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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Novel Patterned Surfaces for Improved Condenser Performance in Power Plants

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1854660· OSTI ID:1854660
 [1]
  1. Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

In this project, we seek to improve the thermoelectric power plant performance through engi-neered nonwetting condenser tube surface designs that can enhance heat transfer performance by: (1) promoting dropwise condensation of the steam on the shell side and eliminating flooding of the surface structure by maintaining low droplet adhesion, thus increasing condensation heat transfer coefficient; (2) deterring fouling and corrosion, thereby reducing fouling resistance and improving heat transfer; (3) possibly reducing drag and increasing convective heat transfer inside coolant tubes; and (4) reducing the number of tubes, coolant water usage, and levelized cost of condenser.

Research Organization:
Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
DOE Contract Number:
FE0031556
OSTI ID:
1854660
Report Number(s):
DE-FE0031556-Final-Report
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English