Computer aided design of a modified tube layout for a power condenser

CEGB steam condenser computer programs have recently been used to assist in the design of a new condenser tube layout for a 660 MW(e) turbo-alternator set at an Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor Power Station. The reasons for modifying the condenser are discussed and the philosophy behind the modified design are presented. The study centered around the computer program EPOC, (Estimating the Performance Of Condensers). This program simulates the fluid flow and heat transfer. The modified condenser design employed the concept of central venting, i.e. an axial air route in the middle of each tubenest. Precise design of this air route is very important. The reasons for this are discussed and the details of the design computations are presented. Subsequent tests on the modified plant have demonstrated good thermal performance