EP4025858A1

EP4025858A1 - Steam condensation system with integrated condensate manifold

Info

Publication number: EP4025858A1
Application number: EP20861515.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gabriele MICCICHE
Original assignee: Babcock and Wilcox Co
Current assignee: SPIG SpA
Priority date: 2019-09-05
Filing date: 2020-09-03
Publication date: 2022-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-03
Also published as: MX2022002658A; WO2021046251A1; KR20220054642A; EP4025858A4; EP4025858B1; EP4025858C0

Abstract

A steam condensation unit is a V-type induced-draft condenser system having a single, integrated condensate manifold. This integrated manifold combines the functions of conventional lower-region structural support, multiple condensate collection manifolds and a condensate collection tank. The integrated manifold serves as a base assembly to which framing and finned-tube bundles may be attached, and bears all loading from elements of the steam condensation unit disposed above the integrated condensate manifold.

Description

STEAM CONDENSATION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED CONDENSATE MANIFOLD

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/896,192, filed September 5, 2019, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This application relates generally to a steam condensation system, and more particularly, to an air-cooled condenser system having a multi-function condensate manifold. The steam condensation system extracts heat from steam to provide resultant condensate, such as for reuse in an industrial process.

Background

[0003] Installations for condensing exhaust steam are used in the power generation, chemical production, and petrochemical industries to remove low-potential heat via steam condensation. Generally, an air-cooled condenser provides for a cool ambient air flow to allow for thermal transfer of heat from hot steam. As a result, the steam is condensed and the condensed liquid, such as water, collected. The condensed liquid can be reused or returned to a source.

[0004] An exemplary air-cooled condenser is an A-frame condenser. Hot steam is transferred to a steam distribution manifold at an upper portion of the condenser. The steam distribution manifold fluidly connects with oppositely angled cooling bundles, such as finned-tube bundles, which form the shape of an A having the steam distribution manifold at the uppermost apex. Cool ambient air is moved over the finned-tube bundles by a fan disposed at a lower portion of the condenser. Steam is drawn from the steam distribution manifold into the tube bundles via a vacuum effect caused by the change in temperature, because the reduced temperature within the tubes will yield an increase in the steam-vapor density, until ultimately the steam undergoes a phase transformation to liquid water. As steam in the finned-tube bundles is cooled, causing condensation of the steam to liquid, it flows down within tubes of the finned-tube bundles to oppositely disposed respective condensate collection manifolds. A support structure provides for positioning of the condenser spaced above a support foundation, to allow for flow of the air drawn into the condenser by the fan. The condenser provides a closed loop system, where collected condensate in the collection manifolds is transferred to a larger storage tank, such as a boiler or intermediate storage. Non-condensable gases are removed by one or more air evacuation units fluidly connected with the finned-tube bundles and condensate collection manifolds.

[0005] Such an air-cooled condenser, also is referred to in the industry as a dry cooling condenser because cooling liquid such as water is not contacted with the steam (i.e. ‘wetting’ it) to absorb its energy and condense it. Dry condensers provide numerous advantages over wet cooling condensers, in which a cooling fluid such as liquid water contacts the steam to condense it, because they consume little to no additional water and therefore are more environmentally sound.

[0006] V-type induced-draft condensers are similar to the A-frame ones discussed above, the principal difference being that the finned-tube bundles are angled inwardly towards one another at a lower region of the bundles, rather than diverging at the lower region, and also that the cooling is induced by a fan located above the bundles rather than below or at the lower region. The fan in the V-type induced draft condensers is located at an upper portion of the condenser generally adjacent to oppositely disposed steam distribution manifolds. Respective finned-tube bundles angle inwards as they proceed downward, away from the steam manifolds, to respective condensate collection manifolds, which are then drained to a larger collection tank. Structural support at the lower portion of the V-shape again supports the condenser above a support foundation, while providing for considerable load support due to live loads resulting from the equipment and external forces, together with the structural weight of the condenser.

