In cold climates, what method can be used to deal with ice formation in a cooling tower?

In cold climates, slowing down the fans in a cooling tower can be an effective method to manage ice formation. When the fan speed is reduced, the airflow across the cooling tower is decreased, which leads to a lower rate of evaporative cooling. This reduction in evaporation means that less moisture is available to freeze, thereby minimizing ice buildup.

Additionally, when the fans operate at a slower speed, the water has more time to dissipate heat and prevents the rapid cooling that can lead to ice formation on the surfaces of the cooling tower. This approach allows the system to continue functioning effectively while mitigating the risk of ice without the need for more extreme measures, like shutting the system down entirely or increasing fan speed, which could exacerbate freezing conditions.

Heating the water is an alternative but may not be practical or effective for all systems, as it can lead to increased energy consumption and additional operational complexities.