A multi-module unit steam generator and control method
By using alternating exhaust and storage control of multi-module unit steam generators, the problem of unstable output of low-power steam generators was solved, and continuous output of high-pressure steam was achieved, reducing energy consumption and equipment costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NEW WATT (FUJIAN) HIGH-TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing low-power steam generators are unable to output continuous and stable high-pressure steam, and increasing power consumption will increase operating costs and equipment requirements.
A multi-module unit steam generator is adopted. By alternately switching the exhaust and storage states of multiple steam generating units, the waste heat is used to maintain steam output, thereby achieving continuous, stable, and high-pressure steam output.
Without increasing total power consumption, continuous and stable high-pressure steam output was achieved, avoiding increased energy consumption and equipment costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN117628480B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of steam generator technology, and in particular to a multi-module steam generator and its control method. Background Technology
[0002] Steam possesses the characteristics of high temperature, high pressure, and cleanliness. Using steam as a cleaning medium offers advantages such as excellent stain removal and no harmful chemical emissions that pollute the environment. Therefore, steam has broad application prospects in the cleaning industry. Existing products already demonstrate the application of steam cleaning technology, such as steam car washes, steam mops, steam sterilizers, steam irons, and steam garment steamers.
[0003] To achieve optimal steam cleaning results, steam cleaning equipment typically needs to be able to output continuous and stable high-pressure steam. However, for low-power single-mode steam generators, it is difficult to output steam with the specified flow rate and pressure. Generally, this is achieved by increasing the power consumption of the steam generator. However, increased power consumption increases operating costs and also places higher demands on the performance of other auxiliary equipment.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a technical solution to generate continuous and stable high-pressure steam without increasing power consumption, so as to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides a multi-module steam generator and control method for outputting continuous and stable high-pressure steam.
[0006] This application is achieved through the following technical solution: a multi-module steam generator, which includes at least a first steam generating unit and a second steam generating unit. The first steam generating unit has a first steam outlet for discharging steam, and the second steam generating unit has a second steam outlet for discharging steam. The first steam outlet and the second steam outlet are switchably connected to a main steam discharge channel. When one of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit is in a steam discharge state connected to the main steam discharge channel to discharge steam, the other is in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam discharge channel and generating and storing steam.
[0007] As a further improvement of this application, either the first steam generating unit or the second steam generating unit stops generating steam when it is in the exhaust state.
[0008] As a further improvement of this application, the exhaust state of the first steam generating unit alternates with the exhaust state of the second steam generating unit, and the steam storage state of the first steam generating unit alternates with the steam storage state of the second steam generating unit.
[0009] As a further improvement of this application, the duration of the steam storage state of one of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit is equal to the duration of the steam exhaust state of the other.
[0010] As a further improvement to the technical solution of this application, the first steam outlet and the second steam outlet can be alternately connected to the main steam discharge channel through a two-position three-way valve.
[0011] As a further improvement of the technical solution of this application, the first steam generating unit has a first liquid inlet for inputting liquid, and the second steam generating unit has a second liquid inlet for inputting liquid, and the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet can be alternately connected to the main liquid input channel.
[0012] As a further improvement to the technical solution of this application, the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet alternately input liquid through the main liquid input channel.
[0013] As a further improvement of the technical solution of this application, the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit respectively include a fluid channel and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat and evaporate the liquid entering the fluid channel of the steam generating unit into steam when the steam generating unit is in a steam storage state, and the generated steam is stored in the fluid channel of the steam generating unit.
[0014] As a further improvement of the technical solution of this application, the fluid channel includes a liquid channel and a gas channel that are connected. During the flow of the liquid in the liquid channel, the liquid is heated and evaporated into steam, and the generated steam is stored in the gas channel.
[0015] As a further improvement of this application, the heating elements of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit alternately perform heating operations.
[0016] As a further improvement of this application, the heating element of the steam generating unit in the exhaust state is stopped to maintain steam output by utilizing waste heat.
