Low profile heat exchange system and method with reduced water consumption

摘要

Three heat exchange sections are used: a dry indirect contact heat exchange section (16), a second indirect contact heat exchange section (28), a third direct contact heat exchange section (50). Two independent evaporative liquid distribution systems are included. One selectively distributes evaporative liquid over the second indirect contact heat exchange section (28). The other selectively distributes evaporative liquid over the direct contact heat exchange section (50). At low temperatures, the system operates dry with primary heat extraction performed by the dry indirect contact heat exchange section (16). At higher temperature, evaporative liquid is distributed over the second indirect contact heat exchange section (28) but not over the direct contact heat exchange section (50). At still higher temperatures, evaporative liquid is distributed over both the second indirect (28) and direct contact heat exchange sections (50).