# 3.8.3 Cooling Towers

Baseline Building Summary. Baseline building systems 7 and 8 have one or more cooling towers. One tower is assumed to be matched to each baseline building chiller. The number of baseline building chillers is determined in 6.8.2. Each baseline building chiller has its own condenser water pump that operates when the chiller is brought into service. The range between the condenser water return (CWR) and condenser water supply (CWS) is 10 F so the condenser water flow is a constant 2.5 gpm per cooling ton1 when the chiller is in service. The baseline building pumping energy is assumed to be 19 W/gpm. The baseline building cooling tower is assumed to have a two-speed fan that is controlled to provide a CWS of 70 F when weather permits. The tower fan cycles to one-speed or off to maintain a CWS of 70 F at low wetbulb conditions. Under cooling conditions closer to design conditions, the CWS floats up to a maximum of 85 F (the design condition).

Applicability Cooling Tower Name All cooling towers A unique descriptor for each cooling tower Text, unique User entry. Where applicable, this should match the tags that are used on the plans. Descriptive name that keys the baseline building plant
Applicability Cooling Tower Type All cooling towers The type of cooling tower employed. The choices are: Open tower, centrifugal fan Open tower, axial fan Closed tower, centrifugal fan Closed tower, axial fan Open cooling towers collect the cooled water from the tower and pump it directly back to the cooling system. Closed towers circulate the evaporated water over a heat exchanger to indirectly cool the system fluid. List (see above) As designed The baseline cooling tower is an open tower axial fan device with a two-speed fan (See PRM G3.1.3.11)
Applicability Cooling Tower Capacity All cooling towers The tower thermal capacity per cell adjusted to CTI (Cooling Technology Institute) rated conditions of 95 F condenser water return, 85 F condenser water supply, and 78 F wetbulb with a 3 gpm/nominal ton  water flow. The default cooling tower curves below are at unity at these conditions. Btu/h As designed The baseline building chiller is autosized and increased by 15%. The tower is sized to deliver 85 F condenser water supply at design conditions for the oversized chiller.
Applicability Cooling Tower Number of Cells All cooling towers The number of cells in the cooling tower. Each cell will be modeled as equal size. Cells are subdivisions in cooling towers into individual cells, each with their own fan and water flow, and allow the cooling system to respond more efficiently to lower load conditions. Numeric: integer As designed One cell per tower and one tower per chiller.
Applicability Cooling Tower Total Fan Horse Power All cooling towers The sum of the nameplate rated horsepower (hp) of all fan motors on the cooling tower. Pony motors should not be included. Horsepower (hp) As designed. For minimum compliance with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007, must be at least 38.2 gpm/hp for an axial fan cooling tower and at least 20.0 gpm/hp for a centrifugal fan cooling tower. (Table 6.8.1G) Not applicable since pump power is specified as 19 watts/gpm.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Wet-Bulb All cooling towers The design wet-bulb temperature that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Same as proposed design
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Entering Water Temperature All cooling towers The design condenser water supply temperature (leaving tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Default to 85°F. 85°F or 10°F above the design wet-bulb temperature, whichever is lower (Table 6.8.1G)
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Return Water Temperature All cooling towers The design condenser water return temperature (entering tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Default to 95°F. Set to 95°F for a range of 10 F. (Table 6.8.1G)
Applicability All cooling towers
Definition

A curve or group of curves that represent the available total cooling capacity as a function of outdoor air wet-bulb, condenser water supply and condenser water return temperatures. The default curves are given as follows:

(6.8.3-1)

$$t_R = t_{cwr} - t_{cws}$$ $$t_A = t_{cws} - t_{owb}$$ $$t_A = a + b \times t_R + c \times \left. t_R\right. ^2 + d \times FRA + e \times FRA^2 + f \times t_R \times FRA$$ $$FRA = \frac{- d - f \times t_R + \sqrt{\left ( d+ f \times t_R \right )^2 - 4 \times e \times \left ( a + b \times t_R + c \times \left. t_R \right. ^2 - t_A\right )}}{2 \times e}$$ $$FW\!B = a + b \times FRA + c \times FRA^2 + d \times t_{owb} + e \times \left. t_{owb} \right. ^2 + f \times FRA \times t_{owb}$$ $$Q_{available} = Q_{rated} \times FW\!B \times \left ( \frac{t_R}{10} \right )$$

where

 Qavailable Available cooling capacity at present outside air and condenser water conditions (MBH) Qrated Rated cooling capacity at CTI test conditions (MBH) tcws The condenser water supply temperature (in °F) tcwr The condenser water return temperature (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (in °F) tA The tower approach (in °F) FRA An intermediate capacity curve based on range and approach FWB The ratio of available capacity to rated capacity (gpm/gpm).

