Direct contact condenser and geothermal power generation system

Abstract

To improve contact efficiency between steam and cooling water.SOLUTION: A direct contact condenser 10 comprises: a condensation chamber 20 into which steam flows; a first sprayer 54 that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber 30 that communicates with the condensing chamber and receives steam from the condensation chamber; a second sprayer 55 that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; and contact medium layers 60, 70 that are provided in at least one of the condensation chamber and the cooling chamber, and promote contact between steam and cooling water. The contact medium layers 60, 70 have non-uniform thickness along a direction of gravity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a direct contact condenser and a geothermal power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] A direct contact condenser receives exhaust steam discharged from a steam turbine. The direct contact condenser condenses the exhaust steam by directly contacting cooling water with the incoming exhaust steam. This reduces the internal pressure of the direct contact condenser and improves the thermal efficiency of the upstream steam turbine. Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1 describe direct contact condensers.

[0003] The direct contact condenser described in Patent Document 1 includes a steam cooling chamber into which exhaust steam flows, and spray nozzles provided in the steam cooling chamber for spraying cooling water. In the steam cooling chamber, the sprayed cooling water comes into contact with the exhaust steam, thereby performing heat exchange and cooling the exhaust steam.

[0004] The direct contact condenser described in Non-Patent Document 1 includes a structured packing that is provided below the spray nozzles in a steam cooling chamber and brings the exhaust steam into contact with the cooling water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 008477 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] National Renewable Energy Laboratory, "Advanced condenser boots geothermal power plant output", "NREL / FS-6A42-49152", December 2010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a room into which exhaust steam flows, there is a risk of a bias in the flow velocity distribution of the steam. This bias in the flow velocity distribution of the steam may result in the creation of regions where the steam comes into contact with the cooling water and regions where the contact between the steam and the cooling water is not very efficient. The present disclosure provides a direct contact condenser that can improve the contact efficiency between the steam and the cooling water and improve the steam cooling efficiency, and a geothermal power generation system including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The direct contact condenser of the present disclosure comprises a condensing chamber into which steam flows, a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensing chamber, a cooling chamber that communicates with the condensing chamber and into which steam flows from the condensing chamber, a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber, and a contact medium layer that is provided in at least one of the condensing chamber and the cooling chamber and promotes contact between the steam and the cooling water, and the thickness of the contact medium layer along the direction of gravity is non-uniform.

[0009] The direct contact condenser of the present disclosure comprises a condensing chamber into which steam flows, a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensing chamber, a cooling chamber that communicates with the condensing chamber and into which steam flows from the condensing chamber, a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber, and a contact medium layer that is provided in at least one of the condensing chamber and the cooling chamber and promotes contact between the steam and the cooling water, and the surface area per unit volume of the contact medium layer is non-uniform.

[0010] The direct contact condenser of the present disclosure comprises a condensing chamber into which steam flows, a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensing chamber, a cooling chamber that communicates with the condensing chamber and into which steam flows from the condensing chamber, a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber, and a contact medium layer that is provided in at least one of the condensing chamber and the cooling chamber and promotes contact between the steam and the cooling water, and the magnitude of the pressure drop in the contact medium layer is non-uniform.

[0011] The geothermal power generation system of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned direct contact condenser, a steam turbine that is supplied with geothermal steam and rotates, and a generator that generates electricity using the rotation of the steam turbine as power, and the steam discharged from the steam turbine is supplied to the direct contact condenser. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a geothermal power generation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a direct contact condenser according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a condensation chamber of a direct contact condenser, taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a contact medium layer provided in a condensation chamber. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a contact medium layer provided in a cooling chamber. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a condensation chamber of a direct contact condenser according to a second embodiment, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cooling chamber of a direct contact condenser according to a second embodiment, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a condensation chamber of a direct contact condenser according to a third embodiment, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cooling chamber of a direct contact condenser according to a third embodiment, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a condensation chamber of a direct contact condenser according to a fourth embodiment, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cooling chamber of a direct contact condenser according to a fourth embodiment, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a direct contact condenser according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a condensation chamber of a direct contact condenser, taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cooling chamber of a direct contact condenser according to Modification 1, showing a contact medium layer. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cooling chamber of a direct contact condenser according to Modification 2, showing a contact medium layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings are appropriately different from those in reality. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present disclosure. Therefore, various technically preferable limitations are applied to the present embodiments. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present disclosure is limited.

[0014] First, a geothermal power generation system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the geothermal power generation system 1. The geothermal power generation system 1 uses steam generated by geothermal energy as power to rotate a steam turbine 3, which in turn drives a generator 4 to generate electricity. The geothermal power generation system 1 includes a gas-liquid separator 2, the steam turbine 3, the generator 4, a direct contact condenser 10, and a cooling tower 6. The direct contact condenser 10 will hereinafter be referred to as the condenser 10.

[0015] Steam supplied from underground passes through piping P1 from a production well 7 and is introduced into the gas-liquid separator 2. The gas-liquid separator 2 has a container into which the steam flows. Hot water is supplied to the gas-liquid separator 2 along with the steam. The gas-liquid separator 2 separates the steam and the hot water. The hot water is discharged from the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 2, passes through piping P2, and is introduced into a reinjection well 8, where it is returned underground.

[0016] The steam in the gas-liquid separator 2 is discharged from the top of the gas-liquid separator 2 and supplied to the steam turbine 3 through a pipe P3. The steam supplied to the steam turbine 3 is used as a power source to rotate the steam turbine 3. The steam turbine 3 is rotated by the supply of steam. The generator 4 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the steam turbine 3 and generates electricity.

[0017] The steam used in the steam turbine 3 is supplied to the condenser 10, for example, through a duct P4. Non-condensable gas is also supplied to the condenser 10 together with the steam. The condenser 10 will be described later. The gas discharged from the condenser 10 is supplied to the cooling tower 6 through a pipe P5. A blower 101, for example, is provided in the pipe P5. The gas in the pipe P5 is transported by the blower 101 and introduced into the upper part of the cooling tower 6.

[0018] Steam condenses in the condenser 10, generating high-temperature condensed water. The condensed water includes water that was introduced into the condenser 10 and used for cooling. The condensed water generated in the condenser 10 passes through piping P6 and is supplied to the cooling tower 6. A pump 102 that transfers the hot water discharged from the condenser 10 is provided in the piping P6. A fan 5 is provided at the top of the cooling tower 6. The hot water discharged from the condenser 10 is introduced below the fan 5. By driving the fan 5, air flows into the cooling tower 6, creating an upward airflow. This cools the gas and hot water in the cooling tower 6. The air that has flowed through the cooling tower 6 is exhausted from above. The water cooled in the cooling tower 6 is stored at the bottom of the cooling tower 6.

[0019] A portion of the water stored at the bottom of the cooling tower 6 is introduced into the reinjection well 9 through a pipe P7 and returned underground. A portion of the water stored at the bottom of the cooling tower is introduced into the condenser 10 through a pipe P8 and can be used as cooling water.

[0020] Next, the condenser 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the condenser 10, and is a view showing a cross section along line III-III in FIG. 2. In FIGS. 2 and 3, three mutually intersecting directions are shown: the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction is the left-right direction in FIG. 2. The Z-axis direction is the up-down direction and follows the direction of gravity. The X-axis direction is an example of a first direction. The condenser 10 is, for example, a downward exhaust type direct contact condenser. Steam discharged from a steam turbine flows from above downward and enters the condenser 10.

[0021] The condenser 10 includes a condensing chamber 20 and a cooling chamber 30. The condensing chamber 20 is disposed in the center in the X-axis direction. The cooling chambers 30 are disposed on both sides of the condensing chamber 20 in the X-axis direction. The condensing chamber 20 and the cooling chamber 30 are adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction is an example of a direction in which the condensing chamber 20 and the cooling chamber 30 are adjacent to each other. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates one of the multiple cooling chambers 30. It is sufficient that the condenser 10 includes at least one cooling chamber 30.

