Air-cooled steam condenser

Abstract

A large-scale, field-assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser includes multiple heat exchanger panels independently stowed and supported on a heat exchanger section frame. A lower bonnet extends along the length of the lower portion of each heat exchanger panel to supply steam to the lower ends of the condenser tubes within the heat exchanger panel and to receive condensate formed within the same tubes. The upper portions of the tubes are connected to the upper bonnet. Uncondensed steam and non-condensable liquid are drawn from the condenser tubes into the upper bonnet. A steam distribution manifold is suspended from the heat exchanger section frame perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the heat exchanger panels and below the centers of the heat exchanger panels, supplying steam to each heat exchanger panel through a single steam inlet in the center of each lower bonnet.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a large scale, field assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser. [Background technology]

[0002] A typical large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser consists of heat exchanger bundles arranged in A-frames above large fans, one A-frame per fan. Each tube bundle typically contains 35-45 vertically oriented flat finned tubes, each approximately 11m long x 200mm high, with semi-circular leading and trailing edges, and an outer width of 18-22mm. Each A-frame typically contains 5-7 tube bundles per side.

[0003] Also, the typical A-frame ACC described above includes both a first stage or "primary" condenser bundle (sometimes called a K-tube bundle for Kondensor) and a second stage or "secondary" condenser bundle (sometimes called a D-tube bundle for Dephlegmator). Approximately 80% to 90% of the heat exchangers are first stage or primary condensers. Steam enters the primary condenser at the top, and condensate and some steam exit at the bottom. In the first stage, the steam and condensate travel down the heat exchanger bundle. This process is commonly referred to as a co-current condensation stage. The first stage configuration is thermally efficient, but does not provide a means to remove non-condensable gases. To sweep non-condensable gases out of the first stage tube bundles, 10% to 20% of the heat exchanger bundles are configured as second stage or secondary condensers, usually interspersed among the primary condensers, and take steam from the lower condensing manifold. In this arrangement, steam and non-condensable gases pass through the first stage condenser and are drawn into the bottom of the secondary condenser. As the gas mixture rises through the secondary condenser, the remaining steam is condensed, the non-condensable gases concentrate at the top, and the condensate drains to the bottom. This process is commonly referred to as a counter-current condensation stage. The top of the secondary condenser is attached to a vacuum manifold which removes the non-condensable gases from the system.

[0004] Variations on the standard prior art ACC arrangement are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0204611 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0330709. These applications show the same finned tubes, but dramatically shortened and arranged in a series of small A-frames, typically 5-6 A-frames per fan. One reason is to reduce steam side pressure loss, which has a smaller impact on overall capacity in summer but a larger impact in winter. Another reason is to weld the upper steam manifold duct to each tube bundle at the factory and ship it, thereby eliminating expensive welding operations on-site. Thus, by installing the steam manifold at the factory and shipping it with the tube bundle, the tube length required to fit the manifold in the container can be reduced.

[0005] Additional variations on prior art ACC arrangements are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2017 / 0363357 and 2017 / 0363358, which disclose novel tube structures for use in ACCs having cross-sectional heights of 10 mm or less. U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0363357 also discloses novel ACC arrangements having heat exchanger bundles in which the primary condenser bundles are arranged horizontally along the longitudinal axis of the bundle and the secondary bundles are arranged parallel to the cross axis. U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0363358 discloses an ACC arrangement in which all tube bundles are secondary bundles. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The invention presented herein is a new and improved design for a large scale, field-assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser for power plants and the like, which offers significant improvements and advantages over prior art ACCs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger panel is configured such that an integral secondary condenser section is sandwiched between the primary condenser sections, the primary condenser sections being located in the center of the heat exchanger panel. The primary condenser sections may or may not be identical to each other. A lower bonnet extends along the length of the lower portion of the heat exchanger panel and is connected to the lower side of the lower tube sheet for delivering steam to the lower ends of the primary condenser tubes. In this arrangement, the first stage of condensation is performed in counter-current operation. The upper portions of the tubes are connected to the upper tube sheet, which is connected at its upper side to the upper bonnet. Uncondensed steam and non-condensable liquid flow from the primary condenser tubes into the upper bonnet and flow toward the center of the heat exchanger panel and into the upper portions of the tubes of the secondary condenser section. In this arrangement, the second stage of condensation is performed in parallel operation. The non-condensable liquid and condensable liquid flow from the lower portions of the secondary tubes into a secondary chamber in the lower bonnet. Non-condensable and condensable liquids are withdrawn from the secondary chamber in the lower bonnet through an outlet nozzle, and the condensable liquid is routed to combine with water collected from the primary condenser section.

