Parameter estimation for packed cooling tower operation using a heat input-response technique

Abstract A method is proposed for predicting the variations of air and water temperatures and of air humidity in a packed bed counterflow type of cooling tower subjected to a thermal disturbance. Heat input-response measurements are carried out by imposing thermal disturbances on inlet water and inlet air. The air-film and water-film heat transfer coefficients are estimated by fitting in the time domain the measured output temperature/humidity variations to those predicted.