[table title="Default Capacity Coefficients – Cooling Towers" id="default-capacity-coefficients-–-cooling-towers"]

 Coefficient FRA FWB a -2.22888899 0.60531402 b 0.16679543 -0.03554536 c -0.01410247 0.00804083 d 0.03222333 -0.02860259 e 0.18560214 0.00024972 f 0.24251871 0.00490857
Units Data structure
Input Restrictions User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, the rating software must indicate that supporting documentation is required on the output forms.
Baseline Rules Use default curves.
Cooling Tower Set Point Control
Applicability All cooling towers
Definition The type of control for the condenser water supply. The choices are:
• Fixed
• Wet-bulb reset

A fixed control will modulate the tower to provide the design supply water temperature at all times. A wet-bulb reset control will reset according to the following control scheme:

(6.8.3-2)

$$t_{cws} = t_{owb} + t_A + RR \times \left ( t_{dwb} - t_{owb}\right )$$

where

 tcws The condenser water supply setpoint (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tdwb The design outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F). tA The tower design approach (in °F). RR The reset ratio (default is 0.29)

A reset ratio (RR) of 0 will force the tower to always attempt a fixed approach to the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. A reset ratio (RR) of 1 will cause the system to perform as if it had fixed condenser water controls.

Units List (see above)
Input Restrictions As designed. If the user does not use the default curve, supporting documentation is required.
Baseline Rules Fixed at 70°F
Applicability Cooling Tower Capacity Control All cooling towers Describes the modulation control employed in the cooling tower. Choices include: Fluid Bypass provides a parallel path to divert some of the condenser water around the cooling tower at part-load conditions Fan Cycling is a simple method of capacity control where the tower fan is cycled on and off. This is and is often used on multiple-cell installations. Two-Speed Fan/Pony Motor. From an energy perspective, these are the same. A lower horsepower pony motor is an alternative to a two-speed motor; the pony motor runs at part-load conditions (instead of the full sized motor) and saves fan energy when the tower load is reduced. Additional buildling descriptors are triggered when this method of capacity control is selected. Variable Speed Fan. A variable frequency drive is installed for the tower fan so that the speed can be modulated. List (see above) As designed. Two-speed fan
Applicability Cooling Tower Low-Speed Airflow Ratio All cooling towers with two-speed or pony motors The percentage full load airflow that the tower has at low speed or with the pony motor operating. This is equivalent to the percentage full load capacity when operating at low speed. Ratio As designed. 0.50
Applicability Cooling Tower Low-Speed kW Ratio All cooling towers The percentage full load power that the tower fans draw at low speed or with the pony motor operating Ratio As designed. 0.30
Applicability All cooling towers with VSD control
Definition

A curve that varies the cooling tower fan energy usage as a function of part-load ratio for cooling towers with variable speed fan control. The default curve is given as follows:

(6.8.3-3)

$$PLR = \frac{Q_{operating}}{Q_{available}\left ( t_R, t_A, t_{OW\!B}\right )}$$ $$TW\!R\!\_F\!AN\!\_F\!P\!L\!R = a + b \times PLR + c \times PLR^2$$ $$P_{operating} = P_{rated} \times TW\!R\!\_F\!AN\!\_F\!P\!L\!R$$

where

 PLR Part load ratio based on available capacity (not rated capacity) Qoperating Present load on tower (in Btu/h) Qavailable Tower available capacity at present range, approach, and outside wet-bulb conditions (in Btu/h). towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (°F) tA The tower approach (°F) Prated Rated power draw at CTI conditions (kW) Poperating Power draw at specified operating conditions (kW)

[table title="Default Efficiency TWR-FAN-FPLR Coefficients – VSD on Cooling Tower Fan" id="default-efficiency-TWR-FAN-FPLR-coefficients-–-VSD-on-cooling-tower-fan"]

