Air cooling device for a hydroelectric generator

Abstract

This application discloses an air cooling device for a hydro-generator, comprising a heat exchange assembly and a fan assembly. The heat exchange assembly includes a mounting frame and multiple heat exchange tubes disposed within the mounting frame. An air duct extends along the direction of the heat exchange tubes and penetrates opposite sides of the mounting frame within the heat exchange assembly. The fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan spaced apart on the air duct. The first and second fans blow air from the outside to the inside into the air duct, forming a counter-current airflow within the air duct to prevent condensation on the heat exchange tubes. The air cooling device of this application, through the counter-current airflow formed by the first and second fans within the air duct, causes the airflow to collide at high speed along the axial direction of the heat exchange tubes, eliminating the airflow attenuation zone and vortex dead zone of traditional unilateral airflow, achieving uniform heat dissipation with full coverage of the heat exchange tube surface, and avoiding condensation accumulation caused by localized low temperatures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydropower generation technology, and more specifically, to an air cooling device for a hydro generator. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional air-cooled systems for hydro-generators have significant shortcomings in synergistically optimizing condensation prevention and heat exchange efficiency. In existing technologies, condensation accumulates on the surface of the heat exchange tubes on the low-temperature side, reducing the fin heat transfer coefficient by 20%-30% and posing a risk of corrosion to the metal structure. There is an urgent need for a cooling system that integrates anti-condensation design with high-efficiency heat exchange to achieve dynamic synergistic optimization of humidity control and heat exchange. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an air cooling device for a hydro-generator, comprising a heat exchange assembly and a fan assembly. The heat exchange assembly includes a mounting frame and multiple heat exchange tubes disposed within the mounting frame. An air duct extends along the direction of the heat exchange tubes and penetrates opposite sides of the mounting frame within the heat exchange assembly. The fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan spaced apart on the air duct. The first fan and the second fan blow air from the outside to the inside into the air duct, creating a counter-current airflow within the air duct to prevent condensation from forming on the heat exchange tubes.

[0004] In some embodiments, the mounting frame includes a first tube sheet and a second tube sheet that are parallel to each other, and the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet are provided with air vents that communicate with the air duct; the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet are respectively located at both ends of the heat exchange tube, and both ends of the heat exchange tube pass through the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet respectively.

[0005] In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly further includes fins, with a plurality of fins arranged in parallel between the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet, and the fins having clearance openings corresponding to the air duct.

[0006] In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly further includes an inlet / outlet end cover and a return end cover. The inlet / outlet end cover is installed on the outer surface of the first tube sheet, and the return end cover is installed on the outer surface of the second tube sheet. Both the inlet / outlet end cover and the return end cover are provided with mounting ports for the fan assembly. The first fan is installed on the inlet / outlet end cover, and the second fan is installed on the return end cover.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inner cavity of the water inlet and outlet end cap is U-shaped, the water inlet and outlet end cap is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, and a partition is provided in the inner cavity of the water inlet and outlet end cap to separate the water inlet and the water outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water inlet and the water outlet are arranged in a staggered diagonal manner with different heights.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner cavity of the reflux end cover is in a zigzag shape, and a vent hole is provided on the reflux end cover.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rotation speed ratio of the first fan and the second fan is 1:2.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air cooling device further includes a temperature sensor, which is used to detect the incoming air temperature in real time to dynamically adjust the rotation speeds of the first fan and the second fan.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air cooling device further includes a humidity sensor, which is used to detect the humidity of the heat exchange tube in real time to dynamically adjust the rotation speeds of the first fan and the second fan.

[0013] The air cooling device of the present application forms an opposing and colliding air flow in the air duct through the first fan and the second fan, so that the air flow collides axially at a high speed along the heat exchange tube, eliminating the air flow attenuation area and the eddy current dead area of traditional single-sided air supply, achieving full-coverage and uniform heat dissipation on the surface of the heat exchange tube, and avoiding the accumulation of condensate caused by local low temperature. The turbulent effect generated by the colliding air flow enhances the heat exchange intensity between the air and the tube wall, increasing the overall heat exchange efficiency by more than 25%.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present application will be given in part in the following description, will become apparent in part from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easy to understand from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Explanation of main component symbols: Air cooling equipment 100, heat exchange assembly 10, mounting frame 11, first tube sheet 111, second tube sheet 112, side plate 113, air outlet 114, heat exchange tube 12, air duct 121, fins 13, clearance opening 131, water inlet / outlet end cap 14, mounting port 141, water inlet 142, water outlet 143, partition 144, return end cap 15, vent 151, fan assembly 20, first fan 21, second fan 22, temperature sensor 30, humidity sensor 40. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0020] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0021] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides an air cooling device 100 for a hydro generator, comprising a heat exchange assembly 10 and a fan assembly 20. The heat exchange assembly 10 includes a mounting frame 11 and multiple heat exchange tubes 12 disposed within the mounting frame 11. An air duct 121 extends along the direction of the heat exchange tubes 12 and passes through opposite sides of the mounting frame 11 within the heat exchange assembly 10. The fan assembly 20 includes a first fan 21 and a second fan 22 spaced apart on the air duct 121. The first fan 21 and the second fan 22 blow air from the outside to the inside into the air duct 121, forming a counter-current airflow within the air duct 121 to prevent condensation from forming on the heat exchange tubes 12.