[0017] This application also achieves this through the following technical solution: a control method for a multi-module steam generator, wherein the multi-module steam generator includes multiple steam generating units, each of the steam generating units including a liquid channel, a heating element, and a gas channel, and the control method includes:
[0018] When one of the plurality of steam generating units is controlled to be in a steam discharge state connected to the main steam discharge channel to discharge steam, the other one is controlled to be in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam discharge channel and storing steam.
[0019] In the exhaust state, the fluid channel of the steam generating unit is disconnected from the main liquid input channel, and the heating element of the steam generating unit stops heating.
[0020] In the steam storage state, the liquid channel of the steam generating unit is connected to the main liquid input channel, and the heating element of the steam generating unit starts heating.
[0021] The multi-module steam generator provided in this application has multiple steam generating units. When one of the multiple steam generating units is in a steam exhaust state connected to the main steam exhaust channel to discharge steam, another of the multiple steam generating units is in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam exhaust channel and storing steam. Through the alternating steam exhaust and steam storage of the multiple steam generating units, continuous steam output can be achieved. Moreover, since the steam generating unit in the steam storage state is in a relatively closed environment, the steam formed can be stored to increase the pressure, thereby the output steam has a higher pressure, which meets the requirements of continuous and stable discharge.
[0022] The multi-module steam generator provided in this application has multiple steam generating units, each with the same power consumption. However, at any given time, only one of these units is in a state of consuming energy to heat and store steam. Therefore, the total power consumption of the steam generating device is the same as that of the single unit, without increasing the total power consumption of the steam generator. In other words, continuous and stable output of high-pressure steam is achieved without increasing the total power consumption of the steam generator. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a system connection diagram of the multi-module steam generator of this application, which shows that the first steam generating unit is in the steam storage state and the second steam generating unit is in the steam exhaust state.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a system connection diagram of the multi-module steam generator of this application, which shows that the first steam generating unit is in the exhaust state and the second steam generating unit is in the storage state.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-module steam generator of this application.
[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the multi-module steam generator of this application.
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid channel and heating element in one embodiment of the multi-module steam generator of this application.
[0028] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1-First steam generating unit; 11-First fluid channel; 111-First liquid inlet; 112-First steam outlet; 12-First heating element; 2-Second steam generating unit; 21-Second fluid channel; 211-Second liquid inlet; 212-Second steam outlet; 22-Second heating element; 3-Exhaust steam two-position three-way valve; 31-Exhaust steam valve core; 4-Liquid inlet two-position three-way valve; 41-Liquid inlet valve core; 5-Main steam discharge channel; 6-Liquid source; 61-Main liquid input channel. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this application, the specific embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the technical features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. The embodiments described below are merely some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application provides a multi-module steam generator, which includes at least a first steam generating unit 1 and a second steam generating unit 2. The first steam generating unit 1 has a first steam outlet 112 for discharging steam, and the second steam generating unit 2 has a second steam outlet 212 for discharging steam. The first steam outlet 112 and the second steam outlet 212 are switchably connected to a main steam discharge channel 5. When one of the first steam generating unit 1 and the second steam generating unit 2 is in a steam discharge state connected to the main steam discharge channel 5 to discharge steam, the other is in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam discharge channel 5 and storing steam.
[0032] The multi-module steam generator provided in this application can achieve continuous steam output through the alternating exhaust and storage of multiple steam generating units. Moreover, since the steam generating unit is in a relatively closed environment during the storage state, the generated steam can be accumulated to form a large pressure, thereby making the output steam have a high pressure. Furthermore, the formation of the continuous, high-pressure steam does not require increasing the heating power of the steam generating unit, thus avoiding increased energy consumption and the adverse effects of high-power heating on the manufacturing cost and service life of various components of the product.
[0033] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment uses a steam generator comprising two steam generating units as an example for illustration. In this embodiment, the multi-module steam generator includes a first steam generating unit 1 and a second steam generating unit 2, which are identical. That is, the first steam generating unit 1 and the second steam generating unit 2 have the same structure and operating performance.
