Miscellaneous Mechanical Components
DOE-HDBK-1018/2-93
COOLING TOWERS
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
Cooling Towers Summary
The cooling tower removes heat from water used in cooling systems within
the plant. The heat is released to the air rather than to a lake or stream.
This allows facilities to locate in areas with less water available because
the cooled water can be recycled. It also aids environmental efforts by not
contributing to thermal pollution.
Induced draft cooling towers use fans to create a draft that pulls air
through the cooling tower fill.
Because the water to be cooled is
distributed such that it cascades over the baffles, the air blows through the
water, cooling it.
Forced draft cooling towers blow air in at the bottom of the tower. The
air exits at the top of the tower. Water distribution and recirculation
difficulties limit their use.
Natural convection cooling towers function on the basic principle that hot
air rises. As the air inside the tower is heated, it rises through the tower.
This process draws more air in, creating a natural air flow to provide
cooling of the water.
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