Direct vs. Indirect Dry Cooling Tower:
| Feature | Indirect Dry Cooling | Direct Dry Cooling (for context) |
| Process Fluid | Never enters the tower. Stays in the condenser. | Directly enters the tower’s heat exchangers (steam). |
| System Complexity | More complex due to the extra loop, pumps, and heat exchanger. | Simpler, more direct system. |
| Tower Type | Often Natural Draft (hyperbolic). | Almost always Mechanical Draft (A-frame with fans). |
| Pressure in Tower | Low water pressure. Easier to manage. | Handles low-pressure steam, requiring large pipes and careful design. |
| Control & Flexibility | Easier to control and more flexible, as the two loops are separate. | The turbine’s backpressure is directly tied to the cooling tower’s performance. |