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger panel is configured as a single stage condenser heat exchanger panel in which all tubes of the heat exchanger panel receive steam from the lower bonnet, deliver condensate, and non-condensate is withdrawn through the upper bonnet. More specifically, the lower bonnet extends along the lower length of the heat exchanger panel and is connected to the underside of the lower tube sheet as in the multi-stage embodiment, but in the single stage embodiment, the lower bonnet delivers steam to the lower ends of all tubes of the heat exchanger panel. As in the multi-stage embodiment, the tops of all tubes are connected to the upper tube sheet, which is connected on its upper side to the upper bonnet. Uncondensed steam and non-condensable liquid flow from all tubes in the heat exchanger panel into the upper bonnet and are withdrawn from the upper bonnet for further processing. Condensate flows from the bottom of all tubes into the lower bonnet and into the steam distribution manifold.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the invention, each heat exchanger panel may be independently loaded and supported on the framework of the heat exchanger section. According to one embodiment, adjacent panels may be inclined in opposite directions relative to the vertical in an arrangement similar to an A-frame or V-frame type arrangement, although there is preferably no relationship or interaction between adjacent panels. According to another embodiment, each heat exchanger panel may be oriented vertically with any air deflectors or seals disposed diagonally between each adjacent panel. According to a further embodiment, all heat exchanger panels may be inclined in the same direction, all diagonally relative to the vertical. According to yet another embodiment, all heat exchanger panels on one side of the heat exchanger section may be inclined in one direction relative to the vertical, and all heat exchanger panels on the other side of the heat exchanger section may be inclined in the opposite direction relative to the vertical.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the invention, each cell or module of the ACC has a plenum section module in which a single large fan creates airflow across all heat exchanger panels in the same module.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the plenum section module may include a plurality of longitudinal fan deck plates arranged in a fan deck framework, each fan deck plate including a plurality of fans. According to various aspects of this embodiment, the fan deck plates may be aligned such that their longitudinal axes are parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the heat exchanger panels in the same ACC module.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lower steam distribution manifold extends in a row beneath the cells / modules of the ACC, with each cell or module heat exchanger panel of the ACC being fed by a single riser that routes its steam to a dedicated upper steam distribution manifold, preferably comprising a large horizontal cylinder with closed ends suspended from beneath the heat exchanger section support framework, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panel and beneath the center of each heat exchanger panel. The upper steam distribution manifold feeds steam to the lower bonnet of each heat exchanger panel at a point in the center of each heat exchanger panel.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the frame and the heat exchanger panel of the heat exchange module of each cell are pre-assembled on the ground. The frame of the heat exchange module is then supported on an assembly fixture of a possible height that suspends the upper steam distribution manifold from the underside of the frame of the heat exchange module. Separately, the plenum section with the fan deck and the fan set of the corresponding heat exchange module is also assembled on the ground. Sequentially or simultaneously, the substructure of the corresponding heat exchange module may be assembled in its final location. The heat exchange module with the suspended upper steam distribution manifold may then be lifted in its entirety and placed on the substructure, after which the completed plenum section subassembly may be lifted and placed in the same way.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, multiple upper steam distribution manifolds for multiple cells are combined into a single prefabricated steam manifold that is suspended from and extends the length of multiple condenser modules. According to this embodiment, the lower steam manifold and risers are eliminated and the prefabricated steam manifold is fed directly from the turbine exhaust duct, which is itself prefabricated at the level of the prefabricated steam manifold. The prefabricated steam manifold feeds steam to the lower bonnet at one location in the center of each heat exchanger panel.

[0015] The novel ACC design may be used with pipes having prior art cross-sectional configurations and dimensions (e.g., 200 mm x 18-22 mm), and may also be used with pipes having designs described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2017 / 0363357 and 2017 / 0363358 (200 mm x 10 mm or smaller), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0016] According to a further alternative embodiment, the novel ACC design of the present invention may be used with a 100mm x 5mm to 7mm tube with offset fins.

[0017] According to further embodiments, the novel ACC design of the present invention may be used in a 200mm x 5mm-7mm tube or a 200mm x 17-20mm tube having "arrowhead" style fins preferably arranged at 5-12 fins per inch (fpi), preferably 9-12 fpi, and most preferably 9.8 fins per inch.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the novel ACC design of the present invention may be used with a 120mm x 5mm to 7mm tube with "arrowhead" style fins arranged at 9.8 fins per inch. According to yet another embodiment, the novel ACC design of the present invention may be used with a 140mm x 5mm to 7mm tube with "arrowhead" style fins arranged at 9.8 fins per inch. While the 120mm and 140mm configurations do not provide quite the same capacity increase as the 200mm configuration, both provide material and weight savings compared to the 200mm design.

[0019] For disclosure of the above-mentioned arrowhead fin structure, the disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 425,454, filed Feb. 6, 2017, is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the novel ACC design of the present invention may be used with tubes having "louver" fins, which function much the same as offset fins, but are more readily available and easier to manufacture.

[0021] The description of fin types and dimensions herein is not intended to limit the invention, and the tubes of the invention described herein may be used with any type of fin without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser for connection to an industrial steam production facility, the condenser comprising one or more condenser streets, each condenser street comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section having a fan or fans for drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in a heat exchanger section, each heat exchanger panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, each heat exchanger panel comprising a plurality of tubes, an upper bonnet connected in fluid communication with upper ends of the tubes, and a lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with lower ends of at least a subset of the tubes, the lower bonnet being connected in fluid communication with the upper ends of the tubes, the lower bonnet being connected in fluid communication with the lower ends of at least a subset ... a steam distribution manifold comprising a cylinder having a first end and a second end, the cylinder being closed at a second end distal to the first end and having a plurality of connections on an upper surface thereof, the plurality of connections being configured to be connected to a corresponding single steam inlet; a steam distribution manifold comprising a cylinder having a first end and a second end, the cylinder being closed at a second end distal to the first end and having a plurality of connections on an upper surface thereof, the plurality of connections being configured to be connected to a corresponding single steam inlet;

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled, air cooled, industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel includes a first stage condenser in which all tubes in the heat exchanger panel receive steam from the lower ends of the tubes.