 Coefficient TWR-FAN-FPLR a 0.33162901 b -0.88567609 c 0.60556507
Units Data structure
Input Restrictions User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, supporting documentation is required.
Baseline Rules Use default curves from DOE 2, given above.
Applicability Cooling Tower Minimum Speed All cooling towers with a VSD control The minimum fan speed setting of a VSD controlling a cooling tower fan expressed as a ratio of full load speed. Ratio As designed. The default is 0.40. Not applicable
• 1. Cooling capacity is related to flow and delta-T through the equation Q = 500 * GPM * Delta-T. When Q is one ton (12,000 Btu/h), GPM = 24 / Delta-T and Delta-T = 24 / GPM
90.1-2016 BM

#### Baseline HVAC Tower Characteristics

Baseline building systems 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13 have one or more cooling towers.

The baseline heat rejection device shall be an axial-fan open-circuit cooling tower with variable-speed fan control and shall have an efficiency of 38.2 gpm/hp at the conditions specified in Table 6.8.1-7 of Standard 90.1-21016.

Condenser water design supply temperature shall be calculated using the cooling tower approach to the 0.4% evaporation design wet-bulb temperature as generated by the formula below, with a design temperature rise of 10°F.

$$Approach\ 10°F\ Range = 25.72 - (0.24 \times WB)$$

where

WB is the 0.4% evaporation design wet-bulb temperature in °F; valid for wet bulbs from 55°F to 90°F.

The tower shall be controlled to maintain a leaving water temperature based on climate zone (see below), floating up to the design leaving water temperature for the cooling tower.

 Climate Zone Leaving Water Temperature 5B, 5C, 6B, 8 65°F 0B, 1B, 2B, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4C, 5A, 6A, 7 70°F 3A,4A 75°F 0A, 1A, 2A 80°F

The baseline building design condenser-water pump power shall be 19 W/gpm and modeled as constant volume. For computer room systems using System 11 with an integrated water-side economizer, the baseline building design condenser water-pump power shall be increased by 3 W/gpm for flow associated with the water-side economizer. Each chiller shall be modeled with separate condenser water and chilled-water pumps interlocked to operate with the associated chiller.

Cooling Tower Name

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

A unique descriptor for each cooling tower

Units

Text, unique

Input Restrictions

User entry. Where applicable, this should match the tags that are used on the plans.

Baseline Rules

Descriptive name that keys the baseline building plant

Cooling Tower Type

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The type of cooling tower employed. The choices are:

• Open tower, centrifugal fan
• Open tower, axial fan
• Closed tower, centrifugal fan
• Closed tower, axial fan

Open cooling towers collect the cooled water from the tower and pump it directly back to the cooling system. Closed towers circulate the evaporated water over a heat exchanger to indirectly cool the system fluid.

Units

List (see above)

Input Restrictions

As designed

Baseline Rules

The baseline cooling tower is an open tower axial fan device with a variable speed drive.

Cooling Tower Capacity1

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The tower thermal capacity per cell adjusted to CTI (Cooling Technology Institute) rated conditions of 95 °F condenser water return, 85 °F condenser water supply, and 78 °F wetbulb with a 3 gpm/nominal ton  water flow. The default cooling tower curves below are at unity at these conditions.

Units

Btu/h

Input Restrictions

As designed

Baseline Rules

The baseline building chiller is auto-sized and increased by 15%. The tower is sized to supply 85 °F condenser water or 10 °F approach to wet bulb, whichever is lower, at design conditions for the oversized chiller.

Cooling Tower Number of Cells

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The number of cells in the cooling tower. Each cell will be modeled as equal size. Cells are subdivisions in cooling towers into individual cells, each with their own fan and water flow, and allow the cooling system to respond more efficiently to lower load conditions.

Units

Numeric: integer

Input Restrictions

As designed

Baseline Rules

One cell per tower and one tower per chiller.

Cooling Tower Total Fan Horse Power

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The sum of the nameplate rated horsepower (hp) of all fan motors on the cooling tower. Pony motors should not be included.

Units

Gpm/hp or unitless if energy input ratio (EIR) is specified (If the nominal tons but not the condenser water flow is specified, the condenser design water flow shall be 2.4 gpm per nominal cooling ton.)

