Cooling Tower Design

While designing the tower, the data requested from the business & process department are only the water flow rate (m3/hour), and the water inlet-outlet temperatures (°C) to the tower. The wet thermometer value is determined by us, if a special measurement has been made by the employer at the operation-site site, this value is taken into account. (You can check the table below.)

As a result of engineering calculations made with water flow, water inlet-outlet, and wet thermometer values, the heat transfer surface area (fill type-height) required to achieve the desired cooling and the air flow rate to be drawn by the fan are calculated with iterations. When choosing a tower, the data of air density entering the tower, air velocity, water load and resistance against the fan are of importance. Our experienced engineer staff carefully calculates all the values by revealing all their knowledge and dedication.

All the mentioned values make up the main external-internal dimensions and technical details of the tower. The design of cooling towers with GRP main construction is carried out with the necessary weight and size profiles, experience, and with the help of special calculations. The electric motor, reducer, driveshaft, and fan assembly are selected by similar programs and calculations to create the main details of the tower and proceed to the bidding stage.

Turkey Provinces - Wet Bulb Temperatures Table (Values that must be used for tower design.)


City

Summer Dry

°C

Summer Wet

°C

City

Summer Dry

°C

Summer Wet

°C

Adana 38 26 Karabük 32 25
Adıyaman 38 23 Karaman 34 21
Afyon 34 21 Kars 30 20
Ağrı 34 25 Kastamonu 34 22
Aksaray 34 20 Kayseri 36 22
Amasya 31 21 Kırıkkale 35 21
Ankara 35 20 Kırıklareli 35 24
Antalya 39 28 Kırşehir 35 21
Artvin 30 26 Kilis 39 23
Aydın 39 24 Kocaeli 36 25
Balıkesir 38 25 Konya 34 21
Bayburt 33 23 Kütahya 33 21
Bilecik 34 23 Malatya 38 21
Bingöl 33 21 Manisa 40 25
Bitlis 34 22 K.Maraş 36 22
Bolu 34 23 Mardin 38 23
Burdur 36 21 Muğla 37 22
Bursa 37 25 Muş 32 20
Çanakkale 34 25 Nevşehir 28 21
Çankırı 34 23 Niğde 34 20
Çorum 29 22 Ordu 30 23
Denizli 38 24 Osmaniye 38 26
Diyarbakır 42 23 Rize 30 26
Düzce 34 24 Sakarya 35 25
Edirne 36 25 Samsun 32 25
Elazığ 38 21 Siirt 40 23
Erzincan 36 22 Sinop 30 25
Erzurum 31 19 Sivas 33 20
Eskişehir 34 22 Şanlıurfa 43 24
Gaziantep 39 23 Tekirdağ 33 25
Giresun 29 25 Tokat 29 20
Gümüşhane 33 23 Trabzon 31 25
Hakkari 34 20 Tunceli 37 22
Hatay 37 28 Uşak 35 22
İskenderun 37 29 Van 33 20
Isparta 34 21 Yalova 33 24
İçel(Mersin) 35 29 Yozgat 32 20
İstanbul 33 24 Zonguldak 32 25
İzmir 37 24      

What should be considered when designing a water cooling tower?

Designing a water cooling tower involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and safety. Here are the key aspects that should be taken into account during the design process:

  1. Cooling Requirements: Determine the cooling load requirements based on the heat generated by the process or equipment that needs to be cooled. Proper calculation of the cooling load is essential to size the cooling tower appropriately.
  2. Water Quality: Consider the quality of the water source, including factors such as hardness, pH level, and the presence of impurities. Water treatment processes may be necessary to prevent scale formation, corrosion, and biological growth within the cooling system.
  3. Environmental Conditions: Take into account the local climate, including ambient temperature, humidity levels, and seasonal variations. These factors can affect the cooling tower's efficiency and performance.
  4. Site Location: Consider the available space, accessibility, and environmental regulations at the site. Adequate space is needed for the installation of the cooling tower, fan clearance, and maintenance activities.
  5. Cooling Tower Type: Choose an appropriate cooling tower type based on the specific requirements of the application. Options include counterflow, crossflow, mechanical draft, natural draft, and hybrid cooling towers. Each type has its advantages and limitations.
  6. Material Selection: Select suitable materials for the tower structure, fill media, and other components. Common materials include fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), galvanized steel, and treated wood. The choice of material should consider factors such as corrosion resistance, durability, and maintenance requirements.
  7. Airflow Design: Design the cooling tower to facilitate efficient airflow. Proper fan sizing, placement, and blade pitch are crucial for maximizing heat exchange between the air and the water.
  8. Water Distribution System: Design an efficient water distribution system to ensure uniform water flow over the fill media. Uneven distribution can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption.
  9. Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient features, such as variable speed drives (VSD) for fans and pumps, to optimize energy consumption based on varying cooling loads. Properly sized fans and motors also contribute to energy efficiency.
  10. Maintenance and Access: Design the cooling tower with easy access points for maintenance and cleaning. Consider features like removable panels, ladders, and platforms for safe and convenient access to internal components.
  11. Safety Considerations: Incorporate safety features, such as guardrails, safety grating, and signage, to ensure the safety of personnel working on or near the cooling tower.
  12. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the design complies with local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental standards and water usage restrictions.

By carefully considering these factors, engineers can design water cooling towers that are efficient, reliable, and safe for long-term operation. Collaboration with experienced professionals and adherence to industry best practices are essential in the design process.