Cooling towers are large structures used to remove heat from water in industrial processes or power plants. They work by allowing warm water to flow through the tower, where it is cooled by air that flows over the water. This process helps maintain the efficiency of machinery and prevents overheating. There are two main types of cooling towers: open cooling towers and closed cooling towers. Open cooling towers expose water directly to the air, while closed cooling towers use a heat exchanger to keep the water separate from the air. Both types play a crucial role in maintaining optimal temperatures in various systems.