Cooling towers are classified into which two main categories?

Cooling towers are primarily classified into two main categories: natural and mechanical. This classification is based on how the air is moved through the cooling tower.

Natural cooling towers rely on natural convection to circulate air. In this type, the warm air rises naturally due to its lower density, creating a vacuum that pulls in cooler air from the environment. This passive method of air movement does not require any mechanical devices, making it energy-efficient in certain situations.

Mechanical cooling towers, on the other hand, use fans to actively circulate air through the tower. This can include forced draft, where air is pushed into the tower by fans, or induced draft, where fans take air out of the tower, thus drawing fresh air in. The mechanical operation allows for better control over the airflow and cooling performance, making these towers more prevalent in commercial and industrial applications.

This distinction is important for understanding the different designs and operational efficiencies of cooling towers in various applications, which can influence selection criteria based on specific needs in refrigeration and HVAC systems.