Structure Optimization for Cooling Tower of an AP1000 Nuclear Power Plant

Based on heat and mass transfer theory of air-water two-phase flow, a 3D numerical model was established using Fluent software for the cooling tower with 20 000 m² spray area of an AP1000 nuclear power plant. The characteristic value of generatrix equation for a hyperbola cooling tower and its optimized throat radius were calculated, while their influences on the flow field, inlet air flow, evaporation rate and outlet water temperature studied, during which optimal structural parameters of the 210 m high tower were obtained. Results show that optimal operation performance may be achieved for the cooling tower at a radius ratio of throat to bottom in 0.6-0.7, and a characteristic value of generatrix equation in 0.17-0.18.