METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MULTI-PURPOSE COOLING

Abstract

A multi-purpose cooling method and system is disclosed that includes a temperature sensor configured to sense a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower. The system also includes a first valve fluidically coupled to a first load center and the cooling tower, and a second valve fluidically coupled to a second load center and a chiller. The system further includes a heat exchanger including a first inlet fluidically coupled to the first valve and a second inlet fluidically coupled to the second valve. The first valve is configured to direct a first fluid and the second valve are configured to direct a second fluid according to the wet bulb temperature, a first target incoming temperature of the first fluid for the first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of the second fluid for the second load center.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to cooling systems for building and process load centers, and more particularly to multi-purpose cooling systems and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

Generally, cooling systems for industrial, computing, commercial, and other load centers are designed to maintain environmental standards. For example, modern computer data centers have servers, switches, and networking equipment that are maintained at particular environmental temperature and humidity ranges. As such, data centers use a significant amount of energy to operate, and in fact, data center energy use is one of the fastest growing segments of energy consumption in the United States. This fact drives data centers, especially large data centers, to find and use more energy efficient methods and systems.

One way in which industrial, computing or data, and commercial centers become more energy efficient is through increasing the efficiency of associated cooling systems. Often a building or facility that houses a computing or data center may also include other functions, such as office space or manufacturing facilities. These different functions may have different cooling needs, but the building may have only one cooling system. For example, a computing or data center that is cooled by a cooling system may utilize chilled water in the range of approximately fifty-five to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. However, a building or portion of a building housing personnel that is cooled by a cooling system may utilize chilled water in the range of approximately forty to forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. It is costly to build two separate cooling systems with different chilled water temperatures. When a cooling system is configured to cool a building that utilizes two different chilled water temperatures, the cooling system may be configured to provide the lower temperature chilled water throughout, creating inefficiencies in the cooling system.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-purpose cooling system includes a temperature sensor configured to sense a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower. The system also includes a first valve fluidically coupled to a first load center and the cooling tower, and a second valve fluidically coupled to a second load center and a chiller. The system further includes a heat exchanger including a first inlet fluidically coupled to the first valve and a second inlet fluidically coupled to the second valve. The first valve is configured to direct a first fluid and the second valve are configured to direct a second fluid according to the wet bulb temperature, a first target incoming temperature of the first fluid for the first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of the second fluid for the second load center.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for a multi-purpose cooling system includes obtaining a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower from a temperature sensor, determining a first target incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second load center. Based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a first target temperature, the method includes configuring a first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat exchanger. The first valve is fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling tower, and the heat exchanger. The method further includes configuring a second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger. The second valve is fluidically coupled to the second load center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-purpose cooling system includes a processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and computer-executable instructions carried on a computer readable medium. The instructions are readable by the processor, and when read and executed, cause the processor to obtain a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower from a temperature sensor. The processor is further caused to determine a first target incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second load center. Based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a first target temperature, the processor is caused to configure a first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat exchanger. The first valve is fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling tower, and the heat exchanger. The processor is also caused to configure a second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger. The second valve is fluidically coupled to the second load center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of an exemplary cooling configuration that includes a multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example psychometric chart showing an exemplary cooling process utilizing a multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for an example method for a multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Often large buildings or facilities include multiple functions or areas, such as one area for a computing or data center and a separate area for personnel. Each of the different areas included in a building may have different cooling needs or target air temperatures. However, the building may be cooled by a cooling system with a single cooling loop that provides one temperature of chilled water or fluid to the entire building. The chilled water temperature is set to provide the lowest target air temperature to the entire building, which is inefficient and expensive to operate. Thus, in some embodiments, the cooling loop of the cooling system may be configured and operated to provide different chilled water temperatures for the different functions in the building or facility, also called “multi-purpose cooling.” In some embodiments, for multi-purpose cooling, the cooling system may also be configured to transition between multiple modes of cooling based on the wet bulb temperature and target air temperatures for the different areas. As such, the cooling mode selected is more efficient under the particular atmospheric conditions. The cooling system provides seamless transitions between economizing (for example, maximum utilization of free cooling through a cooling tower) and mechanical cooling (for example, operating a chiller to provide cooling). Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be retrofitted into existing cooling systems and included in new cooling system designs.

Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1-3, wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of exemplary cooling configuration 100 that includes multi-purpose cooling system 180 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Cooling configuration 100 may be utilized to cool load centers 120a and 120b (collectively “load centers 120”). Design and specifications relating to cooling configuration 100 may be based on a target environment for load centers 120, which may include a designed or target supply air temperature and a designed or target humidity. Based on the target environment for load centers 120 and the amount of heat generated (or “load”) in load centers 120, the incoming fluid temperature is specified. In some embodiments, fluids 162a and 162b (collectively “fluids 162”) may be chilled water or other suitable fluid.

As an example, a large data center, such as load center 120a, may require a target supply air temperature between approximately sixty-five and eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the heat load in load center 120a and the target supply air temperature, the corresponding target incoming fluid temperature (T_120a) at inlet 150 may be specified. For example, based on the heat load at load center 120a and supply air temperature of approximately sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit, T_120a may be specified at approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit. As another example, the same facility that houses office personnel, such as load center 120b, may require a target incoming fluid temperature (T_120b) at inlet 152 at approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.

In some embodiments, cooling configuration 100 may be designed to provide one incoming fluid temperature for load center 120a and a different incoming fluid temperature for load center 120b. In some embodiments, load centers 120a and 120b are co-located in separate areas within the same facility or building. In other embodiments, load centers 120a and 120b are located in separate facilities or buildings serviced by the same cooling configuration 100. Further, although FIG. 1 depicts two load centers 120, any number of load centers with varied target supply air temperatures may be included in embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, load centers 120 may be any type of heat load that requires cooling, such as a computing data center that contains multiple computing systems, an industrial or manufacturing center, a hospital, a school, or any other systems, buildings, or facilities that generate heat during operation.

