What is the typical outlet water temperature at a cooling tower?

The typical outlet water temperature at a cooling tower is generally around 85°F. This temperature is commonly accepted in HVAC applications for cooling towers, where water is cooled before being circulated back into the system. The cooling process involves transferring heat from the water to the atmosphere, and the 85°F temperature is a good balance that allows for effective heat exchange while ensuring that the cooled water is still above the ambient air temperature, thus allowing for efficient cooling.

Cooling towers operate based on principles such as evaporation and air flow, which influence the temperature of the water. An outlet temperature of 85°F indicates that the cooling tower is effectively removing heat from the system while maintaining operational efficiency. This range is also beneficial in preventing issues such as the risk of thermal shock to equipment or excessive energy usage by the cooling system.

Lower outlet temperatures could lead to inefficiency or excessive operational costs, while significantly higher temperatures might not provide adequate cooling for many systems. Thus, the selection of 85°F reflects practical engineering and cooling requirements typical in HVAC applications.