- 1. Heat Absorption:Warm water from a system (like a building’s air conditioning chiller) enters the cooling tower.
- 2. Water Distribution:The hot water is distributed over a “fill” material, which increases the surface area of the water, allowing for better contact with air.
- 3. Air Flow:Air is drawn through the fill. This air can be moved by natural draft (convection) or by fans (mechanical draft).
- 4. Evaporation:As the air moves over the water, a portion of the water evaporates. This evaporation requires energy, which is drawn as heat from the remaining water.
- 5. Heat Release:The heat is carried away by the evaporated water vapor, which is then discharged into the atmosphere, often seen as the visible plume from the tower.
- 6. Recirculation:The remaining cooled water is collected in the tower’s basin and pumped back into the system to repeat the process.
Excellent article! Another great eco-friendly cleaning option is to make your own all-purpose cleaner with vinegar, water, and essential oils. It’s super cheap and effective!