RP-322 -- Development of Algorithms for Simulating the Performance of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Coolers PDF

Three computer programs for the simulation of performance of evaporative cooling equipment are developed and tested. The programs allow a wide variety of combinations among simulation variables that may correspond to diverse sets of weather, load and elevation conditions. Critical comparisons of computer results with manufacturer supplied data are made. The error is shown to be 3% or less for cooling towers, and for evaporative fluid coolers and condensers. Examples of the versatility of the algorithms to model evaporative heat exchangers are provided. The basic equations governing this type of heat exchangers are reviewed and discussed. Several graphical comparisons are presented and discussed.