Apparatus and method for an air bypass system for a natural draft cooling tower

摘要

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for an air bypass system for a natural draft cooling tower that employs a wet heat exchanger, a direct dry heat exchanger or an indirect dry heat exchanger to extract heat from a heated fluid, which is usually liquid or steam.

主权项

1. A natural draft cooling tower that cools an industrial fluid, comprising:
a tower having a perimeter that extends vertically about a vertical axis; a first airflow inlet at a first vertical position along the vertical axis providing a first airflow path for a first airflow; a heat exchanger comprising of a plurality of tube bundles having a top and a bottom arranged in a circular arrangement about the perimeter of the tower positioned adjacent to said first airflow inlet such that the first airflow enters and passes through said heat exchanger prior to entering said first air inlet, wherein each of said tube bundles comprises a steam box located on said top; and a second airflow inlet located at second vertical position along the vertical axis below said heat exchanger providing a second airflow path for a second airflow, wherein said top of said tube bundles is connected to said steam box only and not constrained, said connection to said steam box allowing radial movement of said tube bundles.