HVAC control- Regulate cooling-tower water temperature and save energy

“My cooling tower is a constant concern. Maintenance needs vary widely depending on the season, and the installation uses too much energy. I want a solution that will improve yield and reduce costs.”

Use speed drives to regulate the tower’s fan and pump

Solution applicable to medium-sized to large buildings with cooling tower

The best way to control air-water exchange in a cooling tower is to use variable speed drives to control  the tower’s fan and pump, eliminating additional maintenance-hungry mechanical systems while  meeting the tower’s needs. A PLC regulates fan airflow and pump volume via the variable speed drives.

This solution uses up to 50% less energy than direct-start fans and pumps and eases maintenance. Over a given season, the fan and pump motors must operate at full speed just 2% to 5% of the time—the rest of the time this energy is wasted. Direct-start motors require additional mechanical systems to solve problems like fan blade rotation due to wind, or additional resistance due to freezing.

This solution uses 20% less energy than two-speed motors and also improves maintenance. While two-speed motors offer a partial solution to energy consumption issues, they do nothing to resolve maintenance issues.

> Reduce energy consumption
> Improve yield by regulating water temperature
> Lower maintenance requirements, especially in extreme weather
> Quieter operation
> Low harmonics: THDI < 30%
> Eliminates inrush current due to motor start-up

+ Simpler mechanics (no brakes, sensors, or rotation inverters)
+ Facilitates motor sizing (over-speed and standby modes available)
+ Enhanced process regulation
+ Extends lifetime of mechanical components
+ Facilitates maintenance planning