[0034] Please refer to the following: Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the first steam generating unit 1 includes a base and a first fluid channel 11 and a first heating element 12 cast in the base. The first fluid channel 11 can be wound into a flat spiral shape, and the first heating element 12 consists of multiple U-shaped heating tubes, which are sleeved in the flat spiral-shaped internal space formed by the first fluid channel 11. This arrangement of the heating tubes and fluid channel has the effects of high thermal efficiency and fast steam generation speed. The liquid can be heated and steamed into steam during the flow in the first fluid channel 11. The first fluid channel 11 has a first liquid inlet 111 and a first steam outlet 112. The first liquid inlet 111 is connected to the liquid input main channel 61 through an on / off controllable valve, and the first steam outlet 112 is connected to the steam output main channel 5 through an on / off controllable valve.
[0035] Please continue reading. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the structure of the second steam generating unit 2 is the same as that of the first steam generating unit 1. That is, in one embodiment, the second steam generating unit 2 includes a base and a second fluid channel 21 and a second heating element 22 cast in the base. The second fluid channel 21 can be wound into a flat spiral shape, and the second heating element 22 is a plurality of U-shaped heating tubes, which are sleeved in the flat spiral-shaped internal space formed by the second fluid channel 21. This arrangement of heating tubes and fluid channel has the effect of high thermal efficiency and fast steam generation speed. The liquid can be heated and steamed into steam during the flow in the second fluid channel 21. The second fluid channel 21 has a second liquid inlet 211 and a second steam outlet 212. The second liquid inlet 211 is connected to the liquid input main channel 61 through a valve that can be controlled to open or close, and the second steam outlet 212 is connected to the steam output main channel 5 through a valve that can be controlled to open or close. In this application, the fluid channel includes a liquid channel and a gas channel that are connected. The liquid is heated and evaporated into steam during the flow in the liquid channel, and the generated steam is stored in the gas channel.
[0036] Please refer to this carefully. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, either the first steam generating unit 1 or the second steam generating unit 2 stops generating steam in its exhaust state. That is, the steam generating unit in the exhaust state does not produce steam. This avoids the problem of uncontrollable steam quality when steam is being generated and discharged simultaneously. Specifically, stopping steam generation means that the steam generating unit does not input liquid and the heating element is not working. Steam generating units in the accumulating state generate steam by inputting liquid and operating the heating element, while simultaneously closing the steam outlet. The closed steam outlet of the accumulating steam generating unit creates a closed space in its fluid channel, allowing the generated steam to accumulate to a certain pressure, thus ensuring a higher pressure when the steam is discharged.
[0037] The steam generator of the multi-module unit alternates between the exhaust state of the first steam generating unit 1 and the exhaust state of the second steam generating unit 2, and also alternates between the steam storage state of the first steam generating unit 1 and the steam storage state of the second steam generating unit 2. That is, for each steam generating unit, its water intake, heating to generate steam, and steam discharge are intermittent, while the combination of the two steam generating units makes the entire steam generator's water intake, heating to generate steam, and steam discharge continuous. To ensure continuous steam output, in this embodiment, the duration of the steam storage state of one of the first steam generating unit 1 and the second steam generating unit 2 is equal to the duration of the exhaust state of the other. By reasonably matching the heating power of the heating element and the steam generation amount, the duration of each steam storage state can be made equal to the duration of each exhaust state. The heating element of the steam generating unit in the exhaust state stops working so that it can use residual heat to maintain steam output.