Brief Summary

[0007] The steam condensation system disclosed herein provides a scalable, single, integrated condensate manifold for use in a modular air-cooled condensation unit. The integrated condensate manifold combines conventional functions of lower-region structural support, multiple condensate collection manifolds and a condensate collection tank. The manifold serves as a base assembly of a respective modular condensation system to which framing, finned-tube bundles and a fan support structure are attached, and also exclusively bears the weight loading of these components.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect, a steam condensation unit includes a heat exchanging tube bundle adapted to permit fluid flow from an upper region thereof to a lower region thereof, a steam distribution manifold in fluid communication with said upper region of said heat-exchanging tube bundle to allow fluid to flow from the steam distribution manifold into the heat exchanging tube bundle, a fan for drawing air over the heat exchanging tube bundle, and an integrated condensate manifold disposed at a lower region of the steam condensation unit and in fluid communication with said lower region of said heat exchanging tube bundle to allow fluid to flow from the heat exchanging tube into the integrated condensate manifold. Said integrated condensate manifold comprises a condensate collection volume for receiving condensate from the heat exchanging tube bundle, a condensate storage volume for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume, and a vertically-extending internal support wall for bearing loads from elements of the steam condensation unit disposed above the integrated condensate manifold.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, a steam condensation unit includes a pair of heat exchanging tube bundles arranged in a V-shape, a steam distribution manifold fluidly coupled to an upper portion of at least one of the heat exchanging tube bundles for delivering steam thereto, a fan for drawing air over the pair of heat exchanging tube bundles, and an integrated condensate manifold disposed centrally relative to the pair of heat exchanging tube bundles and fluidly coupled to lower regions of both said heat exchanging tube bundles. The integrated condensate manifold has a longitudinally- extending body defining therein a condensate collection volume for receiving condensate from the pair of heat exchanging tube bundles, and a condensate storage volume for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume. The condensate collection volume and the condensate storage volume are separated by a partition, said condensate collection volume and said condensate storage volume being in fluid communication with one another via a first tube extending between the partition and a first outlet disposed in a lower region of the condensate storage volume, and via a second tube extending between the partition and a second outlet disposed in an upper region of the condensate collection volume.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect, an integrated condensate manifold includes a longitudinally-extending body defining therein a condensate collection volume for receiving condensate from a heat exchanging tube bundle, and a condensate storage volume for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume, said condensate collection volume being disposed within said body below the condensate collection volume. A pair of coupling sections are oppositely disposed relative to one another across a vertically-extending imaginary mid-plane of the longitudinally-extending body, each for fluidly coupling to a respective heat exchanging tube bundle. The pair of coupling sections extend vertically from the longitudinally-extending body at opposing acute angles relative to the mid-plane, and the pair of coupling sections are fluidly coupled to the condensate collection volume. The integrated condensate manifold further includes a partition separating the condensate collection area from the condensate storage area, a vertically-extending internal support wall for bearing weight loads from elements supported on the integrated condensate manifold, a first transfer tube extending between the partition and a first outlet disposed in a bottom region of the condensate storage volume, and a second transfer tube extending between the partition and a second outlet disposed in an upper region of the condensate collection volume.

[0011] The foregoing and other features are hereinafter described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front schematic view partially in cross-section of a condensate collection system according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a partial side schematic view of the condensate collection system of FIG. 1 , with steam distribution manifolds removed.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a single condenser unit of the condensate collection system of FIG. 1 , taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2. [0016] FIG. 4 is an external view of yet another condenser unit according to the present disclosure, shown without lower support structure and with self-supporting tubing bundles.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the condenser unit of FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an external view of the integrated condensate manifold of the condenser unit of any of FIGS. 3 to 5, shown separated from a remainder of the condenser unit. A portion of the body of the integrated condensate manifold is cut away allowing for view of internal aspects.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated condensate manifold taken along line B-B of FIG. 6.

Detailed Description

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a steam condensation system 20 of a plurality of steam condensation units 24 is schematically depicted. Each of the illustrated steam condensation units 24 includes a mechanical group 26 having a fan 28, at least one steam distribution manifold 30 for transporting hot steam from an external process, a pair of finned tubing bundles 32, an integrated condensate manifold 40 for collecting and storing condensate, an upper partition support structure 42, and a lower support structure 44. In some embodiments, the lower support structure 44 may be omitted, where the integrated condensate manifold 40 is instead mounted closer to or directly to the respective support foundation 46.