[0024] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled, air cooled, industrial steam condenser, wherein the top bonnet is configured to receive non-condensable gases and optionally non-condensable steam from the condenser tubes, and does not supply steam to said tubes.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises a secondary condenser section, a primary condenser section, an upper bonnet connected in fluid communication with upper ends of the tubes of the secondary condenser section and the primary condenser section, a primary lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with lower ends of the tubes of the primary condenser section, an internal secondary chamber of the lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with lower ends of the tubes of the secondary condenser section, and a secondary lower bonnet connected to an upper side of the primary lower bonnet, each primary lower bonnet having a single stem inlet.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises two primary condenser sections adjacent to the secondary condenser section.

[0027] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein a secondary condenser section is centrally located along the heat exchanger panel and is sandwiched on both ends by primary condenser sections.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein a cylinder of the steam distribution manifold has a first end attached to the turbine exhaust duct.

[0029] There is further provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the steam distribution manifold is plugged at both ends and has a single connection at the bottom to the steam riser.

[0030] There is further provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each heat exchanger panel is suspended independently from the frame of the heat exchanger section by a plurality of flexible suspension supports.

[0031] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction.

[0032] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are vertically oriented.

[0033] There is further provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction at the same angle relative to vertical.

[0034] There is further provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein all of the heat exchanger panels on one side of a single heat exchanger section are inclined in one direction relative to vertical and all of the heat exchanger panels on the other side of the single heat exchanger section are inclined in an opposite direction relative to vertical.

[0035] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the plenum section is mounted on the framework of the fan deck and includes a single fan that draws air across all heat exchanger panels of the heat exchanger section.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the plenum section comprises a plurality of fan deck plates mounted on the fan deck framework, each fan deck plate comprising a plurality of fans.

[0037] There is further provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled, air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each fan draws air across no more than two heat exchanger panels.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein each flexible hanging support comprises a central rod connected at both ends to a connection sleeve, a first connection sleeve of each flexible hanging support being connected to a frame of the heat exchanger section and a second connection sleeve of each flexible hanging support being connected to a tube sheet of the heat exchanger panel.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the tubes of the heat exchanger panel have a length of 2.0 m to 2.8 m, a cross-sectional height of 120 mm, and a cross-sectional width of 4 to 10 mm.

[0040] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the plurality of tubes have a cross-sectional width of 5.2 to 7 mm.

[0041] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein the tubes have a cross-sectional width of 6.0 mm.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein a plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 9-10 mm and spaced at 5-12 fins per inch.

