Cooling tower

Example from [1]

Data

Water flow
mw = 100 kg/s
Water entering temperature
tw,in = 40 ºC
Water leaving temperature
tw,out = 33 ºC

Ambien air
p= 93 kPa
tdb = 30 ºC
f= 50 %

Assume that the air ends up

with thermodynamic equilibrium
with incoming water
tair,out = tw,in
tw,in = 40 ºC
tair,out = 40 ºC

fair,out = 100 %

Required is the air flow rate needed

to operate the tower according the
given data.

Water balance
Water
ṁw2 =ṁw1 −Δ ṁw (a)
Humid air
Water balance
Water
ṁw2 =ṁw1 −Δ ṁw (a)
Humid air
ṁwa2= ṁwa1 +Δ ṁw (b )

Heat power leaving the water flow

Δ q̇ w = Ḣ w 1 − Ḣ w 2
Ḣ w 1 =ṁw1⋅hw1
Ḣ w 2 =ṁw2⋅hw2
hw 1 =c pw⋅t w 1
hw 2 =c pw⋅t w 2
Δ q̇ w =ṁ w1⋅h w1− ṁw2⋅h w2
Δ q̇ w =ṁ w1⋅c pw⋅t w 1− ṁw2⋅c pw⋅t w2 (c)
Microsoft Equation
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Waterinchg Waterflow ¿ Airflow¿Δṁ = {ṁ¿⋅x-

wa da( 2
Δṁ= -{ṁ (i)
 Waterinchg ¿ Airflow¿Δṁwa= {ṁ¿da⋅(x2-
¿Waterflow AirflowΔṁwa=2-{¿a1ṁ2=a+w2¿ṁa1=+wa1¿ṁ2=a⋅x¿ṁw1=a⋅x¿ṁ2a+⋅x2¿ṁa1=+a⋅x1¿Δṁwa=2-{¿a1Δṁw=a+⋅x2-(ṁa 1)¿Δṁwa={¿a⋅x2-ṁa1¿Δwa={ṁ¿a⋅(x2-1) (j)¿ w w1 w2
Δ ṁ = - { ṁ ( i )

Δṁw=1-{w2 (i) Microsoft Equation

3.0

Heatpowerftheairflow
Heat balance

Heat power given by

Δq̇a=Ḣa2− a1
Δq̇w=ṁw1⋅c pw⋅t w1−

(Ḣ=ṁ⋅h 1+x2) (h)¿Ḣa2=ṁda(1+x2)⋅ha2 (l)¿Ḣa1=ṁa1⋅h¿ṁa1={ṁ¿da(1+x1) (g)¿Ḣa1=ṁda(1+x1)⋅ha1 (m)¿Δq̇a=Ḣa2−a1¿Δq̇a=ṁda(1+x2)⋅ha2-{ṁ¿da(1+x1)⋅ha¿Δq̇a=ṁda⋅[(1+x2)⋅ha-(1+x1)⋅ha] (n)¿

Heat power received
Δq̇a=ṁda⋅[(1 +x2 )⋅h

Balance
a2 a2 Δ q̇w=Δ q̇a
ṁw1⋅c pw⋅t w1−ṁw2⋅c
 (Ḣ=ṁ⋅h 2) a2 da( 2)a2 a1 a1 a1 da( 1) a1 da( 1)a1 aa2 a1 ada( 2)a2 da( 1)a ada[( 2)a ( 1)a] Balance
a2 a2 Δ q̇w=Δ q̇a
ṁw1⋅c pw⋅t w1−ṁw2⋅c

ṁa2= {ṁ da
Microsoft Equation
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Δ q̇ a =m

ṁw1-{w2 ṁw1-{w2
cpw⋅[ṁ1tw−ṁ2⋅tw]={ṁda⋅[(1+x2)ha-(1+x1)⋅ha] (o)¿Δṁw= 1-{ṁ¿w2={ṁ¿da⋅(x2-1) (k)¿ ¿={ṁda¿cpw⋅[ṁ1tw−ṁ2⋅tw]= ¿⋅[(1+x2)ha-(1+x1)⋅ha]¿[cpw⋅ṁ1tw−cp⋅ṁw2t](x2-1)= ṁw1-{ ¿w2)⋅[(1+x2ha-(1+x1)⋅ha]¿[cpw⋅ṁ1tw−cpw⋅ṁ2tw](x2-1)=¿ =ṁw1⋅[(1
x(2-1) (x2-1)
mw2 : water flow leaving the tower

c pw⋅t w 1⋅( x 2 - x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ]

ṁ w2 =ṁ w1⋅
c pw⋅t w 2⋅( x 2 - x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ]
mw2 = mw1 * ( cpw*tw1*(x2-x1 ) - ( (1+x2 ) *h2) -(1+x1)*h1 ) / ( cpw*tw2*(x2-x1 ) - ( (1+x2 ) *h2)

mw1 = 100 kg/s

ha2 = #VALUE! kJ/kg
ha1 = #VALUE! kJ/kg
xa2 = #VALUE! kg/kg
xa1 = #VALUE! kg/kg
Tw2 = 33 ºC
Tw1 = 40 ºC
cpw = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K)
mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s