Input Restrictions

As designed, but the cooling towers shall meet minimum performance requirements in Table 6.8.1G of Standard 90.1-2016 and must be at least 38.2 gpm/hp for an axial fan cooling tower and at least 20 gpm/hp for a centrifugal fan cooling tower.

Baseline Rules

38.2 gpm/hp

Cooling Tower Design Wet-Bulb

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The design wet-bulb temperature that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower.

Units

Degrees Fahrenheit (°F)

Input Restrictions

As designed.

Baseline Rules

1% wet-bulb design conditions if the baseline systemhas a cooling tower

Cooling Tower Design Leaving Water Temperature

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The design condenser water supply temperature (leaving tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower.

Units

Degrees Fahrenheit (°F)

Input Restrictions

As designed. Default to 85°F.

Baseline Rules

85°F or 10°F above the design wet-bulb temperature, whichever is lower

Cooling Tower Design Entering Water Temperature

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The design condenser water return temperature (entering tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower.

Units

Degrees Fahrenheit (°F)

Input Restrictions

As designed. Default to 95°F.

Baseline Rules

Set to 10 °F above the cooling tower design leaving water temperature.

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

A curve or group of curves that represent the available total cooling capacity as a function of outdoor air wet-bulb, condenser water supply and condenser water return temperatures. The default curves are given as follows:

(Equation 3.8.3-1)

$$t_{R} = t_{cwr} - t_{cws}$$

$$t_{A} = t_{cws} - t_{owb}$$

$$t_{A} = a + b \cdot t_{R} + c \cdot t_{R}^{2} + d \cdot FRA + e \cdot FRA^{2} + f \cdot t_{R} \cdot FRA$$

$$FRA = \frac{-d -f \cdot t_{R} + \sqrt{(d + f +t_{R})^{2} - 4 \cdot e \cdot \left ( a+b \cdot t_{R} + c \cdot t_{R}^{2} - t_{A} \right )}}{2 \times e}$$

$$FWB = a + b \cdot FRA + c \cdot FRA^{2} + d \cdot t_{OWB} + e \cdot t_{OWB}^{2} + f \cdot t_{OWB} \cdot FRA$$

$$Q_{available} = Q_{rated} \cdot FWB \cdot \left ( \frac{t_{R}}{10} \right )$$

Where

 Qavailable Available cooling capacity at present outside air and condenser water conditions (MBH) Qrated Rated cooling capacity at CTI test conditions (MBH) tcws The condenser water supply temperature (in °F) tcwr The condenser water return temperature (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (in °F) tA The tower approach (in °F) FRA An intermediate capacity curve based on range and approach FWB The ratio of available capacity to rated capacity (gpm/gpm). a, b, c, d, e, f Default coefficients are taken from Appendix H

Units

Data structure

Input Restrictions

User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, the rating software must indicate that supporting documentation is required on the output forms.

Baseline Rules

Use default curves.

Cooling Tower Set Point Control

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The type of control for the condenser water supply. The choices are:

• Fixed
• Wet-bulb reset

A fixed control will modulate the tower to provide the design supply water temperature at all times. A wet-bulb reset control will reset according to the following control scheme:

(Equation 3.8.3-2)

$$t_{cws} = t_{owb} + t_{A} + RR \cdot \left ( t_{dwb} + t_{owb} \right )$$

where

 tcws The condenser water supply setpoint (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tdwb The design outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F). tA The tower design approach (in °F). RR The reset ratio (default is 0.29)

A reset ratio (RR) of 0 will force the tower to always attempt a fixed approach to the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. A reset ratio (RR) of 1 will cause the system to perform as if it had fixed condenser water controls.

Units

List (see above)

Input Restrictions

As designed. If the user does not use the default curve, supporting documentation is required.

Baseline Rules

Controlled to 70°F when weather permits, floating up to leaving water temperature at design conditions

Cooling Tower Capacity Control

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

Describes the modulation control employed in the cooling tower. Choices include:

• Fluid Bypass provides a parallel path to divert some of the condenser water around the cooling tower at part-load conditions
• Fan Cycling is a simple method of capacity control where the tower fan is cycled on and off. This is and is often used on multiple-cell installations.
• Two-Speed Fan/Pony Motor. From an energy perspective, these are the same. A lower horsepower pony motor is an alternative to a two-speed motor; the pony motor runs at part-load conditions (instead of the full sized motor) and saves fan energy when the tower load is reduced. Additional buildling descriptors are triggered when this method of capacity control is selected.
• Variable Speed Fan. A variable frequency drive is installed for the tower fan so that the speed can be modulated.

