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Types of Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers

1. Forced Draft Cooling Tower

• Fan at the base (air inlet side) pushes air into the tower.
• Air moves horizontally or upward through the fill.
• Features:
  • Compact, lower initial cost.
  • Higher fan power consumption.
  • More prone to recirculation (hot air re-entering).
• Use: Smaller HVAC systems, industries with limited space.

2. Induced Draft Cooling Tower

• Fan at the top pulls air upward through the tower.
• Hot moist air is discharged at a high velocity, reducing recirculation.
• Features:
  • Most efficient and widely used.
  • Lower fan power consumption compared to forced draft.
  • Quieter and more reliable.
• Use: Power plants, refineries, large industries, HVAC.

Based on Airflow Arrangement:

1. Counter flow Cooling Tower
   1. Air flows upward, water flows downward (opposite directions).
   1. More efficient heat transfer.
   1. Compact but requires more pumping power.
2. Cross flow Cooling Tower
   1. Air flows horizontally, water flows downward.
   1. Lower pumping cost.
   1. Easier maintenance, but less efficient than counter flow.