[0022] The condensation chamber 20 and the cooling chamber 30 communicate with each other. The condenser 10 has a communication chamber 40 that communicates between the bottom of the condensation chamber 20 and the bottom of the cooling chamber 30. The communication chamber 40 extends in the X-axis direction.

[0023] The condenser 10 includes an intermediate body 11 and a discharge pipe line 12. The intermediate body 11 communicates with the upper part of the condensation chamber 20. The intermediate body 11 forms a flow path through which steam discharged from the steam turbine 3 flows into the condensation chamber 20. The intermediate body 11 communicates with the casing of the steam turbine 3 via a duct P4 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of intermediate bodies 11 are provided.

[0024] The discharge pipe 12 communicates with the cooling chamber 30. The discharge pipe 12 communicates with the cooling chamber 30 and forms a flow path for discharging steam from the cooling chamber 30. The discharge pipe 12 communicates with the cooling tower 6 via a pipe P5.

[0025] The condenser 10 includes a top plate 14, a bottom plate 15, side walls 16 and 17, and a partition plate 18. The top plate 14 and the bottom plate 15 are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The multiple side walls 16 are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The multiple side walls 17 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The partition plate 18 is spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction within the condenser 10. The side walls 17 and the partition plate 18 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0026] The thickness direction of the partition plate 18 is along the X-axis direction. The partition plate 18 is disposed between the condensation chamber 20 and the cooling chamber 30, and separates the condensation chamber 20 from the cooling chamber 30. The space between the partition plates 18 in the X-axis direction is the internal space of the condensation chamber 20. The space between the side wall 17 and the partition plate 18 in the X-axis direction is the internal space of the cooling chamber 30. The partition plate 18 is an example of a first wall, and the side wall 17 is an example of a second wall. The lower part of the condensation chamber 20 is open and communicates with the communication chamber 40. The lower part of the cooling chamber 30 is open and communicates with the communication chamber 40.

[0027] The condenser 10 includes a cooling system 50 that supplies cooling water to the condenser 10. The cooling system 50 includes a cooling water pipe 51, a first water supply pipe 52, a second water supply pipe 53, a sprayer 54, and a sprayer 55. The cooling water pipe 51 extends in the X-axis direction at the bottom of the condenser 10, for example. The cooling water pipe 51 is connected to a pipe P8 shown in FIG. 1. A tank for storing cooling water, a pump for transporting cooling water, etc. may be connected to the cooling water pipe 51.

[0028] The cooling water pipe 51 penetrates the side wall 17 of the condenser 10, extends in the X-axis direction within the communication chamber 40, and penetrates the opposite side wall 17 to protrude to the outside of the condenser 10. The cooling water pipe 51 is disposed below the condensing chamber 20 and below the cooling chamber 30. A first water supply pipe 52 and a second water supply pipe 53 are connected to the cooling water pipe 51.

[0029] The first water supply pipe 52 extends in the Z-axis direction within the condensation chamber 20. The first water supply pipe 52 branches off from the cooling water pipe 51 and extends upward. The lower end of the first water supply pipe 52 is connected to the first water supply pipe 52. The upper end of the first water supply pipe 52 is located near the top plate 14.

[0030] A plurality of first water supply pipes 52 are arranged within the condensation chamber 20. The plurality of first water supply pipes 52 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. The plurality of first water supply pipes 52 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. For example, the plurality of first water supply pipes 52 are arranged in multiple rows when viewed from the X-axis direction. The plurality of first water supply pipes 52 are arranged below the intermediate body 11 when viewed from the X-axis direction. A center line OY is shown in Figure 3. The center line OY is an imaginary straight line that passes through the center of the condensation chamber 20 in the Y-axis direction and extends along the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The first water supply pipe 52 is disposed in the Y-axis direction between the center line OY and the side wall 17. The first water supply pipe 52 passes through a contact medium layer 60 provided in the condensation chamber 20 and extends above the contact medium layer 60. The contact medium layer 60 will be described later.

[0032] A plurality of sprayers 54 are provided in the first water supply pipe 52. The sprayers 54 are spray nozzles that spray cooling water into the condensation chamber 20. The cooling water that flows through the first water supply pipe 52 is supplied to the sprayers 54. The sprayers 54 spray the cooling water into the condensation chamber 20. The sprayers 54 are an example of a first sprayer. A plurality of sprayers 54 are provided in the circumferential direction of the water supply pipe 52. The plurality of sprayers 54 can spray cooling water on both sides in the X-axis direction and on both sides in the Y-axis direction. The sprayers 54 are provided in a plurality of stages in the Z-axis direction. The plurality of sprayers 54 can spray cooling water from different positions in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] The second feed water pipe 53 has a portion 53a extending in the Z-axis direction outside the condenser 10, and a portion 53b extending in the X-axis direction from the upper end of portion 53a and disposed within the cooling chamber 30. The lower end of portion 53a is connected to the cooling water pipe 51. Portion 53b passes through the side wall 17 and extends in the X-axis direction inside the cooling chamber 30. Portion 53b of the second feed water pipe 53 is disposed above a contact medium layer 70 disposed within the cooling chamber 30. The contact medium layer 70 will be described later.

[0034] A plurality of sprayers 55 are provided in a portion 53b of the second water supply pipe 53 inside the cooling chamber 30. The sprayers 55 are spray nozzles that spray cooling water into the cooling chamber 30. The cooling water that flows through the second water supply pipe 53 is supplied to the sprayers 55. The sprayers 55 spray the cooling water into the cooling chamber 30. The sprayers 55 are an example of second sprayers. A plurality of sprayers 55 are provided in the circumferential direction of the portion 53b of the water supply pipe 53. The plurality of sprayers 55 can spray cooling water on both sides in the Y-axis direction and can spray downward in the Z-axis direction. The sprayers 55 may also spray cooling water upward. A plurality of sprayers 55 are provided in the X-axis direction. The plurality of sprayers 55 can spray cooling water from different positions in the X-axis direction.

[0035] Next, the contact medium layer 60 will be described. The contact medium layer 60 is disposed at the bottom of the condensing chamber 20. The contact medium layer 60 is an example of a first contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 60 is formed by stacking multiple packings 80. The packings are illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the packings 80. The packings 80 promote contact between the steam and the cooling water. The packings 80 have a large surface area to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water. The packings may be other packings, such as Raschig rings, Lessing rings, Bell saddles, Intalox saddles, Terralet packings, Pall rings, and structured packings. The packings 80 may have protrusions, grooves, holes, etc.

[0036] The packing 80 includes, for example, a plurality of rectangular plates 81. The plates 81 are provided with a plurality of through-holes 82 penetrating in the thickness direction. The plates 81 are deformed by being bent and twisted. The thickness direction of the plates 81 may vary depending on the position. The orientation of the plurality of through-holes 82 penetrating in the thickness direction also varies. The plurality of plates 81 are bundled and fixed by a belt 83. The plurality of plates 81 and the belt 83 are joined to each other. Steam can flow through the gaps between the plurality of plates 81 and the through-holes 82. Cooling water and condensed water can adhere to the surface areas of the plates 81 and the belt 83. When the water adhering to the packing 80 comes into contact with the steam passing through the packing 80, heat exchange occurs between the water and the steam. The steam is cooled and condensed, increasing the amount of condensed water. The packing 80 can be formed of, for example, porcelain, synthetic resin, stainless steel, or the like. The material of the packing 80 is not limited thereto.

