A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a flooded cooling section

Abstract

A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section belongs to the technical field of heat exchange equipment. This invention solves the technical problems of large overall system footprint and low utilization rate in existing carbon dioxide energy storage systems due to the inherent structure of the condenser. The shell is internally divided into an upper condensation zone and a lower submerged cooling zone; the tube box is internally divided into four flow chambers by partition plates; a tube sheet is installed between the tube box and the shell, with both the condensation zone tube bundles and the submerged cooling zone tube bundles mounted on the tube sheet; a cooling zone cladding and baffles isolate the submerged cooling zone tube bundles from the condensation zone tube bundles; carbon dioxide enters the condensation zone through a gas inlet pipe, condenses into a liquid state through the condensation zone tube bundles, falls and enters the submerged cooling zone, where it is further cooled to below saturation temperature; cooling water enters from the tube box, flows through the multi-pass tube bundles, and then exits. It features high integration. This invention is used in carbon dioxide energy storage systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-flow shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section, belonging to the technical field of heat exchange equipment. Background Technology

[0002] As the global energy landscape accelerates its transition to renewable energy, supercritical carbon dioxide energy storage technology has emerged as a rising star in recent years, becoming a research focus in the energy storage field.

[0003] In carbon dioxide energy storage systems, the condenser is a key device for converting gaseous carbon dioxide into a liquid state, and its performance directly affects the overall system's operating efficiency and stability. To prevent cavitation of liquid carbon dioxide during transportation or subsequent processing, traditional system designs typically add a separate aftercooler heat exchanger after the condenser outlet to further cool the condensed saturated carbon dioxide below its saturation temperature. A storage tank is also required to maintain the carbon dioxide in a pure liquid state. While this series layout of "condenser + aftercooler + storage tank" meets process requirements, it also introduces problems such as a large number of devices, complex connecting pipelines, a large footprint, and high initial investment and maintenance costs. Furthermore, heat management and process coordination among multiple devices increase the difficulty of system control, resulting in low overall structural utilization and hindering its adoption in space-constrained or cost-effective applications. Therefore, achieving equipment integration and process compactness while ensuring condensation and subcooling functions has become an important research direction for improving the economy and practicality of carbon dioxide energy storage systems.

[0004] In summary, existing carbon dioxide energy storage systems suffer from technical problems such as large system footprint and low utilization rate due to the inherent structure of the condenser. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve the technical problems of large overall system footprint and low utilization rate in existing carbon dioxide energy storage systems due to the inherent structure of the condenser. Therefore, it proposes a multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section, which includes a tube box, a shell and a multi-pass tube bundle.

[0006] The interior of the shell is divided into an upper condensation zone and a lower submerged cooling zone;

[0007] The tube box is connected to one end of the shell, and the inside of the tube box is divided into four process chambers by partition plates;

[0008] A tube sheet is provided between the tube box and the shell. The multi-pass tube bundle passes through the shell and the tube box. The multi-pass tube bundle includes a condensation zone tube bundle located in the condensation zone and a submerged cooling zone tube bundle located in the cooling zone. Both the condensation zone tube bundle and the submerged cooling zone tube bundle are mounted on the tube sheet.

[0009] The submerged cooling zone tube bundle is provided with a cooling zone shell and baffles on the outside, which isolate the submerged cooling zone tube bundle from the condensation zone tube bundle.

[0010] Carbon dioxide enters the condensation zone through the gas inlet pipe at the top of the shell. After condensing into liquid through the tube bundle in the condensation zone, it falls and enters the submerged cooling zone, where it is further cooled to below the saturation temperature through the tube bundle in the cooling zone.

[0011] Cooling water enters from the pipe box, flows through the multi-pass tube bundle, and then exits.

[0012] As another improvement of the present invention, the pipe box is provided with a cylindrical flange, a flat end cap, a cooling water inlet pipe and a cooling water outlet pipe. The cylindrical flange and the flat end cap are fitted together and installed at the side end of the pipe box. The cooling water inlet pipe is located at the lower part of the pipe box and the cooling water outlet pipe is located at the upper part of the pipe box.