Dmw = mw1 - mw2

mw1 = 100 kg/s
mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s
Dmw = #VALUE! kg/s
Air entering the tower Mass of water leaving the
tair,in = 30 ºC water flow and entering into
f= 50 % the air flow
H= 717.3 m.a.s.l. Dmw = #VALUE! kg/s
x= Sicro_Absolute_Humidity_tdb_f_H
xair,in = #VALUE! kg / kg Dry air flow rate
hair,in = Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H mda = Dmw / Dx
hair,in = #VALUE! kJ(kg Dmw = #VALUE! kg/s
rair,inSicro_Density_tdb_f_H
= Dx = #VALUE! kg / kg
rair,in = #VALUE! kg/m 3
mda = #VALUE! kg/s

Absolute humidity of leaving air Water flow in inlet air

tdb = 40 ºC mw1 = mda*xair,in
f= 100 % mda = #VALUE! kg/s
H= 717.3 m.a.s.l. xair,in = #VALUE! kg/kg
x= Sicro_Absolute_Humidity_tdb_f_H mw1 = #VALUE! kg w/s
xair,out = #VALUE! kg / kg
hair,in = Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H Water flow in outlet air
hair,in = #VALUE! kJ(kg mw2 = mda*xair,out
mda = #VALUE! kg/s
Absolute humidity change of the air flow xair,out = #VALUE! kg/kg
Dx = xair,out - xAir,in xair,out - xair,in mw2 = #VALUE! kg w/s
xair,out = #VALUE! kg / kg
xair,in = #VALUE! kg / kg
Dx = #VALUE! kg / kg
Heat power balance on the water flow Heat power received by the ai
Δ q̇ w =ṁ w1⋅c pw⋅t w 1− ṁw2⋅c pw⋅t w2 (c ) Δ q̇ a =ṁ da⋅[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x

Dqw = mw1 * cpw * tw1 - mw2 * cpw * tw2 Dqa = mda * ( ( 1 + x2) * ha2 -
mw1 = 100 kg/s mda = #VALUE!
mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s x2 = #VALUE!
cpw = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K) x1 = #VALUE!
tw1 = 40 ºC hair,in = #VALUE!
tw2 = 33 ºC ha2 = #VALUE!
Dqw = #VALUE! kJ Dqa = #VALUE!

ṁw2=ṁw1−Δṁw (a)
ṁw2=ṁw1−Δṁw (a)
ṁwa2=ṁwa1+Δṁw (b)
+ṁwa1 (d)¿ṁa2= {ṁ¿da+ṁwa2 (e)¿ṁwa1=x1⋅ṁda (f)¿ṁa1= {ṁ¿da(1+x1) (g)¿ṁa2= {ṁ¿da(1+x2) (h)¿Δṁw=ṁw1-{ṁ¿w2 (i)¿
Δq̇w=ṁw1⋅cpwt 1−ṁw2⋅cpwt 2 (c)
ṁa1= {ṁ da
Microsoft Equation
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Whith the VBA function Air entering the tower
AtmosphericPressurePa_H tair,in = 30 ºC
(using Goal seek) f= 50 %
Patm = AtmosphericPressurePa_H H= 717.3 m.a.s.l.
H= 717.3 m.a.s.l.
Patm = #VALUE! kPa Enthalpy of entering air
hair,in = Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H
Air average temperature hair,in = #VALUE! kJ(kg
tair,ave = tair,in + tair,out
tair,in = 40 ºC Saturated vapor pressure
tair,out = 33 ºC pw_sat = Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t
tair,ave = 36.5 ºC pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa

Water specific heat at constant Vapor pressure in ambient air

tair,ave = 36.5 ºC pvap = f * pw_sat
Cp = SaturatedWaterSpecificHeat_t f= 50 %
Cp = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K) pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa
pvap = #VALUE! Pa

Absolute humidity of entering air

x= Sicro_Absolute_Humidity_tdb_f_H
xair,in = #VALUE! kg / kg

Enthalpy of air entering the tower

h= Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H
h= #VALUE! kJ/kg

Cooling tower
 Airbalnce ¿ṁ={¿+ṁ (e)¿
mw1 w1 a2 mda ma2
Hw1 mwa2
tw1 x2
Dmw
Ha2

a2 da w2
ṁa1={da+ṁw1 (d)
Dqw

mw2 w2 a1 mda ma1

Hw2 mwa1
tw2 x1

Ha1

¿ Airflow¿Δṁwa= {ṁ¿da⋅(x2- 1) (j) ¿ Balnce¿Δṁw=Δṁwa ¿ṁw1-{ṁ¿w2= {ṁ¿da⋅(x2- 1) (k)¿

mw1 w1
Hw1
tw1
Dmw

{ṁ (i)
 ¿ Airflow¿Δṁwa= {ṁ¿da⋅(x2- 1) (j) ¿ Balnce¿Δṁw=Δṁwa ¿ṁw1-{ṁ¿w2= {ṁ¿da⋅(x2- 1) (k)¿
{ṁw2 (i) Dqw

