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Cooling Performance Enhancement of Air-Cooled Condensers by Guiding Air Flow

Author

Listed:
  • Xianwei Huang

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China
    School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Lin Chen

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China
    School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Lijun Yang

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China
    School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Xiaoze Du

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China
    School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Yongping Yang

    (Key Laboratory of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment, Ministry of Education, Beijing 102206, China
    School of Energy Power and Mechanical Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

Abstract

Adverse wind effects on the thermo-flow performances of air-cooled condensers (ACCs) can be effectively restrained by wind-proof devices, such as air deflectors. Based on a 2 × 300 MW coal-fired power generation unit, two types (plane and arc) of air deflectors were installed beneath the peripheral fans to improve the ACC’s cooling performance. With and without air deflectors, the air velocity, temperature, and pressure fields near the ACCs were simulated and analyzed in various windy conditions. The total air mass flow rate and unit back pressure were calculated and compared. The results show that, with the guidance of deflectors, reverse flows are obviously suppressed in the upwind condenser cells under windy conditions, which is conducive to an increased mass flow rate and heat dissipation and, subsequently, introduces a favorable thermo-flow performance of the cooling system. When the wind speed increases, the leading flow effect of the air deflectors improves, and improvements in the ACC’s performance in the wind directions of 45° and −45° are more satisfactory. However, hot plume recirculation may impede performance when the wind direction is 0°. For all cases, air deflectors in an arc shape are recommended to restrain the disadvantageous wind effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Xianwei Huang & Lin Chen & Lijun Yang & Xiaoze Du & Yongping Yang, 2019. "Cooling Performance Enhancement of Air-Cooled Condensers by Guiding Air Flow," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-28, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:18:p:3503-:d:266353
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Lei & Yang, Lijun & Du, Xiaoze & Yang, Yongping, 2016. "A novel layout of air-cooled condensers to improve thermo-flow performances," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 244-259.
    2. Butler, C. & Grimes, R., 2014. "The effect of wind on the optimal design and performance of a modular air-cooled condenser for a concentrated solar power plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 886-895.
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