[0043] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, wherein a plurality of tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to the flat sides of the tubes, the fins having a height of 18mm to 20mm across the space between adjacent tubes and contacting adjacent tubes, and spaced at a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a method for assembling a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, comprising the steps of: assembling on ground the heat exchanger sections, including heat exchanger section frames and heat exchanger panels; supporting the heat exchanger sections at a height above ground that allows for the suspension of adjacent steam distribution manifold sections directly below the heat exchanger panels; assembling on ground the plenum sections, including the fan deck and fan assembly; lifting and placing the assembled heat exchanger sections and steam distribution manifold sections onto corresponding substructures; attaching the adjacent steam distribution manifold sections to each other; and lifting and placing the assembled plenum sections above the heat exchanger sections.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a large scale field assembled air cooled industrial steam condenser, optionally for connection to an industrial steam production facility, comprising one or more condenser streets, each condenser street comprising a row of condenser modules, each condenser module comprising a plenum section having a fan or fans for drawing air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported in the heat exchanger section, each heat exchanger panel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, each heat exchanger panel comprising a plurality of condenser tubes, an upper bonnet connected in fluid communication with upper ends of each condenser, and a lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with lower ends of each condenser tube. each lower bonnet has a single steam inlet; and each condenser street comprises a single steam distribution manifold suspended from a lower side of a heat exchanger section at an intermediate portion of the heat exchanger panel and directly adjacent the lower side and disposed along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plurality of heat exchanger panels and extending the length of the condenser street, the steam distribution manifold comprising a cylinder having a first end attached to the turbine exhaust duct and a closed second end distal from the first end, the cylinder having a plurality of connections on an upper surface thereof configured to be connected to the inlets of the lower bonnet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchange section of a conventional large scale field assembled air-cooled industrial steam condenser. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a partial exploded close-up view of the heat exchange section of a conventional large-scale field-assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser showing the orientation of the tubes relative to the steam distribution manifold. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of a two-stage heat exchanger panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the heat exchanger panel shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger panel shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6]4 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger panel shown in FIG. 3 taken along line CC. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger panel shown in FIG. 3 along line DD. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger panel shown in FIG. 3 taken along line EE. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a side view of a two-stage heat exchanger panel and upper steam distribution manifold according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 10B] 10B is an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lower bonnet of the type shown in FIG. 9 having a flat shield plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lower bonnet of the type shown in FIG. 9 having a curved shield plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a large scale field assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser according to an embodiment of the present invention having a novel steam supply and distribution configuration. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a plan view of the large scale field assembled air-cooled industrial steam condenser shown in FIG. 13A. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of one cell of the large-scale field-assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a further enlarged side view of one cell of the large-scale field-assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an upper steam distribution manifold with optional condenser tubes (in the case of a two-stage condenser panel) from a secondary lower bonnet and its connection to a heat exchanger panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a further enlarged side view of one cell of the large-scale field-assembled, air-cooled industrial steam condenser shown in FIGS. 13-15, showing an end view of two pairs of heat exchanger panels. [Figure 18A]1 is a set of design drawings showing a hanger rod according to an embodiment of the present invention in a cold position. [Figure 18B] 18B is a set of design drawings showing the hanger rod of FIG. 18A in a hot position. [Figure 19A] 1 is a set of design drawings showing a hanger rod according to different embodiments of the present invention in a cold position. [Figure 19B] 19B is a set of design drawings showing the hanger rod of FIG. 19A in a hot position. [Figure 20A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a single pre-assembled condenser module with a suspended upper vapor distribution manifold. [Figure 20B] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a single pre-assembled condenser module with a suspended upper vapor distribution manifold. [Figure 21A] FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the fan deck and fan (plenum) subassembly for a single cell corresponding to the condenser module shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. [Figure 21B] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the fan deck and fan (plenum) subassembly for a single cell corresponding to the condenser module shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. [Figure 22] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a tower frame for a single cell corresponding to the condenser module shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows the arrangement of the pre-assembled condenser module of FIGS. 20A and 20B elevated onto the tower frame of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows the arrangement of the fan deck and fan (plenum) subassembly of FIGS. 21A and 21B installed on the tower frame and condenser module of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a side view of a large scale field assembled, air cooled, industrial steam condenser according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a fabricated steam distribution manifold connected directly to the turbine steam duct. [Figure 26]FIG. 1 is a side view of a large scale field assembled, air cooled, industrial steam condenser according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention having a fabricated steam distribution manifold connected directly to the turbine steam duct. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which all heat exchanger panels in a heat exchange module are oriented vertically and an air deflection seal is located between each adjacent pair of panels. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention in which all heat exchanger panels on one side of the heat exchange module are inclined relative to vertical in one direction and all heat exchanger panels on the other side of the heat exchange module are inclined relative to vertical in the opposite direction. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fan deck plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, where each plenum section module supports multiple fan deck plates, and each fan deck plate supports multiple fans. [Diagram 31] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, in which the fan deck comprises a number of fan deck plates supported on a fan deck structure above the heat exchange modules, each fan deck plate comprising a number of fans, the fan deck plates oriented with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the heat exchanger panels. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the fan deck comprises a plurality of fan deck plates supported on a fan deck structure above the heat exchange modules, each fan deck plate comprising a plurality of fans, the fan deck plates being oriented with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the heat exchanger panels. [Diagram 33] 1A-1C illustrate examples of fan types that can be used with the fan deck plate of embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 34] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a single stage heat exchanger panel and upper steam distribution manifold according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a large scale field assembled, air cooled, industrial steam condenser according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a fabricated steam distribution manifold connected to a ground turbine exhaust duct via an end riser. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is an elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 35 along section AA. [Figure 37] FIG. 36 is an elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 35 along section BB.

