The goal is to dissipate the waste heat from the condenser cooling water, or at least that part of it which is to be reused. The relevant parameters are the rat

The goal is to dissipate the waste heat from the condenser cooling water, or at least that part of it which is to be reused. The relevant parameters are the rate of flow, inflow temperature, and acceptable outfow temperature. As the performance of a cooling tower depends on the ambient air temperature and humidity, knowledge of the local climate is needed. It is claimed here [1] that the hyperboloid shape is not just for structural efficiency, but also for aerodynamic reasons, efficiently generating an updraft from a relatavely small temperature difference. They are not just for nuclear plants, but for any large steam generating facility lacking a large source of cooling water in its local environment. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperboloid_structure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperboloid_structure