Centrifugal Compressors w/ Evap. Condensers?

[gem24]

Are there any potential problems with using centrifugal compressors with evaporative condensers? (800 tons)

 

[imok2]

The question begs a "how would you do this or I know it can be done but what are the consequencies"? My question is " have you heard of this being done and who makes these cond for centrifugal application"

 

[quark]

No problems as such. An evaporative condenser is hybridized model of cooling tower and a condenser and technically there is no difference. You have to have a correct sizing.

Regards,

 

[imok2]

Quark Are you saying you have done this and or know it's been done; if so, please let me know of more details if able or a web site Much Appreciated.

 

[Cooky]

As quark says, it's all down to the sizing.

These are big pieces of equipment, and if your not familiar with selecting this type & size of equipment a mistake would be very expensive.

It's not as simple as matching a small split DX system, so proceed with caution.

Cooky

 

[gem24]

Yes, I understand sizing is of importance. I was worried about possible surging due to lower head pressure. Is this a valid concern?

 

[Cooky]

Hi gem24,

Yes, surging could be a problem. Are you planning to construct a centrifugal chiller from scratch, or is the evaporative condenser a modification to an existing chiller?

 

[gem24]

Currently the centrifugal chiller is using a water cooled condenser. I am investigating the advantage of using an evap. condenser (cooling tower) to increase efficiency but was concerned about possible problems with lower head pressure.
Thanks for your help!

 

[imok2]

You will have to talk to mfg because of the possibility of pressure drop on the lift which is rather small compaired to Pos Disp comp, thats why I questioned weather it was being done.

 

[quark]

Actually I never did it so far nor seen it for centrifugals. Imok2 raised a valid point about lift and I think this can be overcome by placing compressor at a heigher elevation(just out of theory).

Surge problems can be taken care by a liquid receiver.

 

[HVAC68]

Wish all the lift problems could be solved by placing the compressor at a higher elevation !!!

I agree with imok2 - you need to talk to the manufacturer to ensure that surging doesn't happen at low loads.

HVAC68

 

[gem2423]

Thank you all for your help with this. The manufacturer suggested not to use a cooling tower but my boss and I couldn't find a reason why.

Thanks again.

 

[quark]

He may be in a tie up with the evaporative condenser guys.