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Cooling tower shape

Cooling tower shape

Cooling tower shape

(OP)
I was wondering why cooling towers are shaped hyperbolically.  I was guessing that it decreases the pressure and increases the velocity of the exhaust air right above the fan, acting as a better vacuum. But, why is it flared at the ends again at the top?

RE: Cooling tower shape

Refer to Bernoulli's principle for the design of "Venturi tubes"
cheers,
gr2vessels

RE: Cooling tower shape


Natural draft is produced on basis of the buoyancy of warmer and more humid rising air. IMO the adoption of the hyperboloid shape was entirely was based on economics: minimum use of material of construction and enhanced structural strength. Comments are gladly invited.   

RE: Cooling tower shape

(OP)
gr2vessels, I understand the Venturi effect, but what didn't make sense was that since it was going to atmosphere anyway, the pressure right after the fan is 0 psig.  It is 0 psig still if you flare the top ends.  25362, that is a good point about structural strength and amount of material used.  I think you are right about the design.

Thank you both for your replies

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