Análisis térmico del proceso de refrigeración del agua caliente proveniente de reactores mediante torres de enfriamiento

Abstract

This study is focused on the process thermal analysis of cooling hot water from reactors using cooling towers. The primary objective is to enhance heat transfer and optimize the operation of towers to ensure safety and sustainability in power plants. A comprehensive mathematical model has been developed to simulate the thermal behavior of cooling towers, considering critical variables such as water temperature, ambient humidity, and air velocity. The model has been validated through experiments conducted in a specific-scale cooling tower, with numerical calculations based on heat transfer equations being employed. Effective strategies to improve both the design and structure of the towers have been identified based on the findings, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. The results of this study indicate that significant improvements in energy efficiency and operational safety of cooling towers can be achieved through proper optimization. Furthermore, the importance of these enhancements in mitigating the environmental impact of the cooling process in power plants is underscored by the study.