U.S. patent application number 14/514958 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for method and system for multi-purpose cooling.
The applicant listed for this patent is CLEAResult Consulting, Inc.. Invention is credited to Yuming Qiu, Michael Stachowiak.
Application Number | 20160109196 14/514958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55748766 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160109196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Qiu; Yuming ; et
al. |
April 21, 2016 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MULTI-PURPOSE COOLING
Abstract
A multi-purpose cooling method and system is disclosed that
includes a temperature sensor configured to sense a wet bulb
temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower. The system also
includes a first valve fluidically coupled to a first load center
and the cooling tower, and a second valve fluidically coupled to a
second load center and a chiller. The system further includes a
heat exchanger including a first inlet fluidically coupled to the
first valve and a second inlet fluidically coupled to the second
valve. The first valve is configured to direct a first fluid and
the second valve are configured to direct a second fluid according
to the wet bulb temperature, a first target incoming temperature of
the first fluid for the first load center, and a second target
incoming temperature of the second fluid for the second load
center.
Inventors: |
Qiu; Yuming; (Vancouver,
WA) ; Stachowiak; Michael; (Renton, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CLEAResult Consulting, Inc. |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55748766 |
Appl. No.: |
14/514958 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/296 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20745 20130101;
H05K 7/20836 20130101; F28F 27/003 20130101; F28F 27/02
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28F 27/02 20060101
F28F027/02; F28F 27/00 20060101 F28F027/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-purpose cooling system comprising: a temperature sensor
configured to sense a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a
cooling tower; a first valve fluidically coupled to a first load
center and the cooling tower; a second valve fluidically coupled to
a second load center and a chiller; and a heat exchanger including
a first inlet fluidically coupled to the first valve and a second
inlet fluidically coupled to the second valve, wherein the first
valve is configured to direct a first fluid and the second valve
are configured to direct a second fluid according to: the wet bulb
temperature, a first target incoming temperature of the first fluid
for the first load center, and a second target incoming temperature
of the second fluid for the second load center.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature
is greater than a first target temperature; and wherein the first
valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling
tower to the heat exchanger and the second valve is configured to
direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat
exchanger.
3. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a third valve
fluidically coupled to the first valve, the cooling tower, and a
bypass path for the cooling tower, wherein the third valve is
configured to direct the first fluid to the bypass path for the
cooling tower.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature
is greater than a second target temperature; and wherein the first
valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling
tower to the heat exchanger, and the second valve is configured to
direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat
exchanger and the chiller.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature
is greater than a third target temperature; and wherein the first
valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling
tower to the first load center, and the second valve is configured
to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the
chiller.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature
is greater than a fourth target temperature; and wherein the first
valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling
tower to the first load center and the heat exchanger, and the
second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the
second load center to the heat exchanger.
7. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a third valve
fluidically coupled to the second valve, the chiller, and a bypass
path for the chiller, wherein the third valve is configured to
direct the second fluid to the bypass path for the chiller; wherein
the wet bulb temperature is less than or equal to a fourth target
temperature; and wherein the first valve is configured to direct
the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger and
the second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the
second load center to the heat exchanger.
8. A method for a multi-purpose cooling system comprising:
obtaining a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling
tower from a temperature sensor; determining a first target
incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and
a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second
load center; based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above
a first target temperature: configuring a first valve to direct the
first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat exchanger, the first
valve fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling
tower, and the heat exchanger; and configuring a second valve to
direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat
exchanger, the second valve fluidically coupled to the second load
center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.
9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising configuring a
third valve to direct the first fluid to a bypass path for the
cooling tower, the third valve is fluidically coupled to the first
valve, the cooling tower, and the bypass path for the cooling
tower.
10. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on
determining the wet bulb temperature is above a second target
temperature: configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid
from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger, and configuring the
second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center
to the heat exchanger and the chiller.
11. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on
determining the wet bulb temperature is greater than a third target
temperature: configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid
from the cooling tower to the first load center; and configuring
the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load
center to the chiller.
12. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on
determining the wet bulb temperature is greater than a fourth
target temperature: configuring the first valve to direct the first
fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center and the heat
exchanger; and configuring the second valve to direct the second
fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.
13. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on the
wet bulb temperature being less than or equal to a fourth target
temperature: configuring a third valve to direct the second fluid
to a bypass path for the chiller, the third valve is fluidically
coupled to the second valve, the chiller, and the bypass path for
the chiller; configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid
from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger; and configuring the
second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center
to the heat exchanger.
14. A multi-purpose cooling system comprising: a processor; a
memory communicatively coupled to the processor; and
computer-executable instructions carried on a computer readable
medium, the instructions readable by the processor, the
instructions, when read and executed, for causing the processor to:
obtain a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower
from a temperature sensor; determine a first target incoming
temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and a second
target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second load
center; based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a
first target temperature: configure a first valve to direct the
first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat exchanger, the first
valve fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling
tower, and the heat exchanger; and configure a second valve to
direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat
exchanger, the second valve fluidically coupled to the second load
center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.
15. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the
instructions further cause the processor to configure a third valve
to direct the first fluid to a bypass path for the cooling tower,
the third valve is fluidically coupled to the first valve, the
cooling tower, and the bypass path for the cooling tower.
16. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the
instructions further cause the processor to, based on determining
the wet bulb temperature is above a second target temperature:
configure the first valve to direct the first fluid from the
cooling tower to the heat exchanger, and configure the second valve
to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat
exchanger and the chiller.
17. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the
instructions further cause the processor to, based on determining
the wet bulb temperature is greater than a third target
temperature: configure the first valve to direct the first fluid
from the cooling tower to the first load center; and configure the
second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center
to the chiller.
18. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the
instructions further cause the processor to, based on determining
the wet bulb temperature is greater than a fourth target
temperature: configure the first valve to direct the first fluid
from the cooling tower to the first load center and the heat
exchanger; and configure the second valve to direct the second
fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.
19. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the
instructions further cause the processor to, based on the wet bulb
temperature being less than or equal to a fourth target
temperature: configure a third valve to direct the second fluid to
a bypass path for the chiller, the third valve is fluidically
coupled to the second valve, the chiller, and the bypass path for
the chiller; configure the first valve to direct the first fluid
from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger; and configure the
second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center
to the heat exchanger.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to cooling systems
for building and process load centers, and more particularly to
multi-purpose cooling systems and associated methods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, cooling systems for industrial, computing,
commercial, and other load centers are designed to maintain
environmental standards. For example, modern computer data centers
have servers, switches, and networking equipment that are
maintained at particular environmental temperature and humidity
ranges. As such, data centers use a significant amount of energy to
operate, and in fact, data center energy use is one of the fastest
growing segments of energy consumption in the United States. This
fact drives data centers, especially large data centers, to find
and use more energy efficient methods and systems.
