By controlling these four variables — and continuously measuring total kW/ton — AI can optimize a chiller plant to the limit permitted by mechanical condition.
That limit is real And it matters.
We move to the variable that dominates centrifugal chiller electrical efficiency:
Compressor lift.
If there is one concept every operator should understand about chiller performance, it is this:
Lift drives compressor kW/ton.
But as we will see, reducing lift is powerful — and dangerous if misunderstood.
This article focuses on the evaporator and condensers, specifically the flooded shell-and-tubes used in most large centrifugal chillers, and answers a fundamental question:
What actually makes an evaporator “efficient”?
Cooling Tower “Efficiency” vs. Actual Energy Efficiency (Greatest Misconception)
Cooling towers are often described as being “efficient” when the water leaving the tower is very close to the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. This common misconception results from the thermodynamic efficiency formula…
In this part, we will explore the factors that drive the cooling effect in a cooling tower. In Part 2, we will discuss the difference between cooling tower thermodynamical efficiency and electrical efficiency (kW/ton).
By controlling these four variables — and continuously measuring total kW/ton — AI can optimize a chiller plant to the limit permitted by mechanical condition.
That limit is real And it matters.
We move to the variable that dominates centrifugal chiller electrical efficiency:
Compressor lift.
If there is one concept every operator should understand about chiller performance, it is this:
Lift drives compressor kW/ton.
But as we will see, reducing lift is powerful — and dangerous if misunderstood.
This article focuses on the evaporator and condensers, specifically the flooded shell-and-tubes used in most large centrifugal chillers, and answers a fundamental question:
What actually makes an evaporator “efficient”?
Cooling Tower “Efficiency” vs. Actual Energy Efficiency (Greatest Misconception)
Cooling towers are often described as being “efficient” when the water leaving the tower is very close to the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. This common misconception results from the thermodynamic efficiency formula…
In this part, we will explore the factors that drive the cooling effect in a cooling tower. In Part 2, we will discuss the difference between cooling tower thermodynamical efficiency and electrical efficiency (kW/ton).
