Mathematical modeling of passive dry cooling for power plants in arid land

Radiative cooling from surfaces gives a promising alternative to conventional cooling techniques. A new means for cooling power plants through passive dry cooling is explored utilizing convection and infrared radiation from a covered cooling pond, such that evaporation is suppressed. A mathematical model is established to predict the temperature distribution along the proposed prototype pond. A quantitative study of the heat rejection process is presented for 24-hour operation of the cooling system. The numerical study shows that a total heat rejection of 150 W/m 2, on the average, could be obtained under normal circumstances.