[0003] One way in which industrial, computing or data, and
commercial centers become more energy efficient is through
increasing the efficiency of associated cooling systems. Often a
building or facility that houses a computing or data center may
also include other functions, such as office space or manufacturing
facilities. These different functions may have different cooling
needs, but the building may have only one cooling system. For
example, a computing or data center that is cooled by a cooling
system may utilize chilled water in the range of approximately
fifty-five to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. However, a building or
portion of a building housing personnel that is cooled by a cooling
system may utilize chilled water in the range of approximately
forty to forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. It is costly to build two
separate cooling systems with different chilled water temperatures.
When a cooling system is configured to cool a building that
utilizes two different chilled water temperatures, the cooling
system may be configured to provide the lower temperature chilled
water throughout, creating inefficiencies in the cooling
system.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure, a multi-purpose cooling system includes a temperature
sensor configured to sense a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric
air at a cooling tower. The system also includes a first valve
fluidically coupled to a first load center and the cooling tower,
and a second valve fluidically coupled to a second load center and
a chiller. The system further includes a heat exchanger including a
first inlet fluidically coupled to the first valve and a second
inlet fluidically coupled to the second valve. The first valve is
configured to direct a first fluid and the second valve are
configured to direct a second fluid according to the wet bulb
temperature, a first target incoming temperature of the first fluid
for the first load center, and a second target incoming temperature
of the second fluid for the second load center.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method for a multi-purpose cooling system includes
obtaining a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling
tower from a temperature sensor, determining a first target
incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and
a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second
load center. Based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above
a first target temperature, the method includes configuring a first
valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat
exchanger. The first valve is fluidically coupled to the first load
center, the cooling tower, and the heat exchanger. The method
further includes configuring a second valve to direct the second
fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger. The second
valve is fluidically coupled to the second load center, a chiller,
and the heat exchanger.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a multi-purpose cooling system includes a processor, a
memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and
computer-executable instructions carried on a computer readable
medium. The instructions are readable by the processor, and when
read and executed, cause the processor to obtain a wet bulb
temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower from a
temperature sensor. The processor is further caused to determine a
first target incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load
center, and a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid
at a second load center. Based on determining the wet bulb
temperature is above a first target temperature, the processor is
caused to configure a first valve to direct the first fluid from
the cooling tower to a heat exchanger. The first valve is
fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling tower,
and the heat exchanger. The processor is also caused to configure a
second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center
to the heat exchanger. The second valve is fluidically coupled to
the second load center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features, and
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of an exemplary
cooling configuration that includes a multi-purpose cooling system
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an example psychometric chart showing an
exemplary cooling process utilizing a multi-purpose cooling system
in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for an example method for a
multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Often large buildings or facilities include multiple
functions or areas, such as one area for a computing or data center
and a separate area for personnel. Each of the different areas
included in a building may have different cooling needs or target
air temperatures. However, the building may be cooled by a cooling
system with a single cooling loop that provides one temperature of
chilled water or fluid to the entire building. The chilled water
temperature is set to provide the lowest target air temperature to
the entire building, which is inefficient and expensive to operate.
Thus, in some embodiments, the cooling loop of the cooling system
may be configured and operated to provide different chilled water
temperatures for the different functions in the building or
facility, also called "multi-purpose cooling." In some embodiments,
for multi-purpose cooling, the cooling system may also be
configured to transition between multiple modes of cooling based on
the wet bulb temperature and target air temperatures for the
different areas. As such, the cooling mode selected is more
efficient under the particular atmospheric conditions. The cooling
system provides seamless transitions between economizing (for
example, maximum utilization of free cooling through a cooling
tower) and mechanical cooling (for example, operating a chiller to
provide cooling). Further, embodiments of the present disclosure
may be retrofitted into existing cooling systems and included in
new cooling system designs.
[0012] Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best
understood by reference to FIGS. 1-3, wherein like numbers are used
to indicate like and corresponding parts.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of exemplary
cooling configuration 100 that includes multi-purpose cooling
system 180 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. Cooling configuration 100 may be utilized to cool load
centers 120a and 120b (collectively "load centers 120"). Design and
specifications relating to cooling configuration 100 may be based
on a target environment for load centers 120, which may include a
designed or target supply air temperature and a designed or target
humidity. Based on the target environment for load centers 120 and
the amount of heat generated (or "load") in load centers 120, the
incoming fluid temperature is specified. In some embodiments,
fluids 162a and 162b (collectively "fluids 162") may be chilled
water or other suitable fluid.
[0014] As an example, a large data center, such as load center
120a, may require a target supply air temperature between
approximately sixty-five and eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Based
on the heat load in load center 120a and the target supply air
temperature, the corresponding target incoming fluid temperature
(T.sub.120a) at inlet 150 may be specified. For example, based on
the heat load at load center 120a and supply air temperature of
approximately sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit, T.sub.120a may be
specified at approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit. As another
example, the same facility that houses office personnel, such as
load center 120b, may require a target incoming fluid temperature
(T.sub.120b) at inlet 152 at approximately forty-five degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0015] In some embodiments, cooling configuration 100 may be
designed to provide one incoming fluid temperature for load center
120a and a different incoming fluid temperature for load center
120b. In some embodiments, load centers 120a and 120b are
co-located in separate areas within the same facility or building.
In other embodiments, load centers 120a and 120b are located in
separate facilities or buildings serviced by the same cooling
configuration 100. Further, although FIG. 1 depicts two load
centers 120, any number of load centers with varied target supply
air temperatures may be included in embodiments of the present
disclosure. Moreover, load centers 120 may be any type of heat load
that requires cooling, such as a computing data center that
contains multiple computing systems, an industrial or manufacturing
center, a hospital, a school, or any other systems, buildings, or
facilities that generate heat during operation.
[0016] Cooling configuration 100 includes multi-purpose cooling
system 180 (also referred to as "cooling system 180") and
processing system 182. Fluids 162 circulate through cooling system
180 are at various temperatures at different sections of cooling
system 180. Cooling system 180 may be configured for different
modes of cooling. The selected mode of cooling may be based on the
wet bulb temperature, T.sub.WB, of atmospheric air 160. Atmospheric
air 160 may be measured at cooling towers 112 (discussed below with
reference to FIG. 2) or any other suitable location. The selected
mode of cooling may be further based on target incoming fluid
temperature T.sub.120a for load center 120a, and target incoming
fluid temperature T.sub.120b for load center 120b. Temperature
measurement is accomplished by temperature sensors 114 placed and
configured to sense the temperature of fluids 162, the exterior
temperature, or the wet bulb temperature as suitable for a specific
implementation. For exemplary purposes in the following
explanation, T.sub.120a may be specified at approximately
sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit, and T.sub.120b may be specified at
approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
[0017] In some embodiments, there are one or more modes of
operation for cooling system 180. For example, cooling system 180
may include mode one cooling system 102 with a fluid flow shown by
a dotted line and mode two cooling system 104 with a fluid flow
shown by a solid line. Additionally, cooling system 180 may include
mode three cooling system 106 with fluid flow shown by a dash line.
