Performance Analysis of Counter Flow Cooling Towers Based on Actual Performance Data

Abstract

Cooling towers are widely used in various industrial applications for water cooling systems. In these towers, water is cooled by air, and the heat released from the water to the air consists of both sensible and latent heat. The efficiency of this heat transfer significantly impacts the performance of the cooling tower. Objective: This study aims to determine the effectiveness and mass flow rate of water in a cooling tower, focusing on the relationship between water temperature, flow rates, and overall cooling tower performance. Method: The analysis includes measurement of the water temperature (48.176 °C), mass flow rate (175.235 kg/s), and the wet bulb temperature (16.988 °C) in the cooling tower. These parameters are analyzed to assess the cooling tower's performance in terms of its heat transfer efficiency. Results: The cooling tower's performance analysis shows an effectiveness of 59.36%. The mass flow rate of water is 175.235 kg/s, and the hot water flow rate is 9373.32 kg/s. The data indicate that the improved water flow and air flow have a positive impact on the heat transfer rate. Novelty: This study highlights the critical role of maintenance and the optimization of flow rates and cooling tower components in enhancing the heat transfer efficiency. It offers valuable insights into the relationship between operational parameters and cooling tower performance. Implications: The findings suggest that proper maintenance and improvements to water and air flow can significantly enhance cooling tower efficiency, leading to better heat transfer and overall system performance. This has important implications for industrial applications that rely on cooling towers for effective water cooling systems.