The Considerations for Reviewing the Effects of Power Uprates, Including Repowering, on Existing Steam Surface Condensers

Steam Surface Condensers are typically custom designed for each application based on specified design and expected performance criteria defined during the design phase of the power plant. Over the life of a plant, subsequent design improvements and performance enhancements in prime movers such as boilers, reactors, steam & gas turbines, etc. have enabled many plants to seriously consider a power uprate which would be in excess of the original design capabilities of the plant. However, power uprate evaluations, including repowering projects, often reveal that (given its fixed surface area nature) the Steam Surface Condenser is often a ‘limitation’ to any proposed power uprate or repowering heat balance.