[0021] The illustrated system 20 includes steam condensation units 24 arranged in a 4x6 matrix configuration. The integrated condensate manifolds 40 of longitudinally adjacent condensation units 24 (as shown in FIG. 2) are fluidly coupled together at or adjacent their ends. Likewise, the steam distribution manifolds 30 of longitudinally adjacent condensation units 24 are fluidly coupled together at or adjacent their ends (as shown in FIG. 2), and also are shared between the laterally adjacent units 24 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Steam condensation units 24 disposed at longitudinal ends of the system 20 include steam distribution manifolds 30 and integrated condensate manifolds 40 having closed ends to provide for a closed system. At least some of the lower support structures 44 are coupled to one another across the lateral direction and/or across the longitudinal direction via support struts 50 to provide cross-bracing for increased lateral structural support of the condensation units 24.

[0022] In alternative embodiments, any number of steam condensation units 24 may be coupled to one another via any other suitable configuration. In some embodiments, any of the longitudinally adjacent condensation units 24 may have condensate manifolds 40 and/or one or more steam distribution manifolds 30 that are not fluidly coupled at or adjacent the ends, but instead are respectively fluidly separated from one another, such as via a respective plate or wall (not shown).

[0023] Turning now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a single condensation unit 24 is depicted in detail. A pair of steam distribution manifolds 30 are disposed at an upper region of the steam condensation unit 24. The steam distribution manifolds 30 deliver hot steam (or other vapor) to the upper region of the condensation unit 24, and specifically to upper openings of the tubing bundles 32. Though a pair of steam distribution manifolds 30 has been disclosed for each condensation unit 24, in other embodiments, a different number of steam distribution manifolds 30, one or more, may be suitable.

[0024] The opposing finned tubing bundles 32 descend from respective steam distribution manifolds 30. The bundles 32 allow for vertical flow of fluid from the upper region of the unit 24 to a lower region of the unit 24. The bundles 32 are arranged in a V-shape, typically at an acute angle of about 60° from horizontal, although other angles may be suitable. The tubing bundles 32 are referred to as “finned” due to fins provided at outer surfaces of the adjacently-connected tubes of each bundle 32, which fins provide for increased heat exchange area between an external fluid, such as air passing over the bundles, and the internal fluid being the steam/condensate flowing within the tubes. [0025] The arrangement of the tubing bundles 32 is at least partially fixed by an upper partition support structure 42, which is internal to the front and rear cover support portions 39 (FIG. 1 ). The tubing bundles 32 also are partially fixed by the integrated condensate manifold 40 at the lower region of the condensation unit 24. While a pair of tubing bundles 32 are illustrated, fewer or more tubing bundles 32 may be included in other embodiments. For example, tubing bundles may be provided at alternative angles, or tubing bundles may be provided adjacent or continuous with one another, such as being stacked. [0026] The illustrated upper partition support structure 42 includes a lattice of support elements, such as solid metal beams, rods, tubing or trusses. The cross- sectional view of FIG. 3 illustrates vertically extending-elements, though other laterally- extending elements could be used. The illustrated vertically-extending elements extend from the fan base 43 to the tubing bundles 32. Laterally-extending elements could extend between the opposite tubing bundles 32 to provide cross-bracing. In other embodiments, other arrangements may be suitable, such as including diagonally-extending elements, such as beams, rods, tubing, trusses, etc. forming various lattices.

[0027] The mechanical group 26 includes a fan 28 for drawing (or directing) air along the heat exchanging tube bundles 32 to facilitate condensation. The mechanical group 26 is supported above the upper partition support structure 42, with the fan base 43 fitted over the partition structure 42. A vertically-extending mechanical group support 54 also extends through a center of the partition support structure 42 from the integrated condensate manifold 40, and provides additional support to the fan base 43. The support 54 may have any suitable configuration, such as a latticed-support, column or pillar. [0028] An access area 56 is provided through each of the mechanical group support 54 and the upper partition support structure 42 to allow for access to internal elements of the unit 24, such as to the integrated condensate manifold 40. An upper surface of the integrated condensate manifold 40 provides a generally horizontal surface 60 providing an access walkway along the access area 56. The access walkway is disposed generally centrally along a lateral length 62 of the unit 24, between the bundles 32.