[0013] As another improvement of the present invention, the housing is provided with a pipe system guide rail and a carbon dioxide liquid outlet pipe;

[0014] Piping guide rails are installed at both ends of the submerged cooling zone to support the submerged cooling zone pipe bundles;

[0015] The liquid carbon dioxide outlet pipe is located at the bottom of the shell.

[0016] As another improvement of the present invention, tie rods and support plates are installed around the condensation zone tube bundle to support the condensation zone tube bundle.

[0017] As another improvement of the present invention, tie rods and baffles are installed around the submerged cooling zone tube bundle to support the submerged cooling zone tubes. The baffles can be a double-arched structure or a single-arched structure.

[0018] As another improvement of the present invention, the multi-flow tube bundle is configured with six flows, and four flow chambers are formed inside the tube box by a partition plate. The four flow chambers allow the cooling water in the multi-flow tube bundle to be discharged along a tortuous channel.

[0019] As another improvement of the present invention, the multi-flow tube bundle can also be configured as a four-flow or eight-flow tube bundle.

[0020] As another improvement of the present invention, the tube sheet is connected to the tube box and the shell by welding.

[0021] As another improvement of the present invention, the housing is provided with two saddle supports, one of which is a fixed support and the other is a sliding support.

[0022] As another improvement of the present invention, a low-friction sliding plate is provided between the sliding support and the mounting base of the carbon dioxide condenser.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] 1. High equipment integration and simplified system: By integrating the condensation section and the submerged cooling section into a single shell, the integrated treatment of carbon dioxide from "condensation to subcooling" is achieved, eliminating the need for separate aftercoolers and storage tanks, reducing the number of system equipment and simplifying pipeline connections.

[0025] 2. Highly targeted and reliable in operation; the structure is specifically designed for high-pressure carbon dioxide media. The high-pressure conditions on the shell side and the low-pressure conditions on the pipe side are effectively addressed through the welded connection between the tube sheet and the shell and tube box, which improves the sealing performance and pressure resistance of the equipment and ensures the stability and safety of the system under high pressure.

[0026] 3. Convenient inspection and maintenance, low maintenance cost: The pipe box adopts a flange connection and flat cover head design. When maintenance is required, only part of the cover plate needs to be removed, without removing the entire bulky pipe box, which significantly reduces the difficulty, space requirements and time cost of maintenance operations.

[0027] 4. Optimized process and efficient heat exchange: The multi-pass tube bundle design, combined with the partition structure inside the tube box, optimizes the cooling water flow path, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and ensures that liquid carbon dioxide can be fully cooled to below the saturation temperature, effectively preventing cavitation of downstream equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of a multi-flow shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of a multi-flow shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the pipe box.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-process tube bundle configured as a six-process layout.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the shell. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment describes a multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section, characterized in that it includes a tube box, a shell, and a multi-pass tube bundle.

[0035] The interior of the shell is divided into an upper condensation zone and a lower submerged cooling zone;

[0036] The tube box is connected to one end of the shell, and the inside of the tube box is divided into four process chambers by partition plate 1;

[0037] A tube sheet is provided between the tube box and the shell. The multi-pass tube bundle passes through the shell and the tube box. The multi-pass tube bundle includes a condensation zone tube bundle 2 located in the condensation zone and a submerged cooling zone tube bundle 3 located in the cooling zone. Both the condensation zone tube bundle 2 and the submerged cooling zone tube bundle 3 are mounted on the tube sheet.

[0038] The submerged cooling zone tube bundle 3 is provided with a cooling zone shell and baffle 4 on the outside, which isolate the submerged cooling zone tube bundle 3 from the condensation zone tube bundle 2.

[0039] Carbon dioxide enters the condensation zone through the gas inlet pipe 5 at the top of the shell. After condensing into liquid through the condensation zone tube bundle 2, it falls and enters the submerged cooling zone, where it is further cooled to below the saturation temperature by the cooling zone tube bundle.

[0040] Cooling water enters from the pipe box, flows through the multi-pass tube bundle, and then exits.

