Induced draft air-cooled condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-cooled condensers require large quantities of steel for support structures, leading to increased costs and labor-intensive on-site construction, and pose challenges for maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
The design features a V-shaped heat exchanger arrangement with parallel top steam manifolds and a fan deck coupled to these manifolds, eliminating the need for an upper frame structure and allowing for simplified support structures, reduced material usage, and easier maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional upper frame structure and lower support structure are used, then structural support is provided, but large quantities of steel are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the upper frame structure and lower support structure into a single integrated support structure that performs both functions. The support structure includes legs positioned on the floor level that extend upward to support both the fan deck (upper function) and the main steam manifold (lower function), eliminating the need for separate frame structures and reducing overall steel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides floor-level support, elevates the main steam manifold to required height, and supports the fan deck structure. This universal support structure replaces multiple specialized structures, reducing device complexity and material usage.
2Length of stationary object
If traditional support structures are used, then components are supported at required elevations, but large quantities of steel and concrete are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elevation function and support function into a single integrated structure. The legs of the support structure extend from floor level to the required elevation height, simultaneously providing ground support and positioning the main steam manifold and fan deck at the necessary heights, thereby reducing the total quantity of steel and concrete required compared to separate support and elevation structures.
3Strength
If complex frame structures are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but construction time and labor are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support structure combines multiple structural functions into a single construction assembly, reducing the number of separate components that need to be fabricated and installed. This merger maintains structural integrity while significantly reducing on-site construction time and labor requirements compared to assembling multiple separate frame structures.
4Speed
If fans and bundles are placed at elevated positions, then sufficient air flow is generated, but complex support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fan deck support and main steam manifold support into a single unified support structure. The legs extend to the required elevation that enables sufficient air flow speed through the heat exchanger bundles, while the integrated design reduces structural complexity compared to separate support systems for the fan deck and manifold.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the amount of steel required, decreases construction time and effort, and facilitates maintenance by creating a self-supporting structure that elevates all necessary components with fewer support structures, thereby lowering overall costs and improving installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when steam passes through the tubes, the steam gives off heat and is eventually condensed
Implementation Method 2
when condensate is formed in the tubes, it can flow by gravitation to the lower end section of the tubes
Implementation Method 3
Motorized fans located either below or above the two tube bundles generate, respectively, a forced air draft or an induced air draft through the heat exchangers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an air-cooled condenser street for condensing exhaust steam from a turbine. The air-cooled condenser street comprises one or more rows of V-shaped heat exchangers. Each row comprises a main steam manifold to introduce exhaust steam into tube bundles that are placed in an inclined position such that condensate formed in the bundles flows back by gravitation to the main steam manifold. Top steam manifolds are connected to the upper end of respectively each of the tube bundles of the air-cooled condenser street. The series of parallel top steam manifolds are forming a support assembly for supporting one or more fan decks. The fan decks support a plurality of fans to induce an air draft in the V-shaped heat exchangers.