Vertical HRSG Filter Support Structure for Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) face inadequate thermal expansion response and safety issues due to the installation of environmental facilities like filters inside the HRSG, affecting structural stability and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure for vertical HRSGs with a thermal-expansion absorbing structure, comprising supporting parts, fixing parts, seated members, and filter members, allowing for movable connections and shock/vibration absorption, ensuring stability and safety during thermal expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the filter is installed inside the HRSG heat exchange area, then the structural compactness is improved, but the thermal expansion response capability deteriorates and safety for installation and maintenance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidthermal expansion response capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The environmental facility is segmented into a separate support structure independent from the main HRSG heat exchange structure. The support structure includes separate components (supporting parts, fixing parts, seated member) that can independently accommodate thermal expansion without affecting the main heat exchange system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as an intermediary between the environmental facility and the HRSG structure. It provides a dedicated platform with thermal expansion absorption capabilities, isolating the filter from direct thermal stress while maintaining structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the filter is installed inside the HRSG heat exchange area, then the structural compactness is improved, but the maintenance accessibility worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The environmental facility is extracted from the internal heat exchange area and relocated to an independent support structure. This separation provides clear access pathways for maintenance personnel and equipment, eliminating the constraints of working within the confined heat exchange space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure extends the environmental facility to a different spatial dimension outside the main HRSG body. This dimensional relocation provides adequate clearance and access from multiple directions, significantly improving maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed support structure is used for the environmental facility, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to thermal displacement worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to thermal displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including movable fixing parts and shock absorbing components that allow controlled movement and displacement. The structure transitions from a completely fixed design to a semi-dynamic system that maintains stability while adapting to thermal expansion through controlled degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Shock absorbing parts are pre-installed in the support structure to cushion and absorb thermal displacement forces before they can cause damage. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the structural stability while accommodating necessary thermal movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 structure provides active response to thermal expansion, maintaining structural stability and ensuring safety during frequent start/stop operations, facilitating easy maintenance and repair.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of fixing parts into which the plurality of supporting parts is inserted vertically, and each having an extending part on at least one side portion... The plurality of fixing parts is connected to the plurality of supporting parts to be movable according to vertical displacement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4621194B1Environmental facility supporting structure of vertical heat recovery steam generator
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 DOOSAN ENERBILITY CO LTD
  • EP4621194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4621194B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4621194B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An environmental facility supporting structure of a vertical heat recovery steam generator is proposed. The environmental facility supporting structure includes a plurality of supporting parts, a plurality of fixing parts into which the plurality of supporting parts is inserted vertically and each having an extending part on at least one side portion, a seated member seated on the extending parts provided in the plurality of fixing parts, and a plurality of filter members provided at an upper portion of the seated member. The plurality of fixing parts is connected to the plurality of supporting parts to be movable according to vertical displacement.