PLANT WITH HIGH-SPEED STEAM GENERATOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system comprising a steam generator and a steam consumer, wherein an outlet of the steam generator is fluidically connected to an inlet of the steam consumer.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a plant, wherein the plant is equipped with a steam generator and a steam consumer, wherein the steam generator produces steam for the steam consumer, wherein the steam consumer is designed for a first operating state with a first quantity of steam and in a second operating state with a second quantity of steam, wherein the second quantity of steam is greater than the first quantity of steam.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for retrofitting an existing steam consumer system with a steam generator and a steam consumer, wherein steam for the steam consumer is generated by the steam generator, wherein the steam consumer requires a first quantity of steam in a first operating state and a second quantity of steam in a second operating state, wherein the second quantity of steam is greater than the first quantity of steam, wherein the steam generator can generate the second quantity of steam in full-load operation, and wherein a steam turbine is provided which is supplied with steam not required by the steam consumer.

[0004] There are systems in which a steam generator produces steam for a steam consumer. In these systems, where industrial processes take place, steam is often used as a working fluid or for heat supply. However, due to the thermal properties of water, most steam generators are relatively slow-reacting systems, meaning that changes in the amount of steam or heat can only be adjusted relatively slowly.

[0005] It is possible that events may occur during a process that require a large amount of steam and / or heat. This is necessary, for example, in the event of a malfunction.

[0006] The systems are operated in such a way that the increased amount of steam required for the event is continuously generated by the steam generator. In other words, the system is operated in a state of surplus steam production.

[0007] The systems are operated in such a way that the steam generator constantly produces a surplus quantity suitable for a malfunction as a precautionary measure.

[0008] The amount of steam required for the event, for example the malfunction, is then in most cases expanded in a steam turbine during normal operation, which is then used, for example, to generate electrical energy.

[0009] If this event occurs, the amount of steam entering the steam turbine can be reduced accordingly by a control device located upstream of the turbine, such as a valve. This allows steam to be made available that is then briefly directed to the steam consumer as process steam.

[0010] The excess steam currently has to be generated by the continuous additional combustion of fossil fuels. This excess steam can be generated, for example, by a fossil-fueled steam generator, a waste heat boiler, an electric superheater, or a fuel cell.

[0011] Currently, this surplus is not discarded in most cases, but converted, for example into electrical energy. However, from an economic perspective, the electrical energy generated in this way is in most cases not cost-effective.

[0012] With the expansion of renewable energies, the increase in CO2 prices, etc., it is expected that this will worsen in the future.

[0013] Document DE 10 2019 216242 discloses a closed steam turbine system with an injection device for cooling and increasing the steam supply from hydrogen-oxygen combustion.

[0014] Document US 2006 / 232071 discloses a steam-powered starting device for turbosets.

[0015] Document US 2007 / 051112 discloses a steam-powered starting device for turbine sets, which uses a steam generator to provide steam. This enables efficient and frequent starts with reduced space and maintenance requirements, improving the cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility of turbine sets.

[0016] Starting from the known problems and disadvantages of the prior art, the invention aims to provide a system and a method with which a cost advantage can be achieved.

[0017] The problem directed towards the device is solved by claim 1.

[0018] The dependent and cross-referenced subclaims relating to claim 1 concern advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0019] The problem relating to the method is solved by claim 7.

[0020] The dependent and cross-referenced subclaims relating to claim 7 concern advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0021] The problem directed towards the method of conversion is solved by claim 10.

[0022] The dependent and cross-referenced subclaims relating to claim 10 concern advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0023] A key feature of the invention is the use of a rapid steam generator. This rapid steam generator, which can also be called a steam booster, is designed to generate steam, with the amount of steam produced in the rapid steam generator being generated much faster compared to a conventional steam generator. For this purpose, for example, a rapid steam generator is used that produces steam and thermal energy through the combustion of hydrogen. During the combustion of hydrogen, a chemical reaction takes place in which hydrogen and oxygen react with each other, producing water vapor and thermal energy after the chemical reaction.

[0024] The invention further explores the idea that a constant overproduction of steam can be eliminated, and the rapid steam generator provides the increased quantity of steam when needed. Optionally, the steam generator can operate at partial load during normal operation and then reach the increased quantity at full load in the event of a malfunction. After reaching full load, the steam generator can provide the increased quantity of steam, after which the rapid steam generator can be switched off again.

[0025] In the direct combustion of hydrogen and oxygen, the phase transition (saturated steam region) is skipped, allowing large quantities of heat and / or steam to be generated very quickly at temperatures up to > 1300°C. Since, unlike previous systems powered by fossil fuels, the combustion product in direct combustion is the same as the circulating medium, heat exchangers are no longer necessary, enabling particularly rapid load changes.

[0026] By using the direct combustion of hydrogen and oxygen to generate steam, the need for a constant overproduction of steam can be avoided or at least significantly reduced. This allows for a substantial reduction in the energy requirements of the systems and, simultaneously, the use of fossil fuels. The process steam, which would otherwise be provided by the rapid reduction of steam volume through the steam turbine, is here generated by the direct combustion of hydrogen and oxygen.

