Hybrid Steam Engine Electric Motor Compressor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam systems fail to efficiently control steam supply to steam engines based on both steam and fluid loads, leading to inefficient operation and energy wastage, as they either require steam presence for startup or prioritize motor-driven operation over steam engines.
Innovation Solution
A steam system incorporating a steam engine and an electric motor, where both prime movers are controlled based on steam and fluid loads, with a controller adjusting drive ratios and steam supply to prioritize steam-driven operation when steam is available, and utilizing an electric motor for backup during steam shortages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a steam engine is used as the prime mover, then energy consumption is reduced by utilizing steam, but the system cannot operate when steam is not available (e.g., during boiler startup)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a steam engine and an electric motor into a hybrid prime mover system. The steam engine and electric motor are merged to work together, allowing the system to utilize steam when available (reducing energy consumption) while maintaining operational reliability through the electric motor during startup or when steam is unavailable. This merging resolves the contradiction by integrating both energy-efficient steam power and reliable electric power into a single coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid prime mover system achieves multi-functionality by enabling the compressor to be driven by either steam engine alone, electric motor alone, or both together depending on operating conditions. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (steam available/not available, partial/full load requirements), resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational reliability across various operating states.
2Reliability
If a motor is used to drive the compressor, then the compressor can operate during startup and steam failure, but energy consumption increases and steam-driven operation is not prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drive ratio between the steam engine and electric motor based on real-time operating conditions such as steam availability, load requirements, and operational phase. During normal operation with steam available, the steam engine provides the primary drive. During startup or steam failure, the electric motor takes over. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliability across different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors steam availability, compressor load, and operational status to dynamically adjust the drive configuration. Feedback signals from sensors detect whether steam is available and what the current load demands are, then the controller optimizes the contribution of steam engine versus electric motor. This feedback mechanism ensures steam-driven operation is prioritized when available (reducing energy consumption) while maintaining reliability through electric motor support when needed.
3Power
If the steam valve is opened to operate the steam turbine, then power is generated, but the output of the steam engine cannot be adjusted and control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drive ratio between steam engine and electric motor based on load requirements. The control system varies the steam valve opening degree and electric motor output to match the desired power output. This dynamic control enables precise output adjustment while maintaining power generation capability, resolving the contradiction between power generation and output adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters including steam valve opening degree, steam pressure, and electric motor speed to achieve different output levels. By adjusting these parameters, the system can precisely control the total power output while utilizing steam engine power generation. This parameter adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling fine-tuned output control beyond simple on/off steam valve operation.
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
Ensures stable and efficient operation by prioritizing steam-driven power when steam is present, reducing energy consumption and maintaining efficient fluid handling regardless of steam availability.
Implementation Method 1
a first prime mover that generates power using steam
Data Source
AI summary
A steam engine and an electric motor are arranged, which respectively drives an air compressor. The compressed air from the air compressor is supplied to a compressed air using device through a common air tank. The steam is supplied to the steam engine through a steam supply path, and the steam used in the steam engine is supplied to a steam using device through a steam exhaust path. The steam pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in a steam header ahead of the steam exhaust path. The air pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in an air tank. A steam supply valve is controlled based on the steam pressure and the air pressure, and the electric motor is controlled based on the air pressure. The steam engine is preferentially driven over the electric motor by shifting the target value of the air pressure.