Cooling system 180 may further include mode four cooling system 108
with a fluid flow shown by a dash-dot line and mode five cooling
system 110 with a fluid flow shown by a dash-dot-dot line.
[0018] Cooling system 180 may include one or more cooling towers
112, one or more temperature sensors 114, one or more tower pumps
116, one or more filters 118, one or more load centers 120, one or
more tower valves 122, one or more tower bypass valves 124, heat
exchanger 126, one or more chiller valves 128, and chiller
subsystem 130 (also referred to as "chiller 130"). One or more
chiller bypass valves (not expressly shown) may be included.
However, in some configurations where chiller 130 is not utilized,
rather that installing chiller bypass valves, chiller 130 may be
inactivated or switched off and fluid 162b may pass through chiller
130. Additional suitable components that are not expressly shown
may be included in cooling system 180, such as chemical treatment
subsystems, air handlers, makeup water subsystems, a secondary
cooling tower associated with chiller 130, or any other suitable
components.
[0019] Components of cooling system 180 are fluidically connected
or coupled. Cooling system 180 includes piping sections through
which fluids 162 circulate and that connect components making up
mode one cooling system 102, mode two cooling system 104, mode
three cooling system 106, mode four cooling system 108, and mode
five cooling system 110 (collectively "cooling modes 102-110").
Although shown as five separate flows, fluids 162 flowing through
any of cooling modes 102-110 may be contained in the same pipe or
piping structure and may confine the same fluids 162 in a
continuous flow. Further, the example temperature differences,
loads, and efficiencies discussed below with respect to load
centers 120, heat exchanger 126, chiller 130, and cooling towers
112 are for ease of example and a cooling system design may account
for larger or smaller temperature differences and different inlet
and outlet temperatures as suitable for a particular
implementation.
[0020] In some embodiments, mode one cooling system 102 includes
fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping,
machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates
through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections.
In mode one cooling system 102, chiller 130 provides one hundred
percent of cooling for cooling system 180. Cooling system 180 is
configured to operate mode one cooling system 102 above a target
wet bulb temperature, T.sub.1. For example, at a target wet bulb
temperature greater than approximately seventy-one degrees
Fahrenheit (T.sub.1), mode one cooling system 102 may be the most
efficient cooling mode to operate. However, as the wet bulb
temperature decreases below T.sub.1, mode one cooling system 102
may not be the most efficient cooling mode to operate because one
hundred percent mechanical cooling provided by chiller 130 requires
more energy than partial free cooling provided by cooling towers
112. Thus, cooling system 180 is configured to transition from mode
one cooling system 102 to another cooling mode when the atmospheric
conditions or other suitable parameters indicate that mode one
cooling system 102 is no longer the most efficient. For exemplary
purposes, the following discussion of mode one cooling system 102
assumes a T.sub.WB of approximately seventy-one degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0021] Mode one cooling system 102 circulates fluid 162a through
load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger
126, and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center
120b, and heat exchanger 126. In mode one cooling system 102, tower
bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to a bypass
path that bypasses cooling towers 112. Chiller valves 128 and tower
valves 122 are configured to direct fluids 162 to heat exchanger
126. Thus, in mode one cooling system 102, cooling towers 112 are
inactive or switched off and chiller 130 provides one hundred
percent of cooling for both load centers 120a and 120b.
[0022] Fluid 162b circulating in mode one cooling system 102 exits
chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of
approximately T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b
and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid
162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result
of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the
current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156
may be approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b
circulates though chiller valves 128. In mode one cooling system
102, chiller valves 128 direct fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126.
Heat exchanger 126 heats fluid 162b as a result of the transfer of
heat from fluid 162a circulating from tower valves 122. For
example, heat exchanger 126 may heat fluid 162b from chiller valves
128 approximately five degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, fluid 162b
exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 168 may be at approximately
sixty degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162b exits
heat exchanger outlet 168 and returns to chiller 130. In the
current example, fluid 162b entering chiller 130 may be
approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit.
[0023] Fluid 162a circulating in mode one cooling system 102
circulates through load center 120a and absorbs heat of a defined
number of degrees. For example, fluid 162a may be heated
approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired
removal of heat from load center 120a, for example, fluid 162a
exits load center 120a at approximately seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
Fluid 162a flows through tower bypass valve 124, tower pumps 116,
and filters 118 and enters tower valves 122. In mode one cooling
system 102, tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to
heat exchanger 126. Heat exchanger 126 cools fluid 162a as a result
of the transfer of heat to fluid 162b circulating from chiller
valves 128. For example, heat exchanger 126 may cool fluid 162a
from tower valves 122 approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit. Thus,
fluid 162a exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 166 may be
approximately equal to T.sub.120a, for example, approximately
sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit in the current example.
[0024] In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a
selected T.sub.1, for example, approximately seventy-one degrees
Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize
mode two cooling system 104. Mode two cooling system 104 includes
fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping,
machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates
through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections.
In mode two cooling system 104, cooling towers 112 provide partial
cooling for load center 120a and chiller 130 provides one hundred
percent cooling for load center 120b and supplements cooling for
load center 120a. In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is
configured to operate mode two cooling system 104 in a range of
target wet bulb temperatures, for example, from T.sub.2 to T.sub.1.
For example, at a wet bulb temperature greater than or equal to
approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.2) and less than
approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.1), mode two
cooling system 104 may be the most efficient cooling mode to
operate. However, as the wet bulb temperature decreases below
T.sub.2, mode two cooling system 104 may not be the most efficient
cooling mode to operate because mechanical cooling provided by
chiller 130 requires more energy than free cooling provided by
cooling towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 is configured to
transition from mode two cooling system 104 to another cooling mode
when the atmospheric conditions or other suitable parameters
indicate that mode two cooling system 104 is no longer the most
efficient. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode
two cooling system 104 assumes a T.sub.WB of approximately seventy
degrees Fahrenheit.
[0025] Mode two cooling system 104 circulates fluid 162a through
load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger
126 and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center
120b, and heat exchanger 126. In mode two cooling system 104, tower
bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to cooling
towers 112. Chiller valves 128 are configured to direct fluid 162b
to heat exchanger 126 and to chiller 130. Tower valves 122 are
configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Thus, in
mode two cooling system 104, cooling towers 112 may provide partial
cooling for load center 120a and chiller 130 may provide one
hundred percent cooling for load center 120b and supplemental
cooling for load center 120a.