Units

List (see above)

Input Restrictions

As designed.

Baseline Rules

Variable speed fan

Cooling Tower Low-Speed Airflow Ratio

Applicability

All cooling towers with two-speed or pony motors

Definition

The percentage full load airflow that the tower has at low speed or with the pony motor operating. This is equivalent to the percentage full load capacity when operating at low speed.

Units

Ratio between 0 and 1.0

Input Restrictions

As designed.

Baseline Rules

0.50

Cooling Tower Low-Speed kW Ratio

Applicability

All cooling towers

Definition

The percentage full load power that the tower fans draw at low speed or with the pony motor operating

Units

Ratio between 0 and 1.0

Input Restrictions

As designed.

Baseline Rules

0.30

Cooling Tower Fan Power Adjustment Curve

Applicability

All cooling towers with VSD control

Definition

A curve that varies the cooling tower fan energy usage as a function of part-load ratio for cooling towers with variable speed fan control. The default curve is given as follows:

(Equation 3.8.3-3)

$$PLR = \frac{Q_{operating}}{Q_{available}(t_{R},t_{A}, t_{owb})}$$

$$TWR\_FAN\_FPLR = a + b \cdot PLR + c \cdot PLR^{2} + d \cdot PLR^{3}$$

$$P_{operating} = P_{rated} \cdot TWR\_FAN\_FPLR$$

where

 PLR Part load ratio based on available capacity (not rated capacity) Qoperating Present load on tower (in Btu/h) Qavailable Tower available capacity at present range, approach, and outside wet-bulb conditions (in Btu/h). towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (°F) tA The tower approach (°F) Prated Rated power draw at CTI conditions (kW) Poperating Power draw at specified operating conditions (kW) a, b, c, d Default coefficients from Appendix H

Units

Data structure

Input Restrictions

User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, supporting documentation is required.

Baseline Rules

Use default curves and coefficients, given above.

Cooling Tower Minimum Speed

Applicability

All cooling towers with a VSD control

Definition

The minimum fan speed setting of a VSD controlling a cooling tower fan expressed as a ratio of full load speed

Units

Ratio between 0 and 1.0

Input Restrictions

As designed. The default is 0.40.

Baseline Rules

Not applicable

• 1. Cooling capacity is related to flow and delta-T through the equation Q = 500 * GPM * Delta-T. When Q is one ton (12,000 Btu/h), GPM = 24 / Delta-T and Delta-T = 24 / GPM
Building EQ
Applicability Cooling Tower Name All cooling towers A unique descriptor for each cooling tower Text, unique User entry. Where applicable, this should match the tags that are used on the plans.
Applicability Cooling Tower Type All cooling towers The type of cooling tower employed. The choices are: Open tower, centrifugal fan Open tower, axial fan Closed tower, centrifugal fan Closed tower, axial fan Open cooling towers collect the cooled water from the tower and pump it directly back to the cooling system. Closed towers circulate the evaporated water over a heat exchanger to indirectly cool the system fluid. List (see above) As designed
Applicability Cooling Tower Capacity All cooling towers The tower thermal capacity per cell adjusted to CTI (Cooling Technology Institute) rated conditions of 95 F condenser water return, 85 F condenser water supply, and 78 F wetbulb with a 3 gpm/nominal ton  water flow. The default cooling tower curves below are at unity at these conditions. Btu/h As designed
Applicability Cooling Tower Number of Cells All cooling towers The number of cells in the cooling tower. Each cell will be modeled as equal size. Cells are subdivisions in cooling towers into individual cells, each with their own fan and water flow, and allow the cooling system to respond more efficiently to lower load conditions. Numeric: integer As designed
Applicability Cooling Tower Total Fan Horse Power All cooling towers The sum of the nameplate rated horsepower (hp) of all fan motors on the cooling tower. Pony motors should not be included. Horsepower (hp) As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Wet-Bulb All cooling towers The design wet-bulb temperature that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Entering Water Temperature All cooling towers The design condenser water supply temperature (leaving tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Default to 85°F.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Return Water Temperature All cooling towers The design condenser water return temperature (entering tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Default to 95°F.
Applicability All cooling towers
Definition

