![\"Marley](\"https:\/\/www.spxcooling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/OlumpusMAX-Adiabatic-300x169.jpg\")
<\/p>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Cooling towers play a critical role in industrial processes and commercial HVAC systems, rejecting heat to the atmosphere and helping chillers and other equipment operate effectively. However, treating cooling towers as \u201cset it and forget it\u201d equipment can mean missing opportunities to reduce energy consumption, conserve water and improve overall system efficiency.<\/p>\n
Optimizing cooling tower performance requires looking beyond the tower itself. Fan operation, equipment sizing, water management, system controls and maintenance can all influence energy and water consumption. \u00a0Below are several strategies that can help facilities maximize cooling tower efficiency while supporting reliable system performance.<\/p>\n
Cooling tower fans represent a significant opportunity for energy savings. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) allow fan speed to adjust based on cooling demand rather than operating continuously at full speed.<\/p>\n
For multicell cooling towers, operating fans together at reduced speeds can provide significant efficiency benefits. Fan power follows a cubic relationship with speed. At 50% fan speed, for example, approximately one-eighth of the horsepower is required.<\/p>\n
Rather than running one fan at full speed while other cells remain idle, distributing the cooling load across available cells and operating multiple fans at lower speeds can help reduce overall energy consumption.<\/p>\n
Cooling tower size can influence long-term operating efficiency. Larger cooling towers provide more surface area for heat transfer, potentially allowing the required cooling duty to be achieved with lower airflow and reduced fan horsepower.<\/p>\n
While larger equipment may require a higher initial investment, lower operating energy requirements can help offset that cost over the life of the cooling tower.<\/p>\n
Approach temperature is also an important consideration. As the difference between cold water temperature and ambient wet-bulb temperature becomes smaller, cooling tower size and cost can increase significantly. Selecting equipment based on realistic operating requirements can help balance thermal performance, energy use and initial investment.<\/p>\n
Cooling tower efficiency should not be evaluated in isolation. The tower is part of a larger system, and optimizing overall energy consumption means considering its impact on the chiller.<\/p>\n
When operating conditions allow, reducing condenser water supply temperature can improve chiller efficiency. Because the chiller often represents a substantial portion of system energy consumption, using additional cooling tower capability to reduce chiller load may result in greater overall energy savings.<\/p>\n
Facilities may also consider free cooling, or a waterside economizer. Using a heat exchanger, favorable ambient wet-bulb conditions can cool the chilled water loop without operating the chiller, reducing system energy consumption.<\/p>\n
Variable flow strategies can help facilities make better use of available cooling tower surface area. Distributing water across more cells at reduced flow rates can allow fans to operate at lower speeds while still providing the required cooling.<\/p>\n
Maintaining proper water distribution is important at reduced flow. In crossflow cooling towers, nozzle cups can serve as passive flow regulators, helping maintain uniform water distribution across the fill media during partial-flow conditions.<\/p>\n
Combining variable flow with appropriate fan control allows operators to take greater advantage of the relationship between fan speed and horsepower while maintaining cooling performance.<\/p>\n
Cooling tower efficiency extends beyond electricity use. As water evaporates, dissolved solids remain behind and become increasingly concentrated. A portion of the circulating water must therefore be removed through blowdown to help control scale and solids accumulation.<\/p>\n
Increasing cycles of concentration (COC) can reduce blowdown requirements and overall water consumption. Conductivity controllers can help operators monitor water conditions and maximize cycles while maintaining appropriate water quality.<\/p>\n
For facilities with challenging source water conditions, the Marley WaterGard\u2122 Water Usage Optimizer provides another option. WaterGard preconditions cooling tower makeup water by reducing minerals commonly found in municipal water supplies, enabling higher operating COC and reducing both supply water and blowdown requirements. Depending on source water conditions, WaterGard can potentially enable operation at 10 COC or more.<\/p>\n
Condensate recovery can provide another valuable source of cooling tower makeup water. In many HVAC systems, condensate collected from cooling coils can be routed to the cooling tower rather than discharged.<\/p>\n
Because this condensate is relatively high-quality water and is typically generated when the cooling system is operating, it can be well suited for cooling tower use. Capturing this otherwise unused water can help reduce demand for fresh makeup water and contribute to broader water-conservation goals.<\/p>\n
Even well-designed efficiency strategies can lose effectiveness when cooling tower equipment is not properly maintained. Scale buildup on fill media can disrupt airflow and water distribution, forcing fans and chillers to work harder.<\/p>\n
Routine inspection and cleaning of basins, fill media and water distribution components can help maintain efficient operation. Basin filtration can also help prevent debris and pipe scale from plugging nozzles.<\/p>\n
Following manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules and addressing potential issues before they affect performance can help reduce downtime, extend equipment life and maintain system efficiency.<\/p>\n
Maximizing cooling tower efficiency requires an active approach to system operation. Fan controls, condenser water temperatures, variable flow, water management and preventive maintenance can all help lower operating costs and reduce resource consumption. By considering the cooling tower as part of the entire cooling system, facility owners and operators can balance thermal performance with long-term energy and water savings.<\/p>\n
With the right equipment, controls and operating strategies, cooling towers can effectively reject heat while helping facilities reduce their environmental footprint and make better use of energy and water resources. SPX Cooling Tech offers solutions, technologies and expertise designed to help optimize cooling system performance and efficiency.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cooling towers play a critical role in industrial processes and commercial HVAC systems, rejecting heat to the atmosphere and helping chillers and other equipment operate effectively. However, treating cooling towers as \u201cset it and forget it\u201d equipment can mean missing opportunities to reduce energy consumption, conserve water and improve overall system efficiency. Optimizing cooling tower […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":31052,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\r\n\r\nCooling towers play a critical role in industrial processes and commercial HVAC systems, rejecting heat to the atmosphere and helping chillers and other equipment operate effectively. However, treating cooling towers as \u201cset it and forget it\u201d equipment can mean missing opportunities to reduce energy consumption, conserve water and improve overall system efficiency.\r\n
