Restoring condenser performance in extreme conditions
Sohar power plant was experiencing overheated vacuum condenser pumps and limiting output. Aggreko's bespoke cooling solution cut temperatures to 22°C, adding 11 MW of capacity and an estimated US $1.1M in production.
- Client
- Major utility company
- Location
- Sohar Power Plant, Oman
- Sector
- Utilities
the challenge
Improving condenser performance in one of the most demanding operating environments
A major utility company operating a power plant in Sohar was experiencing vacuum condenser pump overheating during extreme summer heat, with operating temperatures reaching 50°C. The high operating temperatures prevented the steam turbine condenser from achieving its target vacuum. Operating at 0.195 bar instead of the required 0.125 bar, the system was unable to maintain the low vacuum needed for efficient operation, resulting in reduced power generation capacity, lower operating efficiency and accelerated equipment degradation.
The project presented additional challenges due to restricted space around the installation area, requiring the temporary cooling package to be carefully positioned while maintaining safe access and accommodating planned maintenance activities. The customer required more than temporary cooling equipment. They needed an engineered, bespoke solution designed around the operating conditions of the plant and capable of improving performance without disrupting ongoing operations.
the solution
A bespoke temporary cooling solution engineered to improve condenser performance
Aggrekoʼs temperature control specialists carried out multiple site visits to assess the customerʼs operating conditions before developing a bespoke cooling solution tailored to the application. The temporary cooling package was designed around the siteʼs operational requirements, with specialist fittings and fixtures selected to suit the available installation space while supporting safe access and planned maintenance activities.
During commissioning, Aggreko technicians worked closely with the customerʼs team to connect the temporary cooling solution to both the main and standby vacuum pumps, allowing performance testing across both systems and supporting evaluation of the higher-efficiency pump.
The cooling package reduced operating temperatures to 22°C, lowering temperatures by more than 50%. This solution improved the condenser vacuum pressure to reach 0.116 bar, exceeding the customerʼs target vacuum of 0.125 bar.
The project team, comprising two temperature control specialists and one technician, provided end-to-end engineering support during installation and commissioning.