Int. J. Advanced Intelligence Paradigms, Vol. 3, Nos. 3/4, 2011 203 Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Condensate system modelling in real time for a training power plant simulator Yadira Mendoza-Alegría* and Edgardo J. Roldán-Villasana Simulation Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas, Av Reforma 113, Col. Palmira, 62440 Cuernavaca, Mor., México E-mail: ymendoza@iie.og.mx E-mail: eroldan@iie.og.mx *Corresponding author Abstract: In this paper, the basis of the models of the condensate water and the air cooled condenser are presented. The models are part of a full scope simulator of a 450 MW combined cycle power plant. The simulator is executed in real time and is intended to be a support for the training of the operators of the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (the Mexican utility company). The simulator is presently in the final acceptance tests stage and is programmed to be in commercial operation in 2010. Here, are included a summary of the modelling methodology used to develop the referred models and the mathematical fundaments used to obtain the main equations. The tendencies of selected variables during a transient are displayed and analysed in order to probe the validity of the new generic models. Keywords: combined cycle power plant; real time simulator; process modelling; air cooled condenser. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Mendoza-Alegría, Y. and Roldán-Villasana, E.J. (2011) ‘Condensate system modelling in real time for a training power plant simulator’, Int. J. Advanced Intelligence Paradigms, Vol. 3, Nos. 3/4, pp.203–222. Biographical notes: Yadira Mendoza-Alegría received her BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos in 1991. Since 1992 she is a Researcher of the Simulation Department of the Electrical Research Institute. She has been involved in the developing of several real-time simulators for operators’ training, mostly for conventional, nuclear, geothermal and combined cycle power plants. Her interest areas are modelling and simulation of thermo-hydraulic phenomena and heat and mass transfer process. Edgardo J. Roldán-Villasana received his BSc as Chemical Engineer from the Autonomous Metropolitan University, México. In 1980; also his MSc in the Process Specialty (Chem. Eng.) from the National Autonomous University of México in 1986; and his PhD in Process Simulation from the University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology (UK) in 1992. Since 1980 is a Researcher of the Simulation Department of the Electrical Research Institute. He is the head of projects (including the gas-turbine simulator) and his work is related with the areas of modelling and simulation of thermal-hydraulics processes and transport phenomena. He has published about 50 papers in international journals and congresses, including chapters in three books.