Influence of Ambient Velocity on the Performance of SCAL Indirect Air-Cooled Towers

In order to explore the influence mechanisms of ambient wind speed on the performance of indirect air-cooled system, SCAL indirect air-cooled towers of a 600MW supercritical unit was taken as an example,and the corresponding calculation model was established. By the ways of CFD numerical simulation and field test, the variations along with ambient velocity of airflow field inside and outside the tower were simulated and the thermal performance of those towers under different ambient velocity was studied. The results showed that, the outlet resistance of air-cooled tower increased in pace with ambient velocity. Both temperature field inside the tower and pressure field inside and outside the tower were influenced by the ambient velocity to a large extent, while flow trajectory of flue gas inside the tower was basically similar. Moreover, the trends and changing laws of performance parameters from the level of segments and the tower were achieved. The conclusions would be of some reference significance for the optimal operation and design of indirect air-cooled system. © 2018, Editorial Board of Journal of Northwestern Polytechnical University. All right reserved.