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21.06.2024
TechnoAlpin: Supreme water cooling
Water temperature plays a decisive role when it comes to the efficiency and performance of snowmaking systems. This is particularly relevant at limit temperatures, but not just then. The new cooling towers from innovation leader TechnoAlpin cool water with minimal energy expenditure. They use the colder ambient air to cool water to a temperature slightly above freezing without the need for a refrigeration cycle. A honeycomb system distributes the water over a large surface area, which efficiently cools it. This principle ensures high power with low energy consumption. Depending on the model, throughput is between 30 and 90 l/sec, 16 nozzles ensure optimal water distribution. The increased water surface maximizes temperature exchange and further increases cooling capacity. Energy consumption varies between 15 and 45 kWh, depending on the model.
Cooling towers increase power by up to 50%.
A cooling tower system makes a big difference, even at limit temperatures. 4°C water temperature corresponds to approx 1°C wet bulb temperature. At extreme limit temperatures, the water temperature can be the difference between the system operating or being out of commission. System power is also significantly increased by optimum water temperatures: At limit temperatures, a mid-range fan gun delivers 50% more power at water temperatures of 1°C than at 9°C.
But even colder temperature windows up to -10°C are difficult to make the most of if the water is too warm. The snow guns are simply not able to convert the same amount of water into snow as they could at optimum water temperatures. This makes the entire snowmaking system less effective, as it increases snow time.
Focusing on occupational and operational safety
The new CT30, CT60 and CT90 cooling towers were specially developed for use in snowmaking systems and all materials were selected for use under difficult on-site conditions. Sophisticated technical details ensure high safety as well as simple installation and handling. The air inlet in the bottom section of the cooling tower is equipped with a drainage area that has an integrated heating system. This guarantees reliable operation even in challenging conditions. A hot-dip galvanized safety guard protects the fan from damage and external elements. The ventilator’s speed is regulated by an inverter s that it can be ideally adjusted to temperature requirements. The maintenance platform allows risk-free inspection of the cooling tower as well as safe removal of snow deposits. The removable inspection hatch facilitates inspection of the interior. The water-bearing parts are designed for guaranteed drainage. All electrical connections, motors and heaters are wired in a separate control cabinet. One electric switchboard is provided per cooling tower to ensure optimum modularity. Various covers or wood paneling soften the visual impact on the landscape.