Cooling configuration 100 includes multi-purpose cooling system 180 (also referred to as “cooling system 180”) and processing system 182. Fluids 162 circulate through cooling system 180 are at various temperatures at different sections of cooling system 180. Cooling system 180 may be configured for different modes of cooling. The selected mode of cooling may be based on the wet bulb temperature, T_WB, of atmospheric air 160. Atmospheric air 160 may be measured at cooling towers 112 (discussed below with reference to FIG. 2) or any other suitable location. The selected mode of cooling may be further based on target incoming fluid temperature T_120a for load center 120a, and target incoming fluid temperature T_120b for load center 120b. Temperature measurement is accomplished by temperature sensors 114 placed and configured to sense the temperature of fluids 162, the exterior temperature, or the wet bulb temperature as suitable for a specific implementation. For exemplary purposes in the following explanation, T_120a may be specified at approximately sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit, and T_120b may be specified at approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.

In some embodiments, there are one or more modes of operation for cooling system 180. For example, cooling system 180 may include mode one cooling system 102 with a fluid flow shown by a dotted line and mode two cooling system 104 with a fluid flow shown by a solid line. Additionally, cooling system 180 may include mode three cooling system 106 with fluid flow shown by a dash line. Cooling system 180 may further include mode four cooling system 108 with a fluid flow shown by a dash-dot line and mode five cooling system 110 with a fluid flow shown by a dash-dot-dot line.

Cooling system 180 may include one or more cooling towers 112, one or more temperature sensors 114, one or more tower pumps 116, one or more filters 118, one or more load centers 120, one or more tower valves 122, one or more tower bypass valves 124, heat exchanger 126, one or more chiller valves 128, and chiller subsystem 130 (also referred to as “chiller 130”). One or more chiller bypass valves (not expressly shown) may be included. However, in some configurations where chiller 130 is not utilized, rather that installing chiller bypass valves, chiller 130 may be inactivated or switched off and fluid 162b may pass through chiller 130. Additional suitable components that are not expressly shown may be included in cooling system 180, such as chemical treatment subsystems, air handlers, makeup water subsystems, a secondary cooling tower associated with chiller 130, or any other suitable components.

Components of cooling system 180 are fluidically connected or coupled. Cooling system 180 includes piping sections through which fluids 162 circulate and that connect components making up mode one cooling system 102, mode two cooling system 104, mode three cooling system 106, mode four cooling system 108, and mode five cooling system 110 (collectively “cooling modes 102-110”). Although shown as five separate flows, fluids 162 flowing through any of cooling modes 102-110 may be contained in the same pipe or piping structure and may confine the same fluids 162 in a continuous flow. Further, the example temperature differences, loads, and efficiencies discussed below with respect to load centers 120, heat exchanger 126, chiller 130, and cooling towers 112 are for ease of example and a cooling system design may account for larger or smaller temperature differences and different inlet and outlet temperatures as suitable for a particular implementation.

In some embodiments, mode one cooling system 102 includes fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping, machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections. In mode one cooling system 102, chiller 130 provides one hundred percent of cooling for cooling system 180. Cooling system 180 is configured to operate mode one cooling system 102 above a target wet bulb temperature, T₁. For example, at a target wet bulb temperature greater than approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₁), mode one cooling system 102 may be the most efficient cooling mode to operate. However, as the wet bulb temperature decreases below T₁, mode one cooling system 102 may not be the most efficient cooling mode to operate because one hundred percent mechanical cooling provided by chiller 130 requires more energy than partial free cooling provided by cooling towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 is configured to transition from mode one cooling system 102 to another cooling mode when the atmospheric conditions or other suitable parameters indicate that mode one cooling system 102 is no longer the most efficient. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode one cooling system 102 assumes a T_WB of approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit.

Mode one cooling system 102 circulates fluid 162a through load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger 126, and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center 120b, and heat exchanger 126. In mode one cooling system 102, tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to a bypass path that bypasses cooling towers 112. Chiller valves 128 and tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluids 162 to heat exchanger 126. Thus, in mode one cooling system 102, cooling towers 112 are inactive or switched off and chiller 130 provides one hundred percent of cooling for both load centers 120a and 120b.

Fluid 162b circulating in mode one cooling system 102 exits chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156 may be approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates though chiller valves 128. In mode one cooling system 102, chiller valves 128 direct fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126. Heat exchanger 126 heats fluid 162b as a result of the transfer of heat from fluid 162a circulating from tower valves 122. For example, heat exchanger 126 may heat fluid 162b from chiller valves 128 approximately five degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, fluid 162b exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 168 may be at approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162b exits heat exchanger outlet 168 and returns to chiller 130. In the current example, fluid 162b entering chiller 130 may be approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

Fluid 162a circulating in mode one cooling system 102 circulates through load center 120a and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162a may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120a, for example, fluid 162a exits load center 120a at approximately seventy degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a flows through tower bypass valve 124, tower pumps 116, and filters 118 and enters tower valves 122. In mode one cooling system 102, tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Heat exchanger 126 cools fluid 162a as a result of the transfer of heat to fluid 162b circulating from chiller valves 128. For example, heat exchanger 126 may cool fluid 162a from tower valves 122 approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fluid 162a exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 166 may be approximately equal to T_120a, for example, approximately sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit in the current example.

In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a selected T₁, for example, approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize mode two cooling system 104. Mode two cooling system 104 includes fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping, machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections. In mode two cooling system 104, cooling towers 112 provide partial cooling for load center 120a and chiller 130 provides one hundred percent cooling for load center 120b and supplements cooling for load center 120a. In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is configured to operate mode two cooling system 104 in a range of target wet bulb temperatures, for example, from T₂ to T₁. For example, at a wet bulb temperature greater than or equal to approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₂) and less than approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₁), mode two cooling system 104 may be the most efficient cooling mode to operate. However, as the wet bulb temperature decreases below T₂, mode two cooling system 104 may not be the most efficient cooling mode to operate because mechanical cooling provided by chiller 130 requires more energy than free cooling provided by cooling towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 is configured to transition from mode two cooling system 104 to another cooling mode when the atmospheric conditions or other suitable parameters indicate that mode two cooling system 104 is no longer the most efficient. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode two cooling system 104 assumes a T_WB of approximately seventy degrees Fahrenheit.

