Dry cooling towers (drycoolers) for CHP plants on wood chips

Biomass power plants (wood waste and agricultural waste) are an integral part of the modern “green energy” sector. Previously, this type of power plant was used exclusively to meet the “local” needs of agricultural enterprises, reduce heating costs, store and dispose of waste, and partially cover electricity needs. Today, such CHP plants, which are widely used in Europe, contribute to the energy balance of Ukraine, and from 2015 to 2020, the total power generated by them increased 4 times.

Experts estimate that Ukraine produces about 10 million cubic meters of wood waste per year, and only 10% of this is used in the energy sector. The pace of construction of new wood chip power plants over the past five years also indicates a great potential for growth.

Modern bio CHP plants are more environmentally friendly than coal-fired plants not only because they use renewable energy sources. Wood chips are low in sulfur and nitrogen, and special filtration systems effectively remove ash.

Dalgakiran Compressor Ukraine also took part in the construction of one of these modern Bio CHP plants in Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi. In July 2021, the company delivered and launched two 1.6 MW dri-coolers in record time – 5 weeks after signing the contract.

Why are dry cooling towers used at thermal power plants?

The drycoolers ensure the operation of the condensers, which in turn convert the steam from the turbine into liquid. Since the water for boiler operation is specially treated, it is important to return the maximum amount of treated water to the circuit. This reduces the cost of water treatment and, consequently, the cost of electricity.

Both cooling towers were custom-made at the Swedish AIA Lu-Ve plant. They are equipped with energy-efficient blower fans (12 per drycooler) with EC motors (electronically commutated brushless motor).

Electronically commutated EC motors are the most promising energy-saving solution in the operation of climate control equipment. The accuracy and smoothness of the EC motor speed control is ensured by the built-in commutation electronics. The magnetic field created by the permanent magnets built into the rotor reacts to changes in the magnetic field vector due to changes in the direction of the current in the stator winding. The economics of numbers show that at partial loads, the use of EU motors can save several times more electricity compared to standard fan motor frequency control technologies.

One draycooler is 13.7 meters long and weighs 2.5 tons. Each chiller is equipped with a complete set of automation for operation and control, including dispatching via the Profibus DP protocol.

YugEnergoPromtrans specialists together with the plant representatives lifted the drycoolers onto the frame, installed, tied and launched them within 1 week. At the moment, the equipment has been successfully put into operation at the CHP plant in Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi.

Project manager: Natalia Yasynska