Calculations on Thermal Performance Capability of Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers

Abstract

With reference to the thermal performance of mechanical draft counterflow and crossflow cooling towers, computer calculations are made on the basis of the enthalpy potential theory. Some simplified methods of calculating the number of transfer units are examined and a new correction factor for crossflow towers is obtained in the form of an equation. Representative performance curves, which indicate the variation of the cooling range with inlet wet bulb temperature at constant inlet water temperature and flow rate, are also obtained in due consideration of the available data on the tower characteristics. Then, a simple test method is presented applying the performance curves to the evaluation of test results.