Patent Description:
The typical large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser is constructed of heat exchange bundles arranged in an A-frame arrangement above a large fan, with one A-frame per fan. Each tube bundle typically contains <NUM>-<NUM> vertically oriented flattened finned tubes, each tube approximately <NUM> meters in length by <NUM> in height, with semi-circular leading and trailing edges, and <NUM>-<NUM> external width. Each A-frame typically contains five to seven tube bundles per side.

The typical A-Frame ACC described above also includes both <NUM>st stage or "primary" condenser bundles (sometimes referred to as K-bundles for Kondensor) and <NUM>nd stage or "secondary" condenser bundles (sometimes referred to as D-bundles for Dephlegmator). About <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the heat exchanger bundles are <NUM>st stage or primary condenser. The steam enters the top of the primary condenser bundles and the condensate and some steam leave the bottom. In the <NUM>st stage the steam and condensate travel down the heat exchanger bundles and this process is commonly referred to as the co-current condensing stage. The first stage configuration is thermally efficient; however, it does not provide a means for removing non-condensable gases. To sweep the non-condensable gases through the <NUM>st stage bundles, <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the heat exchanger bundles are configured as <NUM>nd stage or secondary condensers, typically interspersed among the primary condensers, which draw vapor from the lower condensate manifold. In this arrangement, steam and non-condensable gases travel through the <NUM>st stage condensers as they are drawn into the bottom of the secondary condenser. As the mixture of gases travels up through the secondary condenser, the remainder of the steam condenses, concentrating the non-condensable gases at the top while the condensate drains to the bottom. This process is commonly referred to as the counter-current condensing stage. The tops of the secondary condensers are attached to a vacuum manifold which removes the non-condensable gases from the system.

Variations to the standard prior art ACC arrangement have been disclosed, for example in <CIT> and <CIT>. These applications show the same finned tubes, but drastically shortened and then arranged in a series of small A-frames, typically five to six A-frames per fan. Part of the logic is to reduce the steam-side pressure drop, which has a small effect on overall capacity at summer condition, but greater effect at a winter condition. Another part of the logic is to weld the top steam manifold duct to each of the bundles at the factory and ship them together, thus saving expensive field welding labor. The net effect of this arrangement, with the steam manifold attached at the factory and shipped with the tube bundles, is a reduction of the tube length to accommodate the manifold in a shipping container.

Additional variations to the prior art ACC arrangements are disclosed, for example in <CIT> and <CIT>. These applications disclose a new tube construction for use in ACCs having a cross-sectional height of <NUM> or less. <CIT> also discloses a new ACC arrangement having heat exchanger bundles in which the primary condenser bundles are arranged horizontally along the longitudinal axis of the bundles and the secondary bundles are arranged parallel to the transverse axis. <CIT> discloses an ACC arrangement in which all of the tube bundles are secondary bundles.

The invention presented herein is a new and improved design for large scale field-erected air cooled industrial steam condensers for power plants and the like which provides significant improvements and advantages over the ACCs of the prior art.

The invention is defined by independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, heat exchanger panels are constructed with an integral secondary condenser section positioned in the center of the heat exchanger panel, flanked by primary condenser sections which may or may not be identical to one-another. A bottom bonnet runs along the bottom length of the heat exchanger panel, connected to the bottom side of the bottom tube sheet, for delivering steam to the bottom end of the primary condenser tubes. In this arrangement, the <NUM>st stage of condensing occurs in counter-current operation. The tops of the tubes are connected to a top tube sheet, which in turn is connected on its top side to a top bonnet. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables flow into the top bonnet from the primary condenser tubes and flow toward the center of the heat exchanger panel where they enter the top of the secondary condenser section tubes. In this arrangement the <NUM>nd stage of condensing occurs in co-current operation. Non-condensables and condensate flow out the bottom of the secondary tubes into an internal secondary chamber located inside the bottom bonnet. Non-condensables and condensate are drawn from the bottom bonnet secondary chamber via outlet nozzle, and condensate is drawn off and sent to join the water collected from the primary condenser sections.