Microsoft Equation
mw2 w2
3.0

Hw2
tw2

Heat balance

Heat power given by the water

Δq̇w=ṁ w1⋅c pw⋅tw1−ṁw2⋅c pw⋅tw2 (c)

Heat power received by the air ⋅[( 1 +x2)⋅ha2 - (1 +x1 )⋅ha1] ¿ c pw⋅[ ṁw1⋅t w1−ṁw2⋅tw2 ]= { ṁ¿da⋅[( 1 +x2)⋅ha2 - (1 +x1 )⋅ha1] (o)¿¿
Δq̇a=ṁda⋅[(1 +x2 )⋅ha2 - (1 +x1)⋅ha1 ] (n)

Balance
Δ q̇w=Δ q̇a
ṁw1⋅c pw⋅tw1−ṁw2⋅c pw⋅t w2= { ṁ da
 Balance
Δ q̇w=Δ q̇a
ṁw1⋅c pw⋅tw1−ṁw2⋅c pw⋅t w2= { ṁ da

Ref [1] replaces equation (n) with the simplified equation (Eq. 2)
The numerically application shows that the simplification is totally justified

Heat power received by the air

Δ q̇ a =ṁ da⋅[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ] (n)

Δ q̇ a =ṁ da⋅[ ha2 -h a1 ] ( Eq . 2 )

ṁ w1⋅ {c pw⋅t w 1⋅( x 2 - x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x2 )⋅h a2

{
¿ ṁ w2⋅ c pw⋅t w 2⋅( x 2 - x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x2 )⋅ha2

+x2)⋅ha-(1+x1)⋅ha]¿[cpw⋅ṁ1tw−cpw⋅ṁ2tw](x2-1)=¿ =ṁw1⋅[(1+x2)ha-(1+x1)⋅ha]−ṁw2[(1+x2)⋅ha-(1+x1)⋅ha]¿cpw⋅ṁ1tw(x2-1)−ṁw1⋅[(1+x2)ha-(1+x1)⋅ha] =¿cpw⋅ṁ2tw(x2-1)−ṁw2[(1+x2)⋅ha-(1+x1)⋅ha]¿

c pw⋅t w 1⋅( x 2 - x 1 )−[ ( 1 + x
ṁ w2 =ṁ w1⋅
c pw⋅t w 2⋅( x 2 - x 1 )−[ ( 1 + x

Microsoft Equation
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 Microsoft Equation
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+ x 1 )⋅ha1 ]
(p)
+ x 1 )⋅ha1 ]
*(x2-x1 ) - ( (1+x2 ) *h2) -(1+x1)*h1 )
Inlet air mass flow Inlet air volume flow rate
ma1 = mda * (1 + x1) Va1 = ma1 / rair,in
mda = #VALUE! kg/s ma1 = #VALUE! kg/s
xair,in = #VALUE! kg/kg rair,in = #VALUE! kg/m3
ma1 = #VALUE! kg/s Va1 = #VALUE! m3/s

Outlet air mass flow

ma2 = mda * (1 + x1)
mda = #VALUE! kg/s
xair,out = #VALUE! kg/kg
ma2 = #VALUE! kg/s

Difference in the air flows

Dma = ma2 - ma1
ma2 = #VALUE! kg/s
ma1 = #VALUE! kg/s
Dma = #VALUE! kg/s
wer received by the air
Water transfered to the air flow Mas flow rate of water ente
a⋅[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ] ( n) ¿ mw1 =
Δ ṁ wa = { ṁda⋅( x2 - x1 ) ( j)

mda * ( ( 1 + x2) * ha2 - (1 + x1 ) * ha1 ) Dmwa = mda * (x2 - x1) Mas flow rate of water le
kg/s mda = #VALUE! mw2 =
kg/kg x2 = #VALUE! kg/kg
kg/kg x1 = #VALUE! kg/kg Mas flow rate of air entering
kJ(kg Dmwa = #VALUE! kg/s ma1 =
kJ(kg
kJ Mas flow rate of air leaving
ma2 =

Inlet air volume flow rate

Va1 =

c ⋅t x
 cpw⋅t1(x2
Δṁwa= {ṁa⋅(x2- 1) (j)¿ṁw1-{ṁ¿w2= {ṁ¿da⋅(x2- 1) (k)¿Ḣa2=ṁda(1+x2)⋅ha2 (l)¿Ḣa1=ṁda(1+x1)⋅ha1 (m)¿Δq̇a=ṁda⋅[(1+x2)⋅ha2-(1+x1)⋅ha1] (n)¿cpw⋅[ṁw1t −ṁw2⋅t ]= ¿ =ṁda⋅[(1+x2)⋅ha2-(1+x1)⋅ha1] (o)¿ ṁw2= w1⋅
cpw⋅t2(x
 1

Air leaving the tower

tair,out = 40 ºC
fair,out = 100 %
H= 717.3 m.a.s.l.

