Gas Preheating Control by Flow Rate After Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas pressure reduction systems waste energy due to temperature fluctuations and inefficient heating, as they rely on manual settings and measure ambient temperature during low gas flow, leading to unnecessary heating and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A system that adjusts thermal power based on instantaneous gas flow rate and temperature after pressure reduction, using a PLC-controlled heating system with a gas meter and temperature sensors to optimize energy use and maintain a stable gas temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual thermostat settings are used to control boiler temperature, then the system is simple to operate, but energy waste increases due to excessive heating and temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pipeline thermostat to continuously monitor gas temperature and provide feedback to the control logic. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of boiler and circulator operation, eliminating the need for manual thermostat settings while preventing energy waste through precise temperature control based on actual gas temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic automatically manages the heating system by receiving temperature feedback from the pipeline thermostat and autonomously switching the boilers and circulators on/off. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention while optimizing energy usage based on real-time temperature conditions
2Device complexity
If pipeline thermostat measures ambient temperature during low gas flow, then the temperature measurement is simple, but heating continues unnecessarily causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline thermostat provides continuous temperature feedback to the control logic, which interprets this data in context of system operation. During low gas flow periods, the control logic uses this feedback information to determine when heating is actually needed, preventing unnecessary boiler operation and eliminating energy waste from heating stagnant gas
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating operation based on real-time temperature measurements from the pipeline thermostat. The control logic modulates boiler and circulator operation according to actual temperature conditions and gas flow patterns, transitioning from static manual settings to dynamic responsive control that adapts to varying operational conditions
3Ease of operation
If fixed water temperature is maintained in the preheating circuit, then the system operation is simplified, but energy efficiency decreases due to inability to adapt to actual heating demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed manual temperature settings to dynamic control where the control logic continuously adjusts boiler operation and water temperature based on pipeline thermostat feedback. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to match heating output with actual demand, eliminating energy waste from maintaining excessively high fixed temperatures while preserving operational simplicity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic dynamically changes the water temperature parameter in the preheating circuit based on feedback from the pipeline thermostat. Instead of maintaining a fixed temperature, the system adjusts the water temperature parameter in real-time to match actual heating requirements, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining simple operation through automated parameter 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
The system enhances energy efficiency by accurately calculating and delivering the required thermal power, maintaining a stable gas temperature and reducing energy waste, especially during low flow periods.
Implementation Method 1
The water/gas tube bundle heat exchangers release energy in the form of heat to the natural gas in transit
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the gas downstream of the pressure reducer does not drop to values below 0°C due to the effect of expansion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas heating system applicable to a gas in transit between an inlet duct (2) and an outlet duct (3), wherein the pressure of the gas in the inlet duct (2) is higher than the pressure of the gas in the outlet duct (3), comprising thermal power generation means (4; 4') for heating the gas between the inlet duct (2) and the outlet duct (3); and means (14) for controlling the thermal power generation means (4; 4'). Said system comprises means (18) for measuring the flow rate (Qu,gas) of the gas in the outlet duct (3) connected to the means (14) for controlling the thermal power generation means (4; 4'). The invention also concerns a method suitable for achieving said heating of the gas.