What are the ideal ambient conditions for free cooling operation in cooling towers?

Free cooling operation in cooling towers is typically feasible when ambient temperatures are below 40°F (4°C). At these temperatures, the cooling tower can produce chilled water at or below 45°F (7°C), making it suitable for many air conditioning and process systems. However, the specific ambient conditions required for free cooling vary depending on the system design, heat exchanger configuration, and desired chilled water temperature.