Application Status and Existing Problem Analysis of the Natural Draft Cooling Towers With Flue Gas Injection Technology in Thermal Power Plants

ObjectivesThe natural draft cooling towers with flue gas injection (NDCT-FGI) is a crucial retrofitting technique for enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants. However, its operational impacts on existing systems are significant and cannot be overlooked. Therefore, the current status of NDCT-FGI technology and its problems in operation were analyzed, and the countermeasures were put forward.MethodsThrough comprehensive analysis of the existing research, the causes and formation mechanism of environmental impact, cooling tower corrosion, and deterioration of circulating cooling water quality caused by the technical transformation of NDCT-FGI were discussed.ResultsThe protective distance can be reasonably set by the simulation results of flue gas emission trajectory and pollutant landing concentration by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Installation of baffles at the tower top can prevent flue gas washdown during the extreme weather conditions. Different anticorrosive coatings are recommended for various parts of the cooling tower to extend its service life. To control and optimize cooling water quality, the advanced water treatment techniques are necessary for optimizing chemical dosing, and the management of effluent and makeup water must be carefully controlled to ensure operational sustainability.ConclusionsBy implementing appropriate and effective countermeasures, the negative impacts of NDCT-FGI retrofitting can be mitigated, thereby enhancing both the environmental and economic benefits for thermal power plants.