Free cooling or free cooling
Baseline strategy · No scoreTake advantage of air or favorable outdoor water to reduce the use of compressors and other refrigeration machines.
Subject: Thermal systems and ventilationContext: Buildings · Industry · Data centresCost: mediumEffort: highLevel: recommendedStage: design or operationMaturity: context-dependent
How it works
Take advantage of air or favorable outdoor water to reduce the use of compressors and other refrigeration machines.
It meets thermal and indoor air needs after reducing demand, through sized, controlled, maintainable systems compatible with decarbonization.
When does it make sense?
- After reducing loads and defining health and comfort requirements
- When partial load and year-round performance can be compared
- With access to commissioning, maintenance and monitoring
How to apply it
- 1
Define what needs resolves "free cooling or free cooling" and establish a starting situation.
- 2
Compare alternatives and adapt design to climate, use, regulation, affected people and available resources.
- 3
Apply with clear responsibilities, check the actual result and correct unwanted effects.
Potential benefits
Thermal comfort
Healthier indoor air
Lower consumption and power
Limitations and precautions
- The result depends on context, design, execution and how it is used and maintained.
- Nominal efficiency does not guarantee the performance of the entire system.
- Dimensions, refrigerants, noise, hygiene, controls and maintenance should be evaluated.
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