Cooling towers are classified into two types based on water circulation: open-circuit and closed-circuit.
In an open-circuit cooling tower, cooling water directly contacts ambient air, exposing it to airborne contaminants and mineral concentration from evaporation. These can cause fouling and scaling in the cooling system, including the chiller (condenser).
In a closed-circuit cooling tower, cooling water circulates inside a coil without direct contact with ambient air, minimizing contamination and keeping the internal water circuit cleaner. However, scale can form on the coil’s external surface.
Therefore, closed-circuit cooling towers are often preferred for direct-to-chip liquid-cooled data centers because they help maintain cleaner cooling water and reduce contamination risks.
Related notes:
Cooling tower performance – Range and Approach
Cooling tower type according to water and air flow configuration
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