Air-Cooled Condenser Gearbox High Power Density Excellent Sealing Performance

Introduction

1. Core Function
The ACC gearbox is typically mounted above the fan, connecting directly or via a coupling to the fan impeller. Positioned on the top platform of the air-cooled island, it operates under harsh environmental conditions (large diurnal temperature variations, dust, rain, vibration, etc.). Consequently, it demands exceptionally high reliability, efficiency, and durability.

2. Design Features

• High Power Density: Transmits significant power within a limited installation space.

• High Torque Capacity: Withstands instantaneous high torque caused by fan start-up and wind gusts.

• High Reliability: Design life is typically matched with the plant's overhaul cycle, often exceeding 20 years.

• Efficient Heat Dissipation: Equipped with an external or internal forced lubrication system to ensure gears and bearings operate at optimal temperatures.

• Excellent Sealing Performance: Utilizes multiple sealing designs to prevent lubricant leakage and ingress of external contaminants.

• Shock and Vibration Resistance: Robust housing structure and precision bearing arrangements to cope with continuous vibrational loads.

  Applications

  1. Primary Application Fields

  • Thermal Power Plants: This is the primary application. Used in the cooling fans of Direct Air-Cooled Condenser (ACC) systems to condense the exhaust steam from turbines. It is a key water-saving component for power plants.

  • Petrochemical and Metallurgical Industries: Used in air-cooled heat exchangers for various process units (e.g., refineries, fertilizer plants, steel mills) to cool process fluids.

  • Gas Turbine Power Stations: Used for ventilation in intercoolers or aftercoolers.

  • Geothermal Power Generation: Used in the cooling systems of condensers.

  
  

   2. Role in the System
  In an air-cooled island, dozens or even hundreds of fans are arranged in a matrix. Each fan is driven by an electric motor and a dedicated gearbox. The performance of the gearbox directly impacts the cooling efficiency, energy consumption, and operational stability of the entire air-cooling system. A failure of a single gearbox can lead to unit load reduction or even shutdown, making its reliability absolutely critical.