Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of having a new cooling tower
fan after being used for 14 years in a cogeneration power plant. There are two
alternatives (repair or replacement) being considered in this study. In addition costs
of repair and replacement are calculated and compared. Results reveal that repairs
with special coating materials for 3 cells that are good for use in 2 years can cost up
to 1,817,500 baht. Due to the high cost of cooling tower fan repairs, the maintenance
team decides to have new fans replaced. So far, there are two fan models (Hudson,
original model and Hudson Cofimco, a new design with aerodynamic features) that
are in consideration of the maintenance team for the cooling tower fan replacement.
The technical and economic comparisons of these two cooling tower fan models are
made. Results suggest that the Hudson Cofimco fan is more appropriate depending
on the factors that avoid the problem on motor shutting off while driving to full or
overload conditions, and lead to more than 10% energy savings with a two-year
warrantee.