Extracting Water from Cooling Tower Emissions Using Plume Mitigation Techniques
In a recent trial, electrostatic droplet capture technology has been implemented at a French nuclear power plant to reduce water loss and environmental impact in cooling tower systems. This innovative approach, developed by US-based company Infinite Cooling, captures water droplets as they form from heated, saturated air exiting cooling towers by applying an electrostatic charge. The captured droplets are then redirected to a reservoir for reuse, minimizing both the visible plume of water vapor and the amount of cooling water consumed[1][2].
The electrostatic droplet capture system aims to complement exiting cooling towers and HVAC systems, offering enhanced water savings and reduced environmental footprint. By effectively reducing the amount of water vapor released into the atmosphere, it aims to improve the overall efficiency of cooling systems and provide a viable alternative to expensive dry cooling methods.
Several methods for plume abatement exist, with traditional approaches utilizing parallel air streams to encourage early condensation[1]. Other technologies include mesh covers and condensing modules used in air-to-air heat exchangers. In comparison, electrostatic droplet capture is a relatively novel approach that shows promising potential for significant water savings[1].
Even passive systems can recover around 10% of lost cooling water, making active methods like electrostatic droplet capture a promising avenue for further improvements. A review in Environmental Fluid Mechanics by authors Shuo Li and M.R. Flynn highlights the benefits of electrostatic droplet capture and discusses its advantages in terms of both efficiency and cost-effectiveness[1].
The trial at the French Chinon nuclear power plant serves as a case study on the real-world capabilities of electrostatic droplet capture technology. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce water consumption in various industries that rely on cooling towers[1]. As an active method, it offers substantial water savings and is adaptable to existing systems, making it a competitive solution in the industry[1].
Top image: The French Chinon nuclear power plant, home to low-profile, forced-draft cooling towers[3].
[1] Shuo Li and M.R. Flynn. "Review article: approaches to plume abatement in industrial cooling towers." Environmental Fluid Mechanics, 2021.[2] Infinite Cooling. "Retrofit cooling tower water savings with EDC." Accessed March 28, 2023. https://infinitecooling.com/product/retrofit-cooling-tower-water-savings-with-edc/[3] EDF/Marc Mourceau. "The French Chinon nuclear power plant with its low-profile, forced-draft cooling towers." (Credit: EDF/Marc Mourceau), 2023.
The electrostatic droplet capture technology, used in the trial at the French Chinon nuclear power plant, is a promising avenue for environmental-science breakthroughs in managing climate-change issues, as it offers significant water savings by reducing water consumption in industries that rely on cooling towers. This technology, paired with existing cooling towers and HVAC systems, provides a competitive solution in the industry through its active plume abatement method and cost-effectiveness, as discussed in the review article by Shuo Li and M.R. Flynn in Environmental Fluid Mechanics.
