How does increased efficiency in a cooling tower lead to increased efficiency elsewhere?
As mentioned before, as water efficiency increases, less blowdown is required. As a result, less chemical is used which results in both economic and environmental benefits. In many cases, a sewer credit is available and reducing the blowdown increases cost savings.
If a system has significant scale buildup in the tower fill or in the condenser tubes in the chiller, implementing the right program can improve heat transfer efficiency, which reduces the workload on the compressor, resulting in electrical savings. The optimal water treatment program will save water, conserve energy, protect the equipment and reduce maintenance costs. Understanding and monitoring the water performance of the cooling tower system will enable a facility manager to operate the system safely and reduce the total cost of operations overall. Finally, every site is unique, but success breeds success. Once sites can begin operating optimally, facility managers can share their successful techniques, creating a more efficient operation across the organization.
Answers provided by Bill Harfst from the AT&T-EDF project team. Harfst is an independent water management consultant with Harfst and Associates, Inc. He has 40 years of experience in water treatment.
The First Step in Evaluating Cooling Tower Efficiency
How To Track And Measure Cooling Tower Efficiency Improvements
Minimizing Cooling Tower Blowdown
Water Savings From Cooling Tower Efficiency Strategies
Cooling Tower Efficiency Leads To Other Efficiencies
