COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT AIR COOLING SYSTEM FOR THERMAL POWER UNIT SELECTION

A thermal power generating unit with air cooled generator is an appropriate solution for areas that rich in coal but lack of water. The environmental impacts are different when the generators use direct or indirect air cooling systems. In terms of environmental impacts,this paper compared advantages and disadvantages between the generators with direct or indirect air cooling systems. Indirect air cooling systems were more appropriate than direct air cooling systems in aspect of sound environment,air quality impact,coal consumption,and solid waste generation. In North China that were abundant in land resources,a thermal power generating unit with indirect air cooling system would be more appropriate.