Experimental and Numerical Studies on Water Cooling Tower Performance

Mohammad, Waheed Sh.; Jalil, Jalal M.

doi:10.30684/etj.25.4.1

	Experimental and Numerical Studies on Water Cooling Tower Performance
Engineering and Technology Journal
Volume 25, Issue 4, 2007, Pages 512-533 PDF (307.02 K)
DOI: 10.30684/etj.25.4.1
Authors
Waheed Sh. Mohammad; Jalal M. Jalil
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental studies were conducted on forced draft water cooling tower. In such towers, the heat and mass transfer take place from the hot water to the bulk air, which passes through the tower. The theoretical study includes two parts, the first part describes the numerical solution for the water cooling tower governing equations, a two dimension air momentum equation (Navier-Stocks equations) and air enthalpy equation (energy equation), moisture content and water enthalpy equation. The effect of turbulence was simulated using the k-ε model. The packing-air resistance is described and added to the air momentum equation in y-direction only. The second part highlights the use of three different packing types. This includes the use of a ceramic packing in two different heights (0.66, 0.48m) in addition to an aluminum packing. A simple comparison between all the above types of packing behavior is conducted. The experimental study was conducted using Hilton water cooling tower, which is a counter flow type. The variation in many variables, which affect the tower efficiency, are described in this part of the research including variation heating loads, entering water mass flow rates and incoming air volume flow rates. The flow field velocity vector for air through the tower is plotted, and an accurate behavior of both air and water properties was found.

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