[0047] Features in the accompanying drawings are marked with the following reference numerals: 2 Heat exchanger panel 12 Upper bonnet 4 Primary condenser section 14 Lower tube sheet 6 Secondary Condenser Section 15 Lifting / Support Angle 7 tube 16 lower bonnet 8 Condenser bundle 18 Stem inlet / condensate outlet 10 Upper tube sheet 20 Shielding plate 21 Perforation 50 Hanger 22 Wave Edge 54 Hanger Rod 24 Secondary Lower Bonnet 56 Hanger Sleeve 26 Nozzle (for secondary lower bonnet) 58 Hanger fixing disk or knob 27 ACC condenser module (cell) 60 Hanger recess 28 Upper steam manifold 62 Undercarriage module 29 Y-shaped nozzle 64 Plenum section module 30 Vertical Tube (LSM to USM) 66 Assembled Steam Distribution Manifold 31 Turbine exhaust duct 68 Assembled turbine exhaust duct 32 Lower steam distribution manifold 70 Air deflection seal 34 ACC Cell Street / Cell Row 72 Fan Deck Plate 36 Frame (for heat exchanger section) 74 Small fan 37 Heat exchange module 76 Ground turbine exhaust duct 40 Deflection shield plate 78 End vertical tube (GLTED to ESDM) 42 Condensate piping DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] With reference to Figures 3 to 8, a heat exchanger panel 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises two primary condenser sections 4 adjacent to an integrated and centrally located secondary condenser section 6. Each heat exchanger panel 2 comprises a number of different condenser bundles 8, with a first subset of the condenser bundles 8 constituting the centrally located secondary condenser section 6 and a second subset of the different condenser bundles 8 constituting the adjacent primary condenser section 4. The dimensions and construction of the tubes 7 of the primary and secondary condenser sections are preferably identical. All tubes 7 of both the primary condenser section 4 and the secondary condenser section 6 are connected at their upper parts to an upper tube sheet 10. On top of the upper tube sheet 10 rests a hollow upper bonnet 12 over the length of the upper part of the heat exchanger panel 2. The lower parts of all tubes 7 of the primary condenser section 4 and the secondary condenser section 6 are connected to a lower tube sheet 14. The lower tube sheet 14 forms the upper part of a lower bonnet 16, which likewise extends over the length of the heat exchanger panel 2. The lower bonnet 16 is in direct fluid communication with the tubes 7 of the primary condenser section 4, but not with the tubes of the secondary condenser section 6. The lower bonnet 16 is provided with a single steam inlet / condensate outlet 18 at the centre of its length which receives all the steam for the heat exchanger panel 2 and serves as an outlet for the condensate collected from the primary condenser section 4. The lower portion of the lower bonnet 16 is preferably angled downward from both ends of the lower bonnet 16 at an angle of between 1 degree and 5 degrees, preferably about 3 degrees, relative to the horizontal, towards the steam inlet / condensate outlet 18 at the centre of the heat exchanger panel 2. According to a preferred embodiment, with reference to Figures 9-12, the lower bonnet 16 may be provided with a shield plate 20 for separating the condensate flow from the steam flow. The shield 20 may have perforations 21 and / or corrugated edges 22, or other openings or configurations, to allow condensate that falls on the shield 20 to enter the space below the shield and flow under the shield toward the inlet / outlet 18.When viewed from the end of the lower bonnet 16, the baffle plate 20 is fixed at a near horizontal angle (between 12 degrees from horizontal in the transverse direction) to maximize the cross section that the lower bonnet 16 offers to the steam flow. The baffle plate 20 may be flat, as shown in FIG. 11, or curved, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0049] The upper tube sheet 10 and the lower tube sheet 14 may be fitted with lifting / support angles 15 for lifting and / or supporting the heat exchanger 2 .

[0050] An internal secondary chamber or secondary lower bonnet 24 is mounted inside the lower bonnet 16 in direct fluid communication only with the tubes 7 of the secondary condenser section 6 and extends the length of the secondary condenser section 6, but preferably not beyond. This secondary lower bonnet 24 is fitted with a nozzle 26 for withdrawing non-condensable and condensable liquid.

[0051] According to an alternative embodiment of a single stage condenser shown in FIG. 34, there is no secondary condenser section or secondary lower bonnet, and the lower bonnet 16 is in direct fluid communication with all of the tubes in the heat exchanger panel 2. According to this embodiment, the lower bonnet 16 extends along the lower length of the heat exchanger panel 2 connected to the underside of the lower tube sheet 14. The lower bonnet 16 supplies steam to the lower ends of all of the tubes of the condenser bundle 8 in the heat exchanger panel 2. The upper ends of all of the tubes are connected to the upper tube sheet 10, which is connected on its upper side to the upper bonnet 12. Uncondensed steam and non-condensable liquid flow from all of the tubes 7 in the heat exchanger panel 2 into the upper bonnet 12 and are drawn off of the upper bonnet 12 for further processing. Condensate flows from the bottom of all of the tubes 7 out into the lower bonnet 16 and into the steam distribution manifold.

[0052] The steam inlets / condensate outlets 18 for the heat exchanger panel 2, and for all heat exchanger panels in the same ACC cell / module 27, are connected to a large cylinder or upper steam distribution manifold 28 suspended below the heat exchanger panel 2 and extending vertically at the middle of the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panel 2. See, for example, Figures 13-15, 20A, and 20B. The upper steam distribution manifold 28 extends across the width of the cell / module 27 and is closed at both ends. The upper steam distribution manifold 28 is connected at its lower center to a single riser 30 whose lower portion is connected to a lower steam distribution manifold 32. The upper steam distribution manifold 28 is fitted with a Y-shaped nozzle 29 that is connected to the steam inlets / condensate outlets 18 at the bottom of each of an adjacent pair of heat exchanger panels 2, where the upper surface of the upper steam distribution manifold 28 passes below the center of each heat exchanger panel 2.

[0053] With this configuration, each ACC cell 27 receives steam from a single riser 30. The single riser 30 supplies steam to a single upper steam distribution manifold 28 suspended directly below the center of each heat exchanger panel 2. The upper steam distribution manifold 28 supplies steam to each heat exchanger panel 2 in the cell 27 via a single steam inlet / condensate outlet 18.

[0054] Thus, steam from the industrial process travels along the turbine exhaust duct 31 at or near ground level, or at any height suitable for the site layout. As the exhaust duct 31 approaches the ACC of the present invention, it branches into multiple subducts (lower steam distribution manifolds 32), one for each street (row of cells) 34 of the ACC. Each lower steam distribution manifold 32 extends below the street 34 of each cell and has a single riser 30 extending upward at the center of each cell 27. See, for example, Figures 13A and 13B. The single riser 30 connects to the lower part of the upper steam distribution manifold 28 suspended from the frame 36 of the condenser module 37 (Figures 13-15). The upper steam distribution manifold 28 supplies steam to each adjacent pair of bonnet inlets / outlets 18 of the heat exchanger panel 2 via multiple Y-shaped nozzles 29 (Figures 15-17). Steam travels along the lower bonnet 16, rising in the tubes 7 of the primary condenser section 4 and condenses as the air passes through the finned tubes 7 of the primary condenser section 4. The condensate travels countercurrent to the steam through the same tubes 7 of the primary condenser section 4, collecting in the lower bonnet 16 and finally draining through the upper steam distribution manifold 28, the lower steam distribution manifold 32 and the turbine exhaust duct 31 to a condensate collection tank (not shown). According to a preferred embodiment, the connection between the lower bonnet 16 and the upper steam distribution manifold 28 may be fitted with a deflector shield 40 to separate the draining / falling condensate from the incoming steam.

