For turbine exhaust steam, is a condenser better or an air cooler?

Air coolers require more investment, but they save water.

What are the specific differences in operation and equipment?

Air coolers require a high initial investment in equipment and take up a lot of space, but they can help reduce water consumption and energy use. However, in practice, its cooling effect is inferior to that of a condenser; moreover, with more tube bundles, there are also more potential leakage points, which are difficult to locate once they occur. Based on the current operating conditions, there are generally issues of lower turbine vacuum in summer and ice formation in some tube bundles during winter. To address these two problems, some companies have carried out corresponding technical upgrades. The initial equipment investment for condensers is low, and they require less space. However, their water consumption is higher compared to air cooling; moreover, they have specific requirements regarding the quality of the circulating water. It is necessary to clean the water-side channels regularly, which is a hassle. If leaks occur in the tubes, it affects the quality of the condensed water. However, the cooling effect of a condenser is better than that of an air cooler; it is easy and flexible to adjust, its technology is mature and reliable, and there are few leakage points that are easy to locate.