When to Stick with Counter Flow (The Alternative)
To provide a balanced view, you should choose a Counter Flow cooling tower when:
- Footprint is the Primary Constraint: You have very limited ground space. Counter flow towers have a smaller footprint for the same capacity.
- Maximum Thermal Efficiency is the Goal: In identical conditions, counter flow design can achieve slightly better thermal performance and a closer approach temperature because the coldest air meets the coldest water, creating a more thermodynamically efficient temperature gradient.
- Operating in a Very Cold Climate: The internal water distribution of counter flow towers is less exposed, making them less susceptible to icing around the water inlets and distribution system.
- Lower Drift Loss is Critical: The upward air velocity in a counter flow tower helps to knock down entrained droplets, often resulting in marginally lower drift loss compared to a cross flow design.