In air-cooled heat exchangers such as dry coolers, finned tube coils are traditionally operated with glycol-water mixtures to prevent freezing when ambient temperatures drop below zero. These solutions provide effective freeze protection but introduce several drawbacks, including environmental risks in case of leaks, reduced heat transfer efficiency, higher viscosity leading to increased pumping energy, and additional cost and maintenance requirements for concentration control. 
As water remains the most efficient heat transfer fluid, its use would offer clear advantages in terms of performance, energy consumption and system simplicity. However, the risk of tube rupture caused by ice formation within the coil has historically limited its application in outdoor systems, especi ...