Enthalpy of leaving air

halpy_tdb_f_H hair,in = Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H
hair,in = #VALUE! kJ(kg

Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t(t)
ted_vapor_pressure_t pw_sat = Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t
pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa

Vapor pressure in outlet air

pvap = f * pw_sat
f= 100 %
pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa
pvap = #VALUE! Pa

entering air Absolute humidity of leaving air

ute_Humidity_tdb_f_H x= Sicro_Absolute_Humidity_tdb_f_H
xair,out = #VALUE! kg / kg

ng the tower Enthalpy of air leaving the tower

halpy_tdb_f_H h= Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H
h= #VALUE! kJ/kg

2
 [] []
k g w k g d a kg w
Airbalnce ¿ṁ={¿+ṁ (e)¿ṁ=x ⋅ṁ ¿ṁ=x⋅ (f)¿ṁ={¿+ṁ ={ṁ¿+x⋅ ṁ={¿1+x (g)¿ṁ={¿1+x (h)¿
( )
a2 da w2 wa1 da wa1 da a1 da w1 a da 1 da 1 da 1 a2 da 2
ṁa1={da+ṁw1 (d) kgda s s
( )
Microsoft Equation
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Microsoft Equation
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a2 mda ma2
mwa2
x2
Dmw
Ha2
 Dqw

a1 mda
ma1
mwa1
x1
Ha1

Microsoft Equation
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x1 )⋅ha1] (o)¿¿
 Microsoft Equation
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Microsoft Equation
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x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ] } =
x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x2 )⋅ha2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ] }
⋅( x 2 - x 1 )−[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅ha2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅h a1 ]
(p)
⋅( x 2 - x 1 )−[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅ha2 - ( 1 + x1 )⋅h a1 ]

Microsoft Equation
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Microsoft Equation
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Microsoft Equation
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 Microsoft Equation
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Microsoft Equation
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 8

Mas flow rate of water entering the tower

100 kg/s kg/s

Mas flow rate of water leaving the tower

#VALUE! kg/s kg/s

Mas flow rate of air entering the tower

#VALUE! kg/s

Mas flow rate of air leaving the tower

#VALUE! kg/s

Inlet air volume flow rate

#VALUE! m3/s

Microsoft Equation
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c ⋅t x- −1+x⋅h -1+x⋅h
 cpw⋅t1(x2- 1)−[(1+x2)⋅ha2-(1+x1)⋅ha1]
¿ =ṁda⋅[(1+x2)⋅ha2-(1+x1)⋅ha1] (o)¿ ṁw2= w1⋅ (p)¿
cpw⋅t2(x- 1)−[(1+x2)⋅ha2-(1+x1)⋅ha1]
Microsoft Equation
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[1] Cooling tower example
 (Eq. 1)

(Eq. 2)

The atblance quation

cpw⋅(qmw1⋅Tw1−qmw2⋅Tw2)=qma⋅(ha2−ha1) (Eq.1)
()
isthesameasthe quation hasbendesigned ¿as qmw, andthedryairmas flowrate {ṁ¿dahasben¿designedas qma ¿ Moisturebalnce ¿qmw=qma⋅xa2-xa (Eq.2)¿isthesameasthe quation ¿Δṁwa=ṁda⋅(xa,out−xa,in) (Eq.f)¿
1
cpw⋅(ṁw,1⋅Tw,1−ṁw,2⋅Tw,2)=ṁda⋅(ha2−ha1) (Eq.d)
wher thewatermas flowrate {ṁ w
cpw⋅(ṁw,1⋅Tw,1−ṁw,2⋅Tw,2)=ṁda⋅(ha2−ha1) (Eq.d)
wher thewatermas flowrate {ṁ w
Microsoft Equation
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(Eq. 7)
c pw⋅( q mw 1⋅T w 1−qmw 2⋅T w 2 ) =q ma⋅( ha 2 −h a1 )

(
q mw= q ma⋅ x a2 - x a
1 )
c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w1 −c pw⋅qmw 2⋅T w 2 =q ma⋅( ha 2−ha 1 )

(
q mw = qma⋅ x a2 - x a
1 )
q mw 1 −q mw 2 =q mw
(
q mw 1 −q mw 2 =q ma⋅ x a2 - x a
1 )
q mw 1 −q mw 2
q ma =
x a2 - x a
1
q mw 1 −q mw 2
c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w1 −c pw⋅qmw 2⋅T w 2 = ⋅( h a2 −ha 1 )
x a2 - x a
1
( c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w 1−c pw⋅q mw 2⋅T w 2 )⋅( x a2 - x a 1 )=( qmw 1−qmw 2 )⋅( h a2 −h a1 )

q mw2⋅[ ( ha 2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w2⋅( x a 2 −x a1 ) ] =q mw1 [ ( h a 2−ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a2 −

( c pw⋅qmw 1⋅T w 1−c pw⋅q mw 2⋅T w 2 )⋅( x a2 - x a 1 )=qmw 1⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) −

