Theoretical and computational analysis of closed wet cooling towers and its applications in cooling of buildings

Theoretical analysis and computational modelling of closed wet cooling towers (CWCTs) are presented. Experimental measurements for performance of a prototype tower are used to define the tower transfer coefficients. Tower flow rates and number of tubes and rows are optimised for the required cooling load and to achieve a high coefficient of performance (COP). The performance of a cooling system used to cool office buildings is simulated using the transient system (TRNSYS) simulation environment. The cooling system consisted of a CWCT, chilled ceilings, pumps and a fan. A control strategy, including night cooling, is introduced in the simulation. The results indicate efficient performance and high COP values for the system.