L-Shaped Steam Generator Header Coupling Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam generator header design with spiral heat transfer tubes faces challenges in manufacturability and assemblability due to different shapes of connections, leading to high manufacturing costs and difficulties in inspection during nuclear power plant operations.
Innovation Solution
An L-shaped header is introduced, where spiral heat transfer tubes are connected to a steam nozzle or feedwater nozzle, with one end of the heat transfer tube assembly vertically connected to the header and the nozzle connected horizontally, utilizing a first tube plate member, a cover member, and a nozzle connection member to facilitate uniform tube arrangement and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat transfer tubes are connected to headers with different shapes at upper and lower sides, then the steam generator can function properly, but the manufacturability and assemblability deteriorate due to high manufacturing costs and difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses asymmetric coupling structures where the upper header and lower header have different connection configurations tailored to their respective heat transfer tube arrangements. The upper header uses a first coupling structure while the lower header uses a second coupling structure, allowing each to optimize for its specific spatial requirements while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the coupling structure into separate modular components: upper header with first coupling structure, lower header with second coupling structure, and distinct first and second heat transfer tube assemblies. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and assembly of each component, improving manufacturability while maintaining the complex asymmetric configuration needed for proper steam generator function.
2Ease of operation
If complex different-shaped connections are used for heat transfer tubes and headers, then proper fluid flow paths are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structures are segmented into separate manufacturable components with standardized interfaces. Each header and heat transfer tube assembly can be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then assembled together. This reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the complex fluid flow paths required for proper steam generator operation.
3Reliability
If traditional header connections are used, then steam generator operation is maintained, but inspection during operation becomes difficult leading to increased shutdown costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular design with standardized coupling structures allows for easier inspection during operation. Each module can be independently examined, and the standardized interfaces make it simpler to detect potential issues without requiring complete disassembly, thereby reducing shutdown time and costs while maintaining reliable 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
This design improves manufacturability by using heat transfer tubes of the same shape, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for easier inspection, minimizing nuclear power plant shutdown costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
the steam generator circulates secondary coolant to an inside of the heat transfer tube to perform a function of directly producing superheated steam by heat exchange with primary coolant flowing to an outside of the heat transfer tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an L-shaped header of a steam generator including a spiral heat transfer tube, and a coupling structure between the L-shaped header and the heat transfer tube, wherein an upper end and a lower end of a heat transfer tube assembly configured with a plurality of heat transfer tubes are vertically formed, and the upper and lower ends of the heat transfer tube assembly are vertically coupled to a bottom side or a top side of the header. Therefore, the heat transfer tubes constituting the same concentric circle may use the heat transfer tubes formed with the same shape, thereby improving the manufacturability of parts and reducing the manufacturing cost.