Ethan-Languri-headshot-1 (1)

Ethan Languri

Tennessee Tech University | Professor

Speaker

Track B: Energy Services and Emerging Technologies

Session B3: HVAC & Heat Pump Technologies

March 12, 2026 | 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Advances in Industrial Cooling Towers and Energy Saving Opportunities

Industrial cooling towers play a critical role in maintaining process efficiency, equipment reliability, and overall plant performance. As energy costs rise and sustainability goals tighten, optimizing cooling tower operation has become an increasingly important opportunity for industrial facilities. In this talk, the authors will present recent advances in wet, dry, and spray-assisted cooling tower technologies, highlighting how modern modeling tools can accurately predict thermal behavior, water usage, and system interactions under various operating conditions. Emphasis is placed on identifying energy-saving opportunities through improved heat transfer performance, fan optimization, water management strategies, and integration of hybrid cooling configurations.

 

The presentation also draws on extensive industrial assessments and applied research experience to demonstrate how theoretical modeling aligns with real-world outcomes. Several case studies from manufacturing, chemical processing, and power generation sectors illustrate practical methods for reducing energy consumption, improving cooling effectiveness, and extending equipment life. These examples show how data-driven diagnostics, field measurements, and system-level evaluations can uncover hidden inefficiencies and guide cost-effective upgrades. Overall, the talk provides a comprehensive overview of current cooling tower technologies and actionable strategies that industries can adopt to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support sustainable energy management.

Track B: Energy Services and Emerging Technologies

Session B3: HVAC & Heat Pump Technologies

March 12, 2026 | 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Advances in Industrial Cooling Towers and Energy Saving Opportunities

Industrial cooling towers play a critical role in maintaining process efficiency, equipment reliability, and overall plant performance. As energy costs rise and sustainability goals tighten, optimizing cooling tower operation has become an increasingly important opportunity for industrial facilities. In this talk, the authors will present recent advances in wet, dry, and spray-assisted cooling tower technologies, highlighting how modern modeling tools can accurately predict thermal behavior, water usage, and system interactions under various operating conditions. Emphasis is placed on identifying energy-saving opportunities through improved heat transfer performance, fan optimization, water management strategies, and integration of hybrid cooling configurations. 

The presentation also draws on extensive industrial assessments and applied research experience to demonstrate how theoretical modeling aligns with real-world outcomes. Several case studies from manufacturing, chemical processing, and power generation sectors illustrate practical methods for reducing energy consumption, improving cooling effectiveness, and extending equipment life. These examples show how data-driven diagnostics, field measurements, and system-level evaluations can uncover hidden inefficiencies and guide cost-effective upgrades. Overall, the talk provides a comprehensive overview of current cooling tower technologies and actionable strategies that industries can adopt to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support sustainable energy management.

Speaker Bio

Ethan Languri is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Director of the Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. He has conducted over 150 energy assessments for manufacturing facilities and has been extensively involved in both fundamental and applied research in this field.