Optimizing cooling tower performance requires looking beyond the tower itself. Fan operation, equipment sizing, water management, system controls and maintenance can all influence energy and water consumption. \u00a0Below are several strategies that can help facilities maximize cooling tower efficiency while supporting reliable system performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cooling tower fans represent a significant opportunity for energy savings. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) allow fan speed to adjust based on cooling demand rather than operating continuously at full speed.<\/p>\r\n
For multicell cooling towers, operating fans together at reduced speeds can provide significant efficiency benefits. Fan power follows a cubic relationship with speed. At 50% fan speed, for example, approximately one-eighth of the horsepower is required.<\/p>\r\n
Rather than running one fan at full speed while other cells remain idle, distributing the cooling load across available cells and operating multiple fans at lower speeds can help reduce overall energy consumption.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cooling tower size can influence long-term operating efficiency. Larger cooling towers provide more surface area for heat transfer, potentially allowing the required cooling duty to be achieved with lower airflow and reduced fan horsepower.<\/p>\r\n
While larger equipment may require a higher initial investment, lower operating energy requirements can help offset that cost over the life of the cooling tower.<\/p>\r\n
Approach temperature is also an important consideration. As the difference between cold water temperature and ambient wet-bulb temperature becomes smaller, cooling tower size and cost can increase significantly. Selecting equipment based on realistic operating requirements can help balance thermal performance, energy use and initial investment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cooling tower efficiency should not be evaluated in isolation. The tower is part of a larger system, and optimizing overall energy consumption means considering its impact on the chiller.<\/p>\r\n
When operating conditions allow, reducing condenser water supply temperature can improve chiller efficiency. Because the chiller often represents a substantial portion of system energy consumption, using additional cooling tower capability to reduce chiller load may result in greater overall energy savings.<\/p>\r\n
Facilities may also consider free cooling, or a waterside economizer. Using a heat exchanger, favorable ambient wet-bulb conditions can cool the chilled water loop without operating the chiller, reducing system energy consumption.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Variable flow strategies can help facilities make better use of available cooling tower surface area. Distributing water across more cells at reduced flow rates can allow fans to operate at lower speeds while still providing the required cooling.<\/p>\r\n
Maintaining proper water distribution is important at reduced flow. In crossflow cooling towers, nozzle cups can serve as passive flow regulators, helping maintain uniform water distribution across the fill media during partial-flow conditions.<\/p>\r\n
Combining variable flow with appropriate fan control allows operators to take greater advantage of the relationship between fan speed and horsepower while maintaining cooling performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cooling tower efficiency extends beyond electricity use. As water evaporates, dissolved solids remain behind and become increasingly concentrated. A portion of the circulating water must therefore be removed through blowdown to help control scale and solids accumulation.<\/p>\r\n
Increasing cycles of concentration (COC) can reduce blowdown requirements and overall water consumption. Conductivity controllers can help operators monitor water conditions and maximize cycles while maintaining appropriate water quality.<\/p>\r\n
For facilities with challenging source water conditions, the Marley WaterGard\u2122 Water Usage Optimizer provides another option. WaterGard preconditions cooling tower makeup water by reducing minerals commonly found in municipal water supplies, enabling higher operating COC and reducing both supply water and blowdown requirements. Depending on source water conditions, WaterGard can potentially enable operation at 10 COC or more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Condensate recovery can provide another valuable source of cooling tower makeup water. In many HVAC systems, condensate collected from cooling coils can be routed to the cooling tower rather than discharged.<\/p>\r\n
Because this condensate is relatively high-quality water and is typically generated when the cooling system is operating, it can be well suited for cooling tower use. Capturing this otherwise unused water can help reduce demand for fresh makeup water and contribute to broader water-conservation goals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Even well-designed efficiency strategies can lose effectiveness when cooling tower equipment is not properly maintained. Scale buildup on fill media can disrupt airflow and water distribution, forcing fans and chillers to work harder.<\/p>\r\n
Routine inspection and cleaning of basins, fill media and water distribution components can help maintain efficient operation. Basin filtration can also help prevent debris and pipe scale from plugging nozzles.<\/p>\r\n
Following manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules and addressing potential issues before they affect performance can help reduce downtime, extend equipment life and maintain system efficiency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maximizing cooling tower efficiency requires an active approach to system operation. Fan controls, condenser water temperatures, variable flow, water management and preventive maintenance can all help lower operating costs and reduce resource consumption. By considering the cooling tower as part of the entire cooling system, facility owners and operators can balance thermal performance with long-term energy and water savings.<\/p>\r\n
With the right equipment, controls and operating strategies, cooling towers can effectively reject heat while helping facilities reduce their environmental footprint and make better use of energy and water resources. SPX Cooling Tech offers solutions, technologies and expertise designed to help optimize cooling system performance and efficiency.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31471","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-blog","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n