Open Access

ARTICLE

Heat Transfer Modeling and Failure Analysis of Dry Cooling Systems

Jiaxi Shen, Zhiyun Wang^*
School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
* Corresponding Author: Zhiyun Wang. Email:

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer https://doi.org/10.32604/fhmt.2026.081961

Received 11 March 2026; Accepted 28 April 2026; Published online 08 June 2026

Abstract

This study focuses on the modeling and performance prediction of the condensation heat transfer process within an ACC system of a 100 MW unit. A one-dimensional physical model was established, and solutions were obtained using an iterative numerical method based on the first law of thermodynamics. The core of this work involves precise modifications to the heat transfer coefficient. Firstly, the Shah correlation for horizontal tube condensation was improved by incorporating the air mass fraction and the Jakob number to quantify the impact of non-condensable gases. Secondly, to assess the influence of the pipe installation angle, an inclination factor (I), which integrates the Eötvös number, Lockhart-Martinelli parameter, and a modified Froude number, was introduced to correct the heat transfer coefficient for inclined tubes. Furthermore, the relationship between the void fraction and steam dryness was investigated. The research provides a theoretical model and analytical tools for diagnosing typical operational issues in ACCs, such as backpressure optimization and environmental adaptability. It offers valuable guidance for enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of air-cooled islands under varying conditions.

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Keywords

ACC; heat transfer model; performance prediction; heat transfer coefficient modification; inclination factor

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