[0055] Uncondensed steam and non-condensable liquid collect in the upper bonnet 12 and are drawn to the center of the heat exchanger panel 2 where they travel through the tubes 7 of the secondary condenser section 6 in co-current with the condensate that forms there. The non-condensable liquid is drawn into the secondary lower bonnet 24 located inside the lower bonnet 16 and discharged through outlet nozzles 26. Additional condensate formed in the secondary condenser section 6 collects in the secondary lower bonnet 24 and also travels through outlet nozzles 26 before traveling through condensate piping 42 to the upper steam distribution manifold 28 to combine with the water collected from the primary condenser section 4.

[0056] According to another feature of the invention, the heat exchanger panels 2 are suspended from the frame 36 of the condenser module 37 by a number of flexible hangers 50 that allow the heat exchanger panels 2 to expand and contract based on thermal load and weather. FIG. 17 shows how the hangers 50 are connected to the frame 36 of the condenser module 37. FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B show details of two embodiments of the hangers. According to each embodiment, the hangers 50 are configured to allow the heat exchanger panels 2 to expand and contract while supporting their weight. Four hangers 50 are used for each heat exchanger panel 2. According to one embodiment, the hangers 50 are configured as rods 54 with sleeves 56 at both ends. The sleeves 56 are mounted on the rods 54 and are restrained from coming off their respective ends by fastening disks or knobs 58 at both ends of the rods 54. The fastening disks or knobs 58 are mounted in correspondingly shaped recesses 60 on the inner surface of each sleeve, but do not extend to the ends of the sleeves. One end of the hanger 50 is connected to the frame 36 of the condenser module 37 and the other end of the hanger 50 is attached to a lifting / support angle 15 or other attachment point on the upper tube sheet 10 or lower tube sheet 14. The sleeve 56 is preferably adjustable so that the correct hanger length can be set during construction. Once set, movement of the heat exchanger panel 2 corresponds to the upper and lower ball joints of the hanger 50 and the angular displacement of the hanger 50.

[0057] The heat exchanger panels 2 may be independently loaded and supported on the frame 36 of the heat exchange module. The heat exchanger panels 2 may be supported on the frame 36 of the heat exchange module according to any of a variety of configurations. FIGS. 13-17 and 23-27 show the heat exchanger panels 2 being independently supported on the frame 36 of the heat exchange module with adjacent heat exchanger panels 2 tilted in opposite directions relative to the vertical. FIG. 28 shows an alternative embodiment in which each heat exchanger panel 2 is independently supported within the heat exchange module with each heat exchanger panel 2 oriented vertically and any air deflection seals 70 are disposed at an angle between the bottom of one heat exchanger panel 2 and the top of the adjacent heat exchanger panel 2. FIG. 29 shows a further alternative embodiment in which each heat exchanger panel 2 on one side of the heat exchange module is inclined in one direction relative to the vertical and each heat exchanger panel 2 on the other side of the heat exchange module is inclined in the opposite direction relative to the vertical, with optional air deflection seals 70 positioned vertically between each adjacent pair of heat exchanger panels 2.

[0058] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 25-27, the air-cooled condenser of the present invention may comprise a plurality of prefabricated steam distribution manifolds 66 connected directly to a prefabricated turbine exhaust duct 68 instead of the plurality of upper steam distribution manifolds 28, lower steam distribution manifolds 32 and risers 30. Each prefabricated steam distribution manifold extends over said length and feeds the heat exchanger panels of the plurality of heat exchange modules along the street / row 34 of the condenser cells 27. The prefabricated steam distribution manifolds 66 may be suspended from the frame of the heat exchange module in the same manner that the upper steam distribution manifolds 28 are suspended from the frame of the heat exchange module. Similarly, the prefabricated steam distribution manifolds 66 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger panels and are connected to the bonnet inlets / outlets of each adjacent pair of heat exchanger panels at the center of the heat exchanger panels via a plurality of Y-shaped nozzles. According to this embodiment, the lower steam distribution manifold 32 and the riser 30 are eliminated and the assembled steam manifold is fed directly from the turbine exhaust duct which is itself assembled at the level of the assembled steam manifold.

[0059] According to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 35-37, multiple assembled steam distribution manifolds 66 may be connected to a ground turbine exhaust duct 76 via end risers 78 .

