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U.S. Department of Energy
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District cooling: Phase 2, Direct freeze ice slurry system testing

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6300918· OSTI ID:6300918

The objectives of this research are to: extend the range of pressure drop data for ice-water slurry flows, and design and build a prototypical ice slurry distribution system which demonstrates ice slurry handling at an end user's heat exchanger, without sending ice slurry directly through the heat exchanger. The results of Phase 1 work demonstrated a 40% reduction in pump power required to move an ice-water slurry versus the same mass flow of water only. In addition to lower pressure drop, pumping ice slurries is advantageous because of the large latent and sensible heat cooling capacity stored in the ice compared to only sensible heat in chilled water. For example, an ice-water slurry with a 20% ice fraction (by mass) has a mass flow rate that is 70% less than the mass flow rate required for a chilled water system cooling and equivalent load. The greatly reduced mass flow combined with the friction reducing effects of ice-water slurries results in a total savings of 83% in pumping power. Therefore, a substantial savings potential exists for capital costs and system operating costs in ice-water slurry district cooling systems. One potential disadvantage of an ice-slurry district cooling system is the introduction of ice into equipment not so designed, such as air handlers at end user locations. A prototypic ice slurry distribution loop will demonstrate a cooling network which will provide ice slurry to an end user but sends ice free water into the actual heat transfer.

Research Organization:
Chicago Bridge and Iron Technical Services Co., Plainfield, IL (USA). Research Center
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/CE
DOE Contract Number:
FG01-88CE26559
OSTI ID:
6300918
Report Number(s):
DOE/CE/26559-T7; ON: DE91005710
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English