Indirect Dry Cooling Tower (IDCT) systems have been used for over 50 years for various applications in the power industry. Active for more than three decades in the indirect dry cooling market, SPX has supplied the largest indirect system presently in operation in the world.
Features
Steam flowing from the turbine is condensed by cold cooling water in either a surface condenser or in a jet condenser. The heated cooling water is then pumped to the heat exchangers arranged vertically around the perimeter of the natural-draft cooling tower.
Benefits
The IDCT is a dry cooling system whose major benefits are:
- Elimination of additional water usage from the condensing power cycle.
- Flexibility in power plant site selection.
- No visible plume.
Despite requiring a large concrete shell, the use of natural draft IDCT presents the following advantages:
- Reduced auxiliary power.
- Few rotating parts (no fan) translates into low maintenance and high availability.
- No fans, gearboxes or motors translates to lower maintenance.
- Hot-air recirculation avoided by the tall concrete shell.
- Option to install the Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) unit inside the tower.
- Quiet operation.
A mechanical draft IDCT alternative with fans is available if the visual impact of the shell is a concern.
