Marine Electrode Boiler Layout for Balanced Phase Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode boilers are not suitable