Mode two cooling system 104 circulates fluid 162a through load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger 126 and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center 120b, and heat exchanger 126. In mode two cooling system 104, tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to cooling towers 112. Chiller valves 128 are configured to direct fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126 and to chiller 130. Tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Thus, in mode two cooling system 104, cooling towers 112 may provide partial cooling for load center 120a and chiller 130 may provide one hundred percent cooling for load center 120b and supplemental cooling for load center 120a.

Fluid 162b circulating in mode two cooling system 104 exits chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156 may be approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates though chiller valves 128 and a portion of fluid 162b is directed to heat exchanger 126 while the remainder is directed back to chiller 130. The portion of fluid 162b that is directed to heat exchanger 126 may be heated by heat exchange from fluid 162a that flows from tower valves 122 through heat exchanger 126. Fluid 162b that exits heat exchanger outlet 168 mixes with fluid 162b from chiller valves 128 that bypassed heat exchanger 126. In the current example, fluid 162b from heat exchanger outlet 168 may be at approximately sixty degrees Fahrenheit and fluid 162b from chiller valves 128 may be at approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture of the two flows of fluid 162b results in fluid 162b that flows through chiller 130 is cooled and enters inlet 152 of load center 120b at a temperature of approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.

In mode two cooling system 104, tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Within heat exchanger 126, heat is exchanged from fluid 162a to fluid 162b. As such, fluid 162a exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 166 may be approximately T_120a, for example, approximately sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162a circulates through load center 120a and the temperature of fluid 162a rises. For example, fluid 162a may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120a. Fluid 162a exiting load center 120a at outlet 154 may be at approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162a flows through tower bypass valve 124 and is directed to cooling towers 112.

Cooling towers 112 decrease the temperature of fluid 162a and fluid 162a exits cooling tower outlet 170. For example, fluid 162a exiting outlet 170 may be approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit based on a wet bulb temperature of approximately sixty-seven degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of fluid 162a at outlet 154 from load center 120a may be approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a flows through tower pumps 116 and filters 118 to tower valves 122. Tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. In some embodiments, the amount of cooling that occurs in heat exchanger 126 for fluid 162a may be varied by adjusting chiller valves 128 and thus adjusting the amount of fluid 162b flowing to heat exchanger 126 based on the specified T_120a or any other suitable parameter.

In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a selected T₂, for example, approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize mode three cooling system 106. Mode three cooling system 106 includes fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping, machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections. Mode three cooling system 106 is configured to bypass heat exchanger 126. Thus, in mode three cooling system 106, cooling towers 112 provide one hundred percent cooling for load center 120a and chiller 130 provides one hundred percent cooling for load center 120b.

In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is configured to operate mode three cooling system 106 in a range of target wet bulb temperatures, for example, from T₃ to T₂. For example, at a wet bulb temperature greater than or equal to approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₃) and less than approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₂), mode three cooling system 106 may be the most efficient cooling mode to operate. Because chiller 130 is cooling only load center 120b, mode three cooling system 106 may have lower energy requirements than mode one cooling system 102 and mode two cooling system 104. However, as the wet bulb temperature continues decreasing below T₃, mode three cooling system 106 may not be the most efficient cooling mode to operate because mechanical cooling provided by chiller 130 may require more energy than partial free cooling provided by cooling towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 is configured to transition from mode three cooling system 106 to another cooling mode when the atmospheric conditions or other parameter indicates that mode three cooling system 106 is no longer the most efficient. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode three cooling system 106 assumes a T_WB of approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit.

In mode three cooling system 106, fluid 162a flows through and exits cooling towers 112 through cooling tower outlet 170 and may be at a temperature that is approximately T_120a, based on the wet bulb temperature. Fluid 162a circulates through tower pumps 116 and filters 112 at approximately the same temperature. Tower valve 122 is configured to direct fluid 162a to load center 120a. Fluid 162a circulates through load center 120a and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162a may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120a. Thus, in the current example, fluid 162a exiting load center 120a at outlet 154 may be approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to cooling towers 112. Fluid 162a may circulate through cooling towers 112 and the temperature of fluid 162a may be decreased. For example, fluid 162a exiting outlet 170 of cooling towers 112 may be approximately sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit based on a wet bulb temperature of approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit and fluid 162a temperature at outlet 154 from load center 120a of approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.

In mode three cooling system 106, fluid 162b flows through and exits chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156 may be approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates though chiller valves 128, which are configured to direct fluid back to chiller 130. Fluid 162b circulates through chiller 130 and its temperature decreases to approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.

In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a selected T₃, for example, approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize mode four cooling system 108. Mode four cooling system 108 includes fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping, machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections. In mode four cooling system 108, chiller 130 provides partial cooling for load center 120b and cooling towers 112 provide one hundred percent of cooling for load center 120a and supplements cooling for load center 120b. In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is configured to operate mode four cooling system 108 in a range of target wet bulb temperatures for example, from T₄ to T₃. For example, at a wet bulb temperature greater than approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₄) and less than or equal to approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit (T₃), mode four cooling system 108 may be the most efficient cooling mode to operate. However, as the wet bulb temperature decreases below T₄, mode four cooling system 108 may not be the most efficient cooling mode to operate because mechanical cooling provided by chiller 130 may require more energy than free cooling provided by cooling towers 112. Thus, cooling system 180 may be configured to transition from mode four cooling system 108 to another cooling mode when the atmospheric conditions or other parameter indicates that mode four cooling system 108 is no longer the most efficient. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode four cooling system 108 assumes a T_WB of approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

Mode four cooling system 108 circulates fluid 162a through load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger 126 and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center 120b, and heat exchanger 126. In mode four cooling system 108, tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to cooling towers 112. Chiller valves 128 are configured to direct fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126. Tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Thus, in mode four cooling system 108, cooling towers 112 may provide one hundred percent of cooling for load center 120a and partial cooling for load center 120a and chiller 130 may provide partial cooling for load center 120b.

