Numerical study on performance of hybrid mechanical draft wet cooling tower

Abstract

To explore the operation mechanism of the hybrid mechanical draft wet cooling tower (hybrid MCT), a 3D model of the hybrid MCT is established. The plume, water saving, and cooling capacity of the hybrid MCT are discussed. The ambient dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, circulating water temperature, and circulating water flow rate are taken as the main variables. Results that the ambient dry bulb temperature and circulating water temperature have the larger impact on the plume abatement and water saving rate, and the relative humidity and circulating water flow rate have relatively small impact. As the ratio of circulating water flow rate in the dry part increases, the water saving rate and cooling capacity of hybrid MCT are enhanced. However, when the ratio of circulating water flow rate in the dry part exceeds 0.4, the variation of water saving rate is not obvious. Based on satisfied plume abatement, by adjusting the airflow resistance in the dry part, the water temperature drop of hybrid MCT can be increased by 0.4 °C.