A water conductor system in a power plant conveys hot water from the condenser through a hot water pipeline, discharges it into the cooling tower, and then passes it through the cold water approach channel to the forebay and sump. From here the cold water is then pumped back to the condenser through a cold water pipeline. The hydraulic design of all components of a water conductor system are carried out with the chief objectives being their efficient utilization and, at the same time, achieving maximum economy by minimizing the power consumption for water pumping while minimizing pipe material. Based on these objectives, the major length of the pipeline is designed with an optimal diameter. Such economic considerations are also followed, to the extent possible, when designing the open channel system, with a view to minimizing the construction material which is based on the concept of minimum perimeter for maximum discharge. Transient analysis of the system is also carried out to discover the system’s resistance to adverse conditions.
