Theoretical Prediction With Numerical and Experimental Verification to Predict Crosswind Effects on the Performance of Cooling Towers

A simple theoretical model, validated against available numerical and experimental data in the literature, is presented to predict the effects of crosswind on the performance of natural draft dry cooling towers. The intersection of asymptote method, along with scale analysis, is used to find a closed-form solution for the airflow rate at the tower exit for given crosswind speeds. The total heat rejected under a windy condition is then calculated based on the air mass flow rate at the tower exit. This theoretical model allows for parametric studies and can generate accurate data. Interestingly, the model results, expected to be accurate within an order of magnitude, are more accurate than anticipated when compared to available experimental and numerical data in the literature. In fact, the maximum relative error is observed to be 15% when current theoretical predictions are compared to available experimental data. The results of this study will be useful for future work on the development of air-cooled condensers, especially for geothermal and solar thermal power plants in Australia.