Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Two Fluid Circuits:
The defining feature is the presence of two distinct fluid circuits.
Primary Circuit: This is the closed loop where the fluid that needs cooling (e.g., process fluid in an industrial application or water in a chiller system) circulates within a coil.
Secondary Circuit: Water from the cooling tower basin is pumped and sprayed over the coil in the primary circuit.
Heat Transfer:
The heat from the primary fluid is transferred to the secondary water through the coil, and the evaporation of the secondary water removes heat from the system.
No Direct Contact:
The primary fluid and the secondary fluid (the spray water) do not mix directly.
Reduced Contamination:
By keeping the process fluid isolated within the coil, closed-circuit cooling towers minimize the risk of contamination from the environment.
Applications:
They are commonly used in applications where water quality is crucial, such as water-cooled heat pump systems, laboratories, and data centers.