Generator Cooling Air Density Reduction via Gas Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine generators experience significant air friction and circulation losses during cooling, especially in idle mode, leading to inefficiencies and increased power demand due to the high density of cooling air, which existing methods fail to adequately address without requiring additional components or compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
Reducing the density of cooling air in idle mode by increasing humidity, replacing air with nitrogen or hydrogen, adjusting recooling temperatures, and reducing pressure within the generator housing to minimize air friction losses, allowing for efficient cooling without additional components or safety concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used in idle mode, then cooling is provided, but air friction losses increase significantly due to high air density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cooling medium by introducing nitrogen or hydrogen gases with lower densities than air. This parameter change reduces air friction losses while maintaining cooling effectiveness, as demonstrated by the substitution of cooling air with nitrogen or hydrogen in the generator housing during idle mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere within the generator housing by introducing nitrogen or hydrogen gases. This inert environment not only reduces density-related friction losses but also maintains safety by preventing combustion, allowing the cooling system to operate efficiently during idle mode without the harmful effects of high-density air
2Temperature
If additional cooling components are added, then cooling capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing cooling system multi-functional by enabling it to use different cooling media (air during load mode, nitrogen or hydrogen during idle mode) through a controllable introduction mechanism. This allows the same cooling infrastructure to adapt to different operational modes without requiring separate cooling systems for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the cooling system to self-adjust by introducing lighter gases that naturally reduce friction losses and improve cooling efficiency during idle mode. The system uses the inherent properties of nitrogen or hydrogen to enhance performance without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional active cooling components
3Loss of energy
If hydrogen is used as cooling medium, then cooling efficiency improves, but safety requirements and sealing demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cooling medium selection strategy where the type of cooling gas (air, nitrogen, or hydrogen) is adjusted based on the operational mode of the generator. During idle mode, nitrogen or hydrogen is introduced to reduce friction losses, while during load mode, the system can switch back to air or maintain the lighter gas if safety conditions are met, allowing optimal performance while managing safety dynamically
4Loss of energy
If cooling air density is reduced, then air friction losses decrease, but heat removal capacity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight and density parameters of the cooling medium by introducing nitrogen or hydrogen gases. These gases have lower densities than air, which reduces friction losses. The system maintains heat removal capacity by compensating for the lower density through increased flow or optimized heat transfer, achieving a balance between friction reduction and cooling effectiveness
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 approach significantly reduces air friction losses, enhancing overall generator efficiency and power demand during both idle and load modes, while maintaining effective heat removal and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
The density of the cooling air is reduced in the idle mode by increasing the humidity of the cooling air. When cooling air is used, because water has a low molecular weight, the density of the cooling air can be reduced, the cooling air being moistened by the water.
Implementation Method 2
The density of the cooling air in idle mode is reduced by at least partially replacing the cooling air with nitrogen. Pure nitrogen has a lower density than air. The more air that is replaced with nitrogen, the lower the density of the cooling air formed.
Implementation Method 3
The density of the cooling air in idle mode is reduced by at least partially replacing the cooling air with hydrogen below a lower flammability limit. As a result, cooling of the generator with low air friction can take place in idle mode
Implementation Method 4
The density of the cooling air in idle mode is advantageously reduced by increasing a recooling temperature which is used to recool the cooling air.
Implementation Method 5
The density of the cooling air in idle mode is advantageously reduced by creating a reduced pressure inside a housing of the generator.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cooling a generator using cooling air flowing through the generator, wherein a density of the cooling air when the generator is idling and running passively at a mains frequency of a mains network to which the generator is connected is reduced relative to a density of the cooling air when the generator is operating under load.