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Mechanical Draft Cooling Tower

A mechanical draft cooling tower is a type of cooling tower where airflow is produced by fans (mechanical means), instead of relying on natural convection like in natural draft towers.

Working Principle

• Hot water from the process enters the tower and is sprayed over the fill media.
• Fans (either at the top or bottom) move air through the tower, improving water–air contact.
• A portion of water evaporates, absorbing heat and cooling the remaining water.
• Cooled water is collected in the cold water basin and re circulated to the plant.

Types of Mechanical Draft Towers

1. Forced Draft Cooling Tower
   1. Fan at the base pushes air into the tower.
   1. Higher power consumption, lower efficiency.
   1. More prone to recirculation of warm air.
2. Induced Draft Cooling Tower
   1. Fan at the top pulls air upward through the tower.
   1. Most common type.
   1. More efficient, less recirculation, widely used in industries and HVAC.

 Advantages

• Compact design compared to natural draft towers.
• Can be installed almost anywhere (not restricted by size/height).
• Provides controlled airflow (adjustable by fan speed).
• Suitable for small to medium industries and HVAC systems.