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Optimization of cooling tower performance with different types of packings using Taguchi approach

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Abstract

This study discuss the application of Taguchi method in assessing maximum cooling tower effectiveness for the counter flow cooling tower using different types of packing. The experiments were planned based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. The trial was performed under different conditions of liquid-to-gas flow ratio, inlet water temperature and packing materials. Signal-to-noise ratio analysis, analysis of variance and regression were carried out in order to determine the effects of process parameters on cooling tower effectiveness and to identify optimal factor settings. Finally, confirmation tests verified the reliability of Taguchi method for optimization of counter flow cooling tower performance with sufficient accuracy.

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Abbreviations

A:

Approach

AF:

Air flow (kg/h)

DOF:

Degree of freedom

R:

Range

S/N:

Signal-to-noise ratio

T:

Temperature (°C)

WF:

Water flow (kg/h)

WT:

Water temperature (°C)

Ε:

Cooling tower effectiveness

i:

Inlet

o:

Outlet

w:

Water

wb:

Wet bulb

EWM:

Expanded wire mesh

GI:

Galvanised iron

PVC:

Polyvinyl chloride

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the authorities of Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India, for the facilities provided to conduct the experiment in the steam laboratory for the research work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, 608002, Tamil Nadu, India

    R. Ramkumar & A. Ragupathy

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  1. R. Ramkumar
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  2. A. Ragupathy
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Correspondence to R. Ramkumar.

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Technical Editor: Fernando Alves Rochinha.

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Ramkumar, R., Ragupathy, A. Optimization of cooling tower performance with different types of packings using Taguchi approach. J Braz. Soc. Mech. Sci. Eng. 37, 929–936 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-014-0216-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40430-014-0216-1

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