94 Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact

be the case for the double-flash system to be discussed in the next chapter), then
eq. (5.15) must be modified as follows:
 
h6
h4 2 A x4 2
h7 2 h6
h5 5 ðfor x4 , 1Þ ð5:17Þ
A
11
h7 2 h6

5.4.5 Condensing process

Turning next to the surface-type condenser shown in Fig. 5.6, the First Law of thermo-
dynamics leads to the following equation that relates the required flow rate of cooling
water, m _ total :
_ cw , to the steam flow rate, x2 m
 
h5 2 h6
_ cw 5 x2 m
m _ total ð5:18Þ
cΔT
where c is the assumed constant specific heat of the cooling water ( 1 Btu/lbm   F or
4.2 kJ/kg  K) and ΔT is the rise in cooling water temperature as it passes through the
condenser.
For a direct-contact condenser (see Fig. 5.10), the appropriate equation is:
 
h5 2 h6
m _ total
_ cw 5 x2 m ð5:19Þ
cðT6 2 Tcw Þ

5.4.6 Cooling tower process

The cooling tower must be designed to accommodate the heat load from the condens-
ing steam. With reference to Fig. 5.11, the steam condensate that has been pumped
from the condenser hotwell is sprayed into the tower where it falls through an air
stream drawn into the tower by a motor-driven fan at the top of the tower. The ambi-
ent air enters with a certain amount of water vapor, determined by its relative

Fig. 5.10 Direct-contact condenser. Vessel is assumed Fig. 5.11 Cooling tower schematic. This type is
to be perfectly insulated. called a mechanical, induced-draft cooling tower.