Advantages of a Cooling Tower System for Gensets
- High Efficiency in Hot Climates: The evaporative process allows the system to cool the water to a temperature very close to the ambient wet-bulb temperature, which is lower than the ambient dry-bulb temperature. This is far more efficient than a dry ACHE in high ambient temperatures.
- Compact Engine Cooling System: The actual heat rejection unit (the cooling tower) can be located remotely, often on the roof. This allows for a much smaller engine room footprint compared to a large, integrated ACHE.
- Ideal for High-Capacity, Continuous Duty: For large prime power gensets (e.g., >2 MW) running for long periods, the efficiency and capacity of a cooling tower are often necessary and more cost-effective over time.
- Potential for Heat Recovery: The hot water from the engine loop (before the heat exchanger) can be easily tapped for facility heating or other processes.