Liquefaction apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquefaction apparatuses face inefficiencies due to fixed operation points that prevent maximizing liquefied product production and disrupt pressure and temperature balances, leading to suboptimal operating efficiency and excess power consumption penalties.
Innovation Solution
A liquefaction apparatus with a predicted power calculation unit and power demand control unit that adjusts the compressor discharge flow rate to match a target power value within contracted power limits, incorporating a heat exchanger, expansion turbine, and temperature control to optimize efficiency and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor operates at a fixed capacity to maintain constant power consumption, then power contract compliance is ensured, but the amount of liquefied product produced cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed compressor operation to variable compressor discharge flow rate control. The control unit dynamically adjusts the compressor discharge flow rate based on predicted power consumption and contracted power limits, enabling the system to adaptively maximize liquefied product production while ensuring power contract compliance through real-time power consumption management.
2Productivity
If the maximum operating point is maintained at a level with margin to prevent excess power consumption, then power contract compliance is ensured, but operating efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring power consumption, comparing predicted power with contracted power limits, and adjusting the compressor discharge flow rate accordingly. The control unit uses feedback from power consumption data to optimize operating points, maintaining high efficiency while ensuring power contract compliance through automated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating predicted power consumption before actual power usage occurs. The system forecasts future power consumption based on current operating conditions and adjusts the compressor discharge flow rate in advance to prevent exceeding power contract limits, enabling proactive efficiency optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external air temperature and cooling water temperature change, then environmental conditions vary, but pressure and temperature balance within the system is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to maintain pressure and temperature balance despite environmental changes. The control unit continuously monitors system parameters and adjusts the compressor discharge flow rate in response to temperature variations, compensating for external conditions and maintaining stable operating conditions within the liquefaction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the compressor discharge flow rate parameter in response to environmental temperature changes. The control unit modifies operating parameters based on detected temperature variations, enabling the system to adapt to external conditions while maintaining internal pressure and temperature balance.
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 configuration allows for automatic load adjustment, maximizing liquefied product production, reducing flash loss, and maintaining optimal operating efficiency, with automated control ensuring compliance with power contracts and improved purity and generation amounts.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for cooling the compressed product gas
Implementation Method 2
an expansion turbine for expanding the compressed product gas drawn out from an intermediate portion of the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
an expansion valve for expanding the cooled (or liquefied) compressed product gas drawn out from the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Problem - To provide a liquefaction apparatus which automatically adjusts the load on the liquefaction apparatus correspondingly with an upper limit value of contracted power in different time slots, and which is capable of maximizing the amount of liquefied product produced and of achieving optimum operating efficiency. Solution - A liquefaction apparatus 1 comprises: a production amount calculation unit 91 for obtaining an actual production amount of a liquefied product; a predicted power calculation unit 92 for obtaining a predicted power amount after a predetermined time (e.g., 10-40 minutes) has elapsed, on the basis of an integrated power value obtained by integrating a usage power; and a power demand control unit 93 for comparing the predicted power amount and a moving average of instantaneous power, and controlling a discharge flow rate of a compressor 3 in such a way as to come infinitely close to a target value, without exceeding the target value, and while using the larger value of the predicted power amount and the moving average of instantaneous power as a value being controlled.