The Cooling Tower Performance Analysis of Geothermal Power Plants in the Generation Business Unit

Cooling tower is an important part of the work cycle of geothermal power plants (PLTP). The cooling tower functions to cool the water flowing from the condenser and then releases the heat produced into the air. The type and components contained in the cooling tower affect the work and heat transfer from water to air. Air temperature, weather, and humidity are also important factors that determine the work and effectiveness of the cooling tower. This study aims to calculate and analyse the performance of the cooling tower of a Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP), Indonesia based on available data in one day observation. The range and approach values containing air and water temperature data play a major role in the effectiveness of the cooling tower. The heat transfer that occurs includes gas and air which have a comparative amount so that the heat transfer process runs well which is contained in the L/G ratio equation. The one parameter or characteristic for Cooling Tower performance are given in the form of NTU (Number of Transfer Unit) data. It was found that the highest NTU value was at 9 PM to 10 PM and the lowest value was at 2 PM to 3 PM.