Natural Gas Chiller
Gas-fueled chillers and desiccant dehumidification, used separately or in tandem, can offer significant energy cost savings.
A natural gas engine-driven chiller is not substantially different from an electric air conditioner. A natural gas chiller expands a refrigerant to generate cool air using a gas-fueled engine rather than an electric motor as the prime source of power.
Benefits
- Cool air at lower costs
- Operates more efficiently at partial loads
- Engine heat is recoverable for use in other applications
- Reliable operation without premium electricity costs during peak usage periods
- Chiller can often use the same cooling tower as electric system
Absorption Chiller
These chillers operate on the same principle as conventional vapor compression chillers. Cooling is provided by evaporating a refrigerant. They use heat rather than a compressor as their driving force. With few moving parts, the equipment requires little maintenance. Recent technological advances have virtually eliminated crystallization, a previous concern with absorption equipment.
Benefits
- Provides both hot and chilled water efficiently
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Lower operating costs
- Operates more efficiently at partial loads
- Elimination or reduction of environmentally harmful CFCs
Desiccant Dehumidification
This system uses a honeycomb matrix wheel to remove moisture from indoor air before cooling it, thereby reducing demand on the cooling system. In an existing facility, it increases the cooling capacity and efficiency of HVAC equipment by performing dehumidification independent of the cooling process. In new construction, installing a desiccant system means the HVAC system can be downsized to reduce the capital investment.
Benefits
- Reduces demand on cooling system thereby reducing operating costs
- Improves indoor air quality by reducing molds and mildew
- Allows for more outside fresh air without raising indoor humidity
- Improves comfort levels by maintaining desired humidity without lowering temperature
- Reliable operation without premium costs during peak usage periods
- Lower electricity usage means fewer electric power plants and the environmental pollution, that may be associated with their construction and operation
The Economics
The payback period for an initial investment in natural gas cooling can be quite favorable. When you consider up to a 50% reduction in operating costs, natural gas cooling can save your business significantly over a period of years. MichCon can also facilitate your investment by directing you to potential funding sources such as equipment manufacturers, leasing companies or financial institutions.
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