[0026] Fluid 162b circulating in mode two cooling system 104 exits
chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of
approximately T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b
and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid
162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result
of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the
current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156
may be approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b
circulates though chiller valves 128 and a portion of fluid 162b is
directed to heat exchanger 126 while the remainder is directed back
to chiller 130. The portion of fluid 162b that is directed to heat
exchanger 126 may be heated by heat exchange from fluid 162a that
flows from tower valves 122 through heat exchanger 126. Fluid 162b
that exits heat exchanger outlet 168 mixes with fluid 162b from
chiller valves 128 that bypassed heat exchanger 126. In the current
example, fluid 162b from heat exchanger outlet 168 may be at
approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit and fluid 162b from chiller
valves 128 may be at approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
The mixture of the two flows of fluid 162b results in fluid 162b
that flows through chiller 130 is cooled and enters inlet 152 of
load center 120b at a temperature of approximately T.sub.120b, for
example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
[0027] In mode two cooling system 104, tower valves 122 are
configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Within heat
exchanger 126, heat is exchanged from fluid 162a to fluid 162b. As
such, fluid 162a exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 166 may be
approximately T.sub.120a, for example, approximately sixty-five
degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162a circulates
through load center 120a and the temperature of fluid 162a rises.
For example, fluid 162a may be heated approximately ten degrees
Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load
center 120a. Fluid 162a exiting load center 120a at outlet 154 may
be at approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit in the current
example. Fluid 162a flows through tower bypass valve 124 and is
directed to cooling towers 112.
[0028] Cooling towers 112 decrease the temperature of fluid 162a
and fluid 162a exits cooling tower outlet 170. For example, fluid
162a exiting outlet 170 may be approximately seventy-one degrees
Fahrenheit based on a wet bulb temperature of approximately
sixty-seven degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of fluid 162a at
outlet 154 from load center 120a may be approximately seventy-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a flows through tower pumps 116 and
filters 118 to tower valves 122. Tower valves 122 are configured to
direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. In some embodiments, the
amount of cooling that occurs in heat exchanger 126 for fluid 162a
may be varied by adjusting chiller valves 128 and thus adjusting
the amount of fluid 162b flowing to heat exchanger 126 based on the
specified T.sub.120a or any other suitable parameter.
[0029] In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a
selected T.sub.2, for example, approximately sixty-one degrees
Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize
mode three cooling system 106. Mode three cooling system 106
includes fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping,
machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates
through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections.
Mode three cooling system 106 is configured to bypass heat
exchanger 126. Thus, in mode three cooling system 106, cooling
towers 112 provide one hundred percent cooling for load center 120a
and chiller 130 provides one hundred percent cooling for load
center 120b.
[0030] In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is configured to
operate mode three cooling system 106 in a range of target wet bulb
temperatures, for example, from T.sub.3 to T.sub.2. For example, at
a wet bulb temperature greater than or equal to approximately
fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.3) and less than approximately
sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.2), mode three cooling system
106 may be the most efficient cooling mode to operate. Because
chiller 130 is cooling only load center 120b, mode three cooling
system 106 may have lower energy requirements than mode one cooling
system 102 and mode two cooling system 104. However, as the wet
bulb temperature continues decreasing below T.sub.3, mode three
cooling system 106 may not be the most efficient cooling mode to
operate because mechanical cooling provided by chiller 130 may
require more energy than partial free cooling provided by cooling
towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 is configured to transition
from mode three cooling system 106 to another cooling mode when the
atmospheric conditions or other parameter indicates that mode three
cooling system 106 is no longer the most efficient. For exemplary
purposes, the following discussion of mode three cooling system 106
assumes a T.sub.WB of approximately sixty-one degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0031] In mode three cooling system 106, fluid 162a flows through
and exits cooling towers 112 through cooling tower outlet 170 and
may be at a temperature that is approximately T.sub.120a, based on
the wet bulb temperature. Fluid 162a circulates through tower pumps
116 and filters 112 at approximately the same temperature. Tower
valve 122 is configured to direct fluid 162a to load center 120a.
Fluid 162a circulates through load center 120a and absorbs heat of
a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162a may be heated
approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired
removal of heat from load center 120a. Thus, in the current
example, fluid 162a exiting load center 120a at outlet 154 may be
approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Tower bypass valves
124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to cooling towers 112.
Fluid 162a may circulate through cooling towers 112 and the
temperature of fluid 162a may be decreased. For example, fluid 162a
exiting outlet 170 of cooling towers 112 may be approximately
sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit based on a wet bulb temperature of
approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit and fluid 162a
temperature at outlet 154 from load center 120a of approximately
seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.
[0032] In mode three cooling system 106, fluid 162b flows through
and exits chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature
of approximately T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b
and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid
162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result
of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the
current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156
may be approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b
circulates though chiller valves 128, which are configured to
direct fluid back to chiller 130. Fluid 162b circulates through
chiller 130 and its temperature decreases to approximately
T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0033] In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a
selected T.sub.3, for example, approximately fifty-one degrees
Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize
mode four cooling system 108. Mode four cooling system 108 includes
fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping,
machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates
through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections.
In mode four cooling system 108, chiller 130 provides partial
cooling for load center 120b and cooling towers 112 provide one
hundred percent of cooling for load center 120a and supplements
cooling for load center 120b. In some embodiments, cooling system
180 is configured to operate mode four cooling system 108 in a
range of target wet bulb temperatures for example, from T.sub.4 to
T.sub.3. For example, at a wet bulb temperature greater than
approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.4) and less than
or equal to approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.3),
mode four cooling system 108 may be the most efficient cooling mode
to operate. However, as the wet bulb temperature decreases below
T.sub.4, mode four cooling system 108 may not be the most efficient
cooling mode to operate because mechanical cooling provided by
chiller 130 may require more energy than free cooling provided by
cooling towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 may be configured to
transition from mode four cooling system 108 to another cooling
mode when the atmospheric conditions or other parameter indicates
that mode four cooling system 108 is no longer the most efficient.
For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode four
cooling system 108 assumes a T.sub.WB of approximately fifty
degrees Fahrenheit.
[0034] Mode four cooling system 108 circulates fluid 162a through
load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger
126 and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center
120b, and heat exchanger 126. In mode four cooling system 108,
tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to
cooling towers 112. Chiller valves 128 are configured to direct
fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126. Tower valves 122 are configured
to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Thus, in mode four
cooling system 108, cooling towers 112 may provide one hundred
percent of cooling for load center 120a and partial cooling for
load center 120a and chiller 130 may provide partial cooling for
load center 120b.
[0035] Fluid 162b circulating in mode four cooling system 108 exits
chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of
approximately T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b
and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid
162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result
of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the
current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156
may be in approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b
circulates though chiller valves 128, which directs fluid 162b to
heat exchanger 126.
