What are the two air flow patterns for cooling towers?

The two primary airflow patterns for cooling towers are crossflow and counterflow.

In a crossflow cooling tower, the air moves horizontally across the water flow direction. Water is distributed from the top of the fill media, and as it descends, the horizontal airflow meets the descending water, facilitating heat exchange. This design is effective for achieving a large surface area for water to interact with the air, enhancing the cooling process.

In contrast, in a counterflow cooling tower, the air moves vertically against the downward flow of water. The water is distributed from above and flows down through the fill media, while the air is drawn in from the bottom and rises. This arrangement maximizes the heat exchange process as the hottest water meets the coolest air, promoting effective cooling.

Other options either introduce airflow patterns that are not applicable to cooling towers or do not accurately describe the common designs found in cooling tower technology. Understanding these airflow patterns is crucial for selecting the right cooling tower for specific applications, as they directly impact efficiency and performance in heat rejection processes.