Performance analysis of counter flow cooling tower using reciprocating desiccant mesh

In hot and humid climates, the evaporative cooling system not works effectively. To reduce the relative humidity of inlet air, the reciprocating desiccant mesh (RDM) is introduced before the cooling tower. The cooling tower is fabricated as per the Merkel’s theory and RDM is placed before the cooling tower. Experiments have been conducted to compare the performance of normal and RDM cooling towers at different operating conditions. The results of this study indicate that the most favorable velocity and water flow rate of the RDM cooling tower are 1.8 m/s and 17.3 L/min, respectively. At this condition, the cooling effect of the RDM cooling tower is 1.6°C greater than the normal cooling tower. Further, the maximum effectiveness of normal and RDM cooling tower are 0.72 and 0.82, respectively. At last, this study recommends that the RDM cooling tower reduces water consumption as compared to the normal cooling tower due to the lower temperature of cold water.