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Feature
THE EVOLUTION AND CURRENT STATE OF COOLING TOWERS IN HVAC
By Eamonn Ryan
In the context of HVAC , cooling towers are becoming less common , especially in certain parts of the world .
report ‘ Cooling Tower Market by Type ( Evaporative , Dry ,
A Hybrid ), Design ( Natural , Mechanical ), Construction Material ( Concrete , Steel , FRP , Wood ), Flow Type , Technology , Application ( Power Generation , HVACR , Food & Beverage ), & Region - Global Forecast to 2029 ’, suggests that the cooling tower market size is projected to grow by a CAGR of 5.3 % during the forecast period from USD3.0 billion in 2024 to USD3.9 billion by 2029 .
It notes that the cooling tower market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing industrialisation , urbanisation , and the subsequent rise in demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions across various sectors such as power generation , HVAC , and manufacturing . Stricter environmental regulations and the need for sustainable practices are driving industries to adopt advanced cooling technologies to reduce water and energy consumption . Additionally , the rapid expansion of data centers , which require efficient thermal management systems to prevent overheating , is further propelling the market . Innovations in cooling tower designs and materials , aimed at improving performance and reducing maintenance costs , are also contributing to the market ' s expansion .
Dry cooling tower segment , by type , is expected to be the second largest segment during the forecast period .
Dry cooling towers utilise air to cool and condense the process fluid , eliminating the need for water evaporation . This makes them highly suitable for arid and semiarid regions , as well as for industries prioritising water conservation and compliance with stringent environmental regulations . Additionally , dry cooling towers are less prone to issues like water contamination , corrosion , and scaling , leading to reduced maintenance requirements and operational costs . The growing focus on sustainability , energy efficiency , and advancements in cooling technology further bolster the adoption of dry cooling towers across various industries , including power generation , petrochemical , and manufacturing sectors .
Natural draft is anticipated to be the second largest segment , by design , during the forecast period .
Natural draft towers leverage the natural buoyancy of heated air to induce airflow , eliminating the need for mechanical fans and thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs . Characterised by their tall , hyperbolic structures , natural draft cooling towers are highly effective in dissipating large quantities of heat , making them ideal for power plants and heavy industries . Their low maintenance requirements and long operational life further enhance their appeal .
Power generation is anticipated to be the largest segment , by application , during the forecast period .
Middle East & Africa is expected to be the second fastestgrowing region in the global cooling tower market , by region , during the forecast period . The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing growth in the cooling towers market due to rapid industrialisation , urbanisation , and infrastructure development . The region ' s hot and arid climate necessitates efficient cooling solutions for both industrial processes and residential / commercial buildings , driving demand for advanced cooling towers .
REFERENCE : 1 . Cooling Tower Market , Industry Size Forecast Report
[ Latest ] ( marketsandmarkets . com )
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RACA Journal I September 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za