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ACC of the present invention is constructed in a modular manner. According to various embodiments, the substructure 62, the condenser module 37, and the plenum section 64 may be assembled separately and simultaneously on the ground. According to one embodiment, the frame of the heat exchange module may be raised on a substructure made in a rod shape, high enough to suspend the upper steam distribution manifold 28 from the underside of the heat exchange module frame. The heat exchanger panel 2 is then lowered, preferably at or just above the ground, into the frame 36 of the condenser module 37 and attached to the upper steam distribution manifold 28 (see Figures 20A and 20B). Once complete, the assembled condenser module 37 with the upper steam distribution manifold 28 attached is lifted and placed on the corresponding completed substructure 62 (Figures 22 and 23).

[0061] The plenum section 64 of each ACC module 27, including the plenum section frame, the fan deck supported by the plenum section frame, the fan, and the fan shroud, may be assembled on the ground with a single large fan, as shown in, for example, Figures 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 21, 21B, 24-29. Alternatively, the plenum section 64 of each ACC module 27 may be assembled (on the ground) with multiple elongated fan deck plates 72, each supporting multiple smaller fans 74 in a row, as shown in Figures 30-32. Each fan deck plate 72 is preferably sized to fit into a standard shipping container. Thus, the fans 74 may be factory-mounted on the fan deck plates 72 and shipped to a final assembly location. An example of a fan 74 is shown in Figure 33. According to various embodiments, the fan motors may be NEMA rated or electronically commutated. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the multiple fan deck plate embodiment, each fan draws air across two or more heat exchanger panels, making fan replacement significantly simplified and the loss of one or more fans making no significant difference in performance.

[0062] The completed corresponding plenum section 64 (FIGS. 21A and 21B or 31 and 32) is lifted to rest on the condenser module 37 (FIG. 24). Alternatively, the skeleton of the plenum section (without any fans or fan deck plate) may be lifted onto the condenser module 37, and the fan deck plate 72 may be lifted onto the skeleton of the plenum section 64 after the skeleton of the plenum section is rested on the condenser module 37. Although the assembly described herein is described as occurring on the same plane, assembly of the various modules may occur in their final positions if the planning and construction scheme permits.

[0063] Every feature and alternative embodiment herein is intended and contemplated to work in conjunction with and be used in combination with every other feature and embodiment described herein, except in embodiments in which it is incompatible, i.e., every heat exchange module arrangement described herein (e.g., single stage, multi-stage), every heat exchanger panel arrangement described herein (e.g., all vertical, all tilted in one direction, alternating tilts), every tube type and every fin type described herein, every steam manifold arrangement described herein, and every fan arrangement (single fan, multiple fans) are intended to be used in various ACC assemblies in any combination of embodiments in which they are compatible, and the inventors do not intend their invention to be limited to the exemplary combinations of embodiments reflected in the specification and drawings for illustrative purposes.

Claims

1. 1. An air-cooled steam condenser comprising: a plenum section having a single fan or multiple fans that draw air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported on the heat exchanger section; Each heat exchanger panel has a longitudinal axis and a cross axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; each heat exchanger panel comprising a plurality of tubes, an upper bonnet connected in fluid communication with upper ends of each of the tubes, and a lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with only lower ends of a first subset of the plurality of tubes; an interior secondary chamber within the lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with only lower ends of a second subset of the plurality of tubes; Each lower bonnet has a single steam inlet; the air-cooled steam condenser further comprising a steam distribution manifold disposed below the heat exchanger sections at an intermediate portion of the plurality of heat exchanger panels and disposed along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the plurality of heat exchanger panels; the vapor distribution manifold having a plurality of connections on an upper surface thereof; each of the plurality of connections is configured to be connected to a corresponding one of the steam inlets; Air-cooled steam condenser.

2. Each heat exchanger panel is a secondary condenser section; a primary condenser section; the upper bonnet connected in fluid communication with upper ends of the tubes of the secondary condenser section and the primary condenser section; the lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with lower ends of the first subset of tubes of the primary condenser section; 2. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, further comprising: an internal secondary chamber interior to the lower bonnet connected to and in fluid communication with lower ends of the second subset of tubes of the secondary condenser section.

3. 3. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 2, wherein each heat exchanger panel comprises two primary condenser sections adjacent the secondary condenser section.

4. 4. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 3, wherein the secondary condenser section is centrally located along the heat exchanger panel and adjacent to a primary condenser section at either end.

5. 2. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the steam distribution manifold cylinder has a first end attached to a turbine exhaust duct.

6. 2. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein each heat exchanger panel is independently suspended from a frame of said heat exchanger section by a plurality of flexible suspension supports.

7. 7. An air-cooled steam condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction.

8. 7. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are vertically oriented.

9. 7. An air-cooled steam condenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction at the same angle to the vertical.

10. 7. An air-cooled steam condenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein all heat exchanger panels on one side of a single heat exchanger section are inclined in one direction relative to the vertical and all heat exchanger panels on the other side of the single heat exchanger section are inclined in the opposite direction relative to the vertical.

11. 7. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the plenum section is mounted on a fan deck framework and includes a single fan that draws air across all heat exchanger panels in the heat exchanger section.

12. 7. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the plenum section comprises a plurality of fan deck plates mounted on a fan deck framework, each fan deck plate comprising a plurality of fans.

13. 13. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 12, wherein each fan draws air across no more than two heat exchanger panels.