+q mw 2⋅( h a2 −h a1 ) −c pw⋅q mw 2⋅T w2⋅ x a2 - x a + ( 1 ) ( c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w 1
( c pw⋅qmw 1⋅T w 1−c pw⋅q mw 2⋅T w 2 )⋅( x a2 - x a 1 )=qmw 1⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) −
(
+q mw 2⋅( h a2 −h a1 ) −c pw⋅q mw 2⋅T w2⋅ x a2 - x a +
1)
( c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w 1

[ (
q mw 2⋅ ( ha 2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w 2⋅ x a2 - x a
1 ) ]+ ( c pw⋅qmw 1⋅T w 1 )⋅( xa2

q mw2⋅[ ( h a2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w 2⋅( x a 2 −x a 1 ) ]=q mw1 [ ( ha 2−ha 1 ) −c pw⋅

q mw2 =q mw1⋅
[ ( ha 2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w1⋅( x a 2 −x a1 ) ]
[ ( ha 2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w2⋅( x a 2 −x a 1 ) ]

q mw2 =q mw1⋅
[ ( ha 2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w1⋅( x a 2 −x a1 ) ]
[ ( ha 2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w2⋅( x a 2 −x a 1 ) ]
[ ( h a2 − ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w 2⋅( x a2 −x a 1 ) ]=qmw1 [ ( ha 2 −h a1 )− c pw⋅T w 1

q mw2 =q mw1⋅
[ ( ha 2− ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a2 − x a 1 ) ]
( Eq . 7 )
[ ( ha 2− ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w 2⋅( x a2 − x a 1 ) ]

Air entering the tower

tair,in =
f=
H=

Enthalpy of entering air

hair,in =
hair,in =

Saturated vapor pressure

pw_sat =
pw_sat =
Air pressure Vapor pressure in ambient air
p= 93 kPa pvap =
f=
pw_sat =
pvap =

Absolute humidity of entering

x=
xair,in =

Enthalpy of air entering the tow

h=
h=

Air average temperature

tair,ave = tair,in + tair,out
tair,in = 30 ºC
tair,out = 40 ºC
tair,ave = 35 ºC

Water specificheat at constant pressure

Cp = SaturatedWaterSpecificHeat_t
Cp = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K)

ha2 = #VALUE! kJ/kg

ha1 = #VALUE! kJ/kg
xa2 = #VALUE! kg/kg
xa1 = #VALUE! kg/kg
Tw2 = 40 ºC
Tw1 = 30 ºC
cpw = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K)
Mass flow rate of water flow
mw1 : water flow entering the tower
mw2 : water flow leaving the tower

mw2 = mw1 * ( (ha2 - ha1 ) - cpw * Tw1 * ( xa2 - xa1) ) / ( (ha2 - ha1 ) - cpw * Tw2 * ( xa2 - xa1) )

mw1 = 100 kg/s

ha2 = #VALUE! kJ/kg
ha1 = #VALUE! kJ/kg
xa2 = #VALUE! kg/kg
xa1 = #VALUE! kg/kg
Tw2 = 33.0 ºC
Tw1 = 40.0 ºC
cpw = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K)
mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s

Dm = mw1 - mw2
mw1 = 100 kg/s
mw2 = #VALUE! kJ/kg
Dm = #VALUE! kJ/kg
 Data

Water flow
mw = 100 kg/s
Water entering temperature
tw,in = 40 ºC
Water leaving temperature
tw,out = 33 ºC

Ambien air
p= 93 kPa
tdb = 30 ºC
f= 50 %

Assume that the air ends up

with thermodynamic equilibrium
with incoming water
tair,out = tw,in
tw,in = 40 ºC
tair,out = 40 ºC

