An improved cooling tower simulation algorithm was developed for the CoolTools^TM simulation model to support the optimal design of chilled water systems. The new algorithm was developed to predict more quickly and more accurately the thermal performance and energy consumption of a cooling tower. An array of previously known analytical and empirical algorithms and the newly developed empirical algorithm were evaluated on the basis of accuracy and computational efficiency. The accuracy of each algorithm was determined for a given set of operating conditions by a comparison between the computed approach to the inlet wet-bulb temperature (approach) and that determined from vendor-supplied performance curves. The results of the evaluation indicate that the empirical algorithms require considerably less computational time and provide more consistent results than do the analytical algorithms. The new empirical algorithm was found to be more accurate and more efficient than the previously existing algorithms.

Units: SI