Power Plant Cooling Systems

Types of systems now available and proposed with data required from other than engineering sources to insure compliance with environmental regulations covering both nuclear and fossil-fueled plants. Large quantities of heat for steam condensation must be dissipated to atmosphere requiring considerable quantities of water. Volume of water available, its temperature and quality, meteorological conditions, economics and environmental consequences must be considered in selection of cooling system. Once-through and closed system wet and dry cooling towers, forced and natural draft types using fresh or salt water are available. Environmental regulations require input from many nonengineering disciplines.