Cleaning device for a rotary grate of a biomasse heating system, process of cleaning the rotary grate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biomass heating systems face challenges with ash and slag accumulation on grates, leading to reduced combustion efficiency and increased maintenance due to varying fuel quality and consistency, as well as incomplete combustion from non-uniform fuel distribution and air-fuel mixing.
Innovation Solution
A rotary grate with a cleaning device featuring a movable mass element that initiates a knocking effect when rotated, allowing for efficient removal of ash and slag by striking a stop surface, combined with a modular design and optimized combustion surface geometry for improved fuel distribution and air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable grate is used to enable disposal of combustion residues, then the grate can be cleaned manually, but the combustion residues stick or cake on the grate making cleaning difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is attached to the rotary grate itself, utilizing the grate's rotation to generate centrifugal force that automatically throws ash and slag off the grate surface. The system cleans itself during normal operation without requiring separate manual intervention or stopping the grate.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation of the grate creates continuous mechanical motion and centrifugal force that prevents combustion residues from adhering strongly to the grate surface. The dynamic movement disrupts the bonding between ash/slag and grate, making removal easier and more frequent.
2Productivity
If the grate openings are blocked by ash and slag, then combustion efficiency decreases, but manual cleaning is required which increases maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning action occurs continuously during grate rotation rather than requiring periodic shutdowns for manual cleaning. As the grate rotates, the cleaning device constantly removes ash and slag, maintaining open air passages throughout the combustion process without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own cleaning function during normal operation. The rotary motion of the grate automatically activates the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate maintenance operations and keeping combustion passages clear continuously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different fuels with varying ash melting points and combustion behavior are used, then the heating system is versatile, but slag formation and sticking on the grate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rotation and associated mechanical motion create vibrations and centrifugal forces that prevent slag from solidifying and sticking to the grate surface. Even when fuels produce sticky or molten ash, the mechanical motion keeps the residue loose and easily removable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device automatically handles the removal of slag from different fuel types without requiring manual intervention. The system adapts to various slag characteristics by continuously throwing off residues during rotation, maintaining effectiveness across different fuel compositions.
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 solution enables easy and efficient cleaning of the grate, maintaining high system availability and combustion efficiency across different fuel types, reducing slag formation, and facilitating partial cleaning during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning device has a mass element that is movable relative to the rotary grate element; wherein the cleaning device is set up in such a way that when the rotary grate element rotates, an acceleration movement of the mass element is initiated, so that the cleaning device exerts a knocking effect on the rotary grate element
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary grate (25) for a biomass heating system (1) is disclosed, comprising: at least one rotary grate element (252, 253, 254); at least one bearing axis (81) by means of which the rotary grate element (252, 253, 254) is rotatably mounted; at least one cleaning device (125) attached to one of the rotary grate elements (252, 253, 254), wherein the cleaning device (125) comprises a mass element (127) movable relative to the rotary grate element (252, 253, 254); wherein the cleaning device (125) is arranged such that when the rotary grate element (252, 253, 254) is rotated, an acceleration movement of the mass element (127) is initiated, so that the cleaning device (125) exerts a knocking effect on the rotary grate element (252, 253, 254) in order to clean the rotary grate element (252, 253, 254).