[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first steam outlet 112 and the second steam outlet 212 are switchably connected to the main steam discharge channel 5 via a two-position three-way exhaust valve 3. Figure 1 As shown, at this time, the valve core 31 of the two-position three-way exhaust valve 3 is located at the first steam outlet 112 of the first steam generating unit 1, that is, the first steam outlet 112 is closed and not connected to the main steam exhaust channel 5, while the second steam outlet 212 of the second steam generating unit 2 is connected to the main steam exhaust channel 5; this is the steam storage state of the first steam generating unit 1 and the steam exhaust state of the second steam generating unit 2. Figure 2 As shown, at this time, the valve core 31 of the two-position three-way valve 3 is located at the second steam outlet 212 of the second steam generating unit 2, that is, the second steam outlet 212 is closed and not connected to the main steam discharge channel 5, while the first steam outlet 112 of the first steam generating unit 1 is connected to the main steam discharge channel 5; at this time, the second steam generating unit 2 is in the steam storage state, and the first steam generating unit 1 is in the steam discharge state. Figure 1 The state shown is the same as Figure 2 The state shown is achieved by switching the position of the valve core 31 of the exhaust two-position three-way valve 3.
[0039] Similarly, the first steam generating unit 1 has a first liquid inlet 111 for inputting liquid, and the second steam generating unit 2 has a second liquid inlet 211 for inputting liquid. The first liquid inlet 111 and the second liquid inlet 211 are switchably connected to the main liquid input channel 61. Specifically, the main liquid input channel 61 is connected to the liquid source 6, and the first liquid inlet 111 and the second liquid inlet 211 are switched by a liquid inlet two-position three-way valve 4 to realize that the first liquid inlet 111 and the second liquid inlet 211 alternately input liquid through the main liquid input channel 61. Similar to the exhaust two-position three-way valve 3, the liquid inlet two-position three-way valve 4 has a valve core 41. By controlling the valve core 41 to switch between the first liquid inlet 111 and the second liquid inlet 211, the water inlet process of the first steam generating unit 1 and the second steam generating unit 2 is switched.
[0040] During the water intake process, the heating elements are activated simultaneously. Specifically, the first steam generating unit 1 and the second steam generating unit 2 each include a fluid channel and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat and evaporate the liquid entering the fluid channel of the steam generating unit into steam when the steam generating unit is in a steam storage state. During the steam storage state, the generated steam accumulates within the fluid channel of the steam generating unit. Corresponding to the water intake process, the heating elements of the first steam generating unit 1 and the second steam generating unit 2 alternately perform heating operations. The alternating operation of the first heating element 12 and the second heating element 22 ensures that the total heating power of the heating elements does not increase at any given time, while the generated steam has a higher pressure due to the pressurization process during the steam storage state.
[0041] It should be noted that the switching between the first steam outlet 112 and the second steam outlet 212 and the main steam discharge channel 5, as well as the switching between the first liquid inlet 111 and the second liquid inlet 211 and the main liquid input channel 61, are achieved through a two-position three-way valve. In other embodiments, each inlet and outlet can be equipped with an electrically controlled valve, whose on / off state is controlled by the controller signal to meet the steam discharge and storage requirements. For example, when the first steam outlet 112 and the second liquid inlet 211 are controlled to be open, the first liquid inlet 111 and the second steam outlet 212 are closed; when the first steam outlet 112 and the second liquid inlet 211 are controlled to be closed, the first liquid inlet 111 and the second steam outlet 212 are open.
[0042] It should be noted that the above explanation uses two steam generating units as an example. In other embodiments, the multi-module unit steam generator may also include three or more steam generating units. The control method can be that multiple steam generating units exhaust steam sequentially, or that several of them exhaust steam simultaneously while others simultaneously store steam.
[0043] This application also provides a control method for a multi-module steam generator, wherein the multi-module steam generator includes multiple steam generating units, each of which includes a fluid channel and a heating element, and the control method includes:
[0044] When one of the plurality of steam generating units is in a steam discharge state connected to the main steam discharge channel to discharge steam, the other one is in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam discharge channel and storing steam.
[0045] In the exhaust state, the fluid channel of the steam generating unit is disconnected from the main liquid input channel, and the heating element of the steam generating unit stops heating.
[0046] In the steam storage state, the fluid channel of the steam generating unit is connected to the main liquid input channel, and the heating element of the steam generating unit starts heating.
[0047] Furthermore, the control method includes: detecting the steam pressure of a steam generating unit in the exhaust state; when the steam pressure is less than a preset threshold, switching the steam generating unit to the steam storage state, and simultaneously switching another steam generating unit in the steam storage state to the exhaust state.
