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Cooling Towers, The Neglected Energy Resource
Abstract
Loving care is paid to the compressors,
condensers, and computer programs of
refrigeration systems. When problems arise,
operator: run around in circles with expensive
"fixes", but historically ignore the poor orphan,
the cooling tower perched on the roof or located
somewhere in the backyard. When the cooling
water is too hot, high temperature cut-outs occur
and more energy must be provided to the motors
to maintain the refrigeration cycle.
Cooling Towers:
1) . . . are just as important a link in the
chain as the other equipment,
2) ... are an important source of energy
conservation,
3) ... can be big money makers, and
4 ) .. . operators should be aware of the
potential of maximizing cold water.
Most towers designed over 20 years ago were
inefficiently engineered due to cheap power and
the "low bidder" syndrome. Operating energy
costs were ignored and purchasing criteria was to
award the contract to the lowest bidder.
This paper investigates internal elements of
typical towers, delineates their functions and
shows how to upgrade them in the real world for
energy savings and profitability of operation.
Citation
Burger, R. (1985). Cooling Towers, The Neglected Energy Resource. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6776.