Feasibility of hybrid cooling system in a thermal power plant

The feasibility of introducing a hybrid cooling system in a thermal power plant is investigated with an aim to reduce water use with a minimum impact on plant performance. A number of cooling systems have been modelled including existing evaporative cooling system taking into account of a wide variety of ambient conditions at full load. Water consumption and plant performance for all cooling options considered are calculated and compared. The results show that a significant amount of water can be conserved with a minimal impact on plant performance by implementing a hybrid cooling system in opposed to evaporative cooling tower. This study also reveals that, although a significant reduction in water use with minimum effect on plant performance is possible with hybrid cooling, it is not a financially viable option.