How can I find or derive equations for an evaporative heat exchanger?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on deriving equations for evaporative heat exchangers, specifically cooling towers, in the context of a transport phenomena course project. Key factors for calculating cooling tower capacity include the evaporation rate of water, airflow, and the moisture capacity of the air. Reliable sources such as ASHRAE provide typical weather conditions, while psychrometric charts offer essential air property data. The discussion emphasizes the simplicity of finding cooling tower capacity when these parameters are understood.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of evaporative heat exchangers and cooling towers
  • Familiarity with psychrometric charts and their applications
  • Knowledge of ASHRAE standards and typical weather conditions
  • Basic principles of transport phenomena in engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research ASHRAE guidelines for cooling tower design
  • Study psychrometric charts to analyze air properties
  • Explore equations for calculating evaporation rates in cooling towers
  • Investigate the operational principles of evaporative heat exchangers
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering courses, particularly those focusing on thermal systems, HVAC professionals, and anyone involved in the design and analysis of cooling towers and evaporative heat exchangers.

sicjeff
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I am building an evaporative heat exchanger for my final project in a transport phenomena course in college. I am having difficulty in finding equations that I can either use or derive for my particular type of exchanger.

Does anyone have any ideas where I can find or derive equations to deal with both the condensation and evaporation.
 
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An "evaporative heat exchanger" is also known as a cooling tower. Finding the capacity of a cooling tower is surprisingly simple. All you need to know is how fast the water is evaporating. To find that, you need to know the airflow and the moisture capacity of the air. ASHRAE and several other sources can give you typical weather conditions if that is what your air conditions are based on for this project. A psychrometric chart will tell you the properties of the air. Here's some info on cooling tower operation: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/cooling-tower-efficiency-d_699.html

Hopefully, that will get you started...
 

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