[0027] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more easily understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings.

[0028] Identical components or components with the same function are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. These drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale; rather, where helpful for explanation, they are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. For further details regarding the teachings directly apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art.

[0030] They show: Figure 1: A schematic representation of a plant according to the prior art. Figure 2: A schematic representation of a plant according to the invention.

[0031] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a state-of-the-art system. System 1 comprises a steam generator. 2.Steam generator 2 is designed to generate steam. An outlet 3 of steam generator 2 is fluidically connected to a busbar 5 via a first line 4. The steam in the busbar 5 flows via a second line 6 to a steam consumer 7.

[0032] An output 8 of the steam consumer 7 is fluidically connected via the third line 9 to a water tank 10. The water tank 10 is in turn fluidly connected to an input 11 of the steam generator 2.

[0033] Busbar 5 has a further output 12, which is fluidically connected via a fourth line 13 to an input 14 of a steam turbine 15. In the steam turbine 15, the thermal energy of the steam is converted into kinetic energy, which can then be converted into electrical energy by means of generators (not shown).

[0034] The steam exiting the steam turbine 15 is now converted back into water in a condenser 16. The water converted in the condenser 16 flows back into the steam generator via the water tank 10. 2.

[0035] According to the state of the art, system 1 operates as follows: The steam consumer 7 has at least two operating states. In the first operating state, the steam consumer 7 requires an initial quantity of steam. In the second operating state, the steam consumer 7 requires a second quantity of steam. The second quantity of steam is greater than the first quantity of steam.

[0036] It is not always predictable when plant 1, which operates continuously in the first operating state, will switch to the second operating state. Steam generator 2 is typically slow to respond. This means that generating the second quantity of steam takes a comparatively long time. However, the second quantity of steam is needed quickly in the second operating state. Therefore, the second quantity of steam required for the second operating state is already generated in steam generator 2. The steam not required in steam consumer 7 is routed through steam turbine 15.

[0037] The amount of steam flowing into the steam turbine 15 can be regulated via a valve 17. In the second operating state, the valve 17 is therefore throttled so that more steam is available for the steam consumer 7.

[0038] The Figure 2 now shows an improved inventive installation 1. A difference of the installation 1 according to Figure 2 to Annex 1 according to Figure 1The provision of a rapid steam generator 18 is described. The rapid steam generator 18 is designed to produce steam and thermal energy through the combustion of hydrogen. An outlet 19 of the rapid steam generator 18 is connected to the inlet 20 of the steam consumer 7. In alternative embodiments, steam is drawn from the steam turbine 15.

[0039] The steam generator 2 is operable to generate steam for the first operating state and for the second operating state, wherein the rapid steam generator 18 is designed such that it generates steam for the second operating state.

[0040] The steam from the rapid steam generator 18 is provided relatively quickly. A chemical reaction takes place in the rapid steam generator between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water vapor and thermal energy.

[0041] Steam generator 2 is as in Figure 1Designed for partial load in the first operating state and full load in the second operating state.

[0042] The inventive system 1 according to Figure 2 The system is now operated as follows: In continuous or nominal operation, steam generator 2 is operated at partial load and delivers the initial quantity of steam required by the steam consumer. This is the first operating state.

[0043] Part of the steam can be diverted via the steam turbine 15, thereby generating electrical energy.

[0044] In the second operating state, steam consumer 7 requires a second quantity of steam. At the first point in the second operating state, this second quantity of steam is generated by steam generator 2 and rapid steam generator 18. The rapid steam generator 18 generates steam relatively quickly. Simultaneously, steam generator 2 switches from partial load to full load, so that steam generator 2 produces an increasing amount of steam.

[0045] As soon as steam generator 2 alone produces the second quantity of steam, rapid steam generator 18 is switched off again. Therefore, at a second point in time during the second operating state, the second quantity of steam is produced by steam generator 2 without rapid steam generator 18.

[0046] The amount of steam flowing into the steam turbine 15 is regulated via the valve 17. Thus, the total amount of steam flowing into the steam consumer 7 can be regulated by the steam turbine 15.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, a water line 21 can be routed from the steam generator 2 to the rapid steam generator 18. The water from this water line 21 can be converted into steam by the thermal energy generated in the rapid steam generator 18. This allows an even larger quantity of steam to be made available quickly and easily.

[0048] The invention is suitable for retrofitting existing systems in which a first and second steam quantity is required in a steam consumer 7. For this purpose, the rapid steam generator 18 must be additionally installed in an existing system. The existing components, such as the steam generator 2 or the steam turbine 15, generally do not need to be replaced. This retrofit changes the operating mode of the steam generator 2, resulting in cost savings.

