DISTRICT COOLING SYSTEM: WHY IS DIRECTCONDENSATION BETTER?

A District Cooling Plant produces and distributes thermal energy in the form of chilledwater from a central source to multiple buildings through a network of pipes. Thecondensation techniques utilised by District Cooling System are classified into two:

1. Direct condensation2. Indirect condensation

Now let’s take a look at the differences between direct and indirect condensation:

In a direct condensation, the cooling water directly goes into the building's internalpiping system whereas a heat exchanger separates the internal and external systems inan indirect condensation system. The prime difference between direct and indirectsystems is the secondary water cycle. Indirect condensation makes use of thesecondary water cycle which is absent in the direct condensation.

In Indirect Condensation, if the encompassing wet bulb temperature is 31°C and thecooling tower is utilized with a methodology of 4°C then the cooling water will be 35°C.Water will be warmed up to 39°C in the condenser, so the consolidating temperature willbe 41°C, resulting in a methodology of 10°C.

In the Direct Condensation, the ambient wet-bulb temperature is 31°C, condensationhappens at 39°C as the temperature difference of the cooling water loop is omitted,resulting in a total approach of 8°C.

Advantages of direct condensation

❖ The compressor's electrical consumption is reduced by up to 6%.❖ The omission of the cooling water loops saves an additional 8% of energy

consumption.❖ Chilled water air conditioning instead of toxic refrigeration❖ The overall energy consumption of the cooling plant is reduced by up to 14%.❖ Reduction in carbon footprint❖ Ideal for Middle East district cooling

❖ Space-saving due to the elimination of cooling water circuit and cooling waterpumps

❖ Reduced noise and potential environmental hazards❖ Low-cost cooling solution

Hope you now understand the benefits of a direct condensation district cooling system.This is an excellent choice for residential, academic, leisure and healthcareenvironments.