[0036] Also in mode four cooling system 108, cooling towers 112
decrease the temperature of fluid 162a leaving cooling tower outlet
170. For example, fluid 162a exiting outlet 170 may be
approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit based on a wet bulb
temperature of approximately forty-six degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid
162a flows through tower pumps 116, filters 118, and tower valves
122. Tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat
exchanger 126. Fluid 162a directed to heat exchanger 126 may be
heated by heat exchange from fluid 162b that flows from chiller
valves 128 through heat exchanger 126. In the current example,
fluid 162a from heat exchanger outlet 166 may be at approximately
fifty-six degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a that enters inlet 150 of
load center 120a has a temperature of approximately fifty-six
degrees Fahrenheit. As fluid 162a passes through load center 120a,
its temperature is raised. For example, the temperature of fluid
162a exiting outlet 154 of load center 120a may be approximately
sixty-six degrees Fahrenheit.
[0037] In mode four cooling system 108, chiller valves 128 are
configured to direct fluid 162b through heat exchanger 126. Within
heat exchanger 126, heat is exchanged from fluid 162b to fluid
162a. As such, fluid 162b exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 168
may be approximately fifty-two degrees Fahrenheit in the current
example. Thus, chiller 130 may not be required to remove the entire
amount of heat added to fluid 162b by load center 120b. Chiller 130
may be able to achieve a temperature at outlet 158 of approximately
T.sub.120b by operating at a reduced capacity.
[0038] In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a
selected T.sub.4, for example, approximately thirty-nine degrees
Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize
mode five cooling system 110. In some embodiments, mode five
cooling system 110 includes fluid 162a that circulates through a
first loop of piping, machinery, and other connections and fluid
162b that circulates through a second loop of piping, machinery,
and other connections. In mode five cooling system 110, chiller 130
is inactive and all cooling is accomplished by cooling towers 112.
In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is configured to operate
mode five cooling system 110 when the atmospheric temperature is
below a target wet bulb temperature T.sub.4. For example, at a
target wet bulb temperature less than approximately thirty-nine
degrees Fahrenheit (T.sub.4), mode five cooling system 110 may be
the most efficient cooling mode to operate. However, as the wet
bulb temperature rises above T.sub.4, mode five cooling system 110
may not be the proper cooling mode to operate because the required
cooling may not be provided by operation of cooling towers 112
alone. Thus, cooling system 180 may be configured to transition
from mode five cooling system 110 to another cooling mode when the
atmospheric conditions or other suitable parameters indicate that
mode five cooling system 110 is no longer able to provide enough
cooling. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode
five cooling system 110 assumes a T.sub.WB of approximately
thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit.
[0039] Mode five cooling system 110 circulates fluid 162a through
load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger
126, and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center
120b, and heat exchanger 126. Fluid 162b may be passed thorough
chiller 130 or a chiller bypass valve may be utilized to divert
fluid 162b around chiller 130. In mode five cooling system 110,
tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to
cooling towers 112. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 are
configured to direct fluid 162a and 162b, respectively, to heat
exchanger 126. Thus, in mode five cooling system 110, chiller 130
may be inactive or switched off and cooling towers 112 may provide
approximately one hundred percent of cooling for both load centers
120a and 120b.
[0040] Fluid 162b circulating in mode five cooling system 110 exits
chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 or bypasses chiller 130 at a
temperature of T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b
and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid
162b may be heated approximately five degrees Fahrenheit as a
result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus,
in the current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at
outlet 156 may be in approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid
162b circulates though chiller valves 128, which, in mode five
cooling system 110, are configured to direct fluid 162b to heat
exchanger 126. Heat exchanger 126 cools fluid 162b as a result of
the transfer of heat to fluid 162a circulating from tower valves
122. For example, heat exchanger 126 may cool fluid 162b from
chiller valves 128 approximately five degrees Fahrenheit. Thus,
fluid 162b exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 168 may be
approximately T.sub.120b, for example, approximately forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit in the current example.
[0041] Fluid 162a circulating in mode five cooling system 110
circulates through load center 120a and absorbs heat of a defined
number of degrees. For example, fluid 162a may be heated
approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired
removal of heat from load center 120a, for example, fluid 162a
exits load center 120a at approximately sixty-three degrees
Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a flows through tower bypass valve 124 which
directs fluid 162a to cooling towers 112. At cooling towers 112 the
temperature of fluid 162a decreases. For example, cooling towers
112 may decrease the temperature of fluid 162a to approximately
forty-three degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162a
flows through tower pumps 116 and filters 118 and enters tower
valves 122. Heat exchanger 126 heats fluid 162a as a result of the
transfer of heat from fluid 162b circulating from chiller valves
128. For example, heat exchanger 126 may heat fluid 162a from tower
valves 122 approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fluid 162a
exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 166 may be less than or
approximately equal to T.sub.120a, for example, approximately
fifty-three degrees Fahrenheit in the current example.
[0042] In some embodiments, some or all of cooling modes 102-110
may be included in a cooling system. The selection of the
appropriate cooling mode 102-110 may be based on a wet bulb
temperature and required inlet fluid temperatures for any or all
load centers in a cooling system.
[0043] Cooling towers 112 may be high efficiency designs with
induced draft fans. In alternate embodiments, cooling towers 112
utilize other designs and configurations that perform the same or
similar function. Cooling towers 112 use induced draft fans to draw
or blow atmospheric air 160 through an atmospheric air inlet. The
induced draft fan may be a fixed speed fan or a variable speed fan.
Cooling towers 112 are open to the exterior environment and exposed
to the external atmosphere. Atmospheric air 160 may interact with
fluid 162a that enters cooling towers 112 via return piping. As the
fluid 162a exiting the return piping mixes with the atmospheric
air, the latent heat of vaporization is absorbed from fluid 162a
and the atmospheric air. As a result, fluid 162a is cooled. Cooling
towers 112 may additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate
meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow
for monitoring and control of cooling towers 112.
[0044] The rate and amount of cooling performed within cooling
towers 112 depends on the wet bulb characteristics of the
atmospheric air. Generally, the lower the wet bulb temperature of
the atmospheric air, the more cooling capacity that can take place
within cooling towers 112. As example, cooling towers 112 may be
four degree approach cooling towers, which indicate that the
temperature of fluid 162a is approximately four degrees higher than
the wet bulb temperature after it passes through cooling towers
112.
[0045] After the atmospheric air absorbs heat within cooling towers
112, the atmospheric air exhausts to the atmosphere through
atmospheric air exhaust 164 included in cooling towers 112. In some
embodiments, atmospheric air exhaust 164 is located in cooling
towers 112 opposite from an atmospheric air inlet to form a defined
flow path of atmospheric air through cooling towers 112. In
alternate embodiments, the location of atmospheric air exhaust 164
may vary. Just as the atmospheric air exhausts from cooling towers
112, fluid 162a that has been cooled, also exits cooling towers 112
at cooling tower outlet 170.
[0046] One or more temperature sensors 114 are coupled to portions
of cooling system 180. Temperature sensors 114 are utilized to
sense the temperature of fluids 162 or atmospheric air 160.
