Journal of Korean Institute of Architectural Sustainable Environment and Building Systems ISSN:1976-6483(Print) 2586-0666(Online) 한국건축친환경설비학회논문집

Generally, cooling towers are operated at the nominal value by fixing the condenser water temperature to 32°C. However, it is expected that based on outdoor air, condenser water can be produced at temperatures lower than the nominal value excluding daytime hours in the summer season. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of a refrigeration cycle, the chiller COP increases if the inlet temperature of the condenser is lower. Accordingly, in this study, total amount of time when low-temperature condenser water could be produced, thereby imparting an improvement on the chiller, and assess the condenser water temperature during that time are examined. For calculation, EnergpyPlus v.9.3 was used and the typical meteorological data for Busan, Seoul, Chuncheon, and Daegwallyeong, representing a total of 4 climate zones were applied. In addition, in order to produce low-temperature condenser water, a two-speed control cooling fan and a variable flow-rate pump were adapted. From the result of the simulation, 24 to 27°C condenser water for 77% the cooling system operating time in Busan, and 94% of the cooling system operating time in Seoul was produced, and 21 to 24°C condenser water for 55% of the cooling system operating time in Chuncheon and, 82% of the cooling season operating time in Daegwallyeong was produced. Additionally, during the intermediate season, 24 to 27°C condenser water for 99% of the cooling system operation time in Busan and Seoul was produced, and 21 to 24°C condenser water for 99% and 98% of the cooling system operation time in Chuncheon and Daegwallyeong was produced respectively.