TIPS TO IMPROVE COOLING TOWER EFFICIENCY DURING THE SUMMER
Did you know you can make your cooling tower more efficient this summer? All you need is the right guidance. This article will walk you through the steps needed to keep your industrial cooling system in working order all year round.
How Does a Cooling Tower Work?
Cooling towers are typically found in industrial settings, as they are utilized for cooling water used in manufacturing processes. The process is called “cooling” because the water removes heat from the air.
So, what is a cooling tower? A cooling tower is a heat exchanger used to cool water that has been used to turn energy into electricity. When the water is heated by the plant’s machinery, it transfers its heat to the air and becomes cooler. If all goes as planned, we end up with cold water that can be reused in the plant or sent back into the environment.
That being said, there are many ways in which you can improve the efficiency of cooling tower systems. For example, you can use a smaller or larger fan for better distribution of air, or you can upgrade your pump for more efficient pumping.
Find out how cooling towers and chillers work together.
What Factors Affect Cooling Tower Efficiency?
The performance of a cooling tower is largely dependent on the amount of heat the tower can remove from the water, which is determined by a few different things. The factors below all play a role in how much heat can be removed from the water.
- Wet-bulb temperature
- Approach to the wet-bulb temperature
- Cooling range
- Tower height
- Water circulation rate
- Air velocity through the tower’s air passageways
Summertime Cooling Tower Maintenance Tips
Summer is the perfect time for a break. It is also the perfect time for a cooling tower maintenance check. After all, most industrial chiller failures are caused by a lack of proper maintenance. Here are some tips to help you maintain your industrial cooling tower systems during this summer season.
1. Inspect your cooling tower regularly.
It is important to inspect your cooling tower fans regularly so that you can identify any problems before they become bigger problems and lead to downtime or even replacement costs. You should also make sure that you are following all manufacturer recommendations when it comes time for regular inspections, such as changing out filters on a regular basis.
2. Check the water level.
It is important to check the water level in the water cooling tower on a regular basis. If there is too much water, it will overflow and leak out. This can be very costly because you have to replace the water that has leaked and fix the physical damage caused by the leak.
3. Ensure the pipes are insulated properly.
Insulating pipes is often overlooked as a maintenance task for cooling towers. Insulation keeps the pipe warm in winter and cool in summer, which helps to reduce energy consumption when running the industrial cooling tower pump. It also helps prevent any accidental freezing or bursting pipes due to low temperatures.
4. Maintain a clean cooling tower surface.
Cooling tower cleaning is a must. It is important to keep the surface of the tower clean to maintain efficiency and avoid corrosion. The best way to do this is with a pressure washer. It is also recommended that you periodically inspect the inside of the tower for any debris, dirt, or dust that may have accumulated there as well.
5. Listen for unusual noises.
If you hear unusual noises coming from your HVAC cooling tower, it is a sign that something might be wrong. If there are no leaks or damage, then the most likely culprit is low water levels. This can happen for various reasons including evaporation, improper drainage, or low water pressure. Noisy cooling tower systems could be a sign of trouble and should not be ignored! Contact a professional immediately if you need cooling tower repairs.
How to Prevent Summer Chiller Maintenance from Eating Up Your Budget
Summer chiller maintenance is a necessary part of any facility that has a cooling system on the premises. It is important to keep in mind that this type of maintenance is not just for the cooling system. Summer chiller maintenance also includes checking and cleaning the condenser coils, inspecting the compressor and other cooling tower parts, and replacing air filters.
Contact Cold Shot Chillers for a Free Quote Today
Based in Houston, Texas, Cold Shot Chillers is an industrial chiller company that specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial cooling systems. We have a wide range of solutions that are built to meet the needs of customers from various industries. A few of our best-selling products include:
- Air-Cooled Chillers
- Water-Cooled Chillers
- Industrial Chiller Parts & Accessories
- Used & Refurbished Industrial Chillers
- And more!
Contact us today to find out more about our services.