Cooling Tower Performance Analysis
Analyzed counterflow cooling tower performance using Merkel's equation to investigate the relationship between number of transfer units (NTU) and liquid-to-gas mass flow ratio (L/G). Validated exponential decay relationship and identified optimal operating conditions for maximum cooling efficiency.
Technical Skills Demonstrated
Heat & Mass Transfer Modeling
- Applied Merkel's equation for cooling tower analysis
- Calculated number of transfer units (NTU)
- Analyzed evaporative cooling effectiveness
- Measured wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures
Experimental Design & Data Collection
- Varied liquid flow rates (0.3-1.0 GPM)
- Controlled air velocity (2-6 m/s)
- Systematic L/G ratio optimization
- Temperature and humidity monitoring
Mathematical Analysis
- Exponential decay curve fitting
- 95% confidence interval analysis
- Statistical uncertainty quantification
- Performance curve development
Process Understanding
- Counterflow heat exchanger principles
- Efficiency vs. flow rate relationships
- Mass transport limitation identification
- Operational parameter optimization
Key Experimental Results
Exponential
NTU-L/G Relationship
Confirmed theoretical exponential decay relationship with experimental data
13.4°C
Maximum Temperature Drop
Achieved at L/G ratio of 0.51 with fixed gas flow of 0.037 kg/s
2 Systems
Cooling Tower Comparison
Analyzed both larger forced draft and smaller induced draft cooling towers
Engineering Significance: This research validated fundamental heat and mass transfer principles in evaporative cooling systems. The exponential relationship between NTU and L/G ratio provides critical design parameters for optimizing cooling tower performance. Lower L/G ratios demonstrated higher cooling efficiency due to increased residence time and enhanced heat transfer, with practical implications for energy-efficient cooling system design.
Complete Research Report
Detailed methodology, Merkel equation application, and experimental analysis