Thermal power plant circulating cooling water quantity self-adaptive adjusting energy-saving equipment

By combining multi-source sensing units and dynamic control modules, adaptive adjustment of the circulating cooling water volume in thermal power plants is achieved, solving the problems of cooling effect fluctuations and energy waste, and improving the stability and efficiency of the system.

CN223941275UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-24QINGHAI HUANGHE HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520735631.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-18
Publication Date
2026-02-24
Estimated Expiration
2035-04-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing circulating cooling systems in thermal power plants struggle to achieve precise water volume regulation under factors such as load changes and seasonal temperature differences, resulting in fluctuating cooling performance and energy waste.

Method used

The system employs multi-source sensing units to collect data in real time, combined with a dynamic control module and a long short-term memory neural network model. It then uses a variable frequency circulating water pump and a proportional-integral regulating valve assembly to achieve adaptive adjustment of the cooling water volume, thus forming a closed-loop control system.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise matching of cooling water volume, reduces energy waste, improves system stability and reliability, and reduces operating costs.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of water-saving devices, and discloses a thermal power plant circulating cooling water quantity self-adaptive regulation energy-saving device which comprises a control unit, and a multi-source sensing unit, a dynamic regulation and control module and a communication interface are integrated in the control unit. The multi-source sensing unit collects water inlet temperature, water outlet temperature, unit load signals, water quality hardness and flow data of the circulating cooling water system in real time, and the multi-source sensing unit transmits the data to the dynamic regulation and control module through the communication interface. Data are collected in real time through the multi-source sensing unit, the dynamic regulation and control module optimizes the rotating speed of the variable-frequency circulating water pump and the opening degree of the electric valve assembly according to the data, and the circulating cooling water amount is distributed according to needs; for example, according to unit load and water temperature changes, the rotating speed of the water pump is accurately adjusted, energy waste caused by too large or too small cooling water flow is avoided, the energy utilization efficiency is effectively improved, and the operation cost of a thermal power plant is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water-saving device technology, specifically to an energy-saving device for adaptive adjustment of circulating cooling water volume in thermal power plants. Background Technology

[0002] In the operation of thermal power plants, the circulating cooling system plays a crucial role. During operation, a large amount of circulating cooling water is required to condense the exhaust steam from the turbines to maintain the unit's thermodynamic cycle efficiency. However, the load of a thermal power plant fluctuates frequently with changes in electricity demand, which places high demands on the regulation of the circulating cooling water volume.

[0003] In recent years, although some power plants have attempted to introduce variable frequency speed control technology or fuzzy control algorithms to optimize water flow regulation, existing technologies are mostly limited to single-parameter feedback control (such as outlet water temperature), lacking the ability to coordinate and optimize multiple factors such as cooling tower thermal characteristics, unit load changes, and seasonal temperature differences. For example, while conventional variable frequency control can reduce water pump power consumption, it is prone to regulation lag or oscillation under low load or low temperature conditions, leading to fluctuations in cooling effect; and control strategies based on fixed logic are difficult to adapt to the differences in heat transfer efficiency caused by seasonal changes in water source temperature, and there is still a problem of redundant energy consumption due to excessive water supply. Utility Model Content

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in thermal power plants. It has the advantages of precisely regulating the pump speed, avoiding energy waste caused by excessive or insufficient cooling water flow, and effectively improving energy utilization efficiency, thus solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an energy-saving device for adaptive adjustment of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant, comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit integrates a multi-source sensing unit, a dynamic control module and a communication interface, wherein the multi-source sensing unit collects in real time the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, unit load signal, water hardness and flow data of the circulating cooling water system, and the multi-source sensing unit transmits the data to the dynamic control module through the communication interface;

[0008] A water pump set, comprising at least two variable frequency circulating water pumps connected in parallel, wherein the variable frequency circulating water pumps are equipped with built-in frequency converters;

[0009] The piping system includes an inlet main pipe, an outlet main pipe, and several parallel cooling branches. Several cooling branches are connected between the inlet main pipe and the outlet main pipe, and each cooling branch is equipped with an independent electric valve assembly.

[0010] The electric valve assembly includes a proportional-integral control valve and a valve position feedback sensor. The valve stem of the proportional-integral control valve is mechanically coupled to the detection end of the valve position feedback sensor, and the output end of the valve position feedback sensor is connected to a communication interface via a signal line.

[0011] Preferably, the multi-source sensing unit includes a non-contact infrared thermometer and a spectral water quality analyzer. The infrared thermometer is installed on the outside of the pipe wall of the inlet and outlet water headers, and the spectral water quality analyzer is installed on the port of the inlet water header.