According to an alternate embodiment, the heat exchanger panels may be constructed as single stage condenser heat exchange panels, in which all the tubes of the heat exchanger panels receive steam from and deliver condensate to the bottom bonnet, and non-condensables are drawn off via the top bonnet. More specifically, a bottom bonnet runs along the bottom length of the heat exchanger panel as with the multiple stage embodiment, connected to the bottom side of the bottom tube sheet, but in the single stage embodiment, the bottom bonnet delivers steam to the bottom end of all the tubes in the heat exchanger panel. As with the multiple stage embodiment, the tops of all of the tubes are connected to a top tube sheet, which in turn is connected on its top side to a top bonnet. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables flow into the top bonnet from all of the tubes in the heat exchanger panel and are drawn away from the top bonnet for further processing. Condensate flows out the bottom of all of the tubes into the bottom bonnet, and into the steam distribution manifold.

According to various embodiments of the invention, each heat exchanger panel may be independently loaded into and supported in the heat exchange section framework. According to one embodiment, adjacent panels may be inclined relative to vertical in opposite directions in an arrangement resembling an A-frame or V-frame type of arrangement, although there is preferably no relation or interaction between adjacent panels. According to another embodiment, each heat exchange panel may be oriented vertically, with an optional air deflection or seal positioned at an angle between each adjacent panel. According to a further embodiment, all of the heat exchange panels may be inclined at an angle relative to vertical, all in the same direction. According to yet another embodiment, all of the heat exchange panels on one side of a heat exchange section may be inclined relative to vertical in one direction, and all of the heat exchange panels on the other side of the heat exchange section may be inclined relative to vertical in an opposite direction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each cell or module of the ACC has a plenum section module with a single fan large fan creating an air flow over all of the heat exchange panels in the same module.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the plenum section module may include a plurality of longitudinal fan deck plates arranged over the fan deck framework, each fan deck plate having a plurality of fans. According to various aspects of this embodiment, the fan deck plates may be aligned so that their longitudinal axis is parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the heat exchange panels in the same ACC module.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a lower steam distribution manifold runs under a plurality of ACC cells/modules in a row, and the heat exchange panels of each cell or module of the ACC is fed by a single riser which delivers its steam to a dedicated upper steam distribution manifold, preferably comprising a large horizontal cylinder closed at both ends, suspended from below the heat exchange section support framework, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panels, and beneath the center point of each heat exchanger panel. The upper steam distribution manifold feeds steam to the bottom bonnet of each heat exchanger panel at a single location at the center point of the each panel.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the heat exchange module frame and the heat exchanger panels for each cell are pre-assembled at ground level. The heat exchange module frame is then supported on an assembly fixture just high enough to suspend the upper steam distribution manifold from the underside of the heat exchange module frame. Separately, the plenum section, which includes the fan deck and fan set for a corresponding heat exchange module, is likewise assembled at ground level. Sequentially or simultaneously, the understructure for the corresponding heat exchange module may be assembled in its final location. The heat exchange module, with the upper steam distribution manifold suspended therefrom, may then be lifted in its entirety and placed on top of the understructure, followed by similar lifting and placement of the completed plenum section sub-assembly.

According to an alternate embodiment of the invention, the plurality of upper steam distribution manifolds for a plurality of cells are combined into a single elevated steam manifold that is suspended from and runs the length of a plurality of condenser modules. According to this embodiment, the lower steam manifold and riser is eliminated, and the elevated steam manifold is fed directly from the turbine exhaust duct which itself is elevated to the level of the elevated steam manifold. The elevated steam manifold feeds steam to the bottom bonnet of each heat exchanger panel at a single location at the center point of the panel.

This new ACC design may be used with tubes having prior art cross-section configuration and area (for example, <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>). Alternatively, this new ACC design may be used with tubes having the design described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

According to a further alternative embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with <NUM> by <NUM> to <NUM> tubes having offset fins.

According to a further embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with <NUM> by <NUM> to <NUM> tubes or <NUM> by <NUM>-<NUM> tubes, the tubes preferably having "Arrowhead"-type fins arranged at <NUM>-<NUM> fins per inch (fpi), preferably at <NUM>-<NUM> fpi, and most preferably at <NUM> fins per inch.

