Chapter 2.

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2 · System Planning

Aesthetics
While ideally the plant would be located at the centroid of the loads to be served, sit-
ing will be heavily influenced by the aesthetics and arrangement of the buildings. In eval-
uating alternative sites, it may be necessary to conduct preliminary hydraulic analysis
(discussed later) in order to evaluate the distribution system first-cost and operating-cost
impacts of competing plant locations.
Acoustics
The plant should be sited away from sound-sensitive adjacencies, such as residential
areas, music halls, libraries, etc., and all measures should be taken to keep all load equip-
ment noises from transmitting through the central plant building openings. Further scru-
tiny and calculations relating to acoustical and vibration abatement should be undertaken.
Topography
Topographical factors may play a large role in plant siting: a plant located at the low
point in the system will be subjected to system hydrostatic heads, which may be signifi-
cant where elevations differences are great. Where a thermal energy storage system is
used, it should be located at a higher elevation than the building equipment served,
regardless of if the in-building equipment consists of the heat exchangers of an indirectly
connected system or the coils of a directly connected system.
Fuel Availability, Storage, and Handling
For a chiller plant using electric driven vapor-compression chillers, adequate electric
infrastructure will be a major consideration in plant siting. For systems that use engine-driven
chillers as well as plants that cogenerate heat and/or electric power, the fuel used may have
significant impacts on site selection. Obviously, a natural gas fueled plant will require either
location near an adequate existing supply pipeline or construction of a supply pipeline from a
nearby main. For systems that use liquid and solid fuels, adequate space must be available on
site for fuel unloading and storage. Fuels such as biomass that have relatively low heat con-
tent per unit volume will require frequent deliveries or increased storage capacity on site.
Solid fuels such as biomass or coal may be delivered on trucks, or by rail where available,
and specialized facilities may be required at the plant site to unload the trucks or rail cars.
Cooling Tower Location
Site selection should consider the many benefits of locating the cooling towers on the
ground. The extra effort required and the additional land used on a life-cycle cost basis
are typically a good investment. The cost-benefit advantages are ease of tower mainte-
nance, elimination of roof repairs and the cost of roof leakage, ease of increasing capac-
ity, the aesthetic advantage that can be realized, and the control of tower noise.

Chiller Selection
Chiller selection must include consideration of a number of variables. Among them
are anticipated-peak diversified loads; winter-minimum loads, if any; expected-average
load or normal operating loads; range of capacity of available water chillers; reliability
issues as an increasing number of chillers are put in place; and of course, refrigerant pref-
erences and energy efficiency both at maximum capacity and at in the sweet spot in the
50% to 80% range of capacity. Selection of a modular capacity that meets the variables
listed and permits optimization of energy usage is preferred to simplify maintenance and
stocking of parts to ensure continuity of service to mission-critical users. A proper selec-
tion may permit the plant to provide the much sought after variable primary flow without
the complication or expense of special pump drives.

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