Numerical study on the effect of chip muffler on the thermal performance of S-NDWCT under crosswind

Abstract The chip muffler demonstrates dual functionality in cooling tower applications, serving not only as an effective noise reduction device but also exerting a significant influence on the thermal characteristics of natural draft wet cooling towers. This study investigates the aerodynamic and thermodynamic impacts of four distinct shading configurations (non-shaded, quarter-shaded, half-shaded, and three-quarter-shaded) on cooling tower performance under crosswind conditions ranging from 0 to 12 m/s. Through comprehensive three-dimensional numerical modeling of the modified muffler structure, we systematically analyzed airflow patterns, temperature distribution, and cooling efficiency enhancement mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the strategic implementation of chip mufflers can optimize airflow uniformity within the tower while effectively mitigating adverse crosswind effects. The half-shaded configuration demonstrated optimal performance, achieving a maximum cooling efficiency improvement of 4.49% at 7 m/s wind speed compared to conventional unmodified towers, accompanied by a substantial ventilation capacity increase of 1196.54 kg/s.