fair,out = 100 %

[02]
AtmosphericPressurePa_H(H)
H= 717.3 m.a.s.l.
Patm = #VALUE! kPa

Heat balance Air

q̇ w =q̇ a q̇ a : heat power entering i
q̇ w : heat power leaving the water [ kW ] q̇ a =Δ Ḣ a
q̇ a : heat power entering into the air [ kW ] q̇ a = Ḣ a , 2− Ḣ a ,1 [ kW ]
q̇ w =Δ Ḣ w
q̇ a =ṁda⋅( ha 2−ha 1 )
heat power extracted from the water
q̇ = Ḣ − Ḣ [ kW ] ( Eq . a )
 q̇ w : heat power leaving the water [ kW ] q̇ a =Δ Ḣ a
q̇ a : heat power entering into the air [ kW ] q̇ a = Ḣ a , 2− Ḣ a ,1 [ kW ]
q̇ w =Δ Ḣ w q̇ a =ṁda⋅( ha 2−ha 1 )
heat power extracted from the water
q̇ w = Ḣ w , 1− Ḣ w ,2 [ kW ] ( Eq . a )
Balance
kg kJ
⋅ q̇ w =q̇ a
s kg
Ḣ w , 1= ṁw,1⋅ c pw⋅T w, 1 q̇ w =c pw⋅( ṁ w,1⋅ T w , 1− ṁw,
Ḣ w , 2= ṁw,2⋅ c pw⋅T w, 2 q̇ a =ṁda⋅( ha 2−ha 1 )
q̇ w =ṁw,1⋅ c pw⋅T w ,1 −ṁ w,2⋅ c pw⋅T w , 2 c pw⋅( ṁ w,1⋅ T w , 1− ṁw,2⋅T w
q̇ w =c pw⋅( ṁ w,1⋅ Tw , 1− ṁw,2⋅T w , 2 ) (Eq . b)
Microsoft Equation
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Moisture balance q̇ w = Ḣ w , 1− Ḣ w ,2 [ kW ]
Moisture in air entering the tower
q̇ w =c pw⋅( ṁ w,1⋅ T w , 1− ṁw,2⋅T w
ṁ w,in =ṁ da⋅x a ,in [ ]
kg w
s q̇ a =ṁda⋅( ha 2−ha 1 )
kgda kg c pw⋅( ṁ w,1⋅ T w , 1− ṁw,2⋅T w , 2 ) =m
⋅ w
s kg da Δ ṁwa =ṁwa,out −ṁ wa,in

a,in ) (Eq.f)¿ Moisture in air leaving the tower

ṁ w,out = ṁda⋅x a , out [ ]

kg w
s
Δ ṁwa =ṁda⋅( x a , out −x a, in )

Moisture increment in the air

Δ ṁwa =ṁ wa,out −ṁ wa,in ( Eq . e )
Δ ṁwa =ṁ da⋅x a, out − ṁda⋅x a , in

Δ ṁwa =ṁ da⋅( x a , out −x a, in ) [ ]

kg w
s
( Eq . f )
 Moisture increment in the air
Δ ṁwa =ṁ wa,out −ṁ wa,in ( Eq . e )
Δ ṁwa =ṁ da⋅x a, out − ṁda⋅x a , in

Δ ṁwa =ṁ da⋅( x a , out −x a, in ) [ ]

kg w
s
( Eq . f )

Microsoft Equation
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c pw⋅( q mw 1⋅T w 1−qmw 2⋅T w 2 ) =q ma⋅( ha 2 −h a1 )

(
q mw= q ma⋅ x a2 - x a
1 )
q mw2⋅[ ( ha 2 −ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w2⋅( x a 2 −x a1 ) ]=q mw1 [ ( h a2 −h a1 ) −c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a 2 −

(Eq. 7)
(Eq. 1)

(Eq. 2)

(Eq. 7)
 ( Eq .1 )
( Eq . 2)

a1 )
qmw 2 )⋅( h a2 −h a1 ) (Eq . 3 )

ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a2 −x a 1 ) ] Microsoft Equation

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(Eq . 4 )

qmw 1⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) −q mw 2⋅( h a2 −ha 1 ) ( Eq . 4 )

+ ( c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w1 )⋅( x a2 - x a 1 )=
=qmw 1⋅( ha 2 −ha 1 )
qmw 1⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) −q mw 2⋅( h a2 −ha 1 ) ( Eq . 4 )
+ ( c pw⋅q mw 1⋅T w1 )⋅( x a2 - x a 1 )=
=qmw 1⋅( ha 2 −ha 1 )
pw⋅qmw 1⋅T w 1 ⋅ ) ( xa2 - x a1 ) =
=qmw 1⋅( ha 2 −ha 1 )
1 [ ( ha 2−ha 1 ) −c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a2−x a 1 ) ] ( Eq . 5 )
] ( Eq . 6 )
]
] ( Eq . 7 )
] Microsoft Equation
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2 −h a1 )−c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a 2 −x a1 ) ] ( Eq . 5 )

1)]
( Eq . 7 )
1) ]

Air entering the tower Air leaving the tower

30 ºC tair,out = 40 ºC
50 % fair,out = 100 %
717.3 m.a.s.l. H= 717.3 m.a.s.l.

Enthalpy of entering air Enthalpy of leaving air

Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H hair,in = Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H
#VALUE! kJ(kg hair,in = #VALUE! kJ(kg

Saturated vapor pressure Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t(t)

Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t pw_sat = Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t
#VALUE! Pa pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa
Vapor pressure in ambient air Vapor pressure in outlet air
f * pw_sat pvap = f * pw_sat
50 % f= 100 %
#VALUE! Pa pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa
#VALUE! Pa pvap = #VALUE! Pa

Absolute humidity of entering air Absolute humidity of leaving air

Sicro_Absolute_Humidity_tdb_f_H x= Sicro_Absolute_Humidity_tdb_f_H
#VALUE! kg / kg xair,out = #VALUE! kg / kg

Enthalpy of air entering the tower Enthalpy of air leaving the tower
Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H h= Sicro_Enthalpy_tdb_f_H
#VALUE! kJ/kg h= #VALUE! kJ/kg
 Equation from sheet Cooling tower

c pw⋅t w 1⋅( x 2 - x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x 2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1

