A critical investigation into the heat and mass transfer analysis of counterflow wet-cooling towers

This study gives a detailed derivation of the heat and mass transfer equations of evaporative cooling in wet-cooling towers. The governing equations of the rigorous Poppe method of analysis are derived from first principles. The method of Poppe is well suited for the analysis of hybrid cooling towers as the state of the outlet air is accurately predicted. The governing equations of the Merkel method of analysis are subsequently derived after some simplifying assumptions are made. The equations of the effectiveness-NTU method applied to wet-cooling towers are also presented. The governing equations of the Poppe method are extended to give a more detailed representation of the Merkel number. The differences in the heat and mass transfer analyses and solution techniques of the Merkel and Poppe methods are described with the aid of enthalpy diagrams and psychrometric charts. The psychrometric chart is extended to accommodate air in the supersaturated state. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.