Ozone for Cooling Tower Systems: An Update and Lessons Learned at the Kennedy Space Center

This paper presents the operational experience and lessons learned from the successful implementation of ozone as a stand-alone cooling water treatment technology at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Drawing on years of field data from large-capacity cooling towers, the study examines system design considerations, ozone generation and dosing strategies, corrosion and scale control, microbiological management, and water conservation benefits. The findings demonstrate that properly engineered ozone systems can provide effective cooling water treatment while reducing chemical consumption, lowering operating costs, minimizing environmental impacts, and supporting significant water savings. The article offers valuable real-world guidance for facility managers and engineers considering ozone technology for large industrial and HVAC cooling tower applications.