Two-Speed Motors

Marley / Sigma 1000/1200 CoolingTower / Engineering Data: Energy Management

Cooling towers are usually selected to produce a specific cold water temperature at the higher summer-time wet-bulb temperatures. During the remainder of the year, the cooling tower is capable of producing much colder water. Unless your system will benefit from the coldest possible water tempera- ture, you should consider controlling cold water temperatures to higher levels. You’ll also save energy by using such control. See Marley Technical Report #H-001A, “Cooling Tower Energy and its Management”.

Always control leaving water temperature by manipulating the quantity of air that the fan moves through the tower. Vary- ing the quantity of water flow is not normally recommended and can be harmful in freezing weather. You can alternately start and stop single-speed motors to maintain water tempera- tures within an acceptable range. However, exceeding a total acceleration time of 30 seconds per hour can overheat the mo- tor, causing the insulation to fail. Limiting the number of motor starts, on the other hand, can produce significant variations in the temperature of the water delivered to the process.

Increased flexibility can simplify your operating procedures and save you money in the long run, both on operation and on maintenance. Here are two of the more popular options.

Two-speed motors improve operating flexibility by increas- ing the number of potential operating modes. Users in north- ern climates will find that the tower can carry winter loads at half-speed; reducing fan power requirements by 85+% during that time. Two-speed motors also help to control icing during wintertime operation. See Marley Technical Report #H-003, “Operating Cooling Towers During Freezing Weather”.

Normally, two-speed motors are provided in 1800/900 RPM, single winding configuration, which is the least expen- sive two-speed option. They are also available in other combi- nations including the more expensive double winding.

Variable Speed Control

Frequency modulation devices work well on induced draft, propeller fan cooling towers such as the Sigma. However, their design must include the capability to lock out any critical fan speeds and the very low fan speed ranges.

Marley VFD drive systems are designed to combine abso- lute temperature control with ideal energy management. The cooling tower user selects a cold water temperature and the drive system will vary the fan speed to maintain that tem- perature. Precise temperature control is accomplished with far less stress to the mechanical equipment components. The improved energy management provides fast payback. Indeed, many utilities offer generous rebates for users having installed VFD drives.

1000, 1200 specifications

SPX Cooling Technologies, a prominent player in the cooling solutions market, is known for its cutting-edge designs and innovations in the field of cooling systems. Among its notable offerings are the SPX Cooling Technologies 1200 and 1000 series, which are engineered to meet the demands of various industrial applications.

The SPX Cooling Technologies 1200 series is renowned for its efficiency and robust construction. One of its main features is its modular design, allowing for easy installation and maintenance. This series is equipped with advanced cooling technology, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing operating costs. The 1200 series utilizes a counterflow design, promoting improved heat exchange and a more direct airflow pattern. This results in higher thermal performance and reduced energy consumption, making it an ideal choice for operations that prioritize sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

On the other hand, the SPX Cooling Technologies 1000 series is tailored for versatility and reliability. This series boasts a design that accommodates a range of capacities and configurations, making it suitable for diverse applications, including HVAC, industrial processes, and power generation. One of the standout characteristics of the 1000 series is its handling of large thermal loads with minimal pressure drop, which ensures optimal performance in challenging conditions. Its corrosion-resistant materials enhance durability, making it resilient in harsh environments.

Both series incorporate advanced fan technology, which is designed to maximize airflow while minimizing noise levels. The fans are individually controllable, allowing for precise adjustments to meet specific cooling demands. Furthermore, these cooling towers are designed with user-friendly accessibility, simplifying maintenance and inspection processes, thereby reducing downtime.

SPX Cooling Technologies also places a significant emphasis on innovation. Both the 1200 and 1000 series are built with predictive maintenance capabilities, leveraging IoT technologies to monitor performance metrics in real time. This proactive approach enables facility managers to anticipate maintenance needs and address issues before they escalate into costly failures.

In summary, the SPX Cooling Technologies 1200 and 1000 series represent a substantial advancement in cooling technology, providing efficient, reliable, and modular solutions for various industrial applications. Their design, efficiency, and advanced features position them as leaders in the market, responding to the evolving needs of industries worldwide.