[0012] Preferably, the frequency converter is connected to the communication interface via the Modbus-RTU protocol, and the frequency converter feeds back the current, power and vibration data of the variable frequency circulating water pump to the dynamic control module in real time.

[0013] Preferably, the valve body surface of the proportional-integral control valve is coated with a nano-ceramic coating, the thickness of which is 20-50 micrometers and the surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm.

[0014] Preferably, the dynamic control module incorporates a long short-term memory neural network model, the proportional-integral control valve is driven by an electric actuator, the electric actuator adjusts the valve opening according to the control signal from the dynamic control module, and the valve position feedback sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual opening of the proportional-integral control valve.

[0015] Preferably, the control unit further includes a data analysis module, which is used to receive data collected by the multi-source sensing unit and information fed back by the valve position feedback sensor.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides an energy-saving device for adaptive adjustment of circulating cooling water volume in thermal power plants, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This utility model collects data in real time through a multi-source sensing unit, and the dynamic control module optimizes the speed of the variable frequency circulating water pump and the opening of the electric valve assembly accordingly to achieve on-demand distribution of circulating cooling water. For example, based on changes in unit load and water temperature, the pump speed is precisely adjusted to avoid energy waste caused by excessive or insufficient cooling water flow, effectively improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing the operating cost of thermal power plants. At the same time, the nano-ceramic coating on the surface of the proportional-integral control valve body reduces water flow resistance and further reduces energy consumption.

[0018] 2. This utility model constructs a multi-dimensional data acquisition network through multi-source sensing units, providing real-time parameters in all dimensions for the dynamic control module. The long short-term memory neural network model built into the dynamic control module deeply analyzes the data and accurately predicts the cooling water demand. The valve position feedback sensor provides real-time feedback on the valve opening, forming a closed-loop control system. This ensures that the proportional-integral regulating valve accurately regulates the cooling water volume. Whether the operating conditions of the thermal power plant change frequently or the water quality fluctuates, the system can respond quickly and control accurately, ensuring the stable operation of the circulating cooling system and improving the overall reliability and safety of the thermal power plant. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a logic block diagram of the control system of this utility model.

[0022] The components include: 1. Control unit; 11. Multi-source sensing unit; 111. Infrared thermometer; 112. Spectrometer water quality analyzer; 12. Dynamic control module; 13. Communication interface; 14. Data analysis module; 2. Water pump set; 21. Variable frequency circulating water pump; 211. Variable frequency drive; 3. Piping system; 31. Inlet main pipe; 32. Outlet main pipe; 33. Cooling branch; 4. Electric valve assembly; 41. Proportional-integral regulating valve; 42. Valve position feedback sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] Please see Figures 1-3 An adaptive adjustment energy-saving device for circulating cooling water in a thermal power plant includes a control unit 1. The control unit 1 integrates a multi-source sensing unit 11, a dynamic control module 12, and a communication interface 13. The multi-source sensing unit 11 collects the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, unit load signal, water hardness, and flow data of the circulating cooling water system in real time, and transmits the data to the dynamic control module 12 through the communication interface 13.

[0025] Water pump group 2, which includes at least two variable frequency circulating water pumps 21 connected in parallel, and the variable frequency circulating water pumps 21 have built-in frequency converters 211.

[0026] Piping system 3 includes an inlet main pipe 31, an outlet main pipe 32 and several parallel cooling branches 33. Several cooling branches 33 are connected between the inlet main pipe 31 and the outlet main pipe 32. Each cooling branch 33 is equipped with an independent electric valve assembly 4.

[0027] The electric valve assembly 4 includes a proportional-integral control valve 41 and a valve position feedback sensor 42. The valve stem of the proportional-integral control valve 41 is mechanically coupled to the detection end of the valve position feedback sensor 42. The output end of the valve position feedback sensor 42 is connected to the communication interface 13 through a signal line.

[0028] Specifically, the multi-source sensing unit 11 includes a non-contact infrared thermometer 111 and a spectral water quality analyzer 112. The infrared thermometer 111 is installed on the outside of the pipe wall of the inlet header 31 and the outlet header 32, and the spectral water quality analyzer 112 is installed on the port of the inlet header 31.

