If an ACC is subject to crosswinds and steps are not taken to protect the installation from those winds the result can be loss of MW output, increases in mechanical stress on the fans and overall performance loss.
As crosswinds hit the side of the ACC they are deflected and cause a jet stream beneath the fans. Strong winds can cause severe air disturbance, changes in static pressure, an increase in back pressure (vacuum) and significant reduction in fan airflow.
Correct specification of the Windscreen system is essential if the maximum advantage in ACC and fan equipment performance is to be achieved.
Our experience in delivering numerous successful systems in often challenging environments combined with valuable monitoring and feedback from plant managers puts Galebreaker in the valuable position of being experts in this field.
The flexibility of the Galebreaker system allows the Windscreens to be positioned to best effect. Perimeter, cruciform or one-bay-in configurations can be adopted either individually or in combination.
Perimeter systems can be fixed or rolling (weather controlled) for maximum advantage.
Windscreen fabrics can be specified in a range of solidities.
Following a site survey and an evaluation of local conditions our experienced engineers can use the above parameters to select, specify and tune the best possible Windscreen installation for each individual ACC.
To mitigate the effect of crosswinds on the ACC Galebreaker offer two basic types of Windscreens; fixed and rolling. Fixed Windscreens can be positioned around the perimeter of the ACC and/or beneath the ACC in a cross or ‘cruciform’ configuration. Each uses high quality mesh material (solidity dependant upon specific application). The screens are positioned and fixed so that they slow the passage of air beneath the fans during windy conditions. This allows the fan systems to work efficiently which in turn improves the overall performance of the ACC.
Above: A 225MW ACC at Afton, USA fitted with a Galebreaker fixed Perimeter Windscreen system.
Below: A 360MW ACC at Kings Lynn, UK fitted with both Cruciform and Perimeter fixed Windscreen systems.
The mesh fabric panels are fixed to the steel uprights and tensioned with high quality ratchet clamps.
Above & Below: A 350MW ACC at Caithness, Long Island, USA fitted with a Galebreaker rolling Windscreen system. The Windscreens are linked to an automatic weather control systems and are operated independently in response to weather conditions.
