Simulating the effect of wind on the performance of axial flow fans in air-cooled steam condenser systems

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of air-cooled steam condensers (ACSCs) is the preferred coolingmethod in the chemical and power industry due to stringent environmental andwater use regulations. The performance of ACSCs is however highly dependenton the influence of windy conditions. Research has shown that the presence ofwind reduces the performance of ACSCs. It has been found that cross-winds(wind perpendicular to the longest side of the ACSC) cause distorted inlet flowconditions, particularly at the upstream peripheral fans near the symmetryplane of the ACSC. These fans are subjected to what is referred to as '2-D' windconditions, which are characterised byflow separation on the upstream edgeof the fan inlets. Experimental investigations into inlet flow distortion havesimulated these conditions by varying the fan platform height. Low platformheights resulted in higher levels of inlet flow distortion, as also found to existwith high cross-wind speeds. This investigation determines the performance ofvarious fan configurations (representative of configurations used in the South-African power industry) subjected to distorted inlet flow conditions throughexperimental and numerical investigations. The similarity between platformheight and cross-wind effects is also investigated and a correlation betweensystem volumetric effectiveness, platform height and cross-wind velocity isfound.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University