A curve or group of curves that represent the available total cooling capacity as a function of outdoor air wet-bulb, condenser water supply and condenser water return temperatures. The default curves are given as follows:

(6.8.3-1)

$$t_R = t_{cwr} - t_{cws}$$ $$t_A = t_{cws} - t_{owb}$$ $$t_A = a + b \times t_R + c \times \left. t_R\right. ^2 + d \times FRA + e \times FRA^2 + f \times t_R \times FRA$$ $$FRA = \frac{- d - f \times t_R + \sqrt{\left ( d+ f \times t_R \right )^2 - 4 \times e \times \left ( a + b \times t_R + c \times \left. t_R \right. ^2 - t_A\right )}}{2 \times e}$$ $$FW\!B = a + b \times FRA + c \times FRA^2 + d \times t_{owb} + e \times \left. t_{owb} \right. ^2 + f \times FRA \times t_{owb}$$ $$Q_{available} = Q_{rated} \times FW\!B \times \left ( \frac{t_R}{10} \right )$$

where

 Qavailable Available cooling capacity at present outside air and condenser water conditions (MBH) Qrated Rated cooling capacity at CTI test conditions (MBH) tcws The condenser water supply temperature (in °F) tcwr The condenser water return temperature (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (in °F) tA The tower approach (in °F) FRA An intermediate capacity curve based on range and approach FWB The ratio of available capacity to rated capacity (gpm/gpm).

[table title="Default Capacity Coefficients – Cooling Towers" id="default-capacity-coefficients-–-cooling-towers"]

 Coefficient FRA FWB a -2.22888899 0.60531402 b 0.16679543 -0.03554536 c -0.01410247 0.00804083 d 0.03222333 -0.02860259 e 0.18560214 0.00024972 f 0.24251871 0.00490857
Units Data structure
Input Restrictions User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, the rating software must indicate that supporting documentation is required on the output forms.
Cooling Tower Set Point Control
Applicability All cooling towers
Definition The type of control for the condenser water supply. The choices are:
• Fixed
• Wet-bulb reset

A fixed control will modulate the tower to provide the design supply water temperature at all times. A wet-bulb reset control will reset according to the following control scheme:

(6.8.3-2)

$$t_{cws} = t_{owb} + t_A + RR \times \left ( t_{dwb} - t_{owb}\right )$$

where

 tcws The condenser water supply setpoint (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tdwb The design outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F). tA The tower design approach (in °F). RR The reset ratio (default is 0.29)

A reset ratio (RR) of 0 will force the tower to always attempt a fixed approach to the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. A reset ratio (RR) of 1 will cause the system to perform as if it had fixed condenser water controls.

Units List (see above)
Input Restrictions As designed. If the user does not use the default curve, supporting documentation is required.
Applicability Cooling Tower Capacity Control All cooling towers Describes the modulation control employed in the cooling tower. Choices include: Fluid Bypass provides a parallel path to divert some of the condenser water around the cooling tower at part-load conditions Fan Cycling is a simple method of capacity control where the tower fan is cycled on and off. This is and is often used on multiple-cell installations. Two-Speed Fan/Pony Motor. From an energy perspective, these are the same. A lower horsepower pony motor is an alternative to a two-speed motor; the pony motor runs at part-load conditions (instead of the full sized motor) and saves fan energy when the tower load is reduced. Additional buildling descriptors are triggered when this method of capacity control is selected. Variable Speed Fan. A variable frequency drive is installed for the tower fan so that the speed can be modulated. List (see above) As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Low-Speed Airflow Ratio All cooling towers with two-speed or pony motors The percentage full load airflow that the tower has at low speed or with the pony motor operating. This is equivalent to the percentage full load capacity when operating at low speed. Ratio As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Low-Speed kW Ratio All cooling towers The percentage full load power that the tower fans draw at low speed or with the pony motor operating Ratio As designed.
Applicability All cooling towers with VSD control
Definition

A curve that varies the cooling tower fan energy usage as a function of part-load ratio for cooling towers with variable speed fan control. The default curve is given as follows:

