DLRC District cooling plant is one of the new district cooling plants in Dubai land, with a cooling capacity of 47,000 Refrigeration Tons (RT). The new plant developed by Empower will serve the residential community of the Dubai Land Residence Complex (DLRC), one of the prominent residential destinations in the city that features many modern facilities, including green parks, libraries, mosques, hotels, educational institutes, medical facilities, and shopping centres.

Mechartes was appointed as an engineering consultant to conduct various engineering analysis services for the plant.

Mechartes carried out a detailed Acoustic Analysis for the project. Mechartes developed a 3D model to simulate noise propagation from the plant to nearby residential areas, subsequently mapping noise contours and providing strategic recommendations to mitigate high-noise regions.

The objective is to simulate the acoustic sound levels and plot noise mapping contours to check the noise propagation in the nearby residential buildings. After conducting initial studies, Mechartes identified high-noise regions and provided targeted recommendations.

Mechartes also carried out the internal design of the thermal energy storage tanks (TES) for the project. A detailed study was carried out to optimize the process design of radial plate diffusers/ internals of the TES tank &the same design was verified using CFD analysis for discharging & charging mode. Process and structural design of the tank were also carried out for the project. The analysis followed AHSRAE Applications Handbook-2007, Ch-34, AWWA D100 and ASME B 31.1 Standards.

CFD analysis enhanced the cooling tower’s performance by studying parameters such as Wet Bulb Temperature, velocity profiles, and humidity distribution. This led to design refinements, including increased louver area, canopy additions, and stack enhancements. The study adhered to Dubai Municipality requirements to ensure that the plume from the cooling tower does not travel to nearby pedestrian areas, preventing the spread of Legionella bacteria.