Fluid 162b circulating in mode four cooling system 108 exits chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 at a temperature of approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162b may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156 may be in approximately fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates though chiller valves 128, which directs fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126.

Also in mode four cooling system 108, cooling towers 112 decrease the temperature of fluid 162a leaving cooling tower outlet 170. For example, fluid 162a exiting outlet 170 may be approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit based on a wet bulb temperature of approximately forty-six degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a flows through tower pumps 116, filters 118, and tower valves 122. Tower valves 122 are configured to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126. Fluid 162a directed to heat exchanger 126 may be heated by heat exchange from fluid 162b that flows from chiller valves 128 through heat exchanger 126. In the current example, fluid 162a from heat exchanger outlet 166 may be at approximately fifty-six degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a that enters inlet 150 of load center 120a has a temperature of approximately fifty-six degrees Fahrenheit. As fluid 162a passes through load center 120a, its temperature is raised. For example, the temperature of fluid 162a exiting outlet 154 of load center 120a may be approximately sixty-six degrees Fahrenheit.

In mode four cooling system 108, chiller valves 128 are configured to direct fluid 162b through heat exchanger 126. Within heat exchanger 126, heat is exchanged from fluid 162b to fluid 162a. As such, fluid 162b exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 168 may be approximately fifty-two degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Thus, chiller 130 may not be required to remove the entire amount of heat added to fluid 162b by load center 120b. Chiller 130 may be able to achieve a temperature at outlet 158 of approximately T_120b by operating at a reduced capacity.

In circumstances where the wet bulb temperature is below a selected T₄, for example, approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit in the current example, cooling system 180 may utilize mode five cooling system 110. In some embodiments, mode five cooling system 110 includes fluid 162a that circulates through a first loop of piping, machinery, and other connections and fluid 162b that circulates through a second loop of piping, machinery, and other connections. In mode five cooling system 110, chiller 130 is inactive and all cooling is accomplished by cooling towers 112. In some embodiments, cooling system 180 is configured to operate mode five cooling system 110 when the atmospheric temperature is below a target wet bulb temperature T₄. For example, at a target wet bulb temperature less than approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit (T₄), mode five cooling system 110 may be the most efficient cooling mode to operate. However, as the wet bulb temperature rises above T₄, mode five cooling system 110 may not be the proper cooling mode to operate because the required cooling may not be provided by operation of cooling towers 112 alone. Thus, cooling system 180 may be configured to transition from mode five cooling system 110 to another cooling mode when the atmospheric conditions or other suitable parameters indicate that mode five cooling system 110 is no longer able to provide enough cooling. For exemplary purposes, the following discussion of mode five cooling system 110 assumes a T_WB of approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit.

Mode five cooling system 110 circulates fluid 162a through load center 120a, tower pumps 116, filters 118, and heat exchanger 126, and circulates fluid 162b through chiller 130, load center 120b, and heat exchanger 126. Fluid 162b may be passed thorough chiller 130 or a chiller bypass valve may be utilized to divert fluid 162b around chiller 130. In mode five cooling system 110, tower bypass valves 124 are configured to direct fluid 162a to cooling towers 112. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 are configured to direct fluid 162a and 162b, respectively, to heat exchanger 126. Thus, in mode five cooling system 110, chiller 130 may be inactive or switched off and cooling towers 112 may provide approximately one hundred percent of cooling for both load centers 120a and 120b.

Fluid 162b circulating in mode five cooling system 110 exits chiller 130 through chiller outlet 158 or bypasses chiller 130 at a temperature of T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates through load center 120b and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162b may be heated approximately five degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120b. Thus, in the current example, fluid 162b exiting load center 120b at outlet 156 may be in approximately fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162b circulates though chiller valves 128, which, in mode five cooling system 110, are configured to direct fluid 162b to heat exchanger 126. Heat exchanger 126 cools fluid 162b as a result of the transfer of heat to fluid 162a circulating from tower valves 122. For example, heat exchanger 126 may cool fluid 162b from chiller valves 128 approximately five degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fluid 162b exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 168 may be approximately T_120b, for example, approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit in the current example.

Fluid 162a circulating in mode five cooling system 110 circulates through load center 120a and absorbs heat of a defined number of degrees. For example, fluid 162a may be heated approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of the desired removal of heat from load center 120a, for example, fluid 162a exits load center 120a at approximately sixty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid 162a flows through tower bypass valve 124 which directs fluid 162a to cooling towers 112. At cooling towers 112 the temperature of fluid 162a decreases. For example, cooling towers 112 may decrease the temperature of fluid 162a to approximately forty-three degrees Fahrenheit in the current example. Fluid 162a flows through tower pumps 116 and filters 118 and enters tower valves 122. Heat exchanger 126 heats fluid 162a as a result of the transfer of heat from fluid 162b circulating from chiller valves 128. For example, heat exchanger 126 may heat fluid 162a from tower valves 122 approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fluid 162a exiting heat exchanger 126 at outlet 166 may be less than or approximately equal to T_120a, for example, approximately fifty-three degrees Fahrenheit in the current example.

In some embodiments, some or all of cooling modes 102-110 may be included in a cooling system. The selection of the appropriate cooling mode 102-110 may be based on a wet bulb temperature and required inlet fluid temperatures for any or all load centers in a cooling system.

