Power Plant Cooling Control Using Deposit Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power plants face challenges in managing deposits in liquid cooling systems, which can lead to overheating and malfunction, as existing cooling systems lack adaptive control mechanisms to optimize cooling based on deposit levels and rates.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that receives signals from deposit sensors in the liquid cooling system to control the air cooling system, adjusting the amount of cooling air and setting control temperatures to maintain optimal conditions, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid cooling system is used to cool the engine, then cooling efficiency is improved, but deposits build up in the system leading to overheating and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where deposit sensors continuously monitor deposit levels in the liquid cooling system and transmit signals to a controller. The controller adjusts the air cooling system operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing conditions and prevents overheating before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cooling operation to dynamic adaptive control. The controller continuously adjusts air cooling system parameters (such as fan speed, air flow rate) based on real-time deposit sensor data, allowing the system to optimize cooling performance as deposit levels change during operation.
2Reliability
If air cooling system is used to cool the liquid cooling system, then deposit buildup is reduced, but cooling air usage increases unnecessarily when deposits are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies air cooling selectively and proportionally based on actual deposit levels. Rather than running at full capacity continuously, the air cooling system operates at partial capacity only when and where needed, as determined by deposit sensor feedback. This prevents excessive cooling air usage when deposits are low while ensuring adequate cooling when deposits increase.
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 adaptive control system optimizes cooling by minimizing unnecessary cooling air usage, preventing thermal degradation, and maintaining system performance, reducing the risk of malfunctions and unscheduled maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an air cooling system for cooling the liquid of the liquid cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A controller, for use in a power plant having a liquid cooling system and an air cooling system, comprising one or more inputs, configured to receive a signal from at least one deposit sensor, wherein the signal from the deposit sensor is indicative of deposits in the liquid cooling system; and one or more processors, configured to process the signal received from the deposit sensor to control the air cooling system.