ṁ w2 =ṁ w1⋅
c pw⋅t w 2⋅( x 2 - x 1 ) −[ ( 1 + x2 )⋅h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1

( Eq. 7)
cpw * Tw2 * ( xa2 - xa1) ) mw2 = mw1 * ( cpw*tw1*(x2-x1 ) - ( (1+x2 ) *h2) -(1+x1)*h1 ) / ( cpw*tw2*(x2-x1 ) - ( (1

mw1 = 100 kg/s

ha2 = #VALUE! kJ/kg Result obtained for the water flow rate a
ha1 = #VALUE! kJ/kg Rsult with equation (Eq. 7)
xa2 = #VALUE! kg/kg mw2 = #VALUE!
xa1 = #VALUE! kg/kg Result with equation (p)
Tw2 = 33 ºC mw2 = #VALUE!
Tw1 = 40 ºC Difference
cpw = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K) Dmw2 = #VALUE!
mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s Dmw2 = #VALUE!
Dmw2 % = #VALUE!
Dm = mw1 - mw2 kg/s
mw1 = 100 kg/s Thus, the simplification from [1] is ju
mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s (see sheet Example Ref.1)
Dm = #VALUE! kg/s

mw2 = O286* (O293*O292*(O289-O290 ) - ( (1+O289 )*O287 -(1+O290)*O288 ) ) / (O293*O291*(O289-O290

mw2 = #VALUE! kg/s
 page 1 of 9

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t power entering into the air [ kW ]

a

2− Ḣ a ,1 [ kW ]
⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) (Eq . c )
 a

2− Ḣ a ,1 [ kW ]
⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) (Eq . c )

⋅( ṁ w,1⋅ T w , 1− ṁw,2⋅T w , 2 ) ( Eq . b )
⋅( ha 2−ha 1 ) (Eq . c )
1⋅ T w , 1− ṁ w,2⋅T w , 2 ) =ṁda⋅( ha 2−ha 1 )
(Eq . d )
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Microsoft Equation
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Ḣ w ,2 [ kW ] ( Eq . a )
w,1⋅ T w , 1− ṁ w,2⋅T w , 2 ) (Eq . b)
2−ha 1 ) (Eq . c )
T w , 1− ṁw,2⋅T w , 2 ) =ṁda⋅( ha 2 −ha 1 ) (Eq . d )
,out −ṁ wa,in (Eq . e )
⋅( x a , out −x a, in ) (Eq . f )

Microsoft Equation
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 Microsoft Equation
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( Eq . 1)
( Eq . 2)

) −c pw⋅T w 1⋅( x a 2 −x a 1 ) ] ( Eq . 3 )

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 Microsoft Equation
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page 8 of 9
 page 9 of 9

h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ]
( p)
h a2 - ( 1 + x 1 )⋅ha1 ]

/ ( cpw*tw2*(x2-x1 ) - ( (1+x2 ) *h2) -(1+x1)*h1 )

ined for the water flow rate at the outlet of the tower:
equation (Eq. 7)
kg/s
h equation (p)
kg/s

- #VALUE!
kg/s
%

simplification from [1] is justified.

Example Ref.1)

(O293*O291*(O289-O290 ) - ( (1+O289 )*O287 -(1+O290)*O288 ) )

 D1. Atmospheric air properties, as function of temperature t ºC [6]

1 Specific heat of air at constant pressure 2 Specific heat ratio of air

Cp: Specific heat at constant pressure kJ/(kg*K) k: Specific heat ratio -
T: Absolute temperature [K] T: Absolute temperature
Data from [1], Table 2, page 34 Data from [1], Table 2, pa

Specific heat at constant pressure. VBA Specific heat ratio. VBA

Cp = Gas_AirCp_tK k=
T= 194 K T=
Cp = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K) k=

Temperature range Temperature range

56 [K] <= T <= 3000 [K] 56 [K] <= T <= 3556 [K]

19 Air atmospheric pressure

Patm = Gas_AirAtmosphericPressure_Has(H)
H= 550 m.a.s.l.
Patm = #VALUE! Pa

D6. Psychrom

Dry bulb temperature tdb °C Absolute humidity

Relative humidity f % Specific volume
Height above sea leve H m.a.s.l. Density

In the functions to calculate the wet bulb temperature (functions 16, 36, 46 and
the dry bulb temperature, relative humidity and height above sea level have been
number of iterations. If required, the maximum values can be changed in the cod
on the specific programation. For this case, the maximum values are selected as
 Group 1 Group 2
tdb, f , H tdb, twb, H
tdb ºC tdb 92.0 °C tdb 92.0
f % f 80.0 % f #VALUE!
H m s.n.m. H 3.4 m H 3.4
x kg/kg x #VALUE! [11] x #VALUE!
v m3/kg v #VALUE! [12] v #VALUE!
r kg/m3 r #VALUE! [13] r #VALUE!
tdp ºC tdp #VALUE! [14] tdp #VALUE!
ent kJ/kg ent #VALUE! [15] ent #VALUE!
twb ºC twb #VALUE! [16] twb #VALUE!