[0037] The contact medium layer 60 is formed by stacking multiple fillers 80. As shown in FIG. 3, the thickness of the contact medium layer 60 along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness of the contact medium layer 60 along the Z-axis direction varies depending on the position along the Y-axis direction. The upper surfaces 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a of the contact medium layer 60 are inclined surfaces. "Non-uniform" means not uniform. For example, a thickness that is 1.1 times or more the reference thickness may be considered non-uniform. The reference thickness may be, for example, an average thickness.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a contact medium layer 60 provided in the condensation chamber 20. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the contact medium layer 60 shown in Fig. 3. The contact medium layer 60 includes regions 61 and 63 closer to the first water supply pipe 52 in the Y-axis direction, and regions 62 and 64 farther from the first water supply pipe 52 than regions 61 and 63. Regions 61 and 63 are an example of a first region of the first contact medium layer, and regions 62 and 64 are an example of a second region of the first contact medium layer.

[0039] Regions 61 and 62 are arranged between the side wall 16 and the first water supply pipe 52 in the Y-axis direction. The side wall 16 is the side wall on the opposite side of the first water supply pipe 52 from the center line OY. Region 62 is arranged closer to the side wall 16, and region 61 is arranged farther from the side wall 16 than region 62. The upper surface 61a of region 61 forms an inclined surface. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the upper surface 61a is inclined with respect to the XY plane. The upper surface 61a is inclined so that the position of the upper surface 61a closer to the first water supply pipe 52 is lower than the position farther from the first water supply pipe 52. The XY plane is an example of a horizontal plane.

[0040] The upper surface 62a of the region 62 forms an inclined surface. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the upper surface 62a is inclined with respect to the XY plane. The upper surface 62a is inclined so that the position of the upper surface 62a closer to the side wall 16 is higher than the position farther from the side wall 16. In the regions 61 and 62, the thickness T2 of the region 62 closer to the side wall 16 is thicker than the thickness T1 of the region 61 closer to the first water supply pipe 52. The thickness T2 may be the thickness of the thickest portion of the region 62. The thickness T1 may be the thickness of the thinnest portion of the region 61. The thicknesses T1 and T2 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction.

[0041] Regions 63 and 64 are located between the first water supply pipe 52 and the center line OY in the Y-axis direction. Region 64 is located closer to the center line OY, and region 63 is located closer to the first water supply pipe 52 than region 64. The upper surface 63a of region 63 forms an inclined surface. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the upper surface 63a is inclined with respect to the XY plane. The upper surface 63a is inclined so that the position of the upper surface 63a closer to the first water supply pipe 52 is lower than the position farther from the first water supply pipe 52.

[0042] The upper surface 64a of the region 64 forms an inclined surface. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the upper surface 64a is inclined with respect to the XY plane. The upper surface 64a is inclined so that the position of the upper surface 64a farther from the first water supply pipe 52 is higher than the position closer to the first water supply pipe 52. In the regions 63 and 64, the thickness T4 of the region 64 closer to the center line OY is thicker than the thickness T3 of the region 63 closer to the first water supply pipe 52. The thickness T4 may be the thickness of the thickest portion of the region 64. The thickness T3 may be the thickness of the thinnest portion of the region 63. The thicknesses T3 and T4 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction.

[0043] For example, thickness T2 may be 1.1 times or more the thickness T1, and for example, thickness T4 may be 1.1 times or more the thickness T3.

[0044] The condensing chamber 20 is provided with a support member 65 for supporting the contact medium layer 60. The support member 65 may be, for example, a grating having a plurality of openings. The support member 65 may be any member that can support the contact medium layer 60 and allow steam and water to pass through. The support member 65 is fixed to, for example, the side wall 16 and the partition plate 18. The support member 65 may also be attached to other parts of the condenser 10. The contact medium layer 60 is supported from below by the support member 65. The support member 65 may include a support member for maintaining the position and shape of the contact medium layer 60.

[0045] Next, the contact medium layer 70 will be described. The contact medium layer 70 is disposed at the bottom of the cooling chamber 30. The contact medium layer 70 is an example of a second contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 70 is formed by stacking a plurality of fillers 80. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the contact medium layer 70 disposed in the cooling chamber 30. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the contact medium layer 70 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, the thickness of the contact medium layer 70 along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70 along the Z-axis direction varies depending on the position in the X-axis direction. The upper surfaces 71a, 72a of the contact medium layer 70 are inclined surfaces.

[0046] The contact medium layer 70 includes a region 71 closer to the partition plate 18 in the X-axis direction and a region 72 farther from the partition plate 18 than the region 71. The region 71 is an example of a first region of the second contact medium layer, and the region 72 is an example of a second region of the second contact medium layer.

[0047] Region 71 is disposed between partition plate 18 and side wall 17 in the X-axis direction. Region 72 is disposed closer to side wall 17, and region 71 is disposed farther from side wall 17 than region 72. An upper surface 71a of region 71 forms an inclined surface. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, upper surface 71a is inclined with respect to the XY plane. Upper surface 71a is inclined so that the position of upper surface 71a closer to partition plate 18 is lower than the position farther from partition plate 18.

[0048] The upper surface 72a of region 72 forms an inclined surface. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the upper surface 72a is inclined with respect to the XY plane. The upper surface 62a is inclined so that the portion of the upper surface 72a closer to the side wall 17 is higher than the portion closer to the partition plate 18. In regions 71 and 72, the thickness T6 of region 72 closer to the side wall 17 is thicker than the thickness T5 of region 71 closer to the partition plate 18. Thickness T6 may be the thickness of the thickest portion of region 72. Thickness T5 may be the thickness of the thinnest portion of region 71. Thicknesses T5 and T6 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction.

[0049] For example, the thickness T6 may be 1.1 times or more the thickness T5.

[0050] The cooling chamber 30 is provided with a support member 75 for supporting the contact medium layer 70. The support member 75 may be, for example, a grating having a plurality of openings. The support member 75 may be any member that can support the contact medium layer 70 and allow steam and water to pass through. The support member 75 is fixed to, for example, the side wall 17 and the partition plate 18. The support member 75 may also be attached to other parts of the condenser 10. The contact medium layer 70 is supported from below by the support member 75. The support member 75 may include a support member for maintaining the position and shape of the contact medium layer 70.

[0051] A hot well 13 is provided at the bottom of the condenser 10. The hot well 13 is connected to the communication chamber 40. The hot well 13 temporarily stores the high-temperature water in the condenser 10. For example, a pipe P6 is connected to the hot well 13. The high-temperature water in the hot well 13 flows through the pipe P6 and into the cooling tower 6.

[0052] Next, the operation of the condenser 10 will be described. Steam discharged from the steam turbine 3 flows through the intermediate body 11 and is supplied into the condensing chamber 20. In the condensing chamber 20, the steam flows downward. Cooling water is sprayed into the condensing chamber 20. The cooling water flows through the cooling water pipe 51, passes through the first water supply pipe 52, and is supplied to the multiple sprayers 54. The cooling water is sprayed into the condensing chamber 20 from the multiple sprayers 54.

[0053] In the condensation chamber 20, the steam comes into contact with the cooling water. A portion of the steam comes into contact with the cooling water in the condensation chamber 20, where it is cooled and condensed. A portion of the steam is cooled and condensed in the space above the contact medium layer 60. A portion of the steam is cooled and condensed as it passes through the contact medium layer 60. A water film is formed on the surface of the contact medium layer 60. The cooling water and condensed water sprayed into the condensation chamber 20 adhere to the surface of the contact medium layer 60. The surface of the contact medium layer 60 includes, for example, the surface of the packing 80. The steam in the condensation chamber 20 is cooled as it comes into contact with the water film on the surface of the contact medium layer 60 while passing through the gaps between the multiple packings 80 and the through-holes 82.

[0054] The water condensed in the condensation chamber 20 and the cooling water sprayed from the sprayer 54 fall and are stored in the communicating chamber 40. The steam and non-condensable gas that are not condensed in the condensation chamber 20 pass through the contact medium layer 60, flow through the communicating chamber 40, and enter the cooling chamber 30. The flow velocity distribution of the steam flowing into the cooling chamber 30 will be described later.

[0055] Steam flows upward in the cooling chamber 30. Cooling water is sprayed into the cooling chamber 30. The cooling water flows through a cooling water pipe 51, passes through a second water supply pipe 53, and is supplied to a plurality of sprayers 55. The cooling water is sprayed into the cooling chamber 30 from the plurality of sprayers 55.