[0029] The lower support structure 44 extends vertically along a vertical mid-plane 64 of the steam condensation unit 24 and allows for the unit 24 to be supported spaced from the foundation 46. In the illustrated embodiment, a central longitudinal axis of the lower support structure 44 extends generally colinearly with a central longitudinal axis of the mechanical group support 54.

[0030] As depicted in FIG. 3, the integrated condensate manifold 40 is disposed at a lower region of the steam condensation unit 24 and provides the exclusive means for connecting and supporting the unit 24 to and on the lower support structure 44. The condensate manifold 40 exclusively bears the weight loading of elements of the unit 24 disposed above the condensate manifold 40 (e.g., the steam distribution tubing 30, tubing bundles 32, upper partition support structure 42, mechanical group 26, and mechanical group support 54).

[0031] The manifold 40 extends longitudinally (into the page of FIG. 3) along a length of the steam condensation unit 24, generally orthogonal to the lateral extent 62 (direction illustrated via broken-arrow line in Fig. 3) of the unit 24. In particular, the condensate manifold 40 extends along a full length of the unit 24 to maximize support and condensate storage provided by the manifold 40. Separately, the manifold 40 is arranged generally centrally between opposite lateral ends of the unit 24 to provide uniform support of the elements of the condensation unit 24 disposed above the integrated condensate manifold 40.

[0032] Turning now to an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, a condenser unit 25 is illustrated including self-supporting tubing bundles 33 and with a lower support structure omitted. The self-supporting tubing bundles 33 are provided with sufficient external and/or internal support to prevent sagging absent other external support acting on the self-supported bundles. An example of such self-supported bundle can be found in German Patent Application Publication No. DE 102014112707 A1. The respective manifold 40 is mounted to a respective support foundation 46. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the manifold 40 exclusively bears the weight loading of elements of the unit 25 disposed above the condensate manifold 40.

[0033] Due to the tubing bundles 33 being self-supporting, an internal upper partition structure 41 is reduced as compared to the condenser unit embodiment 24 of FIG. 3. Flere, the upper partition structure 41 includes a minimal construction of horizontal, vertical and intermediate support elements, allowing for a reduction in material cost, complexity and assembly time as compared to condensers lacking self-supporting tubing bundles.

[0034] Referring next to FIGS. 6 and 7, an integrated condensate manifold 40 of any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 is illustrated in greater detail. The integrated condensate manifold 40 is coupled to the heat exchanging tube bundles 32, 33 to allow for fluid transfer of condensate from each heat exchanging tube bundle to the manifold 40, which provides the sole condensate collection structure of the respective steam condensation unit 24, 25. The condensate manifold 40 includes a body 70 defining a cavity therein for condensate collection and storage. One or more manifold saddles 69 are disposed at a bottom-most section of the manifold 40 for providing stability to the body 70 and also for providing a connection location for the lower support structure 44. The illustrated saddles 69 are longitudinally separated from one another along a length of the body 70, such as being equidistant from one another, and at leas partially surround the body 70. The illustrated body 70 has a cylindrical shape, although other shapes may be suitable.

[0035] A pair of coupling sections 71 extends longitudinally along the length of the manifold body 70, such as along its full length. The pair of coupling sections 71 are oppositely disposed relative to an imaginary vertically-extending mid-plane 73 of the longitudinally-extending manifold body 70, each for fluidly coupling to a respective heat exchanging tube bundle 32, 33. As shown, the lower section of a respective tube bundle 32, 33 is received into one or more cavities of the respective coupling section 71. In other embodiments, this relationship may be reversed, with an aspect of the respective coupling section 71 being received into an aspect of the respective tube bundle 32, 33. The pair of coupling sections 71 extend vertically from the longitudinally-extending body 70 at opposing acute angles relative to the mid-plane 73, such as about 60°, or at any other suitable angle in other embodiments. The pair of coupling sections 71 are fluidly coupled to a condensate collection volume 72 within the manifold body 70 and extend generally along a majority of the longitudinal length of the manifold body 70.

