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A simplified model for the steady state response of cooling networks to temperature disturbances has been introduced. The thermal performance of the various components of a cooling system, namely: cooling tower and network of heat exchangers can be predicted using the thermal effectiveness model. The major assumption underlying the approach is that the thermal effectiveness of these systems remains constant when subjected to changes in temperature operating conditions. Detailed simulation models from commercial software were used to validate the approach for the case of single-phase heat exchangers. In the case of cooling towers, a detailed model was solved for design and rating and compared against experimental data reported in the open literature. This model was used to validate the cooling tower simulation approach through the thermal effectiveness model. The concept of system effectiveness and network effectiveness are also introduced. It is shown that the system effectiveness is a function of the tower effectiveness and the network effectiveness. In the case of the network effectiveness, the logic for the derivation of the appropriate expression is presented. Regardless of the complexity of the network structure, simple final expressions can be derived since all existing cooling networks are configured either in parallel, series or a combination of both. In practical applications the approach introduced here can be used to assess the impact of changes in either, ambient or process conditions on the performance of cooling systems.