Why Seek Performance Metrics?

All cooling tower performance will slip over time, inflating the plant's cooling tower operation and maintenance budget. However, this loss in performance creates an opportunity to recoup costs through more efficient operation, and benefit the plant's operating profit. Cooling tower operating costs in manufacturing industries typically break down into three main components - where power represents 80% of all costs.

With power being a fixed cost and such a high percentage, the only way to reduce power consumption is to improve the cooling tower thermal efficiency and energy efficiency. As performance is increased, operating costs will decrease and expose an opportunity to effect overall plant profitability. For example, managers at one small oil refinery determined that for every 1°F reduction in cold water temperature, an additional $8,000,000 of product could be processed each year. However, if cooling tower thermal performance is left to deteriorate, the financial consequences can be significant.

It makes sense to ensure that cooling towers are maintained in good working order at all times. This requirement is especially true where the thermal performance is degraded by seasonal influences like winter ice damage or high ambient temperatures when cooling is needed most.

Cooling tower efficiency can be difficult to track at the plant level due to ever changing process heat loads and ambient conditions. However, Diagnostic Cooling Solutions can provide a detailed cooling tower performance map by applying its proven diagnostic cooling tower testing and analytical techniques.