[0041] The equipment boasts high integration and a simplified system. By integrating the condensation section and the submerged cooling section into a single housing, it achieves integrated processing of carbon dioxide from condensation to subcooling, eliminating the need for separate aftercoolers and storage tanks, reducing the number of system devices, and simplifying piping connections. Optimized process and high heat exchange efficiency are achieved through a multi-pass tube bundle design, coupled with a partition structure within the tube box, which optimizes the cooling water flow path, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and ensures that liquid carbon dioxide is fully cooled below its saturation temperature, effectively preventing cavitation in downstream equipment.

[0042] Specific Implementation Method Two: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that the pipe box is equipped with a cylindrical flange, a flat end cap, a cooling water inlet pipe 7, and a cooling water outlet pipe 8. The cylindrical flange and the flat end cap are fitted together and installed at the side end of the pipe box. The cooling water inlet pipe 7 is located at the lower part of the pipe box, and the cooling water outlet pipe 8 is located at the upper part of the pipe box. Other components and connection methods are the same as in specific embodiment one.

[0043] Specific implementation method three: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that the shell is provided with a pipe system guide rail and a liquid outlet pipe 6;

[0044] Piping guide rails are installed at both ends of the submerged cooling zone to support the submerged cooling tube bundle 3. The pipe guide rails consist of round steel slides and support rails, primarily functioning to lift the tube bundle during installation and allow it to slide into the housing, providing support while also enabling free expansion. The liquid outlet pipe 6 is located at the bottom of the housing. Other components and connections are the same as in specific embodiments one or two.

[0045] Specific implementation method four: Combination Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that it has tie rods and support plates 9 installed around the condensation zone tube bundle 2 to support it. The tie rods serve to fix the baffles, support the tube bundle, and reduce vibration. The round steel bars around the tube bundle and the underside of the anti-impact plate are also tie rods. Other components and connection methods are the same as in specific embodiments one to three.

[0046] Specific Implementation Method Five: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that it has tie rods and baffles 10 installed around the submerged cooling zone tube bundle 3 to support the submerged cooling zone tubes. The baffles 10 can be either a double-arch or single-arch structure. The baffles force liquid carbon dioxide to repeatedly laterally scour the heat exchange tube bundle within the cooling zone, breaking the laminar boundary layer and significantly improving the heat transfer coefficient. This ensures that the carbon dioxide fully contacts the surface of the heat exchange tubes, improving cooling efficiency. The double-arch or single-arch structure can be applied to different engineering scenarios. Other components and connection methods are the same as in specific embodiments one to four.

[0047] Specific Implementation Method Six: Combination Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that the multi-pass tube bundle is configured as a six-pass system. The tube box contains four process chambers formed by partition plates 1, allowing cooling water to drain from the multi-pass tube bundle along a tortuous channel. The multi-pass tube bundle is a six-pass heat exchanger tube bundle, with six tube regions. The tube box contains four regions. Passage one of the tube bundles is the first separate region within the tube box, flowing into passage two of the tube bundle through a U-shaped tube. Passages two and three share the tube box and flow into passage four of the tube bundle through a U-shaped tube. Passages four and five share the tube box and flow into passage six of the tube bundle through a U-shaped tube. Other components and connections are the same as in specific embodiments one through five.

[0048] Specific implementation method seven: Combination Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that the multi-process control bundle can also be configured as a four-process or eight-process configuration. The purpose is to adapt to different application scenarios. Other components and connection methods are the same as in specific embodiments one through six.

[0049] Specific implementation method eight: Combination Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that it employs welded connections between the tube sheet and the tube box / shell. This design is highly targeted and reliable in operation; the structure is specifically designed for high-pressure carbon dioxide media. The welded connections between the tube sheet and the shell / tube box effectively address the high-pressure conditions on the shell side and the low-pressure conditions on the tube side, improving the equipment's sealing performance and pressure-bearing capacity, and ensuring the stability and safety of the system under high pressure. Other components and connection methods are the same as in specific embodiments one through seven.

[0050] Specific Implementation Method Nine: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that the housing has two saddle supports 11, one of which is a fixed support closer to the tube box, and the other is a sliding support. Other components and connections are the same as in specific embodiments one through eight.

