Maximizing Plant Power Output Using Dry Cooling System

As the power industry is deregulated, the cost of power plays a major role in obtaining long-term Power Purchase agreements. More and more plants, now, are developed with Dry Cooling System for condensing steam from the steam turbine of combined cycle plants or coal-fired plants. However, Dry Cooling has become synonymous with lower plant output. This paper presents solutions to dispel that myth. 1. Options available for control of the air-cooled system, their initial cost and the impact on minimizing internal power consumption and maximizing plant power output. 2. The air-cooled condenser operates normally at high turbine exhaust pressures during high ambient temperatures. The high backpressure results in lower turbine efficiency and lower plant output. Various options available are presented to combat this deficiency to maximize power output.