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Energy conservation improvement and ON–OFF switch times reduction for an existing VFD-fan-based cooling tower

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  • Chang, Chun-Cheng
  • Shieh, Shyan-Shu
  • Jang, Shi-Shang
  • Wu, Chan-Wei
  • Tsou, Ying

Abstract

The increasing economic advantage of replacing traditional two-speed fans with variable-frequency drive (VFD) fans has been gaining popularity in the industry. However, concerns regarding frequent ON/OFF switching and the lack of a well-devised controller have discouraged widespread adoption. In this study, a temperature zone method is proposed to replace the set-point method of fan control. Additionally, the highest output water temperature allowed in the process is set as the upper limit of a zone in order to further conserve energy. Both strategies are comprehensively analyzed for a virtual cooling tower that uses operational data from an existing VFD-fan-based cooling tower system in Taiwan. The results show energy savings of 38% for a 0.75°C zone without increasing the ON/OFF switching frequency. The proposed strategies were further verified via an on-line field experiment. The proposed methods can be universally and easily applied to any existing cooling tower, and have significant implications for energy conservation if adopted globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang, Chun-Cheng & Shieh, Shyan-Shu & Jang, Shi-Shang & Wu, Chan-Wei & Tsou, Ying, 2015. "Energy conservation improvement and ON–OFF switch times reduction for an existing VFD-fan-based cooling tower," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 491-499.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:154:y:2015:i:c:p:491-499
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.05.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stabat, Pascal & Marchio, Dominique, 2004. "Simplified model for indirect-contact evaporative cooling-tower behaviour," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 78(4), pages 433-451, August.
    2. Yu, F.W. & Chan, K.T., 2006. "Improved condenser design and condenser-fan operation for air-cooled chillers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(6), pages 628-648, June.
    3. Yu, F.W. & Chan, K.T., 2008. "Optimization of water-cooled chiller system with load-based speed control," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(10), pages 931-950, October.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Clemente García Cutillas & Javier Ruiz Ramírez & Manuel Lucas Miralles, 2017. "Optimum Design and Operation of an HVAC Cooling Tower for Energy and Water Conservation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-27, March.
    2. Ma, Keyan & Liu, Mingsheng & Zhang, Jili, 2021. "Online optimization method of cooling water system based on the heat transfer model for cooling tower," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    3. Ju-wan Ha & Yu-jin Kim & Kyung-soon Park & Young-hak Song, 2022. "Energy Saving Evaluation with Low Liquid to Gas Ratio Operation in HVAC&R System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-29, October.
    4. Li, Xiaoxiao & Gurgenci, Hal & Guan, Zhiqiang & Wang, Xurong & Duniam, Sam, 2017. "Measurements of crosswind influence on a natural draft dry cooling tower for a solar thermal power plant," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 1169-1183.
    5. Olszewski, Pawel, 2022. "Experimental analysis of ON/OFF and variable speed drive controlled industrial chiller towards energy efficient operation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    6. Junqi Wang & Rundong Liu & Linfeng Zhang & Hussain Syed ASAD & Erlin Meng, 2019. "Triggering Optimal Control of Air Conditioning Systems by Event-Driven Mechanism: Comparing Direct and Indirect Approaches," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-20, October.
    7. Huang, Sen & Zuo, Wangda & Sohn, Michael D., 2016. "Amelioration of the cooling load based chiller sequencing control," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 204-215.

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