Temperature sensors 114 are communicatively coupled to processing
system 182 such that readings from temperature sensors 114 may be
utilized to determine which cooling mode 102-110 should be
chosen.
[0047] In some embodiments, cooling towers 112 are fluidically
connected or coupled via piping to tower pumps 116. After fluid
162a is cooled in cooling towers 112, fluid 162a accumulates within
cooling towers 112 and tower pumps 116 pump fluid 162a through
tower pumps 116. Tower pumps 116 include one or more pumps in
various configurations. For example, tower pumps 116 may be
configured in parallel or may be configured such that one pump is
designated as an operating tower pump while additional pumps are
designated as standby pumps. Thus, the operating pump normally
pumps fluid 162, while the standby pump remains in standby in case
the operating pump fails or another system condition requires the
use of the standby pump. In alternate embodiments, tower pumps 116
are configured in series or a single pump is utilized.
[0048] Tower pumps 116 may be variable speed, thus allowing
variable flow and pressure, or fixed speed pumps. Tower pumps 116
may be configured to maintain a consistent flow such as defined
gallons per minute (GPM). Further, tower pumps 116 may be
particular horsepower (hp) pumps. For example, tower pumps 116 may
include one pump configured to operate at fifty hp and generate a
flow of 1,300 GPM. Tower pumps 116 may additionally include flow
rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to
allow for monitoring and control of tower pumps 116.
[0049] Tower pumps 116 circulate fluid 162a through various
components and subsystems of cooling system 180. Tower pumps 116
are fluidically connected or coupled via piping to filters 118. In
some embodiments, tower pumps 116 may additionally be connected via
piping to a chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem. In such a
configuration, piping connects the chemical treatment and
monitoring subsystem to filters 118 such that at least a portion of
fluid 162a circulates through the chemical treatment and monitoring
subsystem prior to entering to filters 118. The portion of fluid
that enters the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem is
controlled by one or more valves. The valves are electronically
controlled and coupled with other devices, such as flow rate
meters, to direct substantially exact portions of the fluid 162a to
the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem in order to
maintain consistent chemical properties in the fluid 162a. The
chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem chemically treats fluid
162a to maintain optimum water quality. Additionally, a dedicated
chemical subsystem pump or alternate pressure source circulates the
portion of fluid 162a that enters the chemical treatment and
monitoring subsystem.
[0050] Tower pumps 116 circulate fluid 162a to enter filters 118
either directly or once fluid 162a or a portion of fluid 162a is
processed through the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem.
Filters 118 filter fluid 162a before it enters tower valves 122.
Filters 118 may include, by way of example only, media filters,
screen filters, disk filters, slow sand filter beds, rapid sand
filters and cloth filters configured to filter various sizes of
particles from fluid 162a. In some embodiments, filters 118
substantially prevent a particle of a predetermined size or larger
from circulating with fluid 162a through the portion of cooling
system 180 following filters 118. Filters 118 may additionally
include flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable
components to allow for monitoring and control of filters 118.
[0051] Filters 118 are fluidically connected or coupled via piping
to tower valves 122. Once fluid 162a passes through filters 118,
fluid 162a enters one or more tower valves 122. Depending on the
configuration of tower valves 122, fluid 162a may be directed to
either or both of heat exchanger 126 and load center 120a. Tower
valves 122 are controlled by signals from computing system 182 or
any other suitable control mechanism.
[0052] Further, chiller valves 128, are fluidically connected or
coupled via piping to load center 120b and chiller 130. Fluid 162b
that passes through load center 120b enters one or more chiller
valves 128. Based on the configuration of chiller valves 128, fluid
162b may be directed to either or both of heat exchanger 126 and
chiller 130. Chiller valves 128 are controlled by signals from
computing system 182 or any other suitable control mechanism.
[0053] Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 configuration, and
thus direction of fluids 162, is based on cooling mode 102-110
selected. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 are fluidically
connected or coupled via piping to heat exchanger 126 and other
components of cooling system 180. Tower valves 122 and chiller
valves 128 include one or more two-way or three-way valves to
direct the flow of fluids 162. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves
128 may be electronically controlled and coupled with other
devices, such as flow rate meters, to direct fluids 162. Tower
valves 122 and chiller valves 128 may additionally include
temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any
other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of
tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128.
[0054] Heat exchanger 126 is fluidically connected or coupled via
piping to tower valves 122, chiller valves 128, chiller 130,
cooling towers 112, and load centers 120. Heat exchanger 126 may be
a high efficiency counter-flow design. In alternate embodiments,
heat exchanger 126 utilizes other designs and configurations that
perform the same or similar function. Heat exchanger 126 has
separate inlets and separate paths for fluids 162 from tower valves
122 and chiller valves 128. As different temperature fluids 162
from tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 travels through heat
exchanger 126 in separate paths, heat from the higher temperature
fluid, for example fluid 162a from tower valves 122, transfers to
the lower temperature fluid, for example, fluid 162b from chiller
valves 128. Heat exchanger 126 may additionally include temperature
sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, and any other suitable
components to allow for monitoring and control of heat exchanger
126. The rate and amount of cooling performed within heat exchanger
126 may depend on the design and specifications of heat exchanger
126.
[0055] In some embodiments, chiller subsystem or chiller 130 is
utilized to chill fluid 162. Chiller 116 may include an evaporator,
a condenser, and a cooling tower. A condenser is configured to
discharge chiller compressor heat to the atmosphere. A condenser
includes condenser coils and any other suitable machinery operable
for absorbing compressor heat continuously. A condenser
additionally includes temperature sensors, flow rate meters,
pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for
monitoring and control of the condenser. An evaporator may be
configured to work in connection with the condenser. An evaporator
conditions fluid 162b to a predetermined temperature, such as
approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. An evaporator may
additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate meters,
pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for
monitoring and control of the evaporator. Fluid 162b enters chiller
130 at a chiller inlet and exits chiller 130 at chiller outlet
158.
[0056] Load centers 120 include any equipment and machinery that
generates heat during operation. Load centers 120 are designed to
maintain a particular environment for the protection of equipment
and machinery included in load centers 120. For example, load
centers 120 may be data centers designed to maintain a supply air
temperature of approximately seventy degrees Fahrenheit and a
humidity level below a certain threshold, such as approximately
sixty percent. Load centers 120 may additionally include
temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any
other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of
load centers 120.
