Cooling Tower

Control cooling tower fans based on leaving water temperatures.
Control to the optimum water temperature as determined from cooling tower and chiller
performance data.
Use two-speed or variable-speed drives for cooling tower fan control if the fans are few.
Stage the cooling tower fans with on-off control if there are many.
Turn off unnecessary cooling tower fans when loads are reduced.
Cover hot water basins (to minimize algae growth that contributes to fouling).
Balance flow to cooling tower hot water basins.
Periodically clean plugged cooling tower water distribution nozzles.
Install new nozzles to obtain a more-uniform water pattern.
Replace splash bars with self-extinguishing PVC cellular-film fill.
On old counterflow cooling towers, replace old spray-type nozzles with new square-spray ABS practically-non-
clogging nozzles.
Replace slat-type drift eliminators with high-efficiency, low-pressure-drop, self-extinguishing, PVC cellular units.
If possible, follow manufacturer's recommended clearances around cooling towers and relocate or modify
structures, signs, fences, dumpsters, etc. that interfere with air intake or exhaust.
Optimize cooling tower fan blade angle on a seasonal and/or load basis.
Correct excessive and/or uneven fan blade tip clearance and poor fan balance.
Use a velocity pressure recovery fan ring.
Divert clean air-conditioned building exhaust to the cooling tower during hot weather.
Re-line leaking cooling tower cold water basins.
Check water overflow pipes for proper operating level.
Optimize chemical use.
Consider side stream water treatment.
Restrict flows through large loads to design values.
Shut off loads that are not in service.
Take blowdown water from the return water header.
Optimize blowdown flow rate.
Automate blowdown to minimize it.
Send blowdown to other uses (Remember, the blowdown does not have to be removed at the cooling tower.
It can be removed anywhere in the piping system.)
Implement a cooling tower winterization plan to minimize ice build-up.
Install interlocks to prevent fan operation when there is no water flow.
Establish a cooling tower efficiency-maintenance program. Start with an energy audit and follow-
up, then make a cooling tower efficiency-maintenance program a part of your continuous energy
management program.