According to a further embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with <NUM> by <NUM> to <NUM> tubes having "Arrowhead"-type fins arranged at <NUM> fins per inch. According to an even further embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with <NUM> by <NUM> to <NUM> tubes having "Arrowhead"-type fins arranged at <NUM> fins per inch. While the <NUM> and <NUM> configurations do not produce quite the same increase in capacity as the <NUM> configuration, both the <NUM> and <NUM> configurations have reduced materials and weight compared to the <NUM> design.

According to yet another embodiment, the new ACC design of the present invention may be used with tubes having "louvered" fins, which perform approximately as well as offset fins, and are more readily available and easier to manufacture.

The description of fin type and dimension herein is not intended to limit the invention. The tubes of the invention described herein may be used with fins of any type without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, there is provided according to the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser connected to an industrial steam producing facility, having a single or plurality of condenser streets, each condenser street comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section having a single fan or multiple fans drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in a heat exchanger section, and each heat exchanger panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, each heat exchanger panel having a plurality of tubes, a top bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a top end of each tube, a bottom bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a bottom end of at least a subset of said tubes, said bottom bonnet having a single steam inlet; each condenser street including a steam distribution manifold suspended from the heat exchanger section and arranged along an axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said heat exchanger panels at a midpoint of said heat exchanger panels and extending a length of said condenser street beneath a plurality of heat exchanger panels, said steam distribution manifold including a cylinder having first and second ends, the cylinder closed at a second end distal from the first end, the cylinder having at its top surface a plurality of connections, each connection adapted to connect to a corresponding single steam inlet.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises a single condenser stage in which all tubes in the heat exchanger panel receive steam from a bottom end of said tubes.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, in which the top bonnet is configured to receive non-condensable gasses, and optionally uncondensed steam, from said condenser tubes, and does not provide steam to said tubes.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises a secondary condenser section, a primary condenser section and a top bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a top end of each tube in said secondary condenser section and said primary condenser sections, a primary bottom bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a bottom end of each tube in said primary condenser sections, an internal secondary chamber inside the bottom bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a bottom end of each tube in said secondary condenser section, said secondary bottom bonnet connected to a top side of said primary bottom bonnet, each said primary bottom bonnet having a single stem inlet.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises two primary condenser sections flanking said secondary section.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the secondary condenser section is centrally located along said heat exchange panel and flanked at each end by primary condenser sections.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said steam distribution manifold cylinder is attached at a first end to a turbine exhaust duct.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said steam distribution manifold is closed at both ends, and having at a bottom surface a single connection to a steam riser.

There is further provided according to the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each said heat exchanger panel is independently suspended from a frame of the heat exchanger section by a plurality of flexible hanging supports.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented vertically.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchange panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction, at the same angle relative to vertical.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchange panels on one side of a single heat exchanger section are inclined relative to vertical in one direction, and all of the heat exchange panels on the other side of the single heat exchanger section are inclined relative to vertical in an opposite direction.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, said plenum section comprising a single fan resting on fan deck framework and drawing air over all of said heat exchange panels in said heat exchanger section.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, said plenum section comprising a plurality of fan deck plates resting on fan deck framework, said fan deck plates each comprising a plurality of fans.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein in each fan draws air across no more than two heat exchange panels.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said flexible hanging supports each comprise a central rod connected at each end to a connection sleeve, and wherein one connection sleeve of each flexible hanging support is connected to said heat exchanger section frame and a second connection sleeve of each flexible hanging support is connected to a tube sheet of said heat exchanger panel.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said plurality of tubes in said heat exchanger panels have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>, a cross-sectional height of <NUM> and a cross-sectional width of <NUM>-<NUM>.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said tubes have a cross-sectional width of <NUM>-<NUM>.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said tubes have a cross-sectional width of <NUM>.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said plurality of tubes in said heat exchanger panels have fins attached to flat sides of said tubes, said fins having a height of <NUM> to <NUM>, and spaced at <NUM> to <NUM> fins per inch.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein said plurality of tubes in said heat exchanger panels have fins attached to flat sides of said tubes, said fins having a height of <NUM> to <NUM> spanning a space between adjacent tubes and contacting adjacent tubes, said fins spaced at <NUM> to <NUM> fins per inch.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a method of assembling a large scale field erected air cooled condenser including the steps assembling a heat exchange section at ground level, including a heat exchange section frame and said heat exchanger panels; supporting said heat exchange section at a height from ground sufficient only to suspend a steam distribution manifold section directly beneath and adjacent said heat exchanger panels, assembling a plenum section with fan deck and fan assembly at ground level; raising said assembled heat exchange section and said steam distribution manifold section and placing it atop a corresponding understructure; attaching adjacent steam distribution manifold sections to one-another; and raising said assembled plenum section and placing it atop said heat exchange section.