[0057] In some embodiments, load centers 120 include multiple
air-handler units and humidification elements. Generally,
air-handler units provide an interface between fluids 162 cooled by
cooling towers 112 or chiller 130 and air in load centers 120. For
example, air is heated by the operation of computing centers in a
data center. The air is moved into air-handler units through
ducting and fans. Fluids 162 enter load centers 120 via piping that
directs fluids 162 proximate to the air-handler units or the heated
data center air. As fluids 162 pass proximate to the air-handling
units or the heated data center air, the air-handling units cause
the heat in the data center air to transfer to fluids 162. For
example, air-handling units in the form of fans blow the data
center air across cooling coils that contains fluid 162. Thus,
fluids 162 that exit data centers 120 is at a higher temperature
than fluids 162 that enter data centers 120. The data center air
that has been cooled is directed by the air-handling units back
through data center 120. The humidity of the data center air may be
controlled by a humidification element. For example, if the
humidity level needs to be increased to maintain the correct
environment, a humidification element injects moisture into ducting
as air enters the air-handler units. In alternate embodiments, the
humidity of the data center air could be controlled through use of
an evaporative media section, or directly in load centers 120.
[0058] Components of cooling configuration 100 include processing
system 182. Processing system 182 includes any instrumentality or
aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify,
process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store,
display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize
any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,
scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, processing
system 182 may be a personal computer, a network storage resource,
or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape,
performance, functionality, and price.
[0059] Processing system 182 includes one or more processing
resources such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor,
microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog
circuitry configured to interpret data, execute program
instructions, or process data. A processing resource may interpret
or execute program instructions and process data stored in memory,
mass storage device, or another component of cooling configuration
100.
[0060] Processing system 182 includes any system, device, or
apparatus operable to retain program instructions or data for a
period of time (for example, computer-readable media) such as
hardware or software control logic, random access memory (RAM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a
PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage,
or any suitable selection or array of volatile or non-volatile
memory that retains data after power to processing system 182 is
removed.
[0061] Processing system 182 includes one or more storage resources
(or aggregations thereof) communicatively coupled to the processing
resource and may include any system, device, or apparatus operable
to retain program instructions or data for a period of time (for
example, computer-readable media). Storage resources include one or
more hard disk drives, magnetic tape libraries, optical disk
drives, magneto-optical disk drives, compact disk drives, compact
disk arrays, disk array controllers, solid state drives (SSDs), and
any computer-readable medium operable to store data.
Computer-readable media include any instrumentality or aggregation
of instrumentalities that may retain data and instructions for a
period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without
limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device
(for example, a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential
access storage device (for example, a tape disk drive), compact
disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory
(ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), or flash memory; as well as communications media such
wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other
electromagnetic or optical carriers; or any combination of the
foregoing.
[0062] Additional components of processing system 182 may include
one or more network ports for communicating with external devices
as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a
keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. Processing system 182 may
also include one or more buses or wireless devices operable to
transmit communications between the various hardware components and
any component of cooling system 180.
[0063] Processing system 182 is operable to receive data from, and
transmit data to, any component of cooling system 180 or other
processing systems. Processing system 182 may be a host computer, a
remote system, and any other computing system communicatively
coupled to cooling system 180. Processing system 182 may be
included in load centers 120 or may be remote from cooling system
180.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates an example psychometric chart 200 showing
an exemplary cooling process utilizing a multi-purpose cooling
system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. The psychometric chart illustrates psychometric
properties of the atmospheric air 160 prior to entering cooling
system 180. For example, atmospheric air 160 entering cooling
towers 112 shown with reference to FIG. 1.
[0065] Psychometric chart 200 may be based on a cooling system
designed to deliver approximately sixty-five degree Fahrenheit
fluid 162a to load center 120a (T.sub.120a), and deliver
approximately forty-five degree Fahrenheit fluid 162b to load
center 120b (T.sub.120b). Psychometric chart 200 may further be
based on a heat load at load centers 120a and 120b of approximately
ten degrees Fahrenheit range.
[0066] Additionally, psychometric chart 200 may be based on an
approach temperature for cooling tower 108 and heat exchanger 126.
For example, cooling towers 112 may be four degree Fahrenheit
approach cooling towers and heat exchanger 126 may be a five degree
Fahrenheit approach heat exchanger. However, modifications may be
made to psychometric chart 200, for example, locations of T.sub.1
line 202, T.sub.2 line 204, T.sub.3 line 206, and T.sub.4 line 208,
based on a different designed delivery temperature of fluids 162, a
different heat load at load centers 120, a different cooling towers
112 approach temperature, or a different heat exchanger 126
approach temperature.
[0067] In some embodiments, the psychometric zone above T.sub.1
line 202 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable mode
one cooling system 102 to be the most efficient operating mode for
cooling system 180. For example, T.sub.1 line 202 corresponds to
wet bulb temperature of approximately seventy-one degrees
Fahrenheit. For mode one cooling system 102, cooling towers 112 are
bypassed as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 and cooling is
accomplished by chiller 130.
[0068] The psychometric zone above T.sub.2 line 204 and equal
T.sub.1 line 202 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable
mode two cooling system 104 to be the most efficient. As example,
T.sub.2 line 204 corresponds to a wet bulb temperature of
approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at wet bulb
temperatures above approximately sixty-one and equal to
approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit, mode two cooling
system 104 may be the most efficient mode of operating cooling
system 180.
[0069] The psychometric zone above T.sub.3 line 206 and equal to
T.sub.2 line 204 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable
mode three cooling system 106 to be the most efficient. As example,
T.sub.3 line 206 corresponds to a wet bulb temperature of
approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at wet bulb
temperatures above approximately fifty-one and equal to
approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit, mode three cooling
system 106 may be the most efficient mode of operating cooling
system 180.
[0070] The psychometric zone above T.sub.4 line 208 and equal to
T.sub.3 line 206 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable
mode four cooling system 108 to be the most efficient. As example,
T.sub.4 line 208 corresponds to a wet bulb temperature of
approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at wet bulb
temperatures above approximately thirty-nine and equal to
approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit, mode four cooling
system 108 may be the most efficient mode of operating cooling
system 180. In some embodiments, the psychometric zone below or
equal to T.sub.4 line 208 may correspond to exterior air properties
that enable mode five cooling to be the most efficient operating
mode for operating cooling system 180. For example, at wet bulb
temperatures below approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit,
cooling system 180 may not require the use of chiller 130 and
energy savings may be accomplished.
[0071] Accordingly, in the current example system, the load carried
by chiller 130 varies based on the atmospheric air wet bulb
temperature. For example, at a wet bulb temperature less than or
equal to approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit, chiller 130
load may be approximately zero percent. The percentage load on
chiller 130 increases as the wet bulb temperature increases until
at approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit, chiller 130 load
may be approximately one hundred percent.
[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for an example method for a
multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments
of the present disclosure. The steps of method 300 may be performed
by various computer programs, models or any combination thereof.
