This standard specifies the methods for conducting thermal performance tests on water cooling towers. It outlines the required instrumentation, test procedures, and calculation methods to determine the tower's cooling capability and verify its performance against design specifications.
Specifies methods for testing the thermal performance of mechanical draught counter-flow and cross-flow cooling towers.
Quick Reference Values
Maximum permissible error for Wet Bulb Temperature measurement± 0.1 °C
Maximum permissible error for water flow rate measurement± 2.0 percent
Minimum test duration after stabilization1 hour
Maximum deviation of water flow rate during test± 2 percent of average
Maximum deviation of heat load during test± 5 percent of average
Maximum variation in entering wet-bulb temperature during test± 1.0 °C from average
Key Formulas
Heat Rejection, Q = L × Cpw × (T1 - T2) — Heat load calculation from water side
Tower Characteristic, KaV/L = ∫(T2 to T1) dT / (hw - ha) — Merkel's method for tower capability
Water Evaporation Rate, E = G × (w2 - w1) — Calculation of water loss due to evaporation
Practical Notes
Ensure all instruments are calibrated as per Table 1 before starting the test, as even small errors in wet-bulb temperature can significantly affect results.
Achieving stable operating conditions before starting the official 1-hour test run is critical for data validity. Monitor water flow, heat load, and fan power closely.
Environmental factors like wind speed, recirculation, and interference from other sources can heavily influence test results. Select test conditions and locations carefully to minimize these effects as per Clause 5.3.