Optimal spray patterns for counterflow cooling towers with structured packing

In counterflow cooling towers, non-uniform patterns of flow are the consequence of the application of water from circular spray nozzles set in a square manifold. A detailed computational model for the performance of a tower accounting for this non-uniform water flow in cellular packing has been developed. The radial spray pattern of individual nozzles producing the best possible thermal performance was determined by optimization. It was concluded that for a particular nozzle manifold and packing arrangement, a performance limitation exists due to the inherently non-uniform pattern of water flow.