October 8, 2008

ASHRAE Dinner Program: Energy & Water Savings with Cooling Tower Systems

The growing emphasis in energy efficiency and sustainability is leading to changes in heat rejection systems. Topics will include discussion of the following developing trends:

1. Increased energy efficiency - most models from the major manufacturers now comply with hp/ton requirements in 90.1, but options are available to reduce hp/ton.
2. System energy optimization- most multicell tower installations are not optimized to minimize system energy consumption. Review of options available to reduce energy consumption and extend service life on muliticell towers.
3. Although LEED and 90.1 allow air-cooled heat rejection systems even on large projects, some states are requiring the use of water cooled equipment on larger projects for increased energy efficiency.
4. Reduced condenser water pump energy consumption with optimized cooling tower selections.
5. Water and energy are scarce resources. The cooling tower may be the largest consumer of water in a typical office application. There are many trends to reduce water consumption. Hybrid systems using evaporative cooling in warmer temperatures and dry cooling in cooler temperatures reduce water consumption. Alternate sources for cooling tower water make-up including rain water, reclaimed water, and bleed also reduce the tower water consumption. Cooling tower bleed can also be used for irrigation and other applications to reduce building water consumption. Discussion will include the non chemical water treatment systems which are beginning to have an impact on the market and can contribute to water savings and water re-use.
   

Speaker: Kevin Morin

Kevin Morin has been involved in the application of heat rejection systems for over 20 years and is the President of the GFMorin Company. Kevin is a past president of the Ashrae National Capital Chapter. Kevin has a BSME in mechanical engineering from Duke University and an MBA from American University.