Claims

1. An installation (1) comprising a steam generator (2) and a steam consumer (7), wherein an outlet (3) of the steam generator (2) is fluidically connected to an inlet (20) of the steam consumer (7), wherein an outlet (3) of the steam generator (2) is fluidically connected to a busbar (5) via a first line (4), wherein the steam located in the busbar (5) flows into the steam consumer (7) via a second line (6), wherein the busbar (5) has a further outlet (12) which is fluidically connected to an inlet (14) of a steam turbine (15) via a fourth line (13), and further comprising a quick steam generator (18) generating steam by combusting hydrogen, wherein an outlet (19) of the quick steam generator (18) is connected to the inlet (20) of the steam consumer (7) via the busbar (5), wherein the steam consumer (7), in a first operating state, is designed for a first amount of steam and, in a second operating state, is designed for a second amount of steam, wherein the second amount of steam is greater than the first amount of steam, wherein the steam generator (2) is operable to generate steam for the first operating state and the second operating state, wherein the quick steam generator (18) is configured such that it generates steam for the second operating state, wherein the first operating state is designed as a partial load and the second operating state is designed as a full load for the steam generator (2), wherein, in the first operating state, the first amount of steam is generated by the steam generator (2), and, at a first time of the second operating state, the second amount of steam is generated by the steam generator (2) and the quick steam generator (18), and, at a second time of the second operating state, the second amount of steam is generated by the steam generator (2) without the quick steam generator (18).

2. The installation (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a steam turbine (15), wherein the inlet (14) of the steam turbine (15) is fluidically connected to an outlet (3) of the steam generator (2) and of the quick steam generator (18) via a steam line (22).

3. The installation (1) according to claim 2, wherein the outlet of the steam turbine (15) is fluidically connected to the inlet of a condenser (16), wherein the outlet of the condenser (16) is fluidically connected to the inlet (11) of the steam generator (2).

4. The installation (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outlet (8) of the steam consumer (7) is connected to the inlet (11) of the steam generator (2).

5. The installation (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a valve (17) is arranged in the steam line (22), wherein, using the valve (17), control of the amount of steam to the steam consumer (7) is achievable.

6. The installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the quick steam generator (18) is connected to a water line (21), and the quick steam generator (18) is configured such that the water from the water line (21) is convertible into steam by generating thermal energy in the quick steam generator (18).

7. A method for operating an installation (1), wherein the installation (1) is configured with a steam generator (2) and a steam consumer (7), wherein the steam generator (2) generates steam for the steam consumer (7), wherein an outlet (3) of the steam generator (2) is fluidically connected to a busbar (5) via a first line (4), wherein the steam located in the busbar (5) flows into the steam consumer (7) via a second line (6), wherein the busbar (5) has a further outlet (12) which is fluidically connected to an inlet (14) of a steam turbine (15) via a fourth line (13), wherein the steam consumer (7) is designed for a first operating state with a first amount of steam and, in a second operating state, is designed with a second amount of steam, wherein the second amount of steam is greater than the first amount of steam, wherein a quick steam generator (18) is employed generating steam for the steam consumer (7) by combusting hydrogen, wherein the steam for the first operating state is generated by the steam generator (2), wherein, upon switching from the first operating state to the second operating state, the steam for the steam consumer (7) is generated by the steam generator (2) and the quick steam generator (18), wherein the steam generator (2) is operated at partial load in the first operating state. wherein the steam generator (2) is operated at full load in the second operating state. wherein the quick steam generator (18) generates steam for the second operating state until the full load of the steam generator (2) is reached. wherein the quick steam generator (18) is switched off upon reaching the full load of the steam generator (2).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the installation (1) is configured with a steam turbine (15), wherein the steam turbine (15) is supplied with steam from the steam generator (2) and the quick steam generator (18).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the amount of steam into the steam turbine (15) is controlled via a valve (17), wherein the valve (17) is arranged upstream of the inlet (14) of the steam turbine (15).

10. A method for modifying an existing steam consumer installation with a steam generator (2) and a steam consumer (7), wherein an outlet (3) of the steam generator (2) is fluidically connected to a busbar (5) via a first line (4), wherein the steam located in the busbar (5) flows into the steam consumer (7) via a second line (6), wherein the busbar (5) has a further outlet (12) which is fluidically connected to an inlet (14) of a steam turbine (15) via a fourth line (13), wherein a steam for the steam consumer (7) is generated by the steam generator (2), wherein the steam consumer (7), in a first operating state, requires a first amount of steam and, in a second operating state, requires a second amount of steam, wherein the second amount of steam is greater than the first amount of steam, wherein the steam generator (2) can generate the second amount of steam in full load operation, wherein a steam turbine (15) is provided which is pressurized with steam not required by the steam consumer (7), characterized in that a quick steam generator (18) is employed generating an additional steam for the steam consumer (7), wherein an outlet (19) of the quick steam generator (18) is connected to the inlet (20) of the steam consumer (7) via the busbar (5).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, in the first operating state, the steam generator (2) is operated at partial load and the quick steam generator (18) does not generate any steam.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, in the second operating state, the steam generator (2) is operated at a full load and the quick steam generator (18) generates steam for the steam consumer (7) until the steam generator (2) can generate the second amount of steam in full load operation.