CoilCool™ Schematic

The schematic above illustrates the movement of the air, water and refrigerant through a Roof Top Unit with CoilCool installed.      MORE …

Pre-Cooler Enclosure

The major CoilCool structural element is its stainless steel sheet metal enclosure that is custom-fit to each rooftop unit. This “unibody” assembly gains its strength from shape and connections rather than from metal thickness. The design facilitates an affordable “lifetime” enclosure that will outlast the rooftop unit to which it is attached. The integral bottom reservoir includes a screened stainless steel top that limits entry of debris, and the reservoir’s smooth flat bottom with rimless drain opening allows easy annual cleaning. On units with inward-slanting condenser coils, the enclosure includes hinged triangular panels that provide easy coil access. The unique design also facilitates easy removal of the evaporative media yet holds the media securely to prevent movement in windy conditions.

Submersible Pump

A submersible pump is the primary operating component in the CoilCool system, moving cool water from the reservoir beneath the evaporative media to, and through, the vent air pre-cooling coil, and then back to a distribution tube above the evaporative media. Water flowing through the coil cools the warm incoming fresh air stream, and water flowing by gravity downward through the media cools the air entering the large condenser coil through which refrigerant is discharging heat to the outdoor air. The submersible pump strategy maximizes protection of this vital component, and maintains a clean unit appearance without external components and wires. ICI selected the current pump series for durability and energy efficiency after extensive lab and field testing. Pump access requires no tools; the technician simply pulls outward on the handle of the removable perforated metal media holder above the pump, removing the entire media section.

Evaporative Media

If the pump is the heart of the CoilCool system, the evaporative media sections are the lungs. These 8” thick blocks of “cross-corrugated” treated cellulose are the highest quality evaporative media available, squeezing near-maximum cooling from the evaporative process. The heavy, dark “edge-coat” that ICI specifies for the media front edge provides protection against UV-degradation and damage from hardness minerals where groundwater is used. Both the airstream and the water are cooled evaporatively as water flows evenly downward from the stainless steel reflector above the perforated top distribution pipe. The condenser fans on the rooftop unit cause the air to flow across the media before passing across the condenser coil. Most media sections are 24” wide to streamline installation and removal. They are grooved at the top for retention against the wind, and are retained at the bottom in a perforated stainless steel tray. Media sections are easily removed for cleaning. The 3 to 7 year media life is mostly variable with hardness mineral content of the water.

Standard Controls

The major CoilCool control need is a thermostat that activates the pump when outdoor temperature exceeds a preset value (typically 70 to 75 degrees F). Earlier CoilCool controls required low voltage power for pump and solenoid refill valve switching. (Since water evaporates to accomplish the cooling task, an automatic system is required to refill the CoilCool reservoir.) The current basic CoilCool control system relies on a line voltage thermostat and a simple, highly reliable float valve. This system takes advantage of the 115V service receptacle that is typically located in or on the rooftop unit. The CoilCool thermostat is located inside the controls cabinet of the rooftop unit, with an external bulb temperature sensor. Like the pump, the float valve is easily accessed by removing a media block and its supporting perforated metal screen at one side of the pre-cooler.

Optional Bleed System

Where the supply water exceeds about 30 PPM of hardness mineral, ICI recommends the optional “bleed” system that limits the concentration of hardness minerals in the CoilCool water loop. Without the bleed system, minerals can build up on all surfaces that the water contacts, compromising both appearance and function of the system. ICI technicians and trained CoilCool installers measure hardness content of the supply water and specify a bleed rate. A bleed valve is then set to the specified rate. An upstream filter protects the bleed valve against clogging. Cleaning the bleed filter is important to maintaining performance and maximizing media life.

Performance

The two basic CoilCool ™ performance goals are to:

Evaporative Condenser pre-cools condenser air. The condenser is the transport for all the heat generated by cooling your building. One or more fans work to dump the heat from the condenser to the outside environment. This workload is very energy intensive, especially when the outdoor environment is already hot. By pre-cooling the condenser air and lowering the condensing temperature, you reduce the workload and save energy.

Increased Capacity. CoilCool increases cooling capacity and extends equipment life. With pre-cooled condenser air, your compressors have higher capacity. When equipped with CoilCool, new and replacement rooftop units can be downsized to further improve economics. Existing units will run shorter cycles with reduced compressor and fan operating hours; they run less and last longer.

ICI prefers to include a prepaid 3-year service and warranty program with each CoilCool sold.

The Service Plan is carried out by trained service crews, includes three scheduled site visits per season:

Within the 3-year warranty period, ICI will replace any defective components at no charge to the customer. As a “wear component” the evaporative media will be replaced if necessary on a pro-rated basis in comparison with its 5 year expected life. The warranty does not cover:

Economics

CoilCool offers you practical energy savings and an impressive ROI. This table shows how your payback will likely vary with the number and size of CoilCool units you install. Economics are best when your utility rewards the value of CoilCool for reducing their energy generating requirements. We think you’ll agree that CoilCool retrofits are a great energy saving investment.