[0056] In the cooling chamber 30, steam comes into contact with cooling water. The steam that has flowed into the cooling chamber 30 flows through the contact medium layer 70. A water film is formed on the surfaces of the multiple packings 80 in the contact medium layer 70. As part of the steam passes through the contact medium layer 70, it comes into contact with the water on the surfaces of the packings 80 and is cooled. The steam is cooled and condenses, adhering to the surfaces of the packings 80. The water adhering to the packings 80 falls and flows into the communicating chamber 40.

[0057] The steam and non-condensable gases that have passed through the contact medium layer 70 flow into the space above the contact medium layer 70 within the cooling chamber 30. A portion of the steam that has passed through the contact medium layer 70 is cooled and condensed by cooling water sprayed from the sprayer 55. The condensed water falls and adheres to the surface of the packing 80 of the contact medium layer 70. The non-condensable gases pass through the cooling chamber 30, flow through the discharge pipe 12, and are discharged from the condenser 10.

[0058] Next, the flow velocity distribution of steam flowing into cooling chamber 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, steam that has passed through condensation chamber 20 flows below partition plate 18 and flows into cooling chamber 30. The steam flows around the underside of partition plate 18 and flows into cooling chamber 30. The flow velocity of steam flowing into cooling chamber 30 varies depending on the position in the X-axis direction.

[0059] At the bottom of the cooling chamber 30, the flow velocity V2 of the steam flowing along the side wall 17 is faster than the flow velocity V1 of the steam flowing at a position close to the partition plate 18. The flow rate of the steam flowing along the side wall 17 is greater than the flow rate of the steam flowing at a position close to the partition plate 18. The amount of steam flowing near the partition plate 18 is smaller than the amount of steam flowing near the side wall 17. The flow velocity V2 of the steam flowing at a position close to the side wall 17 is faster than the flow velocity V1 of the steam flowing at a position close to the partition plate 18.

[0060] Next, the flow velocity distribution of steam flowing within the condensation chamber 20 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the flow velocity of steam varies depending on the position within the condensation chamber 20. The flow velocity of steam varies depending on the position in the Y-axis direction. The flow velocity V3 of steam at a position close to the first water supply pipe 52 is slower than the flow velocities V4 and V5 of steam at positions farther from the first water supply pipe 52. The first water supply pipe 52 acts as a resistance to the flow of steam, and the flow velocity of steam near the first water supply pipe 52 is slower.

[0061] As described above, in the condenser 10 of the present disclosure, the thickness of the contact medium layer 70 along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness T6 of the contact medium layer 70 closer to the side wall 17 is thicker than the thickness T5 of the contact medium layer 70 closer to the partition plate 18. In other words, the thickness T5 of the contact medium layer 70 closer to the partition plate 18 is thinner than the thickness T6 of the contact medium layer 70 farther from the partition plate 18. Thus, in the condenser 10, the thickness T6 of the contact medium layer 70 on the side where the steam flow velocity is higher in the cooling chamber 30 can be made thicker than the thickness T5 of the contact medium layer 70 on the side where the steam flow velocity is lower. This increases the contact between steam and water in the contact medium layer 70 in the region where the steam flow velocity is higher. In the region where the steam flow velocity is higher, the travel distance of steam passing through the contact medium layer 70 can be increased. As a result, the contact time between the water adhering to the contact medium layer 70 and the steam can be increased.

[0062] In the condenser 10, the thickness T6 of the contact medium layer 70 is large in the region where the steam flow velocity is high in the cooling chamber 30, so that the fluid resistance of the contact medium layer 70 can be increased. This reduces the flow rate of steam flowing near the side wall 17 and increases the flow rate of steam flowing away from the side wall 17. This reduces unevenness in the flow of steam in the cooling chamber 30. In the condenser 10, the cooling efficiency of the steam in the cooling chamber 30 can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the condenser 10, the thickness of the contact medium layer 60 along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thicknesses T2 and T4 of the contact medium layer 60 on the side farther from the first water supply pipe 52 are thicker than the thicknesses T1 and T3 of the contact medium layer 60 on the side closer to the first water supply pipe 52. Thus, in the condenser 10, the thicknesses T2 and T4 on the side where the steam flow velocity is higher can be made thicker than the thicknesses T1 and T3 on the side where the steam flow velocity is lower. This increases the contact between steam and water in the contact medium layer 60 in the region where the steam flow velocity is higher. In the region where the steam flow velocity is higher, the travel distance of steam passing through the contact medium layer 60 can be increased. As a result, the contact time between water adhering to the contact medium layer 60 and the steam can be increased.

[0064] In the condenser 10, the thicknesses T2 and T4 of the contact medium layer 60 are large in the region where the steam flow velocity is high in the condensing chamber 20, so the fluid resistance of the contact medium layer 60 can be increased. This increases the flow rate of steam flowing near the first water supply pipe 52 and decreases the flow rate of steam flowing away from the first water supply pipe 52. This reduces unevenness in the flow of steam in the condensing chamber 20. In the condenser 10, the cooling efficiency of steam in the condensing chamber 20 can be improved.

[0065] The upper surfaces 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a of the contact medium layer 60 are inclined. This allows the steam flow to be redirected along the inclined surfaces. The steam flow is redirected so as to approach the first water supply pipe 52. The upper surface of the contact medium layer 60 may include an imaginary straight line extending along the upper side of the packing 80 that constitutes the contact medium layer 60.

[0066] The upper surfaces 71a and 72a of the contact medium layer 70 are inclined surfaces. By forming such inclined surfaces on the upper side, the thickness of the contact medium layer 70 can be easily changed.

[0067] Next, a condenser 10B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the condensing chamber 20 of the condenser 10B according to the second embodiment, illustrating a contact medium layer 60B. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10B, illustrating a contact medium layer 70B. The condenser 10B according to the second embodiment differs from the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment in that the condenser 10B according to the first embodiment includes a contact medium layer 60B having an inclined lower surface instead of the contact medium layer 60 having an inclined upper surface, and a contact medium layer 70B having an inclined lower surface instead of the contact medium layer 70 having an inclined upper surface. Note that in the description of the condenser 10B according to the second embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0068] A contact medium layer 60B is formed at the bottom of the condensing chamber 20 of the condenser 10B. The contact medium layer 60B is an example of a first contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 60B is formed by stacking a plurality of packings 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the thickness of the contact medium layer 60B along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness of the contact medium layer 60B along the Z-axis direction varies depending on the position in the Y-axis direction. The lower surfaces 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b of the contact medium layer 60B are inclined surfaces.

[0069] The contact medium layer 60B includes regions 61B and 63B closer to the first water supply pipe 52 in the Y-axis direction, and regions 62B and 64B farther from the first water supply pipe 52 than the regions 61B and 63B. The regions 61B and 63B are an example of a first region of the first contact medium layer, and the regions 62B and 64B are an example of a second region of the first contact medium layer.

[0070] The lower surfaces 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b are inclined with respect to the XY plane when viewed from the X-axis direction. The lower surfaces 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b are inclined such that the position of the lower surfaces 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b closer to the first water supply pipe 52 is higher than the position of the lower surfaces 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b farther from the first water supply pipe 52.

[0071] In regions 61B, 62B, 63B, and 64B, thicknesses T11 and T13 of regions 61B and 63B closer to the first water supply pipe 52 are thinner than thicknesses T12 and T14 of regions 62B and 64B farther from the first water supply pipe 52. Thicknesses T11, T12, T13, and T14 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction. Thickness T11 may be the average thickness in region 61B. Similarly, thicknesses T12, T13, and T14 may be the average thickness in regions 62B, 63B, and 64B.

