Abstract
ABSTRACT This article evaluates the economics of alternative cooling tower capacity control methods. Annual fan electrical energy requirements are calculated for towers with single-speed, two-speed, and variable-speed fans. Fan energy requirements are determined counter-flow and cross-flow towers designed for low initial cost and for energy efficiency. Effectiveness-NTU equations are solved to predict cooling tower performance with the fan running at various speeds. Natural convection, which determines the cooling capacity when the fan is off, is accounted for using a mean enthalpy difference. Ambient conditions are simulated using typical meteorological year data for five locations. The results show that potential savings are not strongly dependent on the approach temperature, but are dependent on the range in colder climates. The potential for saving is greatest for cooling towers designed for low initial cost, and is generally higher in locations where the wet bulb temperature remains relatively consta...
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