Cooling towers 112 may be high efficiency designs with induced draft fans. In alternate embodiments, cooling towers 112 utilize other designs and configurations that perform the same or similar function. Cooling towers 112 use induced draft fans to draw or blow atmospheric air 160 through an atmospheric air inlet. The induced draft fan may be a fixed speed fan or a variable speed fan. Cooling towers 112 are open to the exterior environment and exposed to the external atmosphere. Atmospheric air 160 may interact with fluid 162a that enters cooling towers 112 via return piping. As the fluid 162a exiting the return piping mixes with the atmospheric air, the latent heat of vaporization is absorbed from fluid 162a and the atmospheric air. As a result, fluid 162a is cooled. Cooling towers 112 may additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of cooling towers 112.

The rate and amount of cooling performed within cooling towers 112 depends on the wet bulb characteristics of the atmospheric air. Generally, the lower the wet bulb temperature of the atmospheric air, the more cooling capacity that can take place within cooling towers 112. As example, cooling towers 112 may be four degree approach cooling towers, which indicate that the temperature of fluid 162a is approximately four degrees higher than the wet bulb temperature after it passes through cooling towers 112.

After the atmospheric air absorbs heat within cooling towers 112, the atmospheric air exhausts to the atmosphere through atmospheric air exhaust 164 included in cooling towers 112. In some embodiments, atmospheric air exhaust 164 is located in cooling towers 112 opposite from an atmospheric air inlet to form a defined flow path of atmospheric air through cooling towers 112. In alternate embodiments, the location of atmospheric air exhaust 164 may vary. Just as the atmospheric air exhausts from cooling towers 112, fluid 162a that has been cooled, also exits cooling towers 112 at cooling tower outlet 170.

One or more temperature sensors 114 are coupled to portions of cooling system 180. Temperature sensors 114 are utilized to sense the temperature of fluids 162 or atmospheric air 160. Temperature sensors 114 are communicatively coupled to processing system 182 such that readings from temperature sensors 114 may be utilized to determine which cooling mode 102-110 should be chosen.

In some embodiments, cooling towers 112 are fluidically connected or coupled via piping to tower pumps 116. After fluid 162a is cooled in cooling towers 112, fluid 162a accumulates within cooling towers 112 and tower pumps 116 pump fluid 162a through tower pumps 116. Tower pumps 116 include one or more pumps in various configurations. For example, tower pumps 116 may be configured in parallel or may be configured such that one pump is designated as an operating tower pump while additional pumps are designated as standby pumps. Thus, the operating pump normally pumps fluid 162, while the standby pump remains in standby in case the operating pump fails or another system condition requires the use of the standby pump. In alternate embodiments, tower pumps 116 are configured in series or a single pump is utilized.

Tower pumps 116 may be variable speed, thus allowing variable flow and pressure, or fixed speed pumps. Tower pumps 116 may be configured to maintain a consistent flow such as defined gallons per minute (GPM). Further, tower pumps 116 may be particular horsepower (hp) pumps. For example, tower pumps 116 may include one pump configured to operate at fifty hp and generate a flow of 1,300 GPM. Tower pumps 116 may additionally include flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of tower pumps 116.

Tower pumps 116 circulate fluid 162a through various components and subsystems of cooling system 180. Tower pumps 116 are fluidically connected or coupled via piping to filters 118. In some embodiments, tower pumps 116 may additionally be connected via piping to a chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem. In such a configuration, piping connects the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem to filters 118 such that at least a portion of fluid 162a circulates through the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem prior to entering to filters 118. The portion of fluid that enters the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem is controlled by one or more valves. The valves are electronically controlled and coupled with other devices, such as flow rate meters, to direct substantially exact portions of the fluid 162a to the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem in order to maintain consistent chemical properties in the fluid 162a. The chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem chemically treats fluid 162a to maintain optimum water quality. Additionally, a dedicated chemical subsystem pump or alternate pressure source circulates the portion of fluid 162a that enters the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem.

Tower pumps 116 circulate fluid 162a to enter filters 118 either directly or once fluid 162a or a portion of fluid 162a is processed through the chemical treatment and monitoring subsystem. Filters 118 filter fluid 162a before it enters tower valves 122. Filters 118 may include, by way of example only, media filters, screen filters, disk filters, slow sand filter beds, rapid sand filters and cloth filters configured to filter various sizes of particles from fluid 162a. In some embodiments, filters 118 substantially prevent a particle of a predetermined size or larger from circulating with fluid 162a through the portion of cooling system 180 following filters 118. Filters 118 may additionally include flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of filters 118.

Filters 118 are fluidically connected or coupled via piping to tower valves 122. Once fluid 162a passes through filters 118, fluid 162a enters one or more tower valves 122. Depending on the configuration of tower valves 122, fluid 162a may be directed to either or both of heat exchanger 126 and load center 120a. Tower valves 122 are controlled by signals from computing system 182 or any other suitable control mechanism.

Further, chiller valves 128, are fluidically connected or coupled via piping to load center 120b and chiller 130. Fluid 162b that passes through load center 120b enters one or more chiller valves 128. Based on the configuration of chiller valves 128, fluid 162b may be directed to either or both of heat exchanger 126 and chiller 130. Chiller valves 128 are controlled by signals from computing system 182 or any other suitable control mechanism.

Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 configuration, and thus direction of fluids 162, is based on cooling mode 102-110 selected. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 are fluidically connected or coupled via piping to heat exchanger 126 and other components of cooling system 180. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 include one or more two-way or three-way valves to direct the flow of fluids 162. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 may be electronically controlled and coupled with other devices, such as flow rate meters, to direct fluids 162. Tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 may additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128.

Heat exchanger 126 is fluidically connected or coupled via piping to tower valves 122, chiller valves 128, chiller 130, cooling towers 112, and load centers 120. Heat exchanger 126 may be a high efficiency counter-flow design. In alternate embodiments, heat exchanger 126 utilizes other designs and configurations that perform the same or similar function. Heat exchanger 126 has separate inlets and separate paths for fluids 162 from tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128. As different temperature fluids 162 from tower valves 122 and chiller valves 128 travels through heat exchanger 126 in separate paths, heat from the higher temperature fluid, for example fluid 162a from tower valves 122, transfers to the lower temperature fluid, for example, fluid 162b from chiller valves 128. Heat exchanger 126 may additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, and any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of heat exchanger 126. The rate and amount of cooling performed within heat exchanger 126 may depend on the design and specifications of heat exchanger 126.