There is further provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser, optionally connected to an industrial steam producing facility, including: a single or plurality of condenser streets, each condenser street comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section having single fan or multiple fans drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in a heat exchange section, and each heat exchanger panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, each heat exchanger panel comprising a plurality of condenser tubes and a top bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a top end of each said plurality of condenser tubes, a bottom bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with a bottom end of each said plurality of condenser tubes, each said bottom bonnet having a single steam inlet; each said condenser street having a single steam distribution manifold suspended from and directly adjacent to a bottom side of said heat exchanger section arranged along an axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said heat exchanger panels at a midpoint of said heat exchanger panels and extending a length of said condenser street, said steam distribution manifold comprising a cylinder attached at a first end to a turbine exhaust duct, and closed at a second end distal from said first end, said cylinder having at its top surface a plurality of connections adapted to connect to said bottom bonnet inlets.

Features in the attached drawings are numbered with the following reference numerals:.

Referring <FIG>, the heat exchanger panel <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes two primary condenser sections <NUM> flanking an integrated and centrally located secondary condenser section <NUM>. Each heat exchanger panel <NUM> consists of a plurality of separate condenser bundles <NUM>, with a first subset of condenser bundles <NUM> making up the centrally located secondary section <NUM>, and a second subset of different condenser bundles <NUM> making up each flanking primary section <NUM>. The dimensions and constructions of the tubes <NUM> of the primary and secondary sections are preferably identical. At their top, all of the tubes <NUM> of both the primary and secondary sections <NUM>, <NUM> are joined to a top tube sheet <NUM>, on which sits a hollow top bonnet <NUM> which runs the length of the top of the heat exchanger panel <NUM>. The bottom of all of the tubes <NUM> of the primary and secondary sections <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to a bottom tube sheet <NUM>, which forms the top of a bottom bonnet <NUM>. The bottom bonnet <NUM> likewise runs the length of the heat exchanger panel <NUM>. The bottom bonnet <NUM> is in direct fluid communication with the tubes <NUM> of the primary section <NUM> but not with the tubes of the secondary section <NUM>. The bottom bonnet <NUM> is fitted at the center point of its length with a single steam inlet/condensate outlet <NUM> which receives all the steam for the heat exchanger panel <NUM> and which serves as the outlet for condensate collected from the primary sections <NUM>. The bottom of the bottom bonnet <NUM> is preferably angled downward at an angle of between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees, preferably about <NUM> degrees with respect to the horizontal from both ends of the bonnet <NUM> toward the steam inlet/condensate outlet <NUM> at the middle of the heat exchanger panel <NUM>. According to a preferred embodiment and referring to <FIG>, the bottom bonnet <NUM> may include a shield plate <NUM> to partition condensate flow from the steam flow. The shield <NUM> may have perforations <NUM> and/or have a scalloped edge <NUM> or have other openings or configuration to allow condensate falling on top of the shield <NUM> to enter the space beneath the shield and to flow beneath the shield toward the inlet/outlet <NUM>. When viewed from the end of the bottom bonnet <NUM>, the shield plate <NUM> is secured at a near-horizontal angle (between horizontal and <NUM> degrees from horizontal in the crosswise direction) so as to maximize the cross-section provided by the bottom bonnet <NUM> to the flow of steam. The shield plate <NUM> may be flat as shown in <FIG> or bended as shown in <FIG>. The top tube sheet <NUM> and bottom tube sheet <NUM> may be fitted with lifting/support angles <NUM> for lifting and/or supporting the heat exchangers <NUM>.

