TP24-25 From Pump to Plume: CFD Modeling to Enhance Cooling Tower Performance

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for troubleshooting and optimizing cooling tower performance.  In this paper, we highlight two important case studies which showcase its applicability in solving challenging problems related to cooling tower fluid flow and heat transfer.  The first study utilizes CFD modeling during the initial siting process to evaluate the extent to which the high temperature, high humidity cooling tower exhaust plume is re-circulated into the proposed cooling tower ambient air inlet and suggest modifications to ensure favorable plume dynamics.  The second study employs a combination of CFD and physical modeling to determine the cause of reduced condenser flow (and subsequent increase in plant heat rate) in a ring header following a cooling tower upgrade project and develops a piping modification which restores full flow.