Greener Upgrades blog series #4
Introduction
Industrial cooling is key to the smooth operation of various industries, though a lack of expertise from suppliers often limits success. Specifying a rightsized cooling package is crucial for optimal performance, efficient operations, and cost-effectiveness. Without rightsizing, hired equipment can become a large expense due to inefficiencies. Several critical factors must be carefully considered, here are some key aspects to focus on:
1) Rightsizing the cooling application
- Cooling duty: accurate design parameters are crucial to prevent oversizing, ensuring the chiller's capacity aligns precisely with the system's needs.
- Flow rate: the flow rate impacts the level of heat transfer in a process. Understanding and specifying equipment with the correct flow rate is essential for optimal performance.
- Delta T for leaving and return fluid temp: precision in determining temperature differentials is vital in rightsizing equipment, getting this measure wrong can lead to inefficiencies and excess energy consumption.
- Fluid type/glycol concentration: these details significantly impact the cooling system's effectiveness, it is essential that the right fluid type and concentration is specified and monitored.
- Application criticality/redundancy: tailoring the system to the specific application's criticality and redundancy requirements is essential for seamless operations.
- Ambient temperatures: understanding ambient conditions throughout the hire period, considering the time of year, and the duration of use is crucial for rightsizing.
2) Efficiency
The next step is to look at the efficiency rating. Efficiency can be measured as the Cooling Coefficient of Performance (COP) or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). A high COP or EER relates to a more efficient electrical input in relation to cooling output, translating to more efficient power consumption for the KW of cooling provided.
3) Lower GWP Refrigerants
Opting for lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants aligns with environmental regulations, sustainability targets & reduces climate impact should the refrigerants be lost to the atmosphere. As part of our Greener Upgrades initiative, we have taken steps to convert our fleet of R134a screw chillers, to an R513A alternative, reducing the GWP of our fleet by up to 60%.
4) Rightsizing the power system
Matching the power demand of a cooling solution with the appropriate generator or utility package means more efficient operations and reduced fuel consumption and costs. It involves understanding the likely power requirements of the project and aligning the power provision with the demand.
To find out more visit our blog - how to rightsize a power package.
5) Leveraging smart technology
Remote monitoring gives the valuable insights needed to ensure the cooling package is operating at peak performance. At Aggreko, all our cooling equipment is fitted with remote monitoring technology as standard.
With Aggreko Remote Monitoring (ARM), we can monitor the health of our cooling equipment including return fluid and leaving temperatures to enables us to understand whether the package is appropriately sized, and remotely control the equipment to ensure maximum efficiency, reducing emissions and saving fuel costs.
With Aggreko Remote Monitoring (ARM), we can monitor the health of our cooling equipment including return fluid and leaving temperatures to enables us to understand whether the package is appropriately sized, and remotely control the equipment to ensure maximum efficiency, reducing emissions and saving fuel costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a meticulous approach to rightsizing, coupled with a focus on efficiency and leveraging smart technology, ensures a cooling package that meets specific requirements while minimising environmental impact and operational costs. Whether you need supplementary cooling during peak demand, backup for planned maintenance or an emergency replacement, our technical specialists will quickly deploy equipment and monitor performance to give you a continued, dependable service.