Analytical model for power plant condenser for transients and off-normal operating conditions

A computer code for power plant condenser dynamic analysis has been developed based on a lumped parameter approach considering time dependent mass and energy conservation equations over the control volumes for the shell side as well as tube side fluids. Effects of heat transfer on condenser structure and hot well level transients were considered in the analysis. Suitable heat transfer coefficient recommended by various standards and codes were employed. The code was used to analyze the condenser performance during steady state as well as transient (load rejection or turbine trip) conditions. The condenser performance is predicted in terms of condenser back pressure, shell side steam temperature and tube side coolant exit temperature with respect to time. As a part of parametric studies, the effect of change in tube side coolant flow rate and inlet temperature was also studied. The analysis predicted that up to 47% of rated coolant flow rate on the tube side (for design conditions), the steam dumping can be continued without condenser isolation. The paper describes the detailed methodology adopted for the condenser modeling and presents the results obtained from the different parametric studies and code validation. (author)