Optimizing and simulating cooling of electric transformer room utilizing genetic algorithm to reduce electricity/water demand by incorporating borehole ground heat exchangers

Abstract

BackgroundIn this study, the optimization of the transformer room cooling systems was discussed and investigated. According to the cooling requirements of the transformer room (airflow and maximum temperature), a water-cooled chiller and air conditioner were used. MethodsBy using numerical analysis, the mass/energy of the cooling tower was studied. To improve the effectiveness of the cooling strategy, the cooling tower was removed and the ground heat exchanger was incorporated into the cooling system. ResultsBased on the numerical analysis, if the ground heat exchanger is added, the electricity and water demand was reduced by 12.65 kWh and 1.94 m3 per square meter. The performance of the geothermal heat exchanger depends on the number of pipes, but the amount of dependence decreases with the increase in the number of pipes. To find the best number of tubes, the genetic algorithm was used and it was observed that if the number of tubes reaches sixteen, for every one percent increase in costs, the heat transfer in the geothermal exchanger increases by 2.54 percent.