A crossflow cooling tower directs air horizontally across falling water streams, with air flowing perpendicular to the water cascade. Water descends vertically through fill media while ambient air enters from the sides, moving horizontally across the falling water path. This orthogonal arrangement enables efficient heat transfer with a more compact footprint than counterflow designs.
Technical Details
Crossflow towers feature water distribution basins positioned above the fill media, allowing water to gravity-feed downward while air moves horizontally at velocities of 4-7 feet per second. The fill media, typically splash bars or film material, occupies heights between 5-8 feet. These towers achieve approach temperatures of 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit above wet bulb temperature and typically require fans in the 10-50 horsepower range for commercial applications.
Practical Applications
Crossflow design suits applications with height restrictions, rooftop installations, and systems where the horizontal air discharge direction is advantageous. The side air intake allows easier integration with building structures and permits simpler ductwork connections. Maintenance access to the fill media is generally straightforward since the distribution system sits above the fill. These towers perform well in moderate climates and are frequently specified for commercial office buildings, hotels, and light industrial cooling applications requiring reliable, efficient heat rejection.