In some embodiments, chiller subsystem or chiller 130 is utilized to chill fluid 162. Chiller 116 may include an evaporator, a condenser, and a cooling tower. A condenser is configured to discharge chiller compressor heat to the atmosphere. A condenser includes condenser coils and any other suitable machinery operable for absorbing compressor heat continuously. A condenser additionally includes temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of the condenser. An evaporator may be configured to work in connection with the condenser. An evaporator conditions fluid 162b to a predetermined temperature, such as approximately forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. An evaporator may additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of the evaporator. Fluid 162b enters chiller 130 at a chiller inlet and exits chiller 130 at chiller outlet 158.

Load centers 120 include any equipment and machinery that generates heat during operation. Load centers 120 are designed to maintain a particular environment for the protection of equipment and machinery included in load centers 120. For example, load centers 120 may be data centers designed to maintain a supply air temperature of approximately seventy degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level below a certain threshold, such as approximately sixty percent. Load centers 120 may additionally include temperature sensors, flow rate meters, pressure sensors, or any other suitable components to allow for monitoring and control of load centers 120.

In some embodiments, load centers 120 include multiple air-handler units and humidification elements. Generally, air-handler units provide an interface between fluids 162 cooled by cooling towers 112 or chiller 130 and air in load centers 120. For example, air is heated by the operation of computing centers in a data center. The air is moved into air-handler units through ducting and fans. Fluids 162 enter load centers 120 via piping that directs fluids 162 proximate to the air-handler units or the heated data center air. As fluids 162 pass proximate to the air-handling units or the heated data center air, the air-handling units cause the heat in the data center air to transfer to fluids 162. For example, air-handling units in the form of fans blow the data center air across cooling coils that contains fluid 162. Thus, fluids 162 that exit data centers 120 is at a higher temperature than fluids 162 that enter data centers 120. The data center air that has been cooled is directed by the air-handling units back through data center 120. The humidity of the data center air may be controlled by a humidification element. For example, if the humidity level needs to be increased to maintain the correct environment, a humidification element injects moisture into ducting as air enters the air-handler units. In alternate embodiments, the humidity of the data center air could be controlled through use of an evaporative media section, or directly in load centers 120.

Components of cooling configuration 100 include processing system 182. Processing system 182 includes any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, processing system 182 may be a personal computer, a network storage resource, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price.

Processing system 182 includes one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret data, execute program instructions, or process data. A processing resource may interpret or execute program instructions and process data stored in memory, mass storage device, or another component of cooling configuration 100.

Processing system 182 includes any system, device, or apparatus operable to retain program instructions or data for a period of time (for example, computer-readable media) such as hardware or software control logic, random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, or any suitable selection or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to processing system 182 is removed.

Processing system 182 includes one or more storage resources (or aggregations thereof) communicatively coupled to the processing resource and may include any system, device, or apparatus operable to retain program instructions or data for a period of time (for example, computer-readable media). Storage resources include one or more hard disk drives, magnetic tape libraries, optical disk drives, magneto-optical disk drives, compact disk drives, compact disk arrays, disk array controllers, solid state drives (SSDs), and any computer-readable medium operable to store data. Computer-readable media include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (for example, a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (for example, a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory; as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic or optical carriers; or any combination of the foregoing.

Additional components of processing system 182 may include one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. Processing system 182 may also include one or more buses or wireless devices operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components and any component of cooling system 180.

Processing system 182 is operable to receive data from, and transmit data to, any component of cooling system 180 or other processing systems. Processing system 182 may be a host computer, a remote system, and any other computing system communicatively coupled to cooling system 180. Processing system 182 may be included in load centers 120 or may be remote from cooling system 180.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example psychometric chart 200 showing an exemplary cooling process utilizing a multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The psychometric chart illustrates psychometric properties of the atmospheric air 160 prior to entering cooling system 180. For example, atmospheric air 160 entering cooling towers 112 shown with reference to FIG. 1.

Psychometric chart 200 may be based on a cooling system designed to deliver approximately sixty-five degree Fahrenheit fluid 162a to load center 120a (T_120a), and deliver approximately forty-five degree Fahrenheit fluid 162b to load center 120b (T_120b). Psychometric chart 200 may further be based on a heat load at load centers 120a and 120b of approximately ten degrees Fahrenheit range.

Additionally, psychometric chart 200 may be based on an approach temperature for cooling tower 108 and heat exchanger 126. For example, cooling towers 112 may be four degree Fahrenheit approach cooling towers and heat exchanger 126 may be a five degree Fahrenheit approach heat exchanger. However, modifications may be made to psychometric chart 200, for example, locations of T₁ line 202, T₂ line 204, T₃ line 206, and T₄ line 208, based on a different designed delivery temperature of fluids 162, a different heat load at load centers 120, a different cooling towers 112 approach temperature, or a different heat exchanger 126 approach temperature.

In some embodiments, the psychometric zone above T₁ line 202 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable mode one cooling system 102 to be the most efficient operating mode for cooling system 180. For example, T₁ line 202 corresponds to wet bulb temperature of approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit. For mode one cooling system 102, cooling towers 112 are bypassed as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 and cooling is accomplished by chiller 130.

The psychometric zone above T₂ line 204 and equal T₁ line 202 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable mode two cooling system 104 to be the most efficient. As example, T₂ line 204 corresponds to a wet bulb temperature of approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at wet bulb temperatures above approximately sixty-one and equal to approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit, mode two cooling system 104 may be the most efficient mode of operating cooling system 180.

The psychometric zone above T₃ line 206 and equal to T₂ line 204 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable mode three cooling system 106 to be the most efficient. As example, T₃ line 206 corresponds to a wet bulb temperature of approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at wet bulb temperatures above approximately fifty-one and equal to approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit, mode three cooling system 106 may be the most efficient mode of operating cooling system 180.

