What Happens If a Cooling Tower Motor Stops Working

Cooling towers play a crucial role in air conditioning systems, industrial refrigeration, and process cooling, and fan motors are one of the core components for the normal operation of cooling towers. The motor drives the fan to allow air to fully contact with the circulating water through the tower, thereby achieving evaporation and heat dissipation. When the cooling tower motor stops working due to malfunction, overload, or electrical issues, the entire cooling system will be significantly affected.

1、 Significant decrease in air flow

After the cooling tower motor stops, the fan cannot operate, and the air flow inside the tower will be greatly reduced, relying only on weak natural ventilation. This will lead to:

1）Insufficient air volume

2）The fan speed entering the tower decreases

3）The contact area between water and gas and the evaporation rate sharply decrease

The cooling tower is almost unable to perform its normal heat dissipation function.

2、 Rapid decrease in heat dissipation efficiency

Due to the lack of forced ventilation provided by fans, the heat dissipation efficiency of the cooling tower will significantly decrease. After entering the cooling tower, hot water cannot fully evaporate and cool down, ultimately resulting in:

1) The water temperature outside the tower rises

2) The cooling effect has significantly deteriorated

3) The heat load cannot be effectively discharged

The overall cooling capacity of the system decreases accordingly.

3、 The temperature of the condenser or process equipment rises

One of the most direct consequences of the cooling tower motor stopping is a rapid increase in condenser water temperature. This will bring about the following issues:

1) The efficiency of the chiller unit decreases

2) The discharge pressure of the compressor rises

3) Process equipment temperature is too high or out of control

If the water temperature continues to rise, the chiller unit may trigger high pressure protection and automatically shut down.

Immediate measures to be taken

1. Immediately confirm the motor status and cut off the power supply

To prevent the motor from being continuously powered on due to overload, short circuit, and other issues, and to avoid burning out the coil or causing safety accidents.

2. Check the electrical system

1）Check if the air switch and fuse have tripped

2）Check if the contactor and relay are damaged

3）Check if the frequency converter (if any) alarms

4）Check if the power supply voltage is abnormal

3. Check the condition of the motor body

1）Is the motor overheating

2）Is there any odor, vibration or jamming phenomenon

3）Is the bearing damaged

4）Is the fan blade stuck

4. Switch to backup cooling tower (if any)

If the system is connected in parallel with multiple towers, other tower fans should be immediately turned on to maintain cooling capacity.

5. Reduce system load

1）Reduce the load of the chiller unit

2）Reduce process heat load if necessary

3）Prevent high pressure shutdown triggered by high condensate temperature.

6. Strengthen the circulation of water pumps

Maintain the flow of circulating water to avoid rapid temperature rise and local overheating.

7. Monitor the inlet and outlet water temperature of the condenser

Record temperature changes every 5-10 minutes to assess if the system requires further emergency response.

8. Arrange maintenance personnel to repair the motor and fan system as soon as possible

1) Find the cause of motor malfunction

2) Replace damaged components (bearings, wiring terminals, capacitors, fans, etc.)

3) Ensure that the fan can rotate freely without obstruction