Final answer:
A counter-flow cooling tower is designed to occupy less ground space while being taller, using evaporative cooling to efficiently remove heat with a smaller volume of air.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of mechanical draft cooling tower that occupies less floor space but is taller to accommodate a given capacity is known as a counter-flow cooling tower. In a counter-flow cooling tower, the air moves vertically upwards, counter to the water flow in the fill, which helps to conserve space while still providing effective cooling. This vertical configuration allows the tower to be less wide than its counterparts, making it more suitable for areas where ground space is at a premium. The use of evaporative cooling, where water and air contact each other, facilitates the transfer of heat through evaporation, meaning a smaller volume of air is required to remove a large amount of heat compared to simple heating of the air.