A counter-flow cooling tower generally requires less floor space than a crossflow cooling tower. Which statement best describes this comparison?

• A. is shorter
• B. requires less floor space
• C. requires less fan power
• D. has a lower pressure drop

Answer: (B)

Counter-flow towers stack the air path vertically while water flows downward, so the heat transfer area can be packed into a tall, narrow column. That vertical arrangement lets you achieve the needed cooling with a smaller ground footprint. In crossflow towers, air moves horizontally across the fill, which often requires more side space and ducting, spreading equipment and air paths across a wider base and increasing floor area. So for the same cooling duty, counter-flow designs tend to need less floor space, even though other factors like height, fan power, and pressure drop depend on the specific design.