[0023] The air cooling device 100 of this application forms opposing airflows within the air duct 121 through a first fan 21 and a second fan 22. This causes the airflow to collide at high speed along the axial direction of the heat exchange tube 12, eliminating the airflow attenuation zone and vortex dead zone of traditional unilateral air supply. This achieves uniform heat dissipation with full coverage of the heat exchange tube 12 surface, avoiding condensation accumulation caused by localized low temperatures. The turbulence effect generated by the opposing airflow enhances the heat exchange intensity between the air and the tube wall, improving the overall heat exchange efficiency by more than 25%. Specifically, the air cooling device 100 includes a heat exchange assembly 10, a fan assembly 20, a temperature sensor 30, and a humidity sensor 40. The heat exchange assembly 10 includes a mounting frame 11, heat exchange tubes 12, fins 13, inlet and outlet water end caps 14, and a return end cap 15.

[0024] Please see Figure 2 The mounting frame 11 adopts a rectangular frame structure, comprising a first tube plate 111 and a second tube plate 112 arranged in parallel, and two side plates 113 located at the ends of the two tube plates along their length. The first tube plate 111, the second tube plate 112, and the two side plates form a rigid support body with four closed sides by end screws or welding. Air vents 114 are provided on the first tube plate 111 and the second tube plate 112 to allow communication between the inside and outside of the mounting frame 11.

[0025] Multiple heat exchange tubes 12 are arranged in parallel at equal intervals within the mounting frame 11, forming a tube bundle array that vertically penetrates the first tube sheet 111 and the second tube sheet 112. Both ends of each heat exchange tube 12 are flush with the outer surface of the corresponding tube sheet and are fixedly connected to the tube sheets on both sides by mechanical expansion or welding. A through-type rectangular air duct 121 is reserved in the central axis region of the tube bundle. This air duct 121 is constructed by pre-drilling holes at corresponding positions on the first tube sheet 111 and the second tube sheet 112 without placing heat exchange tubes 12. The cross-sectional dimensions of the air duct 121 match the cross-sectional dimensions of the air outlet 114. This structural design allows airflow to penetrate the heat exchange area uniformly along the tube bundle axis, while the rigid support of the tube sheets prevents tube bundle vibration and deformation.

[0026] Multiple rectangular fins 13 are fixed in a parallel array with equal spacing between the first tube sheet 111 and the second tube sheet 112. Each fin 13 is stamped with positioning holes that match the heat exchange tubes 12. The bundle of heat exchange tubes 12 passes vertically through each fin 13 and forms a tight contact through a flanged hole wall process. A rectangular clearance opening 131 coaxial with the air duct 121 is opened in the central region of each fin 13, forming a continuous flow guiding channel. This structure generates turbulence in the airflow within the gaps between the fins 13, while avoiding airflow diffusion loss at the outlet of the air duct 121, thereby improving the overall heat exchange efficiency.

[0027] Please continue reading. Figure 2The inlet / outlet end cap 14 is installed on the outer plate of the first tube sheet 111. An installation port 141 for installing the blower assembly 20 is located in the middle of the inlet / outlet end cap 14, corresponding to the air duct 121. The inlet / outlet end cap 14 has an inlet 142 and an outlet 143. The interior of the end cap adopts a rectangular annular flow channel structure (U-shaped), and the cavity is divided into independent inlet and outlet areas by an internal vertical partition 144, achieving physical isolation of the water flow path. Specifically, the partition 144 is staggered diagonally, dividing the annular flow channel structure into an upper left and lower right area. The inlet 142 and outlet 143 are respectively located in the upper left and lower right areas, staggered diagonally at different heights. The two areas form a height difference, enhancing fluid circulation efficiency through gravity assistance. The staggered layout of the inlet and outlet end caps 14 creates a swirling effect in the water flow. Combined with the flow guiding structure of the return end cap 15, this reduces the overall pressure loss, improves the uniformity of heat exchange, and reduces the cavitation noise value by 5 dB.

[0028] The return end cover 15 is installed on the outer surface of the second tube sheet 112. Each return end cover 15 has an installation port 141 for mounting the fan assembly 20, corresponding to the air duct 121. The inner cavity of the return end cover 15 is U-shaped. The difference between the inner cavity of the return end cover 15 and the inlet / outlet water end cover 14 is the absence of a baffle 144. A vent 151 is provided on the return end cover 15, and a screw plug is installed inside the vent 151. The return end cover 15 also has a lifting lug (not shown) for suspending and loading the entire air cooling equipment 100. The inlet / outlet water end cover 14, the return end cover 15, and the corresponding tube sheet are all sealed using a gasket (not shown) structure.

