The annual conference for the power industry’s only user group dedicated to resolving issues with air-cooled condensers is coming to the UK for the first time.
Over three days, leading suppliers will join industry professionals and consultants in a collaborative environment to exchange best practices and strategies for ACC operations, focusing on enhancing plant performance and reducing costs.
Jamie Wilde, Galebreaker’s commercial director, one of this year’s conference sponsors, says, “crosswinds are a critical challenge for ACC systems, as they can cause significant operational issues such as wind shear, blade damage and re-circulation, resulting in lost energy production.”
The conference will feature presentations from international leaders on chemistry and corrosion, design and performance and operation and maintenance.
“This conference is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to discuss these challenges and explore effective solutions,” says Mr Wilde.
“We’re looking forward to getting among those doing the vital work on the ground to optimise these plants which are vital for our energy security, and we invite anyone with questions to visit our stand,” he adds.
In addition to these learnings, there is a unique opportunity to tour the ACC at Coryton Power Station near London. The 800MW capacity plant on the river Thames powers 800,00 homes annually.
This natural gas-fired CCGT plant used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to perfect the use of specialist windscreens from Galebreaker to improve efficiency while reducing back pressure.
CFD modelling provides a scientific, evidence-based approach to screen placement design by virtually recreating a customer’s site, analysing how wind flows around structures and affects equipment performance.
Mr Wilde explains that the Coryton Power Station tour is particularly insightful as it showcases the practical application of innovative fabric-engineered windscreens in action, combined with the insights from CFD modelling.
“Coryton Power Station recently upgraded their nearly 20-year-old Galebreaker screens with a new design that improved airflow performance and reduced back pressure during wind events. This upgrade has already resulted in improved steam turbine output, providing clear benefits for ACC systems,” he says.
Hosted at the University of East London between 23 and 25 July, the Air-Cooled Condenser (ACC) Users Group conference is a grassroots event uniting global members to share challenges, opportunities and experiences with their peers in an informal environment.
Founded in 2009, the ACC Users Group includes a diverse membership of owner / managers, chemists, engineers, and operations and management (O&M) specialists from various power plants that use dry cooling.
Historically held in North America and Asia, this year’s event in London, the 15th in the conference’s history, presents a rare opportunity for UK delegates to engage with international experts and access valuable insights without the need for extensive travel.
Tickets are available to members and non-members from the ACC Users Group website – https://acc-usersgroup.org