Notes: - This version has been adapted to be used also in LibreOffice

- Few depent variables will not require the three inputs
when they are calculated individually. But because the calculation me
makes use of other functions, the complete set of input variables
is required.

Saturated water specific heat

t= 35 ºC
cpw = #VALUE! kJkg*K)
Specific heat ratio of air 3 Specific enthalpy of air (repeated) Atmospheric dry air properties
k: Specific heat ratio - h: Specific enthalpy of air kJ/kg
T: Absolute temperature [K] 'T: Absolute temperature [K] Input data: Temperature
Data from [1], Table 2, page 34 Gas_AirEnthalpy_tK(tK)
Function
Specific heat ratio. VBA VBA function 11 Gas_AirConductivity_tC
Gas_AirK_tK h= Gas_AirEnthalpy_tK 12 Gas_AirSpecificHeat_tC
220 K T= 220 K 13 Gas_AirPrandtl_tC
#VALUE! - Cp = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K) 14 Gas_AirDensity_tC
15 Gas_AirAbsoluteViscosity_tC
Temperature range Temperature range 16 Gas_AirKinematicViscosity_tC
56 [K] <= T <= 3556 [K] 56 [K] <= T <= 3611 [K] 17 Gas_AirThermalDiffusivity_tC

18 Gas_Air_properties_array_output_tC

Gas_AirConductivity_tC
#VALUE!
Gas_AirPrandtl_tC
Gas_AirDensity_tC
Gas_AirAbsoluteViscosity_tC
Gas_AirKinematicViscosity_tC
Gas_AirThermalDiffusivity_tC

rev.cjc.23.09.2018

D6. Psychrometric Functions

Absolute humidity x kg w/kg da Dew point temperatu tdp ºC

Specific volume v m /kg da
3 Specific enthalpy ent kJ/kg da
r kg /m3 Wet bulb temperatur twb ºC

(functions 16, 36, 46 and 56), some limits to the input values of Maximum values for the input parameters
above sea level have been set to to obtain an acceptable maximum tdbMax = 96 °C
can be changed in the code. These limits depend, among others, f Max = 100 %
um values are selected as follow: Hmax = 5350 m.a.s.l.
 Groups
Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
tdb, twb, H tdb, x, H ent, x, H tdb, ent, H
°C tdb 92.00 °C tdb #VALUE! [48] tdb 92.0 °C
[27] f #VALUE! [37] f #VALUE! [47] f #VALUE! [57]
m H 3.4 m H 3.4 m H 3.4 m
[21] x #VALUE! kg/kg x #VALUE! kg/kg x #VALUE! [51]
[22] v #VALUE! [32] v #VALUE! [42] v #VALUE! [52]
[23] r #VALUE! [33] r #VALUE! [43] r #VALUE! [53]
[24] tdp #VALUE! [34] tdp #VALUE! [44] tdp #VALUE! [54]
[25] ent #VALUE! [35] ent #VALUE! kJ/kg ent #VALUE! KJ/kg
ºC twb #VALUE! [36] twb #VALUE! [46] twb #VALUE! [56]

also in LibreOffice Numbers in square brakets are the numbers of the functions in the code
three inputs
ecause the calculation method
set of input variables
 3
Total 10

eric dry air properties -73.15 ºC <= t <= 726.85 ºC

: Temperature t= 45 ºC

Results
onductivity_tC k= #VALUE! W/(m*K)
pecificHeat_tC Cp = #VALUE! kJ/(kg*K)
Pr = #VALUE! -
r= #VALUE! kg/m3
bsoluteViscosity_tC m= #VALUE! Pa*s
nematicViscosity_tC n= #VALUE! m2/s
hermalDiffusivity_tC a= #VALUE! m2/s

roperties_array_output_tC
t= 45 ºC
onductivity_tC k= #VALUE! W(m*K)
Cp = #VALUE! kJ(kg*K)
Pr = #VALUE! (-)
r= #VALUE! kg/m³
bsoluteViscosity_tC m= #VALUE! Pa s
nematicViscosity_tC n= #VALUE! m²/s
hermalDiffusivity_tC a= #VALUE! m²/s

[01]
Sicro_Saturated_vapor_pressure_t(t)
t= 12.0 ºC
pw_sat = #VALUE! Pa

[02]
AtmosphericPressurePa_H(H)
H= 0 m.a.s.l.
Patm = #VALUE! Pa

[03]
Sicro_Saturated_vapor_temperature_pPa(p)
p= #VALUE! Pa
tw_sat = #VALUE! ºC

Total D6: 38
[1] Aalto University
Kari Alane
Cooling tower example
https://mycourses.aalto.fi/pluginfile.php/186904/mod_resource/content/1/L4.pdf

http://old.cmat.aalto.fi/en/search/?cx=000834515608939422537%3Asldlfw35fs8&cof=FORID%3A10&i

http://old.cmat.aalto.fi/en/
5fs8&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&hl=&q=Cooling+towers