Slide 1:
Learning Outcomes
Types of Cooling
Towers
2.1 Introduction
This topic looks at the different types of cooling towers available on the market. It
also looks at the principles of operation of each type of cooling tower.
Slide 2:
Two types of cooling
towers
Slide 3:
Direct contact
evaporative cooling
tower
Explain:
Slide 4:
Natural draft tower
Mechanical Draft
Explain:
This type of cooling tower utilizes a motor -driven fan to move air
through the tower, the fan being an integral part of the tower making the
thermal performance more stable than the natural draft tower.
§ induced draft.
Forced Draft
Show the following slide, review then discuss the points below:
Slide 5:
Mechanical - Forced
draft tower
Induced Draft
Show the following slide, review then discuss the points below:
Slide 6:
Mechanical - Induced
draft tower
§ The location of the fan, motor and drive mechanism in the humid exit air
stream means that these components require weatherproofing to prevent
the entering of moisture and protection against corrosion.
2.4 Types of air flow
Activity 2.4 PowerPoint presentation / discussion 8 min
Refer participants to section 2-30 in the DA17 AIRAH/IRHACE Cooling Towers
Manual.
Discuss:
§ cross flow.
Slide 7:
Counter flow cooling
tower
Discuss:
In this type of tower the air moves vertically upwards and through the
fill as the water falls downwa rds.
§ Water is usually delivered by means of fixed sprays, or in the case of the
circular or bottle shape tower, by means of rotating spray arms.
§ Eliminators are usually placed above the sprays to prevent loss of water
through drift.
Cross flow
Refer participants to figure 2-30B in the DA17 AIRAH/IRHACE Cooling Towers
Manual.
Explain:
The following are two examples of cooling towers from B.A.C. showing
characteristics and operative principles.
• counterflow design
• low height • Water from the heat source is distributed
• forced draught configuration over a wet deck surface by spray nozzles.
• horizontal air entry at one end Air is simultaneously blown upward over
• vertical air discharge the wet deck surface, causing a small
• galvanized steel centrifugal fans with Corrosion portion of the water to evaporate. This
Protection System evaporation removes heat from the
• low pressure water distribution system remaining water. The cooled water is
• BACount film fill with 15 mm spacing collected in the cooling tower sump and
• V-belt drive returned to the heat source.
• close capacity control options available
• suitable for indoor and outdoor locations
• low noise levels
Show the following slide, review and elaborate using the notes below :
Slide 9:
Two methods of
indirect evaporative
cooling
However, capital cost is higher and the tubes must be kept clean to avoid
corrosion caused by solid deposits.
Question Answer
What is the most advantageous • Its low internal pressure drop which
means that greater air flow is achieved.
characteristic of cross flow
design cooling towers?
Describe the two methods of • One cools air prior to it being passed
through a dry air heat exchanger
indirect evaporative cooling.
• The second comprises a fluid circulated
within coils or heat exchanger tubes,
mounted within a cooling tower or fluid
cooler.
• They require smaller quantities of water so
conserves water.
Summary
Review the learning objectives, summarise the key points of the topic and be
prepared to answer any questions from participants for clarification on the content.
Further reading
Section 2 of the DA17 AIRAH/IRHACE Cooling Towers manual.