1. What is Cooling Tower Efficiency?

Definition: Cooling tower efficiency measures how effectively the tower transfers heat from the water to the atmosphere compared to the maximum possible heat transfer.

Purpose: It helps engineers evaluate cooling tower performance and identify potential maintenance or optimization needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Cooling tower efficiency (as decimal)
• \( T_{in} \) — Hot water inlet temperature (°F)
• \( T_{out} \) — Cooled water outlet temperature (°F)
• \( T_{wb} \) — Ambient wet bulb temperature (°F)

Explanation: The numerator represents the actual temperature drop, while the denominator represents the maximum possible temperature drop.

3. Importance of Cooling Tower Efficiency

Details: Higher efficiency means better heat rejection with less energy consumption, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all three temperature values in °F. T_in must be greater than T_wb for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good efficiency value for cooling towers?
A: Typical range is 60-75%. Values above 75% are excellent, while below 50% may indicate problems.

Q2: Why use wet bulb temperature instead of dry bulb?
A: Wet bulb temperature represents the theoretical minimum cooling limit, as it accounts for evaporative cooling potential.

Q3: How can I improve cooling tower efficiency?
A: Regular maintenance, proper water treatment, optimizing airflow, and ensuring proper water distribution can improve efficiency.

Q4: Does this calculation work for all cooling tower types?
A: Yes, this basic formula applies to both mechanical draft and natural draft cooling towers.

Q5: Should efficiency be expressed as percentage?
A: The formula gives a decimal value (0-1), but it's commonly multiplied by 100 to express as percentage.