The psychometric zone above T₄ line 208 and equal to T₃ line 206 corresponds to exterior air properties that enable mode four cooling system 108 to be the most efficient. As example, T₄ line 208 corresponds to a wet bulb temperature of approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, at wet bulb temperatures above approximately thirty-nine and equal to approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit, mode four cooling system 108 may be the most efficient mode of operating cooling system 180. In some embodiments, the psychometric zone below or equal to T₄ line 208 may correspond to exterior air properties that enable mode five cooling to be the most efficient operating mode for operating cooling system 180. For example, at wet bulb temperatures below approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit, cooling system 180 may not require the use of chiller 130 and energy savings may be accomplished.

Accordingly, in the current example system, the load carried by chiller 130 varies based on the atmospheric air wet bulb temperature. For example, at a wet bulb temperature less than or equal to approximately thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit, chiller 130 load may be approximately zero percent. The percentage load on chiller 130 increases as the wet bulb temperature increases until at approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit, chiller 130 load may be approximately one hundred percent.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for an example method for a multi-purpose cooling system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The steps of method 300 may be performed by various computer programs, models or any combination thereof. The programs and models include instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that are operable to perform, when executed, one or more of the steps described below. The computer-readable medium includes any system, apparatus or device configured to store and retrieve programs or instructions such as a microprocessor, a memory, a disk controller, a compact disc, flash memory or any other suitable device. The programs and models may be configured to direct a processor or other suitable unit to retrieve or execute the instructions from the computer-readable medium. For example, method 300 may be executed by processing system 182, an operator of the cooling system, or other suitable source. For illustrative purposes, method 300 is described with respect to cooling system 180 of FIG. 1; however, method 300 may be used for cooling system transitions using multi-purpose cooling systems of any suitable configuration.

At step 302, the processing system obtains the wet bulb temperature, T_WB, for atmospheric air and incoming fluid temperatures for each load center. A temperature sensor may measure the T_WB of atmospheric air entering a cooling tower, such as cooling towers 112 shown with reference to FIG. 1. For example, temperature sensor 114 senses T_WB and provides T_WB to the processing system. Processing system 182 receives the sensed temperature or T_WB. Providing a sensed temperature of T_WB may be continuous, periodic, scheduled, requested, or provided per any other suitable manner and timing. The processing system obtains or generates the target incoming fluid temperature for each load center based at least on the load in each load center and the target air temperature for each load center. For example, the processing system may obtain T_120a and T_120b for load centers 120a and 120b.

At step 304, the processing system determines each of T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, based on T_WB, T_120a, and T_120b, the processing system may set the transition wet bulb temperatures between each of cooling modes 102-110. The processing system sends command signals to automatic control valves to achieve the desired transitions.

At step 306, the processing system determines if the sensed temperature, T_WB, is greater than a target wet bulb temperature, T₁. For example, processing system 182 determines if T_WB is greater than T₁. T₁ may be based on design considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor. T₁ is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to operate cooling system in mode one cooling system 102 over other modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T₁ may be set at approximately seventy-one degrees Fahrenheit. If T_WB is greater than T₁, then method 300 proceeds to step 308. If T_WB is less than or equal to T₁, method 300 proceeds to step 312.

At step 308, the processing system configures the tower bypass valves to direct fluid to bypass the cooling tower. For example, as discussed with reference to mode one cooling system 102, T_WB is high such that cooling towers 112 are unable to provide any cooling. Thus, chiller 130 provides one hundred percent of the cooling in mode one cooling system 102, and cooling towers 112 may be bypassed. Processing system 182 electronically configures tower bypass valves 124 bypass cooling towers 112.

At step 310, the processing system configures the chiller valves and the tower valves to direct the fluid to the heat exchanger. For example, in mode one cooling system 102, processing system 182 electronically configures chiller valves 128 to direct fluid 162b from load center 120b to heat exchanger 126, and electronically configures tower valves 122 to direct fluid 162a from cooling towers 112 to heat exchanger 126. Method 300 returns to step 302.

At step 312, the processing system configures the tower bypass valves to direct the fluid to the cooling tower. For example, in mode two cooling system 104, mode three cooling system 106, mode four cooling system 108 and mode five cooling system 110, processing system 182 electronically configures tower bypass valves 124 to direct fluid 162a from load center 120a to cooling towers 112.

At step 314, the processing system determines if the sensed temperature, T_WB, is greater than a target wet bulb temperature, T₂. For example, processing system 182 determines if T_WB is greater than T₂. T₂ may be based on design considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor. T₂ is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to operate cooling system in mode two cooling system 104 over other modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T₂ may be set at approximately sixty-one degrees Fahrenheit. If T_WB is greater than T₂, then method 300 proceeds to step 316. If T_WB is less than or equal to T₂, method 300 proceeds to step 320.

At step 316, the processing system configures the chiller valves to direct the fluid to the heat exchanger and the chiller. For example, in mode two cooling system 104, processing system 182 electronically configures chiller valves 128 to direct fluid 162b from load center 120b to heat exchanger 126 and to chiller 130.

At step 318, the processing system configures the tower valves to direct the fluid to the tower. For example, in mode two cooling system 104, processing system 182 electronically configures tower valves 122 to direct fluid 162a to heat exchanger 126, to load center 120a and on to cooling towers 112. Method 300 returns to step 302.

At step 320, the processing system determines if the sensed temperature, T_WB, is greater than a target wet bulb temperature, T₃. For example, processing system 182 determines if T_WB is greater than T₃. T₃ may be based on design considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor. T₃ is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to operate cooling system in mode three cooling system 106 over other modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T₃ may be set at approximately fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit. If T_WB is greater than T₃, then method 300 proceeds to step 320. If T_WB is less than or equal to T₃, method 300 proceeds to step 326.

At step 322, the processing system configures the chiller valves to direct the fluid to the chiller. For example, in mode three cooling system 106, processing system 182 electronically configures chiller valves 128 to direct fluid 162b from load center 120b to chiller 130, bypassing heat exchanger 126.