[0051] Specific Implementation Method Ten: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment differs from specific embodiment one in that a low-friction sliding plate is provided between the sliding support and the mounting base of the carbon dioxide condenser to ensure free sliding. Other components and connection methods are the same as in specific embodiments one through nine.

[0052] Combination Figures 1 to 5 Explanation of the working principle of this invention:

[0053] Gaseous carbon dioxide enters the condensation zone from the upper part of the shell, exchanges heat with the cooling water in the tubes, and condenses into a saturated liquid. The liquid carbon dioxide enters the submerged cooling zone at the bottom under the action of gravity, and is laterally flushed by the cooling zone tube bundle under the guidance of the baffles, further cooling down to below the saturation temperature, forming a stable subcooled liquid before being discharged.

[0054] Cooling water enters from the tube box and flows through a multi-pass tube bundle, such as a six-pass tube bundle. In the condensation zone, it exchanges heat with gaseous carbon dioxide through condensation, and in the submerged cooling zone, it exchanges heat with liquid carbon dioxide through subcooling. Finally, it is discharged from the tube box outlet.

[0055] By arranging the condensation zone and cooling zone in the same shell and using multi-pass tube bundles in series for heat exchange, carbon dioxide condensation and subcooling can be completed continuously in one device, replacing the traditional system's multi-device combination of "condenser + aftercooler + storage tank".

[0056] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section, characterized in that... It includes tube boxes, housings, and multi-flow tube bundles; The interior of the shell is divided into an upper condensation zone and a lower submerged cooling zone; The tube box is connected to one end of the shell, and four process chambers are formed inside the tube box through the partition plate (1); A tube sheet is provided between the tube box and the shell. The multi-flow tube bundle passes through the shell and the tube box. The multi-flow tube bundle includes a condensation zone tube bundle (2) located in the condensation zone and a submerged cooling zone tube bundle (3) located in the cooling zone. Both the condensation zone tube bundle (2) and the submerged cooling zone tube bundle (3) are installed on the tube sheet. The submerged cooling zone tube bundle (3) is provided with a cooling zone shell and baffle (4) on the outside, which isolate the submerged cooling zone tube bundle (3) from the condensation zone tube bundle (2); Carbon dioxide enters the condensation zone through the gas inlet pipe (5) at the top of the shell. After condensing into liquid through the tube bundle (2) in the condensation zone, it falls and enters the submerged cooling zone. It is further cooled to below the saturation temperature through the tube bundle in the cooling zone. Cooling water enters from the pipe box, flows through the multi-pass tube bundle, and then exits.

2. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe box is equipped with a cylindrical flange, a flat cover head, a cooling water inlet pipe (7) and a cooling water outlet pipe (8). The cylindrical flange and the flat cover head are installed together at the side end of the pipe box. The cooling water inlet pipe (7) is located at the bottom of the pipe box, and the cooling water outlet pipe (8) is located at the top of the pipe box.

3. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is equipped with a pipe guide rail and a liquid outlet pipe (6). Pipe rails are installed at the left and right ends of the submerged cooling zone to support the submerged cooling zone tube bundle (3). The liquid outlet pipe (6) is located at the bottom of the shell.

4. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, Tie rods and support plates (9) are installed around the condensation zone tube bundle (2) to support the condensation zone tube bundle (2).

5. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The submerged cooling zone tube bundle (3) is surrounded by tie rods and baffles (10) to support the submerged cooling zone tubes. The baffles (10) can be either double-arch or single-arch structures.

6. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-flow tube bundle is configured with six flows. The tube box is divided into four flow chambers by a partition plate (1). The four flow chambers allow the cooling water in the multi-flow tube bundle to be discharged along the tortuous channel.

7. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-process control bundle can also be configured as a four-process or eight-process system.

8. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube sheet is connected to the tube box and shell by welding.

9. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The casing is provided with two saddle supports (11), one of which is a fixed support and the other is a sliding support.

10. A multi-pass shell-and-tube carbon dioxide condenser with a submerged cooling section according to claim 9, characterized in that, A low-friction sliding plate is provided between the sliding support and the mounting base of the carbon dioxide condenser.

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