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Stack Downwashing

This document discusses using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model and predict stack plume downwash at power plant chimneys. Downwash occurs when high wind speeds cause the warm exhaust plume to descend back down the chimney, which can lead to hazardous ice buildup. CFD simulations were conducted under worst case wind conditions to analyze the current chimney configuration and test innovative abatement devices. The analysis showed downwash occurred over 30 ft/s wind speeds. Placement of a disk at the chimney top altered flow patterns and eliminated downwash over 30 ft/s winds.

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241 views1 page

Stack Downwashing

This document discusses using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model and predict stack plume downwash at power plant chimneys. Downwash occurs when high wind speeds cause the warm exhaust plume to descend back down the chimney, which can lead to hazardous ice buildup. CFD simulations were conducted under worst case wind conditions to analyze the current chimney configuration and test innovative abatement devices. The analysis showed downwash occurred over 30 ft/s wind speeds. Placement of a disk at the chimney top altered flow patterns and eliminated downwash over 30 ft/s winds.

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nofarting
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ALDEN Solving flow problems since 1894

AIR & GAS FLOW MODELING

Prediction of Stack Plume Downwash


Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Background
Accurate prediction of the fluid dynamic and
thermodynamic characteristics of saturated buoyant
plumes at power plant chimneys is important in
developing reliable methods for controlling stack
plume downwash. In particular, the accurate
prediction and abatement of stack plume downwash
is critical in northern climates where, under downwash
conditions, the interaction of the saturated, warm
plume with the cold outer chimney surface can lead to
hazardous ice formation and buildup near the top of
the chimney.

Objectives
The objectives of this study were to predict downwash
as a function of flue gas discharge velocity, wind
velocity, ambient temperature and the geometry of the
chimney near the discharge elevation and develop
devices for minimizing plume downwash in the
prototype stack installation. Simulation were carried
out under reasonable “worst case” wind conditions as
determined from available windrose data.
STACK GEOMETRY WITH ACCESS STAIRWAY AND CEM

Results
CFD analyses of the current chimney configuration
showed that for the plant operating at 100% MCR
downwash occurred at wind speeds above 30 ft/s.
This wind speed is likely in winter when temperatures
can drop well below freezing at this site thereby
creating the conditions for ice buildup near the top of
the stack. Several innovative plume abatement
devices were developed and evaluated in the CFD
model. In the final design a disk was placed at the
top of the chimney which altered the flow patterns on
the leeward side of the chimney and eliminated STACK PLUME DOWNWASH - WIND VELOCITY = 30 FT/S
downwash.

PLUME TRAJECTORY WITH PLUME ABATEMENT DEVICE


PLUME TRAJECTORY WITH CHOKE - WIND VELOCITY = 30 FT/S INSTALLED – WIND VELOCITY = 30 FT/S

30 Shrewsbury Street For further information, please contact: David Anderson at 508-829-6000 x464
Holden, MA 01520-1843 or email to: [email protected]
www.aldenlab.com

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