Authors
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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