At step 324, the processing system configures the tower valves to direct the fluid to the tower. For example, in mode three cooling system 106, processing system 182 electronically configures tower valves 122 to direct fluid 162a to load center 120a and on to cooling towers 112, bypassing heat exchanger 126. Method 300 proceeds to step 302.

At step 326, the processing system determines if the sensed temperature, T_WB, is greater than a target wet bulb temperature, T₄. For example, processing system 182 determines if T_WB is greater than T₄. T₄ may be based on design considerations, atmospheric conditions, sizes and loads on components in the cooling system, or any other suitable factor. T₄ is the temperature at which it becomes more efficient to operate cooling system in mode four cooling system 108 over other modes of cooling. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, T₄ may be set at approximately forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. If T_WB is greater than T₄, then method 300 proceeds to step 310. If T_WB is less than or equal to T₄, method 300 proceeds to step 328.

At step 328, the processing system configures the chiller to be idle. If chiller bypass valves are available, then, as discussed with reference to mode five cooling system 110, processing system 182 electronically configures chiller bypass valves to bypass chiller 130. If chiller bypass valves are unavailable, then processing system 182 may inactivate, turn off, or otherwise configure the chiller such that it functions as a pass through for fluid 162. Method 300 proceeds to step 310.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and invention. Although FIG. 3 discloses a particular number of steps to be taken with respect to method 300, method 300 may be executed with greater or lesser steps than those depicted in FIG. 3. In addition, although FIG. 3 discloses a certain order of steps to be taken with respect to method 300, the steps comprising method 300 may be completed in any suitable order. For example, step 310 and step 308 may be performed simultaneously. As another example, step 308 may be preformed before or after step 310 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, each individual step may include additional steps without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is solely defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose cooling system comprising:

a temperature sensor configured to sense a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower;

a first valve fluidically coupled to a first load center and the cooling tower;

a second valve fluidically coupled to a second load center and a chiller; and

a heat exchanger including a first inlet fluidically coupled to the first valve and a second inlet fluidically coupled to the second valve, wherein the first valve is configured to direct a first fluid and the second valve are configured to direct a second fluid according to: the wet bulb temperature, a first target incoming temperature of the first fluid for the first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of the second fluid for the second load center.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature is greater than a first target temperature; and

wherein the first valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger and the second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.

3. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a third valve fluidically coupled to the first valve, the cooling tower, and a bypass path for the cooling tower, wherein the third valve is configured to direct the first fluid to the bypass path for the cooling tower.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature is greater than a second target temperature; and

wherein the first valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger, and the second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger and the chiller.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature is greater than a third target temperature; and

wherein the first valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center, and the second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the chiller.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wet bulb temperature is greater than a fourth target temperature; and

wherein the first valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center and the heat exchanger, and the second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.

7. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a third valve fluidically coupled to the second valve, the chiller, and a bypass path for the chiller, wherein the third valve is configured to direct the second fluid to the bypass path for the chiller;

wherein the wet bulb temperature is less than or equal to a fourth target temperature; and

wherein the first valve is configured to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger and the second valve is configured to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.

8. A method for a multi-purpose cooling system comprising:

obtaining a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower from a temperature sensor;

determining a first target incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second load center;

based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a first target temperature: configuring a first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat exchanger, the first valve fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling tower, and the heat exchanger; and configuring a second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger, the second valve fluidically coupled to the second load center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.

9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising configuring a third valve to direct the first fluid to a bypass path for the cooling tower, the third valve is fluidically coupled to the first valve, the cooling tower, and the bypass path for the cooling tower.

10. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a second target temperature:

configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger, and

configuring the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger and the chiller.

11. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on determining the wet bulb temperature is greater than a third target temperature:

configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center; and

configuring the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the chiller.

12. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on determining the wet bulb temperature is greater than a fourth target temperature:

configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center and the heat exchanger; and

configuring the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.

13. A method according to claim 8, further comprising, based on the wet bulb temperature being less than or equal to a fourth target temperature:

configuring a third valve to direct the second fluid to a bypass path for the chiller, the third valve is fluidically coupled to the second valve, the chiller, and the bypass path for the chiller;

configuring the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger; and

configuring the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.

14. A multi-purpose cooling system comprising:

a processor;

a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; and

computer-executable instructions carried on a computer readable medium, the instructions readable by the processor, the instructions, when read and executed, for causing the processor to: obtain a wet bulb temperature of atmospheric air at a cooling tower from a temperature sensor; determine a first target incoming temperature for a first fluid at a first load center, and a second target incoming temperature of a second fluid at a second load center; based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a first target temperature: configure a first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to a heat exchanger, the first valve fluidically coupled to the first load center, the cooling tower, and the heat exchanger; and configure a second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger, the second valve fluidically coupled to the second load center, a chiller, and the heat exchanger.

15. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the instructions further cause the processor to configure a third valve to direct the first fluid to a bypass path for the cooling tower, the third valve is fluidically coupled to the first valve, the cooling tower, and the bypass path for the cooling tower.

16. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the instructions further cause the processor to, based on determining the wet bulb temperature is above a second target temperature:

configure the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger, and

configure the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger and the chiller.

17. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the instructions further cause the processor to, based on determining the wet bulb temperature is greater than a third target temperature:

configure the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center; and

configure the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the chiller.

18. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the instructions further cause the processor to, based on determining the wet bulb temperature is greater than a fourth target temperature:

configure the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the first load center and the heat exchanger; and

configure the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.

19. A multi-purpose cooling system according to claim 14, the instructions further cause the processor to, based on the wet bulb temperature being less than or equal to a fourth target temperature:

configure a third valve to direct the second fluid to a bypass path for the chiller, the third valve is fluidically coupled to the second valve, the chiller, and the bypass path for the chiller;

configure the first valve to direct the first fluid from the cooling tower to the heat exchanger; and

configure the second valve to direct the second fluid from the second load center to the heat exchanger.