(6.8.3-3)

$$PLR = \frac{Q_{operating}}{Q_{available}\left ( t_R, t_A, t_{OW\!B}\right )}$$ $$TW\!R\!\_F\!AN\!\_F\!P\!L\!R = a + b \times PLR + c \times PLR^2$$ $$P_{operating} = P_{rated} \times TW\!R\!\_F\!AN\!\_F\!P\!L\!R$$

where

 PLR Part load ratio based on available capacity (not rated capacity) Qoperating Present load on tower (in Btu/h) Qavailable Tower available capacity at present range, approach, and outside wet-bulb conditions (in Btu/h). towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (°F) tA The tower approach (°F) Prated Rated power draw at CTI conditions (kW) Poperating Power draw at specified operating conditions (kW)

[table title="Default Efficiency TWR-FAN-FPLR Coefficients – VSD on Cooling Tower Fan" id="default-efficiency-TWR-FAN-FPLR-coefficients-–-VSD-on-cooling-tower-fan"]

 Coefficient TWR-FAN-FPLR a 0.33162901 b -0.88567609 c 0.60556507
Units Data structure
Input Restrictions User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, supporting documentation is required.
Applicability Cooling Tower Minimum Speed All cooling towers with a VSD control The minimum fan speed setting of a VSD controlling a cooling tower fan expressed as a ratio of full load speed. Ratio As designed. The default is 0.40.
Energy Star
Applicability Cooling Tower Name All cooling towers A unique descriptor for each cooling tower Text, unique User entry. Where applicable, this should match the tags that are used on the plans.
Applicability Cooling Tower Type All cooling towers The type of cooling tower employed. The choices are: Open tower, centrifugal fan Open tower, axial fan Closed tower, centrifugal fan Closed tower, axial fan Open cooling towers collect the cooled water from the tower and pump it directly back to the cooling system. Closed towers circulate the evaporated water over a heat exchanger to indirectly cool the system fluid. List (see above) As designed
Applicability Cooling Tower Capacity All cooling towers The tower thermal capacity per cell adjusted to CTI (Cooling Technology Institute) rated conditions of 95 F condenser water return, 85 F condenser water supply, and 78 F wetbulb with a 3 gpm/nominal ton  water flow. The default cooling tower curves below are at unity at these conditions. Btu/h As designed
Applicability Cooling Tower Number of Cells All cooling towers The number of cells in the cooling tower. Each cell will be modeled as equal size. Cells are subdivisions in cooling towers into individual cells, each with their own fan and water flow, and allow the cooling system to respond more efficiently to lower load conditions. Numeric: integer As designed
Applicability Cooling Tower Total Fan Horse Power All cooling towers The sum of the nameplate rated horsepower (hp) of all fan motors on the cooling tower. Pony motors should not be included. Horsepower (hp) As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Wet-Bulb All cooling towers The design wet-bulb temperature that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Entering Water Temperature All cooling towers The design condenser water supply temperature (leaving tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Default to 85°F.
Applicability Cooling Tower Design Return Water Temperature All cooling towers The design condenser water return temperature (entering tower) that was used for selection and sizing of the cooling tower. Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) As designed. Default to 95°F.
Applicability All cooling towers
Definition

A curve or group of curves that represent the available total cooling capacity as a function of outdoor air wet-bulb, condenser water supply and condenser water return temperatures. The default curves are given as follows:

(6.8.3-1)

$$t_R = t_{cwr} - t_{cws}$$ $$t_A = t_{cws} - t_{owb}$$ $$t_A = a + b \times t_R + c \times \left. t_R\right. ^2 + d \times FRA + e \times FRA^2 + f \times t_R \times FRA$$ $$FRA = \frac{- d - f \times t_R + \sqrt{\left ( d+ f \times t_R \right )^2 - 4 \times e \times \left ( a + b \times t_R + c \times \left. t_R \right. ^2 - t_A\right )}}{2 \times e}$$ $$FW\!B = a + b \times FRA + c \times FRA^2 + d \times t_{owb} + e \times \left. t_{owb} \right. ^2 + f \times FRA \times t_{owb}$$ $$Q_{available} = Q_{rated} \times FW\!B \times \left ( \frac{t_R}{10} \right )$$

where

 Qavailable Available cooling capacity at present outside air and condenser water conditions (MBH) Qrated Rated cooling capacity at CTI test conditions (MBH) tcws The condenser water supply temperature (in °F) tcwr The condenser water return temperature (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (in °F) tA The tower approach (in °F) FRA An intermediate capacity curve based on range and approach FWB The ratio of available capacity to rated capacity (gpm/gpm).

