Senior Design Project Description for FALL 2014
Project Title: Cooling Tower Optimization
Supporter: AREVA
Supporter Technical Representative: ASSIGNED
Faculty Mentor:
X
ASSIGNED
TBD (check one)
Single Team
X
Dual Team
(check one)
Personnel (EN/ET):
E,
Cp,
Cv,
4
M,
(Complete if the number of students required is known)
Expected person-hours: (250 per student)
SE
Description of Project:
Power plant output can be adversely affected due to limitations in cooling tower efficiency. During
hot weather, the ability to transfer sufficient thermal energy to the ultimate heat sink can increase
main condenser back pressure (vacuum), which will limit reduce the overall plant efficiency and
reduce the plant electrical output. This reduced electrical output occurs when the demand is often
the highest (hot weather). The power plant can realize a significant financial benefit if an
inexpensive design change to the cooling tower can be made to increase efficiency.
The objective of this project is to identify modifications to existing hyperbolic cooling towers that
would increase efficiency, which would ultimately increase plant power output.
Initial Project Requirements (e.g. weight, size, etc.):
The work performed will include computer modeling of a typical hyperbolic cooling tower to
simulate airflows, water flows and heat transfer so that variations of the design can be evaluated to
determine if Cooling Tower upgrades would be capable of increasing efficiency. A computer fluid
dynamic (CFD) model of the cooling tower is required to assess the efficiency and increase in Plant
power output for postulated design changes to the spray system and possible changes to the
optimize air flow.
The analysis and optimization will be performed for an actual cooling tower. The actual
performance data will be used to verify the model.
The team will evaluate modifications to the model that can be replicated in the field with relatively
simple design configurations (modify spray pattern and adjustable panels to concentrate air) to
increase cooling tower efficiency.
The results from the model modifications will be compiled and analyzed using appropriate
mathematical software, such as MATLAB, in order to compare various modifications to optimize
the cooling tower design for maximum efficiency.
The information obtained in the model and the alternate design configurations will be used to
design and recommend a passive upgrade that can demonstrate a Return on Investment and the
shortest payback period for the power plant owner.
Expected Deliverables/Results:
The deliverables will include a final report that details the project, including methods and
assumptions, presents all relevant analysis results, and gives a final recommendations on a passive
design changes for cooling tower optimization. Verification of the model against the actual tower
performance will be demonstrated. The report will include the CFD and MATLAB computer
models.
List here any specific skills or knowledge needed or suggested (If none please state none):
Familiarity with CFD software, or willingness to learn, or enrolled in MEGR 3090-004.
Familiarity with MATLAB