Publication: Proposing a cost-effective method for optimizing the cooling capacity of an existing diesel generator cooling system
Date
2017
Authors
Adri Nasir
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Abstract
Efficiency of a system is important as it ensure the operation is in optimum condition. One of the factors that affect the efficiency of a thermal plant is the heat exchanger. The effectiveness of the heat exchanger can be reduced by the presence of fouling factor. An accumulation of unwanted particle in the heat exchanger can increase the overall thermal resistivity simultaneously reduced the heat transfer rate. To ensure the heat exchanger operating at the optimum condition, investigation and determination of the fouling factor of the existing diesel generator are performed. The research is extended to evaluating the suitable time to clean the heat exchanger due to fouling resistance. To ensure the cost effective method for optimizing cooling capacity on an existing diesel generator cooling system, the calculation of rate of return between running the plant with water treatment plant or with untreated cooling water are carried out. The scope of the project are using 9 month data, fouling on water side only be considered and jacket inlet and outlet cooling water temperature as a reference. The research is carried out so that the operation of a thermal plant can be enhanced with the consideration of the fouling factor. A Microsoft Excel is used as a model to calculate the fouling factor, frequency of heat exchanger cleaning and the rate of return. It is found that the build-up of fouling resistance in the heat exchanger is increasing with time in the form of logarithmic trend line. The cost of fouling affects both capital and operating cost of heat exchanger. The increased in capital investment, additional operating cost, loss of production and total cost of remedial action could be the effect from fouling resistance. A defensive measure has to be taken to minimize the fouling effect on heat exchanger to ensure the plant effectiveness.
Description
TK1075.A37 2017
Keywords
Diesel electric power , Heat