Source: Hot water from an industrial process, HVAC system, or power plant enters the cooling tower.
Distribution System: At the top of the cooling tower, the water is distributed over the fill media through a system of spray nozzles or a distribution basin. This ensures the water spreads evenly over the fill material.

Air Inlets: Large openings on the sides of the cooling tower allow ambient air to enter the tower horizontally.
Fan Assistance: In some designs, fans (either induced draft at the top or forced draft at the sides) help draw or push air through the tower, enhancing the air flow across the fill media.

Collection Basin: The cooled water collects at the bottom of the tower in a basin. This water is then recirculated back to the system, requiring cooling.

Moist Air Exhaust: The now-warmed and moisture-laden air is exhausted out of the cooling tower, typically through the top. Drift eliminators are installed to minimize water droplets escaping with the exhaust air, conserving water and preventing environmental issues.

Commercial Buildings: Used in large office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and shopping centers to remove heat from the air conditioning systems.
Data Centers: Essential for cooling servers and other IT equipment, ensuring optimal performance, and preventing overheating.

Manufacturing Plants: Used to cool machinery, processes, and equipment in industries such as automotive, textiles, food processing, and electronics.
Chemical Plants: Critical for maintaining the temperature of chemical reactions and processing equipment.

Refineries: Used to cool various processes involved in refining crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemical products.
Petrochemical Plants: Cool processes in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and other chemicals.

Production Facilities: Maintain temperature control for processes involved in drug manufacturing, fermentation, and other biotechnological applications.