Survey of utility cooling towers

In order to identify problems associated with large utility cooling towers, TVA conducted a nationwide survey of these systems. We wanted to find tower features associated with good or bad performance to guide us in selecting new cooling towers, in upgrading existing plants, and in planning future research. Since we were interested in towers that serve relatively large loads, the survey was restricted to cooling towers operating at power plant units of 500 megawatts and above. A data base search was used to identify all plants in the United States having units in that range. A thirteen page questionnaire was prepared and mailed to the appropriate utilities. The questionnaire asked for information in seven areas of interest: specifications, purchasing, construction, acceptance testing, operations, modifications, and deterioration. The results are presented.