Condenser and Root Vacuum Pump Layout for Low-Energy Vacuum Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid circulating vacuum pump systems for air cooling power generator condensers consume high amounts of electric power and water, occupy large spaces, generate noise, and require expensive maintenance, leading to inefficient vacuum maintenance and increased coal consumption.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum system comprising an independent condenser set and a multiple-stage root vacuum pump set, along with a liquid ring vacuum system and a vapor-liquid separator, which includes a central controller to manage pressure changes and a separating blocking plate structure to prevent high-speed water from spraying out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid circulating vacuum pump system is used to maintain vacuum state, then the vacuum state can be maintained, but large amounts of electric power and water are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum state maintenanceVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pump system is segmented into multiple independent root vacuum pumps working in parallel stages, allowing the system to handle different vacuum levels and flow rates separately, improving overall efficiency and reducing energy consumption compared to a single liquid circulating pump

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the liquid circulating vacuum pump system with a dry root vacuum pump system that uses mechanical compression without liquid seals, eliminating water consumption and reducing energy requirements while maintaining reliable vacuum state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a liquid circulating vacuum pump system is used, then vacuum state can be maintained, but the system occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum state maintenanceVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The root vacuum pumps are arranged in a compact nested configuration where components are integrated and stacked vertically, minimizing the horizontal space occupation while maintaining all necessary functional elements for reliable vacuum maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a liquid circulating vacuum pump system is used, then vacuum state can be maintained, but greater noises are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum state maintenanceVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the liquid circulating pump system with dry root vacuum pumps that operate without liquid injection and water hammer effects, significantly reducing noise generation while maintaining effective vacuum state through pure mechanical compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If liquid circulating vacuum pump is used, then vacuum level is improved, but the capability of drawing air declines when air etching occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum levelVSAvoidcapability of drawing air

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The root vacuum pumps are designed with adjustable compression ratios and operating parameters that can be optimized for different vacuum levels and air flow rates, preventing air etching while maintaining high drawing capability across varying operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces power and water consumption, decreases maintenance costs, and enhances environmental protection by reusing condensed water and improving the efficiency of steam turbines.

Implementation Method 1

the water steam capable of being condensed, and the surplus air being outputted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

the root vacuum pump set further including an input end and an output end; the input end being connected to the independent inlet condenser set; an air outputted from the independent inlet condenser set being inputted to the at least one root vacuum pump for being compressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the vapor-liquid separator serves to receive an input air outputted from the backing pump or the bypass pipe and to separate a vapor and a liquid in the input air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS12320353B2Vacuum system having condenser and root vacuum pump set

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 ELIVAC CO LTD

AI summary

A vacuum system has a condenser and a root vacuum pump set, wherein the condenser is an independent inlet condenser set connected to a generator including an air cooling power generator condenser. A pressure sensor is installed on the independent inlet condenser set for detecting a first input pressure. Air outputted from the independent inlet condenser set is compressed by the root vacuum pump set. A backing pump receives an air outputted from the root vacuum pump set through an output pipe. A bypass pipe is connected between an output end of the root vacuum pump set and a vapor-liquid separator connected to the backing pump. A central controller serves to receive the first input pressure and determine to control the air from the root vacuum pump set to be outputted to the output pipe or the bypass pipe by a control valve.