What additional utility is essential when installing a centralized air conditioning system?

When installing a centralized air conditioning system, the inclusion of a cooling tower is crucial for enhancing the overall efficiency of the system, particularly in larger installations. A cooling tower serves as a heat rejection device that expels excess heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the air conditioning system. This process helps maintain optimal operating temperatures within the system and contributes to energy efficiency.

In centralized systems, especially those designed for commercial or industrial applications, the cooling tower aids in transferring heat from the internal environment to the external environment, often through the evaporation of water. This method of heat removal not only regulates the temperature of the refrigerant but also improves the system's performance during high-demand periods.

While other components such as air handling units (AHUs), ductwork, and pipe chases are essential parts of the cooling system, they primarily facilitate air distribution, water transport, and structural organization of the system. The cooling tower plays a distinctive role that is fundamental to the performance of centralized air conditioning.