Final answer:
For a cooling tower, the bypass should be closed at a temperature that prevents freezing. Option b, 17 degrees Celsius, provides a safety margin above the freezing point of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
During cold weather, the cooling tower bypass should be closed when the basin temperature reaches a specific degree to prevent water from freezing, which could damage the system. In general, the bypass is closed to ensure that the system can maintain an optimal temperature for its operation. Based on standard practices and the common freezing point of water, which is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), the bypass would typically be closed before the water reaches freezing temperatures. Therefore, of the choices given, option (b) 17 degrees Celsius is the most realistic answer as it provides a safety margin above the freezing point to account for system response times and uneven temperature distribution.