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An evaluation of cooling system water efficiencies and efficiency improvement strategies within Victoria, Australia, 2008–2011.

Author(s) : DENTON S.

Type of article: Article

Summary

A data-gathering and operator-training exercise was commissioned to review 469 cooling tower systems (>10% Victoria’s total systems). Using data from the sample, water consumption and water-use efficiencies for the entire state were estimated. It was calculated Victorian cooling tower systems consume approximately 26.5GL/year; 1.7GL/year is consumed in excess of best practice. Key outcomes of the study demonstrated that efficiencies were highly variable (few systems accounting for much of the inefficiency), that system size was not an indicator of efficiency, and some correlation existed between efficiency and location. The impact of operator training was evaluated: 10% of the original sample set accounted for 30% of the excess water consumption. Simple water-conservation measures were implemented on these 51 systems, and the impact was reviewed six months and 12 months after the original survey. After 12 months, a 51% reduction in excess water consumption was observed. The study identified a range of actions that could be taken to improve water efficiency in Victorian cooling towers. A key recommendation is improved knowledge and education and to this end tools such as a cooling tower system efficiency calculator and training programme have been implemented.

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Format PDF

Pages: 32-38 (5 p.)

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Details

  • Original title: An evaluation of cooling system water efficiencies and efficiency improvement strategies within Victoria, Australia, 2008–2011.
  • Record ID : 30009518
  • Languages: English
  • Source: EcoLibrium - vol. 12 - n. 10
  • Publication date: 2013/11

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