[0029] The advantages are that the non-contact infrared thermometer 111 monitors the temperature changes of the pipe walls of the inlet header 31 and the outlet header 32 in real time to obtain the thermodynamic state data of the circulating cooling water; the spectroscopic water quality analyzer 112 installed at the port of the inlet header 31 performs online spectral detection on the circulating water, and simultaneously obtains water quality characteristic data such as water hardness, suspended solids concentration and pollutant index; at the same time, the flow meter and unit load signal receiving module are integrated to collect flow data and unit load signals, thereby forming a multi-dimensional data acquisition network; these real-time parameters covering thermodynamic state, water quality characteristics and operating load are transmitted to the dynamic control module 12 to provide data support for the accurate calculation of the cooling water demand prediction model.

[0030] Specifically, the frequency converter 211 is connected to the communication interface 13 via the Modbus-RTU protocol, and the frequency converter 211 feeds back the current, power and vibration data of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21 to the dynamic control module 12 in real time.

[0031] The advantages are that the frequency converter 211 connects to the communication interface 13 via the Modbus-RTU protocol and interacts with the dynamic control module 12. During this process, the dynamic control module 12 generates speed commands for the frequency converter 211 based on the cooling water demand prediction model, enabling the speed of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21 to be adjusted in real time according to the actual cooling demand. This ensures that the circulating cooling water volume accurately matches the cooling demand under different operating conditions of the thermal power plant, avoiding energy waste or insufficient cooling caused by excessive or insufficient cooling water, effectively improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing operating costs. In addition, the frequency converter 211 provides real-time feedback on frequency conversion. The current, power, and vibration data of the circulating water pump 21 are sent to the dynamic control module 12, providing the system with key information on the equipment's operating status. Based on this data, the dynamic control module 12 can monitor the operating status of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21 in real time and promptly detect potential faults. For example, abnormal current may indicate overload or winding fault, power changes can reflect the load condition of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21, and vibration data helps to determine the operating status of mechanical components. Through the analysis and processing of this data, the system can take maintenance measures in advance to prevent equipment failures and ensure the stable and reliable operation of the thermal power plant's circulating cooling system.

[0032] Specifically, the valve body surface of the proportional-integral control valve 41 is coated with a nano-ceramic coating with a thickness of 20-50 micrometers and a surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm.

[0033] The advantages are that the proportional-integral control valve 41 is driven by an electric actuator and its valve opening is precisely adjusted according to the control signal of the dynamic control module 12, thereby flexibly controlling the cooling water volume of each cooling branch 33 and realizing the on-demand distribution of circulating cooling water volume under different operating conditions. The valve position feedback sensor 42 is mechanically coupled to the valve stem of the proportional-integral control valve 41, and provides real-time feedback on the actual opening information of the proportional-integral control valve 41, so that the dynamic control module 12 can accurately grasp the valve status, realize closed-loop control of the valve, and ensure the accuracy and stability of the adjustment. In addition, the nano-ceramic coating on the surface of the proportional-integral control valve 41 not only enhances the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the valve body and extends its service life, but also reduces water flow resistance due to its low surface roughness (Ra≤0.8μm), reduces energy consumption, and improves the operating efficiency and reliability of the entire circulating cooling system.

[0034] Specifically, the dynamic control module 12 has a built-in long short-term memory neural network model, and the proportional-integral control valve 41 is driven by an electric actuator. The electric actuator adjusts the valve opening according to the control signal of the dynamic control module 12, while the valve position feedback sensor 42 provides real-time feedback on the actual opening of the proportional-integral control valve 41.

[0035] The advantages are that the dynamic control module 12 has a built-in long short-term memory neural network model that can effectively process complex information with time-series characteristics, such as inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, unit load signal, water hardness and flow data collected by the multi-source sensing unit 11. Through in-depth analysis of historical and real-time data, it can accurately predict changes in cooling water demand. The dynamic control module 12 generates precise control signals to drive the electric actuator to adjust the opening of the proportional-integral control valve 41, thereby achieving precise adjustment of cooling water volume. The valve position feedback sensor 42 provides real-time feedback on the actual opening of the proportional-integral control valve 41, forming a closed-loop control system. This allows the dynamic control module 12 to promptly grasp the actual state of the valve and correct the control signal in real time, ensuring that the valve opening always meets the system requirements.

[0036] Specifically, the control unit 1 also includes a data analysis module 14, which is used to receive data collected by the multi-source sensing unit 11 and information fed back by the valve position feedback sensor 42.

