Forced Draft Cooling Tower
A Forced Draft Cooling Tower is a type of mechanical draft cooling tower where the fan is placed at the air inlet (bottom/side).
The fan pushes (forces) air into the tower across the fill, and then the air moves upward to mix with the hot water for cooling.
Working Principle
- Hot water inlet – Warm water from the process/condenser enters the tower and is sprayed over the fill media.
- Air movement by fan – A fan located at the base or side of the tower pushes (forces) air inside.
- Heat transfer – As water flows downward, the forced air moves upward or sideways through the fill.
- A portion of the water evaporates.
- This evaporation removes heat from the remaining water, cooling it.
- Moist air exit – The warm, moist air rises naturally and escapes from the top of the tower.
- Cooled water collection – The cooled water collects in the cold water basin at the bottom and is pumped back to the system.
Features
- Fan at the bottom/air inlet → pushes air inside (forced draft).
- Smaller in height compared to induced draft towers.
- Simpler construction, but airflow control is less efficient.
Advantages
- Lower initial cost compared to induced draft towers.
- Compact design (smaller footprint).
- Easy to install in small industries & HVAC systems.
Applications
- Small to medium HVAC systems (malls, offices, hotels).
- Light industries where cooling loads are moderate.
- Places where initial capital cost is a concern.