14. 7. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 6, wherein each flexible hanging support comprises a central rod connected at both ends to a connecting sleeve, a first connecting sleeve of each flexible hanging support being connected to a frame of the heat exchanger section, and a second connecting sleeve of each flexible hanging support being connected to a tube sheet of the heat exchanger panel.

15. 2. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the tubes in the heat exchanger panel have a length of 2.0 m to 2.8 m, a cross-sectional height of 120 mm, and a cross-sectional width of 4 to 10 mm.

16. 16. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 15, wherein the plurality of tubes have a cross-sectional width of 5.2 to 7 mm.

17. 17. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 16, wherein the plurality of tubes have a cross-sectional width of 6.0 mm.

18. 2. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, wherein the tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to their flat sides, the fins having a height of 9-10 mm and spaced at 5-12 fins per inch.

19. 3. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 2, wherein the tubes in the heat exchanger panel have fins attached to their flat sides, the fins having a height of 18 mm to 20 mm across the space between adjacent tubes to contact adjacent tubes, and the fins are spaced at a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

20. 2. A method for assembling the air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1, comprising the steps of: assembling a heat exchanger section on ground, the heat exchanger section comprising a frame and said heat exchanger panel; supporting the heat exchanger sections at a height above ground level that allows for the suspension of adjacent steam distribution manifolds directly below the heat exchanger panels; assembling a plenum section comprising a fan deck and a fan assembly on the ground; lifting and placing the assembled heat exchanger sections and steam distribution manifold onto corresponding substructures; Lifting and positioning the assembled plenum section above the heat exchanger section; An assembly method comprising:

21. 1. An air-cooled steam condenser comprising: a plenum section having a single fan or multiple fans that draw air through a plurality of heat exchanger panels supported on the heat exchanger section; Each heat exchanger panel has a longitudinal axis and a cross axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; Each heat exchanger panel includes a plurality of condenser tubes, an upper bonnet connected in fluid communication with upper ends of each of the condenser tubes, and a lower bonnet connected in fluid communication with lower ends of each of the condenser tubes; Each lower bonnet has a single steam inlet; the air-cooled steam condenser further comprising a steam distribution manifold disposed below the heat exchanger sections at an intermediate portion of the heat exchanger panels, directly adjacent a lower side of the heat exchanger sections, and disposed along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plurality of heat exchanger panels; the steam distribution manifold includes a plurality of connections on an upper surface thereof configured to be connected to an inlet of the lower bonnet; Each heat exchange panel is suspended from the frame of the condenser module by a plurality of flexible suspension supports. Air-cooled steam condenser.

22. 22. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, wherein each heat exchanger panel includes a first stage condenser in which all tubes in the heat exchanger panel receive steam from the lower ends of the tubes.

23. 22. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, wherein the upper bonnet is configured to receive non-condensable gas from the condenser tubes.

24. 22. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, wherein each flexible hanging support comprises a central rod connected at both ends to a connecting sleeve, a first connecting sleeve of each flexible hanging support being connected to a frame of the condenser module, and a second connecting sleeve of each flexible hanging support being connected to a tube sheet of the heat exchanger panel.

25. 22. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, wherein the plurality of condenser tubes have a length of between 2.0 m and 2.8 m, a cross-sectional height of 120 mm, and a cross-sectional width of between 4 and 10 mm.

26. 26. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 25, wherein the condenser tubes have a cross-sectional width of 5.2 to 7 mm.

27. 27. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 26, wherein the condenser tubes have a cross-sectional width of 6.0 mm.

28. 23. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 22, wherein the plurality of condenser tubes have fins attached to flat sides of the condenser tubes, the fins having a height of 9-10 mm and spaced at 5-12 fins per inch.

29. 22. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, wherein the plurality of condenser tubes have fins attached to their flat sides, the fins having a height of 18 mm to 20 mm across the space between adjacent tubes to contact adjacent tubes, and the fins are spaced at a spacing of 5 to 12 fins per inch.

30. 22. A method for assembling the air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, comprising the steps of: assembling on ground a heat exchanger section comprising a heat exchanger section frame and said heat exchanger panel; supporting the heat exchanger sections at a height above ground sufficient to suspend adjacent steam distribution manifolds directly below the heat exchanger panels; assembling a plenum section comprising a fan deck and a fan assembly on the ground; lifting and placing the assembled heat exchanger sections and steam distribution manifold onto corresponding substructures; Lifting and positioning the assembled plenum section above the heat exchanger section; An assembly method comprising:

31. 30. An air-cooled steam condenser according to any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction.

32. 30. An air-cooled steam condenser according to any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are vertically oriented.

33. 30. An air-cooled steam condenser as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein all heat exchanger panels in a single heat exchanger section are oriented in the same direction at the same angle to the vertical.

34. 30. An air-cooled steam condenser as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein all of the heat exchanger panels on one side of a single heat exchanger section are inclined in one direction relative to the vertical and all of the heat exchanger panels on the other side of the single heat exchanger section are inclined in the opposite direction relative to the vertical.

35. 30. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 21, wherein the plenum section comprises a plurality of fan deck plates mounted on a fan deck framework, each fan deck plate comprising a plurality of fans, each fan drawing air across no more than two heat exchanger panels.

36. The air-cooled steam condenser of claim 1 , wherein the upper bonnet is configured to receive non-condensable gas from the tubes.

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