[0037] The advantages are that the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, unit load signal, water hardness, and flow data collected by the multi-source sensing unit 11 reflect the operating status of the circulating cooling water system, while the information fed back by the valve position feedback sensor 42 reflects the working status of the electric valve assembly 4. The data analysis module 14 performs comprehensive processing and in-depth analysis on this information, and can uncover the potential connections and patterns between the data. For example, by analyzing the relationship between temperature, flow rate, and valve opening under different operating conditions, the cooling water volume adjustment strategy can be optimized. Based on water quality data and valve opening changes, the risk of scaling and corrosion in the system can be predicted. At the same time, the data analysis module 14 can also provide more accurate decision support for the dynamic control module 12, helping it to generate control commands more accurately, adjust the speed of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21 and the opening of the electric valve assembly 4, further improve the adjustment accuracy and response speed of the circulating cooling system, achieve the dual goals of energy saving and consumption reduction and stable system operation, and improve the overall operating efficiency and reliability of the thermal power plant.

[0038] In operation, the multi-source sensing unit 11 collects data such as the inlet and outlet water temperatures, unit load signal, water hardness, and flow rate of the circulating cooling water system. This data is transmitted to the dynamic control module 12 via the communication interface 13. The dynamic control module 12 has a built-in long short-term memory neural network model that uses this data to predict cooling water demand and generate control signals. On one hand, the control signals are transmitted via the communication interface 13 to the frequency converter 211, adjusting the speed of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21 and changing the circulating cooling water flow rate. On the other hand, the control signals are transmitted to the electric actuator of the electric valve assembly 4, driving the proportional-integral regulating valve 41 to regulate the cooling water flow rate. The cooling water volume of branch 33 is reduced. During this process, the frequency converter 211 provides real-time feedback on the current, power, and vibration data of the variable frequency circulating water pump 21, and the valve position feedback sensor 42 provides real-time feedback on the actual opening degree of the proportional-integral regulating valve 41, forming a closed-loop control that enables the dynamic control module 12 to adjust the control strategy in a timely manner. At the same time, the data analysis module 14 receives and analyzes the data from the multi-source sensing unit 11 and the valve position feedback sensor 42, providing decision support for the dynamic control module 12. Ultimately, this achieves adaptive adjustment of the circulating cooling water volume, energy consumption reduction, and system anti-scaling and anti-corrosion, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the thermal power plant's circulating cooling system.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant, characterized in that: include, The control unit (1) integrates a multi-source sensing unit (11), a dynamic control module (12), and a communication interface (13). The multi-source sensing unit (11) collects the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, unit load signal, water hardness, and flow data of the circulating cooling water system in real time, and transmits the data to the dynamic control module (12) through the communication interface (13). Water pump set (2), the water pump set (2) includes at least two variable frequency circulating water pumps (21) connected in parallel, the variable frequency circulating water pumps (21) are equipped with frequency converters (211); The pipeline system (3) includes an inlet main pipe (31), an outlet main pipe (32) and several parallel cooling branches (33). Several cooling branches (33) are connected between the inlet main pipe (31) and the outlet main pipe (32). Each cooling branch (33) is equipped with an independent electric valve assembly (4). The electric valve assembly (4) includes a proportional-integral control valve (41) and a valve position feedback sensor (42). The valve stem of the proportional-integral control valve (41) is mechanically coupled to the detection end of the valve position feedback sensor (42). The output end of the valve position feedback sensor (42) is connected to the communication interface (13) via a signal line.

2. The energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-source sensing unit (11) includes a non-contact infrared thermometer (111) and a spectral water quality analyzer (112). The infrared thermometer (111) is installed on the outside of the pipe wall of the inlet header (31) and the outlet header (32), and the spectral water quality analyzer (112) is installed on the port of the inlet header (31).

3. The energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frequency converter (211) is connected to the communication interface (13) via the Modbus-RTU protocol, and the frequency converter (211) feeds back the current, power and vibration data of the variable frequency circulating water pump (21) to the dynamic control module (12) in real time.

4. The energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body surface of the proportional-integral control valve (41) is coated with a nano-ceramic coating, the thickness of which is 20-50 micrometers and the surface roughness Ra≤0.8μm.

5. The energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dynamic control module (12) has a built-in long short-term memory neural network model. The proportional-integral control valve (41) is driven by an electric actuator. The electric actuator adjusts the valve opening according to the control signal of the dynamic control module (12). At the same time, the valve position feedback sensor (42) provides real-time feedback on the actual opening of the proportional-integral control valve (41).

6. The energy-saving device for adaptive regulation of circulating cooling water volume in a thermal power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit (1) also includes a data analysis module (14), which is used to receive data collected by the multi-source sensing unit (11) and information fed back by the valve position feedback sensor (42).