A feasibility study on energy saving through reclaiming excess condensed water into cooling tower circulation

• Main Authors: Harudin N., Md Saad J., Chen C.T., Wan Muhamad W.Z.A.
• Other Authors: 56319654100
• Format: Article
• Published: Research India Publications 2023

This paper investigates the potential of energy saving on cooling tower system by utilizing the condensate from Air Handling Units (AHUs). The proposed condensation system is to channel the condensate into the inlet condenser pipeline which is connected to the top of cooling towers. Mixing the condensate with higher condenser water temperature lowering the inlet cooling tower water temperature from its set value of 35�C to 32.9�C. Merkel Theory is used to determine the tower characteristic of the new inlet condenser water temperature through analysis of enthalpies and temperatures of air and water. The value of 0.836 is obtained and proven to be within design range of cooling tower characteristics curves. Lowering the inlet condenser water temperature to 32.9�C means that less energy is required to cool the outlet cooling tower water temperature to 30�C, therefore reducing the speed of cooling tower fan, hence reducing the fan power consumption. Based on the theoretical calculation, the energy saving of one cooling tower (3-cell) by utilizing the proposed condensate system is 688.94 kW monthly, an increase of 80.5 % from the existing system which indirectly contributing to lower carbon emission to environment. A conceptual model on utilization of condensate from AHUs into cooling tower system is design to provide better view and guidance for future references. � Research India Publications.