[0072] A support member 65B for supporting the contact medium layer 60B is provided in the condensation chamber 20. The support member 65B is inclined when viewed from the X-axis direction. The support member 65B is disposed at an incline, and the contact medium layer 60B disposed on this support member 65B is also inclined.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, a contact medium layer 70B is formed at the bottom of the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10B. The contact medium layer 70B is an example of a second contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 70B is formed by stacking a plurality of fillers 80. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70B along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70B along the Z-axis direction varies depending on the position in the X-axis direction. The lower surfaces 71b, 72b of the contact medium layer 70B are inclined surfaces.

[0074] The contact medium layer 70B includes a region 71B closer to the partition plate 18 in the X-axis direction and a region 72B farther from the partition plate 18 than the region 71B. The region 71B is an example of a first region of the second contact medium layer, and the region 72B is an example of a second region of the second contact medium layer.

[0075] The lower surfaces 71b, 72b of the regions 71B, 72B form inclined surfaces. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the lower surfaces 71b, 72b are inclined with respect to the XY plane. The lower surfaces 71b, 72b are inclined such that the position of the lower surfaces 71b, 72b closer to the side wall 17 is lower than the position closer to the partition plate 18. In the regions 71B, 72B, the thickness T16 of the region 72B closer to the side wall 17 is thicker than the thickness T15 of the region 71B closer to the partition plate 18. The thicknesses T15, T16 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction. The thickness T15 may be the average thickness in the region 71B. Similarly, the thickness T16 may be the average thickness in the region 72B.

[0076] The condenser 10B according to the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment. In the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10B, the lower surfaces 71b, 72b of the contact medium layer 70B into which the steam flows are inclined, so that the flow of steam can be changed along the inclined surface. The flow of steam is changed so that it approaches the partition plate 18. The amount of steam flowing near the side wall 17 is reduced, and the amount of steam flowing away from the side wall 17 is increased.

[0077] Next, a condenser 10C according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the condensing chamber 20 of the condenser 10C according to the third embodiment, illustrating the contact medium layer 60C. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10C, illustrating the contact medium layer 70C. The condenser 10C according to the third embodiment differs from the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment in that, instead of the contact medium layer 60 having an inclined upper surface, it has a contact medium layer 60C having a step formed on its lower surface, and in that, instead of the contact medium layer 70 having an inclined upper surface, it has a contact medium layer 70C having a step formed on its upper surface. Note that, in describing the condenser 10C according to the third embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the condensers 10 and 10B according to the above embodiments will be omitted.

[0078] A contact medium layer 60C is formed at the bottom of the condensing chamber 20 of the condenser 10C. The contact medium layer 60C is an example of a first contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 60C is formed by stacking a plurality of packings 80. As shown in FIG. 9 , the thickness of the contact medium layer 60C along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness of the contact medium layer 60C along the Z-axis direction differs between regions 61C and 63C and regions 62C and 64C. The lower surfaces 61c and 63c of the contact medium layer 60C and the lower surfaces 62c and 64c of the contact medium layer 60C are located at different positions in the Z-axis direction.

[0079] The contact medium layer 60C includes regions 61C and 63C closer to the first water supply pipe 52 in the Y-axis direction, and regions 62C and 64C farther from the first water supply pipe 52 than regions 61C and 63C. Regions 61C and 63C are an example of a first region of the first contact medium layer, and regions 62C and 64C are an example of a second region of the first contact medium layer.

[0080] The lower surfaces 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b are formed so as to follow the XY plane when viewed from the X-axis direction. The lower surfaces 61c and 63c closer to the first water supply pipe 52 are positioned higher than the lower surfaces 62c and 64c farther from the first water supply pipe 52. A step is formed between the lower surfaces 61c and 63c and the lower surfaces 62c and 64c.

[0081] In the regions 61C, 62C, 63C, and 64C, the thicknesses T21 and T23 of the regions 61C and 63C closer to the first water supply pipe 52 are thinner than the thicknesses T22 and T24 of the regions 62C and 64C farther from the first water supply pipe 52. The thicknesses T21, T22, T23, and T24 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction.

[0082] The condensation chamber 20 is provided with support members 65C, 66C, and 67C for supporting the contact medium layer 60C. The support member 65C supports the regions 62C and 64C from below. The support member 66C supports the lower portions of the regions 62C and 64C from the sides. The support member 67C supports the regions 61C and 63C from below. The support members 65C, 66C, and 67C are connected to each other and attached to the side wall 16. The support members 65C and 67C are arranged at different positions in the Z-axis direction.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, a contact medium layer 70C is formed at the bottom of the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10C. The contact medium layer 70C is an example of a second contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 70C is formed by stacking a plurality of fillers 80. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70C along the Z-axis direction is non-uniform. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70C along the Z-axis direction differs between regions 71C and 72C. The upper surface 71c and the upper surface 72c of the contact medium layer 70C are located at different positions in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] The contact medium layer 70C includes a region 71C that is closer to the partition plate 18 in the X-axis direction and a region 72C that is farther away from the partition plate 18 than the region 71C. The region 71C is an example of a first region of the second contact medium layer, and the region 72C is an example of a second region of the second contact medium layer.

[0085] The top surfaces 71c and 72c are formed to extend along the XY plane when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The top surface 72c closer to the side wall 17 is positioned higher than the top surface 71c closer to the partition plate 18. A step is formed between the top surfaces 71c and 72c. The thickness T26 of the region 72C closer to the side wall 17 is thicker than the thickness T25 of the region 71C closer to the partition plate 18. The thicknesses T25 and T26 are thicknesses along the Z-axis direction. The thickness T25 may be the average thickness in the region 71C. The thickness T26 may be the average thickness in the region 72C.

[0086] The cooling chamber 30 is provided with support members 75 and 76 for supporting the contact medium layer 70C. The support member 75 supports the regions 71C and 72C from below. The support member 76C supports the upper portion of the region 72C from the side. The support member 76C extends in the Y-axis direction and is fixed to the side walls 16 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0087] The condenser 10C according to the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment. By providing a step on the lower side of the contact medium layer 60C, it is possible to change the thicknesses T21 and T23 of the contact medium layer 60C closer to the first water supply pipe 52 and the thicknesses T22 and T24 of the contact medium layer 60C farther from the first water supply pipe 52. By reducing the thicknesses T21 and T23 of the contact medium layer 60C closer to the first water supply pipe 52, it is possible to increase the steam flow closer to the first water supply pipe 52. By increasing the thicknesses T22 and T24 of the contact medium layer 60C on the side where the steam flow velocity is higher, it is possible to increase the contact time between the steam and the water adhering to the contact medium layer 60C, thereby improving the cooling efficiency in the condensation chamber 20.

[0088] By providing a step on the upper side of the contact medium layer 70C, it is possible to change the thickness T26 of the contact medium layer 70C closer to the side wall 17 and the thickness T25 of the contact medium layer 70C closer to the partition plate 18. By increasing the thickness T26 of the contact medium layer 70C closer to the side wall 17 and decreasing the thickness T25 of the contact medium layer 70C closer to the partition plate 18, it is possible to reduce the steam flow closer to the side wall 17 and increase the steam flow at positions away from the side wall 17. By increasing the thickness T26 of the contact medium layer 70C where the steam flow velocity is higher, the contact time between the steam and the water adhering to the contact medium layer 70C is increased, thereby improving the cooling efficiency in the cooling chamber 30.

[0089] Although a step is provided on the lower surface of the contact medium layer 60C, a step may also be provided on the upper surface of the contact medium layer 60C. Although a step is provided on the upper surface of the contact medium layer 70C, a step may also be provided on the lower surface of the contact medium layer 70C.