[0048] As described above in the specific embodiments, the multi-module steam generator provided in this application has multiple steam generating units. One of these steam generating units is in a steam exhaust state, connected to the main steam exhaust channel to discharge steam, while another is in a steam storage state, disconnected from the main steam exhaust channel and accumulating steam. The alternating steam exhaust and storage of multiple steam generating units enables continuous steam output. Furthermore, because the steam generating unit in the steam storage state is in a relatively closed environment, the generated steam can be accumulated to increase pressure, resulting in output steam with higher pressure, satisfying the requirements for continuous and stable discharge. The multi-module steam generator provided in this application has multiple steam generating units, each with the same power consumption. However, at any given time, only one unit is in the energy-consuming heating and steam storage state. Therefore, the total power consumption of the steam generating device is the same as that of a single unit, without increasing the total energy consumption of the steam generator. That is, without increasing the total power consumption of the steam generator, continuous and stable output of high-pressure steam is achieved.
[0049] This application is illustrated through several specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent substitutions can be made to this application without departing from its scope. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to this application for specific situations or circumstances without departing from the scope of this utility model. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but should include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A control method for a multi-module steam generator, wherein the multi-module steam generator includes multiple steam generating units, each steam generating unit including a liquid channel, a heating element, and a gas channel, the steam generating unit including a first steam generating unit and a second steam generating unit, the first steam generating unit having a first steam outlet for discharging steam, the second steam generating unit having a second steam outlet for discharging steam, and the first steam outlet and the second steam outlet being switchably connected to a main steam discharge channel; wherein, When one of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit is in a steam exhaust state connected to the main steam exhaust channel to discharge steam, the other is in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam exhaust channel to generate and store steam. Either the first steam generating unit or the second steam generating unit stops generating steam when it is in the exhaust state; The first steam outlet and the second steam outlet are switchably connected to the main steam discharge channel via a two-position three-way valve; The first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit each include a fluid channel and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat and evaporate the liquid entering the fluid channel of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit into steam when the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit are in a steam storage state. The generated steam is stored in the fluid channel of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit. The fluid channel includes a liquid channel and a gas channel that are connected. During the flow of the liquid in the liquid channel, the liquid is heated and evaporated into steam, and the generated steam is stored in the gas channel. The control method includes: When one of the plurality of steam generating units is in a steam discharge state connected to the main steam discharge channel to discharge steam, the other one is in a steam storage state disconnected from the main steam discharge channel to generate and store steam. In the exhaust state, the liquid channel of the steam generating unit is disconnected from the main liquid input channel, the heating element of the steam generating unit stops heating, and the steam pressure is maintained by the residual heat of the heating element to exhaust steam. In the steam storage state, the liquid channel of the steam generating unit is connected to the main liquid input channel, and the heating element of the steam generating unit starts heating to generate steam. Detect the steam pressure of the steam generation unit in the exhaust state; When the steam pressure is less than a preset threshold, the steam generating unit is switched to the steam storage state, and at the same time, another steam generating unit in the steam storage state is switched to the steam exhaust state.
2. The control method for the multi-module steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust state of the first steam generating unit alternates with the exhaust state of the second steam generating unit, and the steam storage state of the first steam generating unit alternates with the steam storage state of the second steam generating unit.
3. The control method for a multi-module steam generator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The duration of the steam storage state of one of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit is equal to the duration of the steam exhaust state of the other.
4. The control method for a multi-module steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first steam generating unit has a first liquid inlet for inputting liquid, and the second steam generating unit has a second liquid inlet for inputting liquid. The first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet can be switched alternately to input liquid through the main liquid input channel.
5. The control method for a multi-module steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating elements of the first steam generating unit and the second steam generating unit alternately perform heating operations.
6. The control method for a multi-module steam generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The heating element of the steam generating unit in the exhaust state stops working so that it can use the residual heat to maintain steam output.