[0029] The fan assembly 20 includes a first fan 21 and a second fan 22 spaced apart on the air duct 121. Specifically, the first fan 21 is installed on the mounting port 141 of the inlet / outlet end cover 14, and the second fan 22 is installed on the mounting port 141 of the return end cover 15. Each fan is equipped with 5 fan blade-motor modules. In other embodiments, the number of fan blade-motor modules can be adjusted as needed.

[0030] Temperature sensor 30 is installed inside air outlet 114 of the tube sheet. Temperature sensor 30 is used to detect the inlet air temperature in real time to dynamically adjust the speed of the first fan 21 and the second fan 22. Typically, the speed ratio of the first fan 21 to the second fan 22 is 1:2. The collision area is approximately at the 1:2 position along the length of the heat exchange tube 12. This position is relatively close to the water inlet and is prone to condensation. The system achieves dual-fan joint adjustment through a PID control algorithm: the basic speed ratio is set to 1:2 (first fan 21: 800 rpm / second fan 22: 1600 rpm). The collision point is dynamically located in the range of 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the length L of the heat exchange tube 12 (coordinate X=0.55L±0.05L) (L refers to the length of the heat exchange tube 12). This design ensures that the maximum airflow convergence area avoids the high-risk condensation area (originally at X=0.33L).

[0031] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 A humidity sensor 40 is installed near the water inlet. The humidity sensor 40 is used to detect the humidity of the heat exchange tube 12 in real time to dynamically adjust the speed of the first fan 21 and the second fan 22, causing the collision area to continuously change and preventing condensation from forming on the heat exchange tube 12. Condensation protection strategy: When the detected humidity value is ≥85%RH, the dynamic airflow reconfiguration mode is activated.

[0032] Adjust the speed of the first fan 21 to 2000 rpm to create a negative pressure adsorption effect. Adjust the second fan 22 to perform variable frequency speed regulation, so that the collision zone moves back and forth in the range of X=0.5L to 0.7L (L refers to the length of the heat exchange tube 12) at a speed of 0.5m / s, thereby disrupting the conditions for condensation formation.

[0033] In the description of this specification, the references to "certain embodiments," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the described embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air cooling device for a hydroelectric generator, characterized by, Comprising: A heat exchange component, the heat exchange component includes a mounting frame and a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged in the mounting frame. An air duct extending along the direction of the heat exchange tubes and penetrating opposite side surfaces of the mounting frame is provided in the heat exchange component; A fan component, the fan component includes a first fan and a second fan spacedly installed on the air duct. The first fan and the second fan are used to blow air into the air duct from the outside to the inside to form a counter-flow air current in the air duct to prevent condensate from generating on the heat exchange tubes.

2. The air cooling device according to claim 1, characterized by The mounting frame includes a first tube plate and a second tube plate that are parallel and opposite to each other. Air inlets corresponding to and communicating with the air duct are provided on the first tube plate and the second tube plate; the first tube plate and the second tube plate are respectively located at two ends of the heat exchange tubes, and two ends of the heat exchange tubes respectively penetrate through the corresponding first tube plate and second tube plate.

3. The air cooling device according to claim 2, characterized by The heat exchange component further includes fins. A plurality of the fins are arranged in parallel between the first tube plate and the second tube plate, and avoidance openings corresponding to the air duct are provided on the fins.

4. The air cooling device according to claim 2, characterized by The heat exchange component further includes a water inlet and outlet end cover and a return end cover. The water inlet and outlet end cover is installed on the outer plate surface of the first tube plate, and the return end cover is installed on the outer plate surface of the second tube plate. Installation openings for installing the fan component are provided on both the water inlet and outlet end cover and the return end cover. The first fan is installed on the water inlet and outlet end cover, and the second fan is installed on the return end cover.

5. The air cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the water inlet and outlet end cover is in a return shape. An inlet and an outlet are provided on the water inlet and outlet end cover. A partition is provided in the inner cavity of the water inlet and outlet end cover, and the partition is used to separate the inlet and the outlet.

6. The air cooling device according to claim 5, characterized by The inlet and the outlet are arranged in a staggered diagonal manner with different heights.

7. The air cooling device according to claim 4, characterized by The inner cavity of the return end cover is in a return shape, and a ventilation opening is provided on the return end cover.

8. The air cooling device according to claim 1, characterized by The rotation speed ratio of the first fan and the second fan is 1:

2.

9. The air cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air cooling device further includes a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the incoming air temperature in real time to dynamically adjust the rotation speeds of the first fan and the second fan.

10. The air cooling device according to claim 1, characterized by The air cooling device further includes a humidity sensor, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity of the heat exchange tubes in real time to dynamically adjust the rotation speeds of the first fan and the second fan.

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