Numerical Investigation of Flow Distribution Performance Around Critical Pipe in Condenser with Airfoil Guide Vane Impingement Plate

Condensers are vital components in a steam power plant that condense the exhaust steam from steam turbines. However, the performance of the condensers often decreases due to the flow reaching the critical pipe area on the condenser tube surface, which can cause corrosion. This study aims to analyze the performance of a condenser in a steam power plant by adding an airfoil guide vane as an impingement plate. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation analyzed the flow characteristics in critical pipes (P_1, P_3, P_4, P_6) and examined the effect of adding a shape airfoil guide vane as an impingement plate at variations of 15°, 30°, and 45° Angle of Attack (AoA). The best results were obtained in the 45° variation by significantly reducing the drag coefficient (Cd) up to 56.73%, and the pressure coefficient (Cp) is 3.21%. Furthermore, adding an airfoil guide vane as impingement plates reduces Cp by 25.47%, Cd by 16.57%, and the heat transfer rate by 28.81%. Adding an airfoil guide vane directs the flow distribution better, maintains turbulence intensity, and improves condenser performance.