[0090] Next, a condenser 10D according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the condensing chamber 20 of the condenser 10D according to the fourth embodiment, illustrating a contact medium layer 60D. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10D, illustrating a contact medium layer 70D. The condenser 10D according to the fourth embodiment differs from the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment in that, instead of the contact medium layers 60 and 70, the condenser 10D includes contact medium layers 60D and 70D having multiple regions with different surface areas per unit volume. Note that, in the description of the condenser 10D according to the fourth embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0091] A contact medium layer 60D is formed at the bottom of the condensing chamber 20 of the condenser 10D. The contact medium layer 60D is an example of a first contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 60D is formed by stacking multiple packings 80, 80B. The contact medium layer 60D has a non-uniform surface area per unit volume. The contact medium layer 60D includes regions 61D, 63D and regions 62D, 64D, which have different surface areas per unit volume. The non-uniform surface area per unit volume of the contact medium layer 60D is an example of non-uniform pressure loss.

[0092] "Non-uniform" means not uniform. For example, if the surface area per unit volume of region 62D is 1.1 times or more larger than the surface area per unit volume of region 61D, it can be considered non-uniform. For example, if the material and thickness of the packing plates are the same, the density (kg / m 3 ) may be compared. Also, if the pressure loss in region 62D is 1.1 times or more greater than the pressure loss in region 61D, the surface area per unit volume may be considered to be non-uniform. The same applies to regions 63D and 64D.

[0093] The contact medium layer 60D includes regions 61D and 63D closer to the first water supply pipe 52 in the Y-axis direction, and regions 62D and 64D farther from the first water supply pipe 52 than the regions 61D and 63D. The regions 61D and 63D are an example of a first region of the first contact medium layer, and the regions 62D and 64D are an example of a second region of the first contact medium layer.

[0094] Regions 61D and 63D are formed by stacking multiple packing materials 80. Regions 62D and 64D are formed by stacking multiple packing materials 80B. Packing material 80B has a larger surface area per unit volume than packing material 80. Packing material 80B has a higher fluid resistance per unit volume than packing material 80. Packing material 80 and packing material 80B may have similar shapes. An example of packing materials 80 and 80B is shown in FIG. 4. For example, packing material 80B may include more plates 81 than packing material 80. The plates 81 of packing material 80B may have a larger amount of twist than the plates of packing material 80. For example, by changing the shape and size of the through-holes 82, the surface area per unit volume of packing material 80B may be larger than the surface area per unit volume of packing material 80.

[0095] Furthermore, by changing the spacing between the fillers 80, the surface area per unit volume in regions 62D and 64D may be made larger than the surface area per unit volume in regions 61D and 63D. The fillers 80 may be spaced apart in regions 61D and 63D, and may be arranged more densely in regions 62D and 64D.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12, a contact medium layer 70D is formed at the bottom of the cooling chamber 30 of the condenser 10D. The contact medium layer 70D is an example of a second contact medium layer. The contact medium layer 70D is formed by stacking multiple packings 80, 80B. The packing 80 is an example of a first packing, and the packing 80B is an example of a second packing. In the contact medium layer 70D, the surface area per unit volume is non-uniform. The contact medium layer 70D includes a region 71D and a region 72D, which have different surface areas per unit volume. The non-uniform surface area per unit volume in the contact medium layer 70D is an example of non-uniform pressure loss.

[0097] For example, if the surface area per unit volume of region 72D is 1.1 times or more larger than the surface area per unit volume of region 71D, it may be considered to be non-uniform. For example, if the material and thickness of the packing plates are the same, the density (kg / m 3 ) may be used for comparison. Also, if the pressure loss due to region 72D is 1.1 times or more larger than the pressure loss due to region 71D, the size of the surface area per unit volume may be considered to be non-uniform.

[0098] The contact medium layer 70D includes a region 71D that is closer to the partition plate 18 in the X-axis direction and a region 72D that is farther away from the partition plate 18 than the region 71D. The region 71D is an example of a first region of the second contact medium layer, and the region 72D is an example of a second region of the second contact medium layer.

[0099] Region 71D is formed by stacking multiple packings 80. Region 72D is formed by stacking multiple packings 80B. Packings 80B have a larger surface area per unit volume than packings 80. Packings 80B have a higher fluid resistance per unit volume than packings 80. The relationship between regions 71D and 72D in contact medium layer 70D is similar to the relationship between regions 61D and 62D in contact medium layer 60D. The fluid resistance per unit volume of region 72D is higher than the fluid resistance per unit volume of region 71D.

[0100] The condenser 10D according to the fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment. In the condenser 10D, the surface area per unit volume of the region 72D where the steam flow velocity is high is larger than the surface area per unit volume of the region 71D where the steam flow velocity is low in the cooling chamber 30. This allows for increased contact between steam and water in the contact medium layer 70D in the region 72D where the steam flow velocity is high.

[0101] In the condenser 10D, the fluid resistance of the contact medium layer 70D can be increased in regions where the steam flow velocity is high within the cooling chamber 30. In the condenser 10D, the pressure loss in the contact medium layer 70D is greater than the pressure loss in the region 72D and the pressure loss in the region 71D. This reduces the flow rate of steam flowing near the side wall 17 and increases the flow rate of steam flowing away from the side wall 17. This reduces unevenness in the flow of steam within the cooling chamber 30. In the condenser 10D, the cooling efficiency of steam within the cooling chamber 30 can be improved.

[0102] In the condenser 10D, the surface area per unit volume of the regions 62D, 64D where the steam flow rate is higher is larger than the surface area per unit volume of the regions 61D, 63D where the steam flow rate is lower in the condenser chamber 20. This allows for increased contact between steam and water in the contact medium layer 60D in the regions 62D, 64D where the steam flow rate is higher.

[0103] In the condenser 10D, the fluid resistance of the contact medium layer 60D can be increased in regions where the steam flow velocity is high within the condensing chamber 20. In the condenser 10D, the pressure loss in regions 62D and 64D of the contact medium layer 60D is greater than the pressure loss in regions 61D and 63D. This increases the flow rate of steam flowing near the first feed water pipe 52 and decreases the flow rate of steam flowing away from the first feed water pipe 52. This reduces unevenness in the flow of steam within the condensing chamber 20. In the condenser 10D, the cooling efficiency of steam within the condensing chamber 20 can be improved.

[0104] In such a condenser 10D, the fluid resistance can be changed without changing the thickness of the contact medium layers 60D, 70D. Note that in the condenser 10D, similar to the condenser 10 described above, the thickness of the contact medium layers 60D, 70D may be changed.

[0105] In addition, in the description of the contact medium layer 70D of the condenser 10D, the region 72D is formed by stacking packing material 80B, and the region 71D is formed by stacking packing material 80. However, the contact medium layer 70D is not limited to this. The regions 71D and 72D may include, for example, both packing material 80 and packing material 80B. For example, the region 72D may include more packing material 80B than packing material 80, and the region 71D may include more packing material 80 than packing material 80B, thereby making the surface area per unit volume of the region 72D larger than the surface area per unit volume of the region 71D.

[0106] Next, a condenser 10E according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the condenser 10E according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a condensing chamber 20E of the condenser 10E, and is a view showing a cross section along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. The condenser 10E is an example of an axial exhaust direct contact condenser. The steam turbine 3 provided upstream of the condenser 10E is, for example, an axial turbine, and discharges steam in the axial direction. In this embodiment, a condenser 10E into which steam discharged in the X-axis direction flows will be described.

[0107] The condenser 10E according to the fifth embodiment differs from the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment in that the condenser 10E according to the fifth embodiment includes an intermediate body 11B provided on a side wall 17B instead of the intermediate body 11 provided on the top plate, steam flows in the X-axis direction, and one cooling chamber 30. In the description of the condenser 10E according to the fifth embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0108] The condenser 10E includes a condensing chamber 20E, a cooling chamber 30, and a communication chamber 40. Similar to the condensing chamber 20 described above, the condensing chamber 20E includes a first water supply pipe 52, a sprayer 54, and a contact medium layer 60. The condensing chamber 20E is connected to the cooling chamber 30 via the communication chamber 40.

