Model Tests and Economics of Inflated Evaporative Fabric Cooling Domes

Abstract

An inflated fabric cooling dome is evaluated as an alternative to forced draft wet cooling towers for power plants. It consists of a central standpipe through which the hot water flows onto the surface of an inflated circular needle‐punched fabric dome, then radially to a collection trough at the perimeter of the dome as it is cooled by air which flows outward through the fabric. A bench model is used to evaluate economic air and water flow rates and thickness of fabric used as the heat exchange material. Parametric studies include effects of land cost, rate of return, fuel inflation rate, and replacement frequency of fabric dome and fans.