Final answer:
An evaporative condenser can save significant amounts of water, potentially in the range of 80-90%, especially in areas with low relative humidity. This saving is crucial for sustainability, particularly in regions with high water withdrawal rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
An evaporative condenser can save a significant amount of water compared to traditional cooling methods. Specifically, option A) 80-90% water savings is possible when using an evaporative condenser. This is a substantial conservation, considering the importance of water efficiency in industrial and engineering processes. The principle behind this technology lies in its ability to cool refrigerants through the evaporation of water, a process which requires much less water than other cooling methods. Under conditions of low relative humidity, the evaporation process is more efficient, contributing to these high savings figures. It's also important to consider that water withdrawal rates play a role in determining the sustainability and impact of any cooling system. Reducing water usage is beneficial, given that in many regions, water withdrawal already accounts for a significant percentage of the total available water, with some regions experiencing withdrawal rates of more than 40%. Hence, utilizing technologies that substantially reduce water usage is important for sustainability.