[0109] The condenser 10E has side walls 17 and 17B spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The side wall 17 forms the side wall of the cooling chamber 30. The side wall 17B is the side wall opposite the cooling chamber 30 and forms the side wall of the condensing chamber 20E. An intermediate body 11B is attached to the side wall 17B. The intermediate body 11B is a duct that serves as a flow path connecting the casing of the steam turbine 3 and the condensing chamber 20E of the condenser 10E. The intermediate body 11B is disposed on the side wall 17B at a height close to the top plate 14. Steam discharged from the steam turbine 3 flows through the intermediate body 11B in the X-axis direction and into the condensing chamber 20E.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 14, a contact medium layer 60 is provided at the bottom of the condensation chamber 20E. The upper surface of the contact medium layer 60 forms an inclined surface. The thickness of the contact medium layer 60 along the Z-axis direction varies depending on the position in the Y-axis direction. The configuration of the contact medium layer 60 in the condensation chamber 20E may be the same as the configuration of the contact medium layer 60 in the condensation chamber 20. In place of the contact medium layer 60, the above-mentioned contact medium layers 60B, 60C, and 60D may be provided in the condensation chamber 20E, or other contact medium layers may be provided.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 13, a contact medium layer 70 is provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber 30. The upper surface of the contact medium layer 70 forms an inclined surface. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70 in the Z-axis direction varies depending on the position in the X-axis direction. In place of the contact medium layer 70, the above-mentioned contact medium layers 70B, 70C, and 70D may be provided in the cooling chamber 30, or other contact medium layers may be provided.

[0112] The condenser 10E according to the fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the condenser 10 according to the first embodiment. The condenser 10E can alleviate bias in the flow velocity distribution of steam. The condenser 10E can improve the contact efficiency between the steam and the cooling water, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the steam.

[0113] Next, a condenser 10E according to a sixth embodiment will be described. The condenser 10E is an axial-flow exhaust direct-contact condenser. In the condenser 10E shown in FIG. 13, the contact medium layer 70 may be replaced with the contact medium layer 70D shown in FIG. 12. Region 72D having a larger surface area per unit volume is disposed closer to side wall 17, and region 71D having a smaller surface area per unit volume is disposed closer to partition plate 18.

[0114] Similarly, in the condenser 10E, the contact medium layer 60 disposed in the condensing chamber 20E may be replaced with the contact medium layer 60D shown in Fig. 11. The regions 62D and 64D having larger surface areas per unit volume are disposed farther from the first water supply pipe 52, and the regions 61D and 63D having smaller surface areas per unit volume are disposed closer to the first water supply pipe 52.

[0115] The condenser 10E according to the sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the condenser 10E according to the fifth embodiment.

[0116] Next, with reference to FIG. 15 , the contact medium layer 70F of the condenser 10 according to Modification 1 will be described. In the contact medium layer 70 shown in FIG. 6, the upper surfaces 71a and 72a are inclined surfaces. However, as shown in FIG. 15 , the upper surfaces 71a and 72a of the contact medium layer 70F may be curved. The inclination angle of the upper surfaces 71a and 72a may be constant or may vary in the X-axis direction. The inclined surface may include a curved surface. The same applies to the contact medium layer 60; the upper surface of the contact medium layer 60 may be curved.

[0117] Next, with reference to FIG. 16 , the contact medium layer 70G of the condenser 10 according to Modification 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16 , of the upper surfaces 71g, 72g of the contact medium layer 70G, the upper surface 72g of the region 72 closer to the side wall 17 may be an inclined surface, and the upper surface 71g of the region 71 closer to the partition plate 18 may be a flat surface along the XY plane. In this manner, the inclined surface may be formed only in the region 72 where the flow velocity is higher. Similarly, the contact medium layer 60 may have an inclined surface formed only in the region where the flow velocity is higher. In the contact medium layers 60, 70, the inclined surface may be formed only partially.

[0118] It should be noted that the above-described examples merely illustrate typical forms of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and various modifications and additions are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0119] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the contact medium layers 60, 70 are provided in both the condensing chamber 20 and the cooling chamber 30 has been described, but a configuration in which the contact medium layers 60, 70 are provided in at least one of the condensing chamber 20 and the cooling chamber 30 may also be used. The condenser 10 may also be configured in which the contact medium layer 70 is provided in the cooling chamber 30 and the contact medium layer 60 is not provided in the condensing chamber 20. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70 provided in the cooling chamber 30 may be non-uniform, and the thickness of the contact medium layer provided in the condensing chamber 20 may be uniform.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the case where the thickness of the contact medium layer 70 varies depending on the position in the X-axis direction has been described, but this is not limited to this. The thickness of the contact medium layer 70 may vary depending on the position in the Y-axis direction. The same applies to the contact medium layer 60, and the thickness of the contact medium layer 60 may vary depending on the position in the X-axis direction.

[0121] The contact medium layer may have a predetermined thickness in the Z-axis direction and may be any layer capable of promoting contact between the flowing gas and liquid. The contact medium layer may contain a general packing material.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the surface area per unit volume of region 72D in contact medium layer 70D shown in FIG. 12 is larger than that of region 71D. However, this is not limiting. For example, the surface area per unit volume of region 72D may be the same as or smaller than that of region 71D. In such a case, a packing material is used that causes a pressure loss in region 72D to be larger than that in region 71D. For example, in packing materials 80 and 80B shown in FIG. 4, the surface area per unit volume and pressure loss of packing materials 80 and 80B can be changed by changing the twisting of plates 81, the orientation of plates 81, the spacing between plates 81, the size of through-holes 82, the number of through-holes 82, the shape of through-holes 82, etc. Similar changes in the surface area per unit volume and pressure loss of other packing materials can be achieved.

[0123] 12, by making the pressure loss in region 72D larger than the pressure loss in region 71D, the flow rate of steam closer to side wall 17 can be reduced and the flow rate of steam farther from side wall 17 can be increased. This reduces bias in the flow of steam in cooling chamber 30. The same applies to contact medium layer 60D in condensation chamber 20, and the surface areas per unit volume of regions 62D and 64D may be the same as or smaller than the surface areas per unit volume of regions 61D and 63D.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the pressure loss in the contact medium layer 70D shown in FIG. 12 is greater in the region 72D than in the region 71D. However, this is not limiting. For example, the pressure loss in the region 72D may be equal to or less than that in the region 71D. In such a case, a packing material is used such that the surface area per unit volume in the region 72D is greater than that in the region 71D. This increases the contact between steam and water in the contact medium layer 70D in the region 72D where the steam flow rate is higher compared to the region 71D where the steam flow rate is lower. As a result, the cooling efficiency of steam in the cooling chamber 30 is improved. The same applies to the contact medium layer 60D in the condensing chamber 20; the pressure loss in the regions 62D and 64D may be equal to or less than that in the regions 61D and 63D.

[0125] In the above embodiment, in the contact medium layer 70 shown in FIG. 6 , the thickness T6 of the region 72 closer to the side wall 17 is greater than the thickness T5 of the region 71 closer to the partition plate 18. However, the thickness T6 of the region 72 closer to the side wall 17 may be smaller than the thickness of the region 71 closer to the partition plate 18. In this case, packing is used such that the pressure loss in the region 72 is greater than the pressure loss in the region 71. Alternatively, packing is used such that the surface area per unit area in the region 72 is greater than the surface area per unit area in the region 71. The same applies to the contact medium layer 60 in the condensing chamber 20.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the contact medium layer 70 shown in FIG. 6 includes two regions 71 and 72. However, the contact medium layer 70 may include three or more regions. In this case, the thickness of the contact medium layer 70 in the region closer to the side wall 17 is greater than the thickness of the contact medium layer 70 in the region farther from the side wall 17. Alternatively, the surface area per unit area of the contact medium layer 70 in the region closer to the side wall 17 is greater than the surface area per unit area of the contact medium layer 70 in the region farther from the side wall 17. Alternatively, the pressure loss of the contact medium layer 70 in the region closer to the side wall 17 is greater than the pressure loss of the contact medium layer 70 in the region farther from the side wall 17. The same applies to the contact medium layer 60 in the condensation chamber 20.

