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

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.