Learn how to calculate cooling tower efficiency, evaporation loss, circulation rate, blowdown, and water requirements.
Cooling Tower Calculator
Cooling Tower Calculations
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Results & Water Balance
- Cooling Range (°C): –
- Approach (°C): –
- Cycles of Concentration (Silica): –
- Cycles of Concentration (Hardness): –
- Drift Loss (m³/h): –
📌 Standard Cooling Tower Guidelines
- Typical Cooling Range: 8 – 12°C
- Approach: 3 – 5°C for efficient towers
- Evaporation Loss ≈ 0.00085 × Circulation × Range (m³/h)
- Drift Loss: 0.002% of Circulation (good drift eliminators)
- Cycles of Concentration: 3 – 6 in most systems
FAQ:
Q1. What are cooling tower calculations?
Cooling tower calculations are methods used to determine key parameters such as water circulation rate, evaporation loss, blowdown, makeup water requirement, and cooling efficiency. These calculations help ensure the cooling tower operates effectively and conserves water.
Q2. Why are cooling tower calculations important?
Accurate calculations are essential for maintaining energy efficiency, reducing operating costs, and preventing water wastage. They also help in optimizing cooling performance in industries, HVAC systems, and power plants.
Q3. What is evaporation loss in a cooling tower?
Evaporation loss is the amount of water that evaporates during the cooling process. A common rule of thumb is: Evaporation loss (m³/hr) = 0.001 × Circulation rate × Temperature drop (°C).
Q4. What is blowdown in cooling towers?
Blowdown is the process of removing a portion of circulating water to control the concentration of dissolved solids. It prevents scaling, corrosion, and fouling inside the cooling tower system.
Q5. How do you calculate cooling tower efficiency?
Cooling tower efficiency (%) is calculated as: Efficiency=RangeRange + Approach×100\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{Range}}{\text{Range + Approach}} \times 100Efficiency=Range + ApproachRange×100
Where Range = Hot water temperature – Cold water temperature, and Approach = Cold water temperature – Wet bulb temperature.
Q6. Who uses cooling tower calculations?
These calculations are widely used by mechanical engineers, HVAC designers, process engineers, and facility managers to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective cooling system operation.