Rethinking chiller plant design
- Meckler Group, Encino, CA (United States)
While most refrigeration chillers operate today on electricity, the use of natural gas is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative. This is largely because electricity does not use energy very efficiency (because of transmission and combustion fuel losses), high demand charges, and the high incremental cost of electricity to operate chillers. The use of gas engine-driven chillers eliminates the high incremental cost of electricity. Additionally, gas engine-driven systems can operate with COPs up to 1.8 and, therefore, are economically viable alternatives. Recent advances in gas engine-driven and DFA absorption chillers, and in commercially viable solid and liquid desiccant-cooling systems, suggest a bright future for the gas industry. The use of such equipment in conjunction with or in place of commercially available electrical-powered alternatives can significantly impact demand-side management savings for utility ratepayers in the short run and provide significant hybrid opportunities for deregulated markets in the intermediate to long term.
- OSTI ID:
- 624268
- Journal Information:
- Energy Engineering, Vol. 95, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
INNOVATIVE HYBRID GAS/ELECTRIC CHILLER COGENERATION
Don`t overlook natural gas cooling equipment