Final answer:
The rate of heat transfer in a cooling tower system is affected by the area of water surface in contact with air, the temperature difference between inlet water and air, the length of contact time, and the relative velocity of air and water. Option b (1, 3, 4, 6) correctly lists these factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of heat transfer in any cooling tower system does indeed depend on the following factors:
- Area of water surface in contact with the air, where a larger surface area provides more opportunity for heat exchange.
- The temperature difference between the inlet water and the inlet air's wet bulb temperature influences the potential for cooling through evaporation.
- Length of contact time between the air and water, which can enhance the heat exchange process.
- The relative velocity of the air and water during contact also affects the heat transfer rate because it influences the rate of evaporation and the renewal of the surfaces involved in heat exchange.
Therefore, according to the provided options, the correct answer for the factors that depend on the rate of heat transfer in a cooling tower system is option b (1, 3, 4, 6).