How Evaporative Pre-Cooling Enhances HVAC Peak Summer Performance
Summer can be a challenging time for properties with air-cooled chillers and large DX equipment, especially buildings with older equipment or undersized equipment. This is especially true with the record setting high temperatures in many geographies over the past several years.
As the temperature rises, so does the demand for air conditioning, and HVAC systems can struggle to keep up with the load. This can lead to compressor failure and keep machinery from operating efficiently or all together. However, by installing evaporative pre-cooling on their HVAC system, commercial and industrial properties can improve their performance on peak, high-temperature days and ensure a comfortable and productive environment for their occupants.
Evaporative pre-cooling is a simple yet effective process that works by lowering the temperature of the outside air before it enters the HVAC system. This can be achieved through the use of specialized cooling pads or media that are saturated with water. As the outside air passes through the pads, it is cooled through the process of evaporation, and the cooled air is then drawn into the HVAC system for further cooling and distribution. This is done without adding any humidity to the indoor air.
An evaporative pre-cooling system installed on an air-cooled chiller.
So, how can evaporative pre-cooling enhance peak summer performance on commercial HVAC? Here are some key benefits:
Reduced Energy Consumption
By pre-cooling the outside air before it enters the HVAC system, evaporative pre-cooling can help reduce the load on the system. This means that the HVAC system has to work less to achieve the desired temperature, which in turn leads to lower energy consumption and lower energy bills for the commercial property.
Demand charges can often drive more than half of a commercial property’s energy bill and are typically calculated based on the highest amount of electricity used by a during a billing cycle. They are intended to cover the costs of the utility company’s infrastructure and equipment necessary to meet the peak demand of the property. In some cases, the demand charge can make up a significant portion of the commercial utility bill, particularly for properties with high demand during peak periods. Some utility companies may have demand charges that range from 30% to 70% of the total utility bill.
Increased Cooling Capacity
During peak days, when the demand for air conditioning is at its highest, HVAC systems can struggle to keep up. This can lead to reduced cooling capacity, resulting in discomfort and decreased productivity for occupants. However, by incorporating evaporative pre-cooling, the HVAC system can increase its cooling capacity and keep the environment comfortable for everyone.
Lower Maintenance Costs
When HVAC systems are working at maximum capacity, they are more prone to breakdowns and maintenance issues. However, with evaporative pre-cooling, the load on the system is reduced, putting less strain on the components and resulting in lower maintenance costs and fewer breakdowns.
In conclusion, evaporative pre-cooling is an effective and cost-efficient way to improve the performance of commercial HVAC systems on peak days. By reducing energy consumption, increasing cooling capacity, and lowering maintenance costs, evaporative pre-cooling can help commercial properties provide a comfortable and productive environment for their occupants, even on the hottest days of the year.