[0127] In addition, in FIG. 6, the regions 71 and 72 of the contact medium layer 70 are shown to have approximately the same width in the X-axis direction, but the widths of the regions 71 and 72 in the X-axis direction may be the same or different. For example, the width of the region 71 in the X-axis direction may be larger than the width of the region 72. The same applies to the regions 61 to 64 in FIG. 5, and the widths of the regions 61 to 64 may be different in the Y-axis direction.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the cooling chamber 30 has multiple regions 71 and 72 arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. However, multiple regions may be arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. For example, the cooling chamber 30 may have a water supply pipe extending in the Z-axis direction. In such a case, a region closer to the water supply pipe extending in the Z-axis direction and a region farther from the water supply pipe may be arranged. The thickness of the contact medium layer in the region where the steam flow velocity is faster can be increased, and the thickness of the contact medium layer in the region where the steam flow velocity is slower can be decreased. The surface area per unit volume of the contact medium layer and the pressure loss may also be set to be different in the Y-axis direction. The direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent is not limited to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and may be other directions on the XY plane. The first region and the second region may also be arranged depending on the distance from other structures such as walls, partitions, piping, and support members.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the condensing chamber 20 has a plurality of regions 61-64 arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. However, the condensing chamber 20 may have a plurality of regions arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. For example, the condensing chamber 20 may have a region closer to the partition plate 18 and a region farther from the partition plate 18. The thickness of the contact medium layer can be changed depending on the steam flow velocity. The surface area per unit volume of the contact medium layer and the pressure loss can be changed depending on the steam flow velocity. The direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent is not limited to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and may be any other direction in the XY plane. For example, the first region and the second region may be arranged in the XY plane depending on the distance from the intermediate body 11, 11B.

[0130] For example, the contact medium layer with a slower steam flow rate may be set as the first region, and the contact medium layer with a faster steam flow rate may be set as the second region. The first and second regions may be set based on the temperature distribution of the internal fluid of the condenser. For example, the region with a lower internal fluid temperature may be set as the first region, and the region with a higher internal fluid temperature may be set as the second region. In the first and second contact medium layers, the thickness of the second region may be greater than the thickness of the first region. In the first and second contact medium layers, the surface area per unit area of the second region may be greater than the surface area per unit area of the first region. In the first and second contact medium layers, the pressure loss of the second region may be greater than the pressure loss of the first region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1...Geothermal power generation system, 3...Steam turbine, 4...Generator, 10, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E...Condenser (direct contact condenser), 17...Side wall (second wall), 18...Partition plate (first wall), 20...Condensation chamber, 30...Cooling chamber, 52...First water supply pipe, 54...Sprayer (first sprayer), 55...Sprayer (second sprayer), 60...Contact medium layer (first contact medium layer), 61, 63...Region (first region), 62, 64...Region (second region), 61a, 6 2a, 63a, 64a...upper surface (inclined surface), 70...contact medium layer (second contact medium layer), 71...region (first region), 72...region (second region), 80...filler (first filler), 80B...filler (second filler), T1, T3...thickness (thickness of first region), T2, T4...thickness (thickness of second region), T5...thickness (thickness of first region), T6...thickness (thickness of second region), X...X-axis direction (first direction), Y...Y-axis direction, Z...Z-axis direction (gravity direction).

Claims

1. a condensing chamber into which the steam flows; a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber that is in communication with the condensing chamber and into which the vapor flows from the condensing chamber; a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; a first contact medium layer provided in the condensation chamber to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water, The thickness of the first contact medium layer in the direction of gravity is non-uniform. Direct contact condenser.

2. a first water supply pipe extending in the condensing chamber in a gravity direction to supply cooling water to the first sprayer; the first contact medium layer is disposed below the first atomizer; the first contact medium layer includes a first region closer to the first water supply pipe and a second region farther from the first water supply pipe than the first region; In the first contact medium layer, the thickness of the second region is greater than the thickness of the first region. The direct contact condenser of claim 1.

3. a condensing chamber into which the steam flows; a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber that is in communication with the condensing chamber and into which the vapor flows from the condensing chamber; a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; a second contact medium layer provided in the cooling chamber to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water, The thickness of the second contact medium layer in the gravity direction is non-uniform. Direct contact condenser.

4. a direction in which the condensing chamber and the cooling chamber are adjacent to each other is defined as a first direction; the cooling chamber has a first wall body that is spaced apart from each other in the first direction and disposed at a position close to the condensation chamber, and a second wall body that is disposed at a position farther from the condensation chamber than the first wall body, the second contact medium layer is disposed below the second sprayer between the first wall and the second wall; the second contact medium layer includes a first region adjacent to the first wall and a second region adjacent to the second wall; In the second contact medium layer, the thickness of the second region is greater than the thickness of the first region. The direct contact condenser of claim 3.

5. a condensing chamber into which the steam flows; a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber that is in communication with the condensing chamber and into which the vapor flows from the condensing chamber; a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; a first contact medium layer provided in the condensation chamber to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water; a first water supply pipe extending in the condensation chamber in the direction of gravity and supplying cooling water to the first sprayer; the first contact medium layer is disposed below the first atomizer; the first contact medium layer includes a first region closer to the first water supply pipe and a second region farther from the first water supply pipe than the first region; In the first contact medium layer, the surface area per unit volume of the second region is greater than the surface area per unit volume of the first region. Direct contact condenser.

6. a condensing chamber into which the steam flows; a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber that is in communication with the condensing chamber and into which the vapor flows from the condensing chamber; a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; a second contact medium layer provided in the cooling chamber to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water, a direction in which the condensing chamber and the cooling chamber are adjacent to each other is defined as a first direction; the cooling chamber has a first wall body that is spaced apart from each other in the first direction and disposed at a position close to the condensation chamber, and a second wall body that is disposed at a position farther from the condensation chamber than the first wall body, the second contact medium layer is disposed below the second sprayer between the first wall and the second wall; the second contact medium layer includes a first region adjacent to the first wall and a second region adjacent to the second wall; In the second contact medium layer, the surface area per unit volume of the second region is greater than the surface area per unit volume of the first region. Direct contact condenser.

7. a condensing chamber into which the steam flows; a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber that is in communication with the condensing chamber and into which the vapor flows from the condensing chamber; a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; a first contact medium layer provided in the condensation chamber to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water; a first water supply pipe extending in the condensation chamber in the direction of gravity and supplying cooling water to the first sprayer; the first contact medium layer is disposed below the first atomizer; the first contact medium layer includes a first region closer to the first water supply pipe and a second region farther from the first water supply pipe than the first region; In the first contact medium layer, the pressure loss in the second region is greater than the pressure loss in the first region. Direct contact condenser.

8. a condensing chamber into which the steam flows; a first sprayer that sprays cooling water into the condensation chamber; a cooling chamber that is in communication with the condensing chamber and into which the vapor flows from the condensing chamber; a second sprayer that sprays cooling water into the cooling chamber; a second contact medium layer provided in the cooling chamber to promote contact between the steam and the cooling water, a direction in which the condensing chamber and the cooling chamber are adjacent to each other is defined as a first direction; the cooling chamber has a first wall body that is spaced apart from each other in the first direction and disposed at a position close to the condensation chamber, and a second wall body that is disposed at a position farther from the condensation chamber than the first wall body, the second contact medium layer is disposed below the second sprayer between the first wall and the second wall; the second contact medium layer includes a first region adjacent to the first wall and a second region adjacent to the second wall; In the second contact medium layer, the pressure loss in the second region is greater than the pressure loss in the first region. Direct contact condenser.

9. The direct contact condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a steam turbine that is rotated by geothermal steam; a generator that generates electricity using the rotation of the steam turbine as power, The steam discharged from the steam turbine is supplied to the direct contact condenser. Geothermal power generation system.

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