Cooling Tower Fans remove heat from other materials, usually water. A cooling tower may consist of one cell or many individual cells in a single structure. A single plant may have multiple structures. Cooling tower fans come in two basic types. The first type has the motor mounted to the side of the cell and uses a jackshaft to drive the gearbox in the center. The second type has both the motor and gearbox centrally mounted in the cell. The mechanical components of a cooling tower fan are made up of, motor, jackshaft (optional), gearbox and fan blades. The motor speed for a cooling tower fan is usually 1800 RPM. In cooler climates, the fans can be reversing to prevent freeze during the winter.