UTEK-DELE has successfully replaced the legacy 8W fan systems for GE and the GEA industrial cooling system at a major energy plant in Turkmenistan, utilizing its proprietary U10W fan design.

Application of Cooling Towers and Supporting Fan Systems

1. Cooling Towers: The Heat Rejection Terminal of Industrial Production

Cooling towers serve as the core heat rejection equipment for industrial circulating water systems in sectors such as power generation and chemicals. Their primary function is to expel waste heat generated by turbines, compressors, and other equipment into the atmosphere via water-air heat exchange, thereby maintaining the thermal balance of the production system. They are critical facilities ensuring the continuous operation of thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, and large-scale energy bases.

2. Case Study: Mechanical Draft Counterflow Cooling Towers

This project utilizes mechanical draft counterflow cooling towers. High-temperature circulating water is sprayed downward through distribution systems, while axial fans at the top forcibly draw air upward through the fill media. Unlike natural draft towers, mechanical draft systems operate independently of ambient wind conditions, offering stable and controllable cooling efficiency. This makes them the mainstream configuration for modern large-scale energy plants requiring precise compliance with stringent outlet water temperature specifications.

3. Axial Fans: The Key to Performance and Reliability

The axial fan is the "heart" of the cooling tower. It generates powerful airflow with large-diameter blades to force air through the fill, rapidly removing heat from the water. Simultaneously, it creates a stable negative pressure environment that ensures uniform airflow distribution and eliminates dead zones. Addressing the specific pain point of fragile legacy blades (8W model) in this project, the upgraded fan features reinforced structures that significantly enhance structural rigidity and fatigue resistance, serving as the core component determining the cooling capacity and long-term operational reliability of the system.

The original 8W blade design suffered from insufficient structural rigidity and poor fatigue resistance, leading to frequent failures. UTEK-DELE has consistently received requests from clients seeking replacements for the fragile 8W models. By switching to UTEK-DELE’s custom-engineered axial fans, these systems are now guaranteed to operate efficiently for extended periods.

Photos of damaged 8W fans

Original 8W installation in Turkmenistan

Following the reported failure, UTEK-DELE responded swiftly by providing samples for testing. The U10W successfully passed verification for the Turkmenistan project and was rapidly deployed for full-scale delivery. The new units ensure seamless compatibility with the GEA France subsidiary ERGE SPIRALE heat exchanger (Drawing No. 0000153397, Equipment ID: 15 VI 1250 H3-1 10910/2437 4CA2 S32D210). Currently operating stably, the upgrade has been highly recognized by the client. These 30 new fans will ensure the power plant operates reliably and efficiently for years to come.

Fan Shipment Diagram for the Turkmenistan Cooling Tower Project

*Sample test order

(marked for disassembly after dynamic balance for transportation)

*Official Order

The parameters for replacing the 8W fan with the U10W in this project

The specific value of U10W can be compared to 8W for reference only. However, the actual performance (such as air volume and static pressure) will be better. If needed, UTEK-DELE can provide measured data.

About the U10W Design

Based on the 8W and U8Z platforms, the U10W features widened, thickened, and lengthened blades.

Key Advantages:

• High Structural Integrity: Unlike the structurally "soft" and failure-prone 8W design, the U10W is significantly more robust.

• High Airflow Volume.

• Extended Service Life: Designed for durability, with an expected operational lifespan of 5–10 years.

Through customized design solutions and strong delivery capabilities, UTEK-DELE continues to provide reliable thermal management solutions for energy projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.