slide valve problem.
• If the compressor motor is not coming up to speed in 10 seconds, then there may be a slide valve
problem.
• If the fault is occurring after the compressor has come up to speed and the output current of the LCSSS
has dropped below the full load current valve, then there may be a problem with the LCSSS.
• This fault can occur if the motor wires are not properly connected to the LCSSS.
• Future software versions will indicate which SCR phase is open. If the OPEN SCR fault is stating
different phase SCR’s are open, then the problem may not be in the LCSSS, but there may be a slide
valve problem.

Engineered Systems Product Technical Support