Boiler Feedwater Pump Turbine Steam Admission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boiler feedwater pump turbines struggle to adapt to flexible power responses and are inefficient, particularly when paired with renewable power sources that require quick adjustments to changing power demands.
Innovation Solution
A control system is implemented that dynamically adjusts the admission of low and high-pressure steam to a boiler feedwater pump turbine, allowing for rapid changes in power output by closing the low-pressure steam valve and increasing high-pressure steam supply in response to grid demands, thereby enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional BFPT uses low-pressure steam for normal operation, then the system operates efficiently under stable conditions, but it cannot respond flexibly to increased power demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation by enabling the BFPT to switch between different steam pressure sources (low-pressure and high-pressure) based on real-time power grid demands. The control system dynamically adjusts steam admission to achieve rapid power response, transforming the static low-pressure operation into a flexible dynamic system that can adapt to varying load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the BFPT multi-functional by enabling it to operate with both low-pressure steam (for normal efficient operation) and high-pressure steam (for increased power output). This universal capability allows the same turbine to serve multiple functions: base load operation with low-pressure steam and peak load response with high-pressure steam, eliminating the need for separate systems.
2Power
If high-pressure steam is used to increase power output, then power generation capacity increases, but system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using high-pressure steam only when and to the extent needed for increased power output, rather than continuously. The control system admits high-pressure steam partially during peak demand periods and switches back to low-pressure steam for normal operation, thereby achieving power increase without continuous energy loss and maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Speed
If the BFPT is designed for stable low-pressure operation, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but response time to power demands is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control system continuously monitors power grid demand and automatically adjusts steam admission to the BFPT accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid response to power demands by real-time adjustment of high-pressure steam admission, achieving fast response without requiring complex manual control systems.
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 solution provides greater flexibility and improved efficiency in power generation, enabling quicker responses to increased power demands and reduced power output, achieving additional 20 MW of power within 3-5 minutes and allowing for efficient operation at minimum load settings, outperforming conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one steam turbine operably coupled to the dynamoelectric machine, the at least one steam turbine including a high pressure steam turbine section
Implementation Method 2
a boiler feedwater pump turbine operably coupled to the boiler feedwater pump, the boiler feedwater pump turbine having a low pressure steam inlet and a high pressure steam inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation apparatus including a boiler feedwater pump turbine control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a power generation apparatus is disclosed, including: a boiler feedwater pump turbine having a low pressure steam inlet and a high pressure steam inlet; a high pressure control valve for controlling admission of high pressure steam to the high pressure steam inlet; a low pressure control valve for controlling admission of low pressure steam to the low pressure steam inlet; and a control system operably coupled to the high pressure control valve and the low pressure control valve, the control system configured to close the low pressure control valve and prevent flow of the low pressure steam to the boiler feedwater pump turbine in response to a request for increased power output from a power grid.