Mathematical model and numerical simulation of the air inlet flow-field of a natural-draft cooling tower

The performance of a cooling tower has great effects on the economy and security of a power plant,which is badly affected by cross-winds.A mathematical model of the air inlet aerodynamic field of a natural draft wet counter flow cooling tower was established.A heat and mass transfer model of the tower is built as well.In addition,a detailed numerical simulation was provided by the finite volume method.Distribution rules of the air inlet aerodynamic field were studied.Field experiments were put forth in a cooling tower of a power plant,of which the data obtained were compared with simulated data.It can be used to evaluate the performance of a cooling tower and to calculate the ventilation quantity and resistance of the air inlet.It also provides theoretical proofs for the design and performance optimization of a cooling tower.