[0036] The manifold body 70 defines therein the condensate collection volume 72 and a condensate storage volume 74 vertically-separated from one another by a partition 76, which is depicted as being generally horizontally-extending. The condensate collection volume 72 is disposed vertically above the condensate storage volume 74 and has a lesser volume than the condensate storage volume 74. The condensate collection volume 72 is provided for receiving condensate from the heat exchanging tube bundles 32, 33, while the condensate storage volume (or condensate storage tank area) 74 is provided for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume 72. [0037] A plurality of transfer tubes 78, 80 provide for draining of liquid condensate from the condensate collection are 72 to the larger volume of the condensate storage tank area 74, and also for removal of non-condensable gases that may pass into the storage area 74 or separate from liquid condensate within the storage area 74. Generally, a pair of transfer tubes 78 and 80 extend in generally opposite directions from the horizontally-extending partition 76 to respective outlets 82 and 86 in the vertically- opposite condensate collection area 72 and condensate storage tank area 74.

[0038] More particularly, at least one liquid transfer tube 78 extends from the horizontally-extending partition 76 to an outlet 82 disposed in a lower portion of the condensate storage volume 74. In some embodiments, the outlet 82 may be disposed in a lower quarter of the volume of the storage area 74, such as adjacent an internal bottom surface 84 of the condensate storage volume 74. In this way, the outlet 82 is provided below a liquid-vapor interface within the storage area 74 to promote transfer of only liquid from the collection area 72 to the storage area 74.

[0039] At least one gas transfer tube 80 extends from the horizontally-extending partition 76 to an outlet 86 disposed in an upper portion of the condensate collection volume 72. In this way, any gases having been transferred to the storage area 74, and/or separated from the condensate therein, may freely return to the collection area 72 and then to an air evacuation route of the steam condensation unit 24, 25. For example, non condensable gases are removed via an air evacuation unit, not shown, e.g. disposed at the fan base 43 and fluidly coupled to the condensate collection volume 72 of the integrated condensate manifold 40 via non-condensable gas tubing (not shown), e.g. extending parallel with the tubing of the finned tubing bundles 32, 33.

[0040] Also disposed within the body 70 of the integrated condensate manifold 40 is a vertically-extending internal support wall 90 that supports the transfer of loading to the support foundation 46 from elements of the condensation unit 24, 25 disposed above the integrated condensate manifold 40. This vertically-extending internal support wall 90, the lower support structure 44, and the vertically-extending mechanical group support 54 are generally laterally-aligned with one another to aid in direct vertical transfer of loading forces between the mechanical group support 54 and the lower support structure 44. In view of this relative positioning, the illustrated internal support wall 90 directly supports at least the fan 28 of the mechanical group 26. [0041] The internal wall support 90 extends orthogonally relative to the horizontally-extending partition 76. The vertically-extending internal wall support 90 longitudinally divides, such as bisects, the integrated condensate manifold 40, and thus divides each of the condensate collection volume 72 and the condensate storage volume 74 into respective laterally-separated sections 72a and 72b, and 74a and 74b, respectively. For this reason, the depicted manifold 40 includes a pair of liquid transfer tubes 78 and a pair of gas transfer tubes 80, with one liquid transfer tube 78 and one gas transfer tube 80 being disposed at each lateral side across the internal support wall 90. In some embodiments, the internal wall support 90 may include windows or passages therethrough (not shown), allowing for fluid communication between the upper condensate collection sections 72a and 72b and/or between the lower condensate storage sections 74a and 74b.

