Poor Air Cooled Condenser Performance

[Rich246]

The air cooled condenser for a 500mw plant seems to have decreased. Specifically on hot humid days. We are going to check fan blade pitch and cleanliness of cooler. Is there anything else that should be checked.

 

[rmw]

You don't give us a lot of information from which to formulate an opinion. Did the condenser previously perform adequately on similar hot humid days? Is the condenser performing out of spec? What is the spec? What is the age of the condenser? What is the situation regarding the air removal equipment? Is there any indication of excessive air inleakage? Has there been any change in the DO levels in the condensate? Is there any subcooling (or excessive subcooling) What is the condition of the external surfaces of the condenser heat transfer surface? Is it clean? Is it as clean as when new? Is there any build up of dust or air borne material?

You are going to have to give us a lot more facts if we are to give you any "tips."

rmw

 

[EdStainless]

If you have a way to check the inside of the tubes for fouling and deposits that should be done also.
Work your way down RMW's list. You need to have numbers on performance and water quality.

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[AndreChE]

Check for thermal design first...

 

[davefitz]

as indicated by andreChe, check the fan blade performance for the case of a hot humid day ( cfm per fan curves), and also the LP steam turbine used energy endpoint for the steam velocity associated with 500 MWe operation on such a day- there should have been provided correction curves by the vendor.