What is the LCC (Life Cycle Cost) of a process cooling system?

The Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is a calculation method used to evaluate the total cost of a cooling system over its entire lifespan, including not only the initial investment but also energy, maintenance, and disposal costs. It shifts the focus from the simple purchase price to the actual economic and operational sustainability of the system.

The general formula for LCC is:
LCC = Initial Cost + Σ (Operating Costs + Maintenance Costs + Replacement Costs + Disposal Costs) – Residual Value,
where each component is discounted over time using a discount rate.

In a cooling system, energy costs include the electricity consumed by pumps, fans, and control systems, while operating costs account for water consumption and water treatment. Added to these are routine maintenance expenses, any component replacements, and the economic recovery of materials at end of life. An accurate LCC analysis helps identify the optimal balance between performance and cost.

Modern cooling-system selection and configuration software allows users to simulate real scenarios, estimate long-term costs, and compare different technological solutions—such as adiabatic, evaporative, or dry systems—supporting design decisions based on objective and sustainable data.