About this lesson
A natural-draft cooling tower cools condenser water without a fan. Warm moist air is lighter than outside air, so it rises up the tall shell and pulls fresh air in at the bottom.
How it works
- Hot water from the condenser is sprayed over the fill.
- Outside air enters at the bottom and flows up through the falling water.
- A small part of the water evaporates, which removes heat from the rest.
- The cooled water collects in the basin and returns to the condenser.
- The warm, humid air rises through the shell and leaves as a visible plume.