What is the typical approach temperature of natural draft cooling towers due to reliance on winds?

The typical approach temperature of natural draft cooling towers, which utilize ambient wind for cooling, is generally around 10°F. This temperature signifies the difference between the temperature of the water entering the cooling tower and the temperature of the air leaving it.

Natural draft cooling towers rely on the natural convection of air caused by buoyancy; warm air rises and cooler air is drawn in from the sides. The effectiveness of these cooling towers increases with the temperature difference, and a 10°F approach indicates a balance between the thermal load and the ability of the surrounding atmosphere to absorb heat through the ambient wind.

Maintaining an appropriate approach temperature is crucial for ensuring efficient cooling processes in various industrial applications, as it influences the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the system and affects how much heat can be dissipated into the atmosphere.