[0042] In use of the steam condensation units 24 and 25, hot steam flows from the external process to the steam distribution manifold 30, then through the tube bundles 32, 33, and from there to the condensate manifold 40 along a closed path, providing a dry condensation process. Combining what conventionally are at least two separated and smaller-volume condensate collection tubes, together with the condensate storage tank, allows for higher net positive suction head at a down-line pump, reducing risk of cavitation. More importantly, use of a sole condensate manifold 40 minimizes sub-cooling of the fluid(s) flowing through them due to reduced surface area available for heat exchange with the outside. Sub-cooling refers to cooling of the condensate beyond an immediately reusable temperature and/or to freezing or slushing of the condensate, thus hindering fluid transfer within the unit 24, 25. Notably, all of the aforementioned collection tubes and storage tank(s) now reside together in a single manifold, thus yielding a greater collective thermal mass than any of them alone, and decreasing the rate of heat transfer to the outside. Particularly, the integrated condensate manifold 40 provides a reduced external surface area-to-volume ratio of for condensate contained in the collection tubes/storage tank(s) compared to having two separate condensate collection units and a separate condensate storage tank, thus reducing area for thermal exchange between the condensate and the external environment. This reduces the available cooling duty for a given cold sink outside the manifold 40, and minimizes sub-cooling of the contained condensate, as well as slush production. This also reduces area where possible corrosion could take place over time, in view of lesser external ice buildup.

[0043] Additionally, by combining the lower-region structural support with multiple condensate collection manifolds and a condensate collection tank into a single and scalable manifold, simpler and more efficient construction of the associated steam condensation system is made possible. For example, the steam condensation unit 24, 25 has higher rigidity than conventional units due to centralizing of condensate collection, because the centrally positioned condensate imparts active loading to the vertically- integrated system. The higher rigidity reduces vibration in the unit 24, providing for further stability, and reduced need for complex, expensive, and heavy support elements. In some cases, less material or less-costly materials can be used for the condensation unit 24, 25 due to reduction in need for conventional, strong support structure. Additional material and space can be saved because an external condensate storage tank and associated tubing are no longer required.

[0044] During construction, the integrated condensate manifold 40 aids in increasing the modularity of the respective steam condensation unit with which it is utilized. As compared to the multitude of elements used to construct conventional condensation units, the disclosed steam condensation unit 24, 25 integrates numerous components (i.e. collection manifolds and condensation tanks) into a single module (the integrated condensate manifold 40), thus reducing time and complexity during construction on location. Further, the integrated condensate manifold 40 is scalable in length and in its overall proportions to meet different-scale applications.

[0045] In summary, a steam condensation unit 24, 25 of the present disclosure is a V-type induced-draft condenser system having a single, integrated condensate manifold 40. This integrated manifold 40 combines the functions of conventional lower-region structural support, multiple condensate collection manifolds and a condensate collection tank. The integrated manifold 40 serves as a base assembly to which framing 41 , 42, 44, 54 and finned-tube bundles 32, 33 may be attached, and bears all loading from elements of the steam condensation unit 24, 25 disposed above the integrated condensate manifold. [0046] The steam condensation system or integrated condensate manifold disclosed herein is not limited to use with water, whether fresh or saltwater, but also may be applicable to other condensable gases. The integrated condensate manifold has particular application to large scale industrial processes and to providing dry-type cooling and condensation. The integrated condensate manifold also has particular application to V-type induced draft condensers, although the concepts described herein alternatively may be applied to other condenser types, such as A-frame condensers.

[0047] The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification and can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A steam condensation unit, comprising: a heat exchanging tube bundle adapted to permit fluid flow from an upper region thereof to a lower region thereof; a steam distribution manifold in fluid communication with said upper region of said heat exchanging tube bundle to allow fluid to flow from the steam distribution manifold into the heat exchanging tube bundle; a fan for drawing air over the heat exchanging tube bundle; and an integrated condensate manifold disposed at a lower region of the steam condensation unit and in fluid communication with said lower region of said heat exchanging tube bundle to allow fluid to flow from the heat exchanging tube into the integrated condensate manifold, said integrated condensate manifold comprising a condensate collection volume for receiving condensate from the heat exchanging tube bundle, a condensate storage volume for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume, and a vertically-extending internal support wall for bearing loads from elements of the steam condensation unit disposed above the integrated condensate manifold.

2. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , wherein the integrated condensate manifold provides the exclusive condensate collection structure of the steam condensation unit.

3. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , the integrated condensate manifold being disposed laterally at a center of said steam condensation unit.

4. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , the integrated condensate manifold extending longitudinally along a full length of the steam condensation unit.

5. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , the condensate storage volume being larger than the condensate collection volume.

6. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , further comprising a fan support structure extending vertically between the fan and the integrated condensate manifold for supporting the fan.

7. The steam condensation unit of claim 6, the vertically-extending wall of the integrated condensate unit and the vertically-extending fan support structure being laterally aligned with one another.

8. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , wherein an upper surface of the integrated condensate manifold is a generally horizontal walkway.

9. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of said heat exchanging tube bundles arranged in a V-shape and each fluidly coupled to the integrated condensate manifold at the respective lower regions thereof.

10. The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , the tube bundle being self- supporting.

11 . The steam condensation unit of claim 1 , wherein the integrated condensate manifold bears all weight loading of all elements of the steam condensation unit disposed above the integrated condensate manifold.

12. A system comprising a plurality of the steam condensation units of claim 1

, wherein respective steam distribution manifolds of the plurality of steam condensation units are in fluid communication with one another, and respective integrated condensate manifolds of the plurality of steam condensation units are in fluid communication with one another.

13. A steam condensation unit, comprising: a pair of heat exchanging tube bundles arranged in a V-shape; a steam distribution manifold fluidly coupled to an upper portion of at least one of the heat exchanging tube bundles for delivering steam thereto; a fan for drawing air over the pair of heat exchanging tube bundles; and an integrated condensate manifold disposed centrally relative to the pair of heat exchanging tube bundles and fluidly coupled to lower regions of both said heat exchanging tube bundles, the integrated condensate manifold having a longitudinally- extending body defining therein a condensate collection volume for receiving condensate from the pair of heat exchanging tube bundles, and a condensate storage volume for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume, wherein the condensate collection volume and the condensate storage volume are separated by a partition, said condensate collection volume and said condensate storage volume being in fluid communication with one another via a first tube extending between the partition and a first outlet disposed in a lower region of the condensate storage volume, and via a second tube extending between the partition and a second outlet disposed in an upper region of the condensate collection volume.

14. The steam condensation unit of claim 13, the first outlet being disposed adjacent an internal bottom surface of the condensate storage volume.

15. The steam condensation unit of claim 13, wherein the integrated condensate manifold further comprising a vertically-extending wall for directly supporting at least the fan.

16. The steam condensation unit of claim 13, the condensate collection volume being disposed above the condensate storage volume, said partition extending horizontally therebetween within the body of the integrated condensate manifold.

17. The steam condensation unit of claim 13, the tube bundles each being self- supporting.

18. The steam condensation unit of claim 13, wherein the integrated condensate manifold bears all weight loads of all elements of the steam condensation unit disposed above the integrated condensate manifold.

19. An integrated condensate manifold, comprising: a longitudinally-extending body defining therein a condensate collection volume for receiving condensate from a heat exchanging tube bundle, and a condensate storage volume for receiving and storing condensate from the condensate collection volume, said condensate collection volume being disposed within said body below the condensate collection volume; a pair of coupling sections oppositely disposed relative to one another across a vertically-extending imaginary mid-plane of the longitudinally-extending body, each for fluidly coupling to a respective heat exchanging tube bundle, the pair of coupling sections extending vertically from the longitudinally-extending body at opposing acute angles relative to the mid-plane, and the pair of coupling sections being fluidly coupled to the condensate collection volume; a partition separating the condensate collection area from the condensate storage area; a vertically-extending internal support wall for bearing weight loads from elements supported on the integrated condensate manifold; a first transfer tube extending between the partition and a first outlet disposed in a bottom region of the condensate storage volume; and a second transfer tube extending between the partition and a second outlet disposed in an upper region of the condensate collection volume.

20. The integrated condensate manifold of claim 19, wherein the vertically- extending wall divides each of the condensate collection volume and the condensate storage volume into laterally-separated sections, and wherein the integrated condensate manifold includes a pair of said first transfer tubes and a pair of said second transfer tubes respectively providing communication between vertically adjacent of the lateral sections of the condensate collection volume and the condensate storage volume.