Chiller energy penalty

Definition

The added electricity a chiller draws when condenser fouling raises the approach temperature, quantified as roughly 1.5 to 2 percent per degree Fahrenheit of approach rise.

For a 1,000-ton chiller at 0.60 kW per ton, a 5 degree Fahrenheit approach increase at 2 percent per degree adds about 60 kW of draw, costing roughly 24,000 dollars more per year at the example rate. This is why scale and biofilm on condenser tubes are energy problems, not just water problems. The penalty links water treatment performance directly to the facility’s power bill.

Related concepts

Cooling tower ton · Condenser approach temperature · Increased lift

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🛠️ operations