Combined Boiler for ORO Vessel Heating and Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems in ORO-class supply vessels require separate and costly setups for hot water and steam, with steam boilers being complex and inefficient for common heating due to lost heat from engines and additional operational complications.
Innovation Solution
A combined boiler system that can operate as both a hot water heater and a steam boiler, allowing seamless transition between modes without the need for water conditioning or condensation systems, maintaining heat from engines and eliminating the need for a lower deck pump location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam boiler is installed to heat recovered oil tanks, then steam heating capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hot water heater is designed to perform multiple functions: it can heat both water and generate steam by controlling the water level and heating element operation. The same heating element and water tank serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for a separate steam boiler while maintaining the ability to heat recovered oil tanks with steam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the steam generation function with the existing hot water heater system. By integrating the steam generation capability into the hot water heater, the system merges two previously separate functions (hot water heating and steam generation) into a single device, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a steam boiler is used for common heating, then steam heating is provided, but heat from engines is lost and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on demand. The hot water heater can switch between heating mode and steam generation mode by controlling the water level and heating element. This dynamic operation allows the system to use engine heat efficiently for hot water heating while only generating steam when specifically needed for recovered oil tank heating, minimizing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hot water heater to enable steam generation. By controlling the water level to be lower and adjusting the heating element operation, the system transforms the same device into a steam generator when needed, allowing flexible parameter adjustment to meet different heating requirements without losing engine heat unnecessarily.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hot water heater is replaced with a steam boiler, then steam heating capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic control mechanisms that manage the steam generation process. The control system automatically adjusts water levels, heating element operation, and steam release based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex operational procedures. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while enabling steam generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors water level, temperature, and steam generation status. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the heating element operation and water supply to maintain optimal conditions for steam generation, simplifying operation by removing the need for manual monitoring and adjustment.
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 simplifies operations, reduces complexity and cost by integrating hot water and steam functions, ensuring efficient heating without the need for separate systems and minimizing operational complications.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element for heating the water in a lower part of the water tank, wherein the coil is arranged to be surrounded by thermally acting convection currents from the heated water
Implementation Method 2
a coil... arranged to condense steam from the tank vapor space and thereby heat the liquid in the tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for heating in an ORO class supply vessel. The system includes a combined kettle 1 that may either supply hot water or steam. Normally, the kettle 1 supplies hot water to consumers 6 in a heating circuit 5 in the vessel. When the vessel is to be used for recovering oil spills, the kettle is reset to supply steam. The steam is supplied to a tank for collecting oil spills.