The Effect of Nonimiform Water Distribution on Cooling Tower Performance

In the design of a counterflow cooling tower, computations are based on the total water flow so that uniform delivery at a mean value over the fill is assumed. The water is generally distributed by a manifold system of pipes and nozzles which produce radial patterns on the fill. Although the nozzles are spaced to provide overlap, the distribution of water on the fill is not uniform. A method for estimating the variation in thermal performance due to nonuniformity is presented. Several test cases based on simple nozzle patterns have been considered. The results of these studies have been correlated with nozzle spacing and energy required to produce the spray as a means of indicating optimum tower design.