Bearing-Sealed Root Vacuum Pump System for Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum systems in thermal power plants, particularly large-scale water circulation vacuum pumps, are limited in promoting vacuum levels due to temperature constraints and air etching, leading to inefficient power generation and high coal consumption, with existing root pumps struggling to handle high pressures and temperatures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A complete bearing-sealed root vacuum pump system with multi-stage sealing and heat exchangers, capable of tolerating high pressure differences and temperatures, isolating chambers to prevent liquid and impurity flow, and utilizing a serial connection of root vacuum pumps with coolers to manage condensate return and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large scale water circulation vacuum pumps are used, then vacuuming function is provided, but vacuum level cannot be promoted effectively due to temperature constraints and air etching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the water circulation vacuum pump and the condenser. The heat exchanger cools the condensed water before it enters the vacuum pump, lowering its temperature and reducing saturated vapor pressure. This intermediary cooling system enables the vacuum pump to operate at lower temperatures, thereby achieving lower vacuum levels (higher vacuum pressure) without directly modifying the pump itself.
2Reliability
If root vacuum pumps are used, then vacuum ability is enhanced, but pump lifetime is reduced due to liquid and vapor ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the root vacuum pump as an intermediary stage between the condenser and the water circulation vacuum pump. The root pump handles the high vapor load from the condenser first, preventing direct ingress of large amounts of liquid and vapor into the water circulation pump. This staged approach protects the water circulation pump while maintaining enhanced vacuum ability through the root pump's superior vapor handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vacuum system into two distinct stages: a root vacuum pump stage for handling high vapor loads and achieving initial vacuum, and a water circulation pump stage for maintaining steady-state vacuum. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal performance range and protects sensitive components from damaging conditions, thereby extending system lifetime.
3Reliability
If multi-stage vacuum system is implemented, then vacuum ability is promoted, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multi-stage vacuum system where each component serves multiple functions. The heat exchanger not only cools the condensed water but also acts as a condensation chamber. The root vacuum pump both enhances vacuum ability and protects the water circulation pump from vapor ingress. The water circulation pump provides both vacuum maintenance and cooling water circulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity despite the multi-stage configuration.
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
The system significantly enhances vacuum ability, prolongs pump lifetime, reduces power consumption, and lowers operational costs by maintaining high efficiency and preventing damage from liquid and vapor ingress, allowing power plants to save thousands of tons of coal annually.
Implementation Method 1
Mixed gas inputted externally entering into the vacuum chamber and being then compressed by rotation of the blades
Implementation Method 2
heat exchangers are arranged between the root vacuum pumps and the front stage pump so as to return the condensed water
Data Source
AI summary
A complete bearing-sealed root vacuum pump system capable of promoting vacuum ability of a condenser of a power plant provides a complete bearing-sealed structure. All chambers are isolated effectively so that liquid cannot flow there between and thus not to destroy the root vacuum pump. Therefore, the lifetime of the root vacuum pump is prolonged. The heat exchangers are arranged between the root vacuum pumps and the front stage pump so as to return the condensed water. The condenser vacuum is improved and thus the power generation efficiency is promoted, and power consumption is lowered. As a result a large power plant can save several thousand tons of coals per year.