Components (air inlet louver panels) for cooling water management systems

An air inlet louver panel for use in association with a water-cooling tower, comprising:

• a core, wherein the core includes an outer surface;
• a frame assembly, wherein the frame assembly is attached to the core;
• and
• wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the core is in direct contact with a high-lubricity anti-fouling coating, wherein the high-lubricity anti-fouling coating causes water to bead and not break surface tension such that water and dissolved solids slide off the air inlet louver panel reducing buildup of solids caused by evaporation.

A water cooling system, comprising:

• a cooling tower having a basin;
• and
• an air inlet louver panel attached to the cooling tower, wherein the air inlet louver panel comprises:
• a core having an outer surface;
• a frame assembly attached to the core;
• and
• a high-lubricity anti-fouling coating in direct contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the core, wherein the high-lubricity anti-fouling coating causes water to bead and not break surface tension such that water and dissolved solids slide off the air inlet louver panel.

A method of reducing fouling in a water cooling tower, comprising the steps of:

• providing a water cooling tower having an air inlet;
• installing an air inlet louver panel at the air inlet, wherein the air inlet louver panel comprises a core having an outer surface, a frame assembly attached to the core, and a high-lubricity anti-fouling coating in direct contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the core;
• and
• operating the water cooling tower, whereby the high-lubricity anti-fouling coating causes water contacting the air inlet louver panel to bead and not break surface tension such that water and dissolved solids slide off the air inlet louver panel, thereby reducing buildup of solids caused by evaporation.