Condenser Water System Design
I have to design an open loop central condenser water system for a 9
story building in New York City. There is an abandoned project that I am
working from and already have selections for 2 cooling towers as well
as two condenser water pumps operating in series.
The goal is to
provide the system with capped and valves/(Forged Steel Valves) outlets at each floor for
tenant use. I should also mention that the 3 stories of this building
are retail (subcellar, cellar, ground) and floors 2-9 are class A office
space.
The building currently uses packaged air cooled ac units
within each tenant space but these are to be eliminated and all spaces
will be served by the new central condenser water system. Specifying ac
units, ductwork, etc is all outside our scope of work FYI.
I
don't have a particular question in mind but I have never designed a
condenser water system. I was hoping you guys could help me with design
considerations and maybe point me in the direction of some helpful
resources. My only experience with condenser water systems thus far in
my career has been tapping into them for small tenant fitout jobs (eg.
an office space).
Yes, as you described it as condeser water system, only water - cooled
units are to be expected, but that would be reversible heat pumps I
beleive, such building could have thermal balance for large part of
year, having commercial floors, for which it is not impossible that heat
gains allways "overpower" heat losses.
If that is the case, the cleverest designer thing could be to select year-round water temperature in your system.
And you might want to consider closed circuit towers. Sediment and scale etc from open towers tends to build up and choke the smaller coils in the units described. Water quality is rarely well managed.
Glycol will likely be required. Check your NYC disposal regulations, as you may need containment.
You will need to coordinate with the airside specifier to get the CWS&R temperatures & flow reqmts.
Office buildings have server rooms. Check owners SLA for availability - you may also need to put the tower fans, (spray pumps), DCW pumps on 24hr and/or backup power with water storage as required.
Other things to consider: Pumps, basin heaters, controls, vfd's on fans and/or pumps, tower materials, weight/structural load, space reqmts, dunnage, access platforms, pipe routes/supports/penetrations, expansion, water treatment, distribution, pipe materials, crane or helo lifting, road closures, to use crimp joints or not...
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