The programs and models include instructions stored on a
computer-readable medium that are operable to perform, when
executed, one or more of the steps described below. The
computer-readable medium includes any system, apparatus or device
configured to store and retrieve programs or instructions such as a
microprocessor, a memory, a disk controller, a compact disc, flash
memory or any other suitable device. The programs and models may be
configured to direct a processor or other suitable unit to retrieve
or execute the instructions from the computer-readable medium. For
example, method 300 may be executed by processing system 182, an
operator of the cooling system, or other suitable source. For
illustrative purposes, method 300 is described with respect to
cooling system 180 of FIG. 1; however, method 300 may be used for
cooling system transitions using multi-purpose cooling systems of
any suitable configuration.
[0073] At step 302, the processing system obtains the wet bulb
temperature, T.sub.WB, for atmospheric air and incoming fluid
temperatures for each load center. A temperature sensor may measure
the T.sub.WB of atmospheric air entering a cooling tower, such as
cooling towers 112 shown with reference to FIG. 1. For example,
temperature sensor 114 senses T.sub.WB and provides T.sub.WB to the
processing system. Processing system 182 receives the sensed
temperature or T.sub.WB. Providing a sensed temperature of T.sub.WB
may be continuous, periodic, scheduled, requested, or provided per
any other suitable manner and timing. The processing system obtains
or generates the target incoming fluid temperature for each load
center based at least on the load in each load center and the
target air temperature for each load center. For example, the
processing system may obtain T.sub.120a and T.sub.120b for load
centers 120a and 120b.
[0074] At step 304, the processing system determines each of
T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3 and T.sub.4. As discussed with reference
to FIG. 2, based on T.sub.WB, T.sub.120a, and T.sub.120b, the
processing system may set the transition wet bulb temperatures
between each of cooling modes 102-110. The processing system sends
command signals to automatic control valves to achieve the desired
transitions.
[0075] At step 306, the processing system determines if the sensed
temperature, T.sub.WB, is greater than a target wet bulb
temperature, T.sub.1. For example, processing system 182 determines
if T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.1. T.sub.1 may be based on design
considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on
components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor.
T.sub.1 is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to
operate cooling system in mode one cooling system 102 over other
modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T.sub.1
may be set at approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit. If
T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.1, then method 300 proceeds to step
308. If T.sub.WB is less than or equal to T.sub.1, method 300
proceeds to step 312.
[0076] At step 308, the processing system configures the tower
bypass valves to direct fluid to bypass the cooling tower. For
example, as discussed with reference to mode one cooling system
102, T.sub.WB is high such that cooling towers 112 are unable to
provide any cooling. Thus, chiller 130 provides one hundred percent
of the cooling in mode one cooling system 102, and cooling towers
112 may be bypassed. Processing system 182 electronically
configures tower bypass valves 124 bypass cooling towers 112.
[0077] At step 310, the processing system configures the chiller
valves and the tower valves to direct the fluid to the heat
exchanger. For example, in mode one cooling system 102, processing
system 182 electronically configures chiller valves 128 to direct
fluid 162b from load center 120b to heat exchanger 126, and
electronically configures tower valves 122 to direct fluid 162a
from cooling towers 112 to heat exchanger 126. Method 300 returns
to step 302.
[0078] At step 312, the processing system configures the tower
bypass valves to direct the fluid to the cooling tower. For
example, in mode two cooling system 104, mode three cooling system
106, mode four cooling system 108 and mode five cooling system 110,
processing system 182 electronically configures tower bypass valves
124 to direct fluid 162a from load center 120a to cooling towers
112.
[0079] At step 314, the processing system determines if the sensed
temperature, T.sub.WB, is greater than a target wet bulb
temperature, T.sub.2. For example, processing system 182 determines
if T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.2. T.sub.2 may be based on design
considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on
components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor.
T.sub.2 is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to
operate cooling system in mode two cooling system 104 over other
modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T.sub.2
may be set at approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit. If
T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.2, then method 300 proceeds to step
316. If T.sub.WB is less than or equal to T.sub.2, method 300
proceeds to step 320.
[0080] At step 316, the processing system configures the chiller
valves to direct the fluid to the heat exchanger and the chiller.
For example, in mode two cooling system 104, processing system 182
electronically configures chiller valves 128 to direct fluid 162b
from load center 120b to heat exchanger 126 and to chiller 130.
[0081] At step 318, the processing system configures the tower
valves to direct the fluid to the tower. For example, in mode two
cooling system 104, processing system 182 electronically configures
tower valves 122 to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126, to
load center 120a and on to cooling towers 112. Method 300 returns
to step 302.
[0082] At step 320, the processing system determines if the sensed
temperature, T.sub.WB, is greater than a target wet bulb
temperature, T.sub.3. For example, processing system 182 determines
if T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.3. T.sub.3 may be based on design
considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on
components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor.
T.sub.3 is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to
operate cooling system in mode three cooling system 106 over other
modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T.sub.3
may be set at approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit. If
T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.3, then method 300 proceeds to step
320. If T.sub.WB is less than or equal to T.sub.3, method 300
proceeds to step 326.
[0083] At step 322, the processing system configures the chiller
valves to direct the fluid to the chiller. For example, in mode
three cooling system 106, processing system 182 electronically
configures chiller valves 128 to direct fluid 162b from load center
120b to chiller 130, bypassing heat exchanger 126.
[0084] At step 324, the processing system configures the tower
valves to direct the fluid to the tower. For example, in mode three
cooling system 106, processing system 182 electronically configures
tower valves 122 to direct fluid 162a to load center 120a and on to
cooling towers 112, bypassing heat exchanger 126. Method 300
proceeds to step 302.
[0085] At step 326, the processing system determines if the sensed
temperature, T.sub.WB, is greater than a target wet bulb
temperature, T.sub.4. For example, processing system 182 determines
if T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.4. T.sub.4 may be based on design
considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on
components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor.
T.sub.4 is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to
operate cooling system in mode four cooling system 108 over other
modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T.sub.4
may be set at approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. If
T.sub.WB is greater than T.sub.4, then method 300 proceeds to step
310. If T.sub.WB is less than or equal to T.sub.4, method 300
proceeds to step 328.
[0086] At step 328, the processing system configures the chiller to
be idle. If chiller bypass valves are available, then, as discussed
with reference to mode five cooling system 110, processing system
182 electronically configures chiller bypass valves to bypass
chiller 130. If chiller bypass valves are unavailable, then
processing system 182 may inactivate, turn off, or otherwise
configure the chiller such that it functions as a pass through for
fluid 162. Method 300 proceeds to step 310.
[0087] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method
300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and
invention. Although FIG. 3 discloses a particular number of steps
to be taken with respect to method 300, method 300 may be executed
with greater or lesser steps than those depicted in FIG. 3. In
addition, although FIG. 3 discloses a certain order of steps to be
taken with respect to method 300, the steps comprising method 300
may be completed in any suitable order. For example, step 310 and
step 308 may be performed simultaneously. As another example, step
308 may be preformed before or after step 310 without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, each
individual step may include additional steps without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0088] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention which is solely defined
by the following claims.
* * * * *