[table title="Default Capacity Coefficients – Cooling Towers" id="default-capacity-coefficients-–-cooling-towers"]

 Coefficient FRA FWB a -2.22888899 0.60531402 b 0.16679543 -0.03554536 c -0.01410247 0.00804083 d 0.03222333 -0.02860259 e 0.18560214 0.00024972 f 0.24251871 0.00490857
Units Data structure
Input Restrictions User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, the rating software must indicate that supporting documentation is required on the output forms.
Cooling Tower Set Point Control
Applicability All cooling towers
Definition The type of control for the condenser water supply. The choices are:
• Fixed
• Wet-bulb reset

A fixed control will modulate the tower to provide the design supply water temperature at all times. A wet-bulb reset control will reset according to the following control scheme:

(6.8.3-2)

$$t_{cws} = t_{owb} + t_A + RR \times \left ( t_{dwb} - t_{owb}\right )$$

where

 tcws The condenser water supply setpoint (in °F) towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tdwb The design outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F). tA The tower design approach (in °F). RR The reset ratio (default is 0.29)

A reset ratio (RR) of 0 will force the tower to always attempt a fixed approach to the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. A reset ratio (RR) of 1 will cause the system to perform as if it had fixed condenser water controls.

Units List (see above)
Input Restrictions As designed. If the user does not use the default curve, supporting documentation is required.
Applicability Cooling Tower Capacity Control All cooling towers Describes the modulation control employed in the cooling tower. Choices include: Fluid Bypass provides a parallel path to divert some of the condenser water around the cooling tower at part-load conditions Fan Cycling is a simple method of capacity control where the tower fan is cycled on and off. This is and is often used on multiple-cell installations. Two-Speed Fan/Pony Motor. From an energy perspective, these are the same. A lower horsepower pony motor is an alternative to a two-speed motor; the pony motor runs at part-load conditions (instead of the full sized motor) and saves fan energy when the tower load is reduced. Additional buildling descriptors are triggered when this method of capacity control is selected. Variable Speed Fan. A variable frequency drive is installed for the tower fan so that the speed can be modulated. List (see above) As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Low-Speed Airflow Ratio All cooling towers with two-speed or pony motors The percentage full load airflow that the tower has at low speed or with the pony motor operating. This is equivalent to the percentage full load capacity when operating at low speed. Ratio As designed.
Applicability Cooling Tower Low-Speed kW Ratio All cooling towers The percentage full load power that the tower fans draw at low speed or with the pony motor operating Ratio As designed.
Applicability All cooling towers with VSD control
Definition

A curve that varies the cooling tower fan energy usage as a function of part-load ratio for cooling towers with variable speed fan control. The default curve is given as follows:

(6.8.3-3)

$$PLR = \frac{Q_{operating}}{Q_{available}\left ( t_R, t_A, t_{OW\!B}\right )}$$ $$TW\!R\!\_F\!AN\!\_F\!P\!L\!R = a + b \times PLR + c \times PLR^2$$ $$P_{operating} = P_{rated} \times TW\!R\!\_F\!AN\!\_F\!P\!L\!R$$

where

 PLR Part load ratio based on available capacity (not rated capacity) Qoperating Present load on tower (in Btu/h) Qavailable Tower available capacity at present range, approach, and outside wet-bulb conditions (in Btu/h). towb The outside air wet-bulb temperature (°F) tR The tower range (°F) tA The tower approach (°F) Prated Rated power draw at CTI conditions (kW) Poperating Power draw at specified operating conditions (kW)

[table title="Default Efficiency TWR-FAN-FPLR Coefficients – VSD on Cooling Tower Fan" id="default-efficiency-TWR-FAN-FPLR-coefficients-–-VSD-on-cooling-tower-fan"]

 Coefficient TWR-FAN-FPLR a 0.33162901 b -0.88567609 c 0.60556507
Units Data structure
Input Restrictions User may input curves or use default curves. If defaults are overridden, supporting documentation is required.
Applicability Cooling Tower Minimum Speed All cooling towers with a VSD control The minimum fan speed setting of a VSD controlling a cooling tower fan expressed as a ratio of full load speed. Ratio As designed. The default is 0.40.