Which of the following affects the efficiency of a cooling tower?

The efficiency of a cooling tower is significantly influenced by the difference between the hot and cold water temperatures. This temperature differential is crucial because it determines how effectively the cooling tower can remove heat from the water that is being circulated.

When water enters the cooling tower at a higher temperature, the cooling process involves transferring heat from this hot water to the air flowing over the cooling tower fill media. The greater the difference between the hot water entering the tower and the cooler water exiting it, the more heat can be rejected to the atmosphere. This is based on the principle that the rate of heat transfer increases with a larger temperature gradient.

While other factors like the materials used in construction and airflow rates can impact performance, the primary driver of cooling efficiency relates directly to that temperature differential. It is essential for achieving maximum cooling capacity and overall efficiency of the system. Therefore, when evaluating the performance of a cooling tower, the difference between the hot and cold water temperatures stands out as a key factor in determining its effectiveness.