An internal secondary chamber, or secondary bottom bonnet <NUM>, is fitted inside the bottom bonnet <NUM> in direct fluid connection with only the tubes <NUM> of the secondary section <NUM> and extends the length of the secondary section <NUM>, but preferably not beyond. This secondary bottom bonnet <NUM> is fitted with a nozzle <NUM> to withdraw non-condensables and condensate.

According to an alternate, single stage condenser, embodiment shown in <FIG>, there is no secondary section or secondary bottom bonnet, and the bottom bonnet <NUM> is in direct fluid communication with all of the tubes in the heat exchange panel <NUM>. According to this embodiment, bottom bonnet <NUM> runs along the bottom length of the heat exchanger panel <NUM> connected to the bottom side of the bottom tube sheet <NUM>. Bottom bonnet <NUM> delivers steam to the bottom end of all the tubes of condenser bundles <NUM> in the heat exchanger panel <NUM>. The tops of all of the tubes are connected to a top tube sheet <NUM>, which in turn is connected on its top side to a top bonnet <NUM>. Uncondensed steam and non-condensables flow into the top bonnet <NUM> from all of the tubes <NUM> in the heat exchange panel <NUM> and are drawn away from the top bonnet <NUM> for further processing. Condensate flows out the bottom of all of the tubes <NUM> into the bottom bonnet <NUM>, and into the steam distribution manifold.

The steam inlet/condensate outlet <NUM> for the heat exchanger panel <NUM> and the steam inlet/condensate outlets <NUM> for all of the heat exchanger panels in the same ACC cell/module <NUM> are connected to a large cylinder or upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> suspended beneath the heat exchanger panels <NUM> and which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panels <NUM> at their midpoint. See, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>. The upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> extends across the width of the cell/module <NUM> and is closed at both ends. At its bottom center, the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> is connected to a single riser <NUM> which is connected at its bottom to the lower steam distribution manifold <NUM>. Where the top surface of the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> passes below the center point of each heat exchanger panel <NUM>, the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> is fitted with a Y-shaped nozzle <NUM> which connects to the steam inlet/condensate outlets <NUM> at the bottom of each adjacent pair of heat exchanger panels <NUM>.

According to this construction, each cell <NUM> of the ACC receives steam from a single riser <NUM>. The single riser <NUM> feeds steam to a single upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> suspended directly beneath the center point of each heat exchanger panel <NUM>, and the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> feeds steam to each of the heat exchanger panels <NUM> in a cell <NUM>via a single steam inlet/condensate outlet <NUM>.

Therefore, the steam from an industrial process travels along the turbine exhaust duct <NUM> at or near ground level, or at any elevation(s) suited to the site layout. When the steam duct <NUM> approaches the ACC of the invention, it splits into a plurality of sub-ducts (lower steam distribution manifolds <NUM>), one for each street (row of cells) <NUM> of the ACC. Each lower steam distribution manifold <NUM> travels beneath its respective street of cells <NUM>, and it extends a single riser <NUM> upwards at the center point of each cell <NUM>. See, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>. The single riser <NUM> connects to the bottom of the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> suspended from the frame <NUM> of the condenser module <NUM>, <FIG>. The upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> delivers steam through a plurality of Y-shaped nozzles <NUM> to the pair of bonnet inlets/outlets <NUM> of each adjacent pair of heat exchanger panels <NUM>, <FIG>. The steam travels along the bottom bonnet <NUM> and up through the tubes <NUM> of the primary sections <NUM>, condensing as air passes across the finned tubes <NUM> of the primary condenser sections <NUM>. The condensed water travels down the same tubes <NUM> of the primary section <NUM> counter-current to the steam, collects in the bottom bonnet <NUM> and eventually drains back through the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> and lower steam distribution manifold <NUM> and turbine exhaust duct <NUM> to a condensate collection tank (not shown). According to a preferred embodiment, the connection between the bottom bonnet <NUM> and the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> may be fitted with a deflector shield <NUM> to separate the draining/falling condensate from the incoming steam.

The uncondensed steam and non-condensables are collected in the top bonnet <NUM> and are drawn to the center of the heat exchanger panel <NUM> where they travel down the tubes <NUM> of the secondary section <NUM> co-current with the condensate formed therein. Non-condensables are drawn into the secondary bottom bonnet <NUM> located inside the bottom bonnet <NUM> and out through an outlet nozzle <NUM>. Additional condensed water formed in the secondary section <NUM> collects in the secondary bottom bonnet <NUM> and travels through the outlet nozzle <NUM> as well and then travels through condensate piping <NUM> to the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> to join the water collected from the primary condenser sections <NUM>.

According to another feature of the invention, the heat exchanger panels <NUM> are suspended from framework <NUM> of the condenser module <NUM> by a plurality of flexible hangers <NUM> which allow for expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger panels <NUM> based on heat load and weather. <FIG> shows how the hangers <NUM> are connected to the frame <NUM> of the condenser module <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the details of two embodiments of the hangers. According to each embodiment, the hanger <NUM> is constructed to allow the heat exchanger panel <NUM> to expand or contract while providing support for their weight. Four hangers <NUM> are used for each heat exchanger panel <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the hanger <NUM> is constructed of a rod <NUM> with sleeves <NUM> at each end. The sleeves <NUM> are fitted over the rod <NUM> and are prevented from coming off of the respective ends by fixed discs or knobs <NUM> at each end of the rod <NUM> which fit into correspondingly shaped recesses <NUM> on the inside surface of the respective sleeves, but which recesses do not extend to the end of the sleeve. One end of the hanger <NUM> is connected to the frame <NUM> of the condenser module <NUM> and the other end of the hanger is attached to an lifting/support angle <NUM> or other attachment point on the top tube sheet <NUM> or bottom tube sheet <NUM>. The sleeves <NUM> are preferably adjustable to allow for the setting of correct hanger length during construction. Once set, movement of the heat exchanger panels <NUM> is accommodated by the ball joints at the top and bottom of the hangers <NUM> and the angular displacement of the hangers <NUM>.

The heat exchange panels <NUM> may each be independently loaded into and supported in heat exchange module framework <NUM>. The heat exchange panels <NUM> may be supported in the heat exchange module framework <NUM> according to any of a variety of configurations. <FIG>, <FIG> show the heat exchange panels <NUM> independently supported in the heat exchange module framework <NUM> with adjacent heat exchange panels <NUM> inclined relative to vertical in opposite directions. <FIG> shows an alternate embodiment in which each heat exchange panel <NUM> is independently supported in the heat exchange module with each heat exchange panel oriented vertically, and an optional air deflection seal <NUM> positioned at an incline between a bottom of one heat exchange panel <NUM> and a top of an adjacent heat exchange panel <NUM>. <FIG> shows a further alternate embodiment in which each heat exchange panel <NUM> on one side of the heat exchange module is inclined relative to vertical in one direction, and each heat exchange panel <NUM> on the other side of the heat exchange module is inclined relative to vertical in the opposite direction, with an optional air deflection seal <NUM> vertically positioned between each pair of adjacent exchange panels <NUM>.

According to an alternate embodiment of the invention, shown in <FIG>, instead of the plurality of upper steam distribution manifolds <NUM>, lower steam manifold <NUM> and risers <NUM>, the air cooled condenser of the invention may instead have a plurality of elevated steam distribution manifolds <NUM> connected directly to an elevated turbine steam duct <NUM> in which each elevated steam distribution manifold runs the length and feeds the heat exchange panels of a plurality of heat exchange modules along a street/row <NUM> of condenser cells <NUM>. The elevated steam distribution manifolds <NUM> may be suspended from the heat exchange module frame in the same way that the upper steam distribution manifolds <NUM> are suspended from the heat exchange module frame. Likewise, the elevated steam distribution manifolds <NUM> run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchange panels and is connected to the heat exchange panels at their center points through a plurality of Y-shaped nozzles to the pair of bonnet inlets/outlets of each adjacent pair of heat exchanger panels. According to this embodiment, the lower steam manifold <NUM> and riser <NUM> is eliminated, and the elevated steam manifold is fed directly from the turbine exhaust duct which itself is elevated to the level of the elevated steam manifold.

According to a further alternate embodiment of the invention, shown in <FIG>, the plurality of elevated steam distribution manifolds <NUM> may be connected to a ground level turbine exhaust duct <NUM> via end risers <NUM>.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the ACCs of the invention are constructed in a modular fashion. According to various embodiments, understructure <NUM>, condenser modules <NUM> and plenum sections <NUM> may be assembled separately and simultaneously on the ground. According to one embodiment, the heat exchange module frame may be lifted on a stick built understructure just high enough to suspend the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> from the underside of the heat exchange module framework. The heat exchanger panels <NUM> are then lowered into and attached to the frame <NUM> of the condenser module <NUM> and to the upper steam distribution manifold <NUM>, preferably at or just above ground level, see <FIG>. Once completed, the assembled condenser module <NUM> with attached upper steam distribution manifold <NUM> may be lifted and placed on top of the corresponding completed understructure <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

The plenum section <NUM> for each ACC module <NUM>, including the plenum section frame, fan deck supported on the plenum section frame, fan(s) and fan shroud(s), may be assembled at ground level with a single large fan, as shown, e.g., in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), or it may be assembled (also at ground level) with a plurality of elongated fan deck plates <NUM>, each supporting a plurality of smaller fans <NUM> in a row, as shown in <FIG>. The fan deck plates <NUM> are each preferably sized to fit into a standard shipping container. Accordingly, the fans <NUM> may be attached to the fan deck plates <NUM> at the factory and shipped to the final assembly location. An example of fan <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. According to various embodiments, the fan motors may be NEMA standard or electronically commutated. According to preferred aspects of the multiple fan deck plate embodiment, each fan draws air across no more than two heat exchange panels, fan replacement is significantly simplified, and the loss of one or even several fans does not make a significant difference in performance.

The completed corresponding plenum section <NUM> (<FIG> or <FIG> and <FIG>) is subsequently lifted to rest on the top of the condenser module <NUM> (<FIG>). Alternatively, plenum section framework (absent any fans or fan deck plates) may be lifted atop the condenser module <NUM>, and the fan deck plates <NUM> may be lifted atop the framework of the plenum section <NUM> after the plenum section framework has been rested on top of the condenser module <NUM>. While the assembly described herein is described as being performed at grade, the assembly of the various modules may be performed at their final position if planning and construction schemes allow.

Claim 1:
A large scale field erected air cooled industrial steam condenser connected to an industrial steam producing facility, comprising:
a single or plurality of condenser streets (<NUM>), each condenser street comprising a row of condenser modules (<NUM>), each condenser module comprising a plenum section (<NUM>) having a single fan or multiple fans (<NUM>) drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels (<NUM>) supported in a heat exchanger section, and each heat exchanger panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis;
each heat exchanger panel comprising a plurality of tubes (<NUM>), a top bonnet (<NUM>) connected to and in fluid communication with a top end of each tube, a bottom bonnet (<NUM>) connected to and in fluid communication with a bottom end of at least a subset of said tubes, said bottom bonnet having a single steam inlet (<NUM>);
each said condenser street comprising a steam distribution manifold (<NUM>) suspended from said heat exchanger section and arranged along an axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said heat exchanger panels at a midpoint of said heat exchanger panels and extending a length of said condenser street beneath a plurality of the heat exchanger panels, said steam distribution manifold comprising a cylinder having first and second ends, said cylinder closed at a second end distal from said first end, said cylinder having at its top surface a plurality of connections, each of said plurality of connections adapted to connect to a corresponding said single steam inlet;
characterised in that each said heat exchanger panel (<NUM>) is independently suspended from a frame (<NUM>) of the heat exchanger section by a plurality of flexible hanging supports (<NUM>).