Economic assessment of backfitting power plants with closed-cycle cooling systems. Final report, Apr 1974--Oct 1975

The report gives in detail a method for assessing the economic consequences of backfitting electric power plants (currently operating on open-cycle or once-through cooling systems) with conventional closed-cycle cooling systems. Four types of closed-cycle systems were investigated: mechanical- and natural-draft crossflow wet cooling towers, cooling ponds, and spray canals. To estimate operational penalties associated with backfitting, thermodynamic models were used to reproduce the operating characteristics of different types of turbines, condensers, and cooling systems. Capital and operating cost information was compiled and used, in conjunction with the levelized annual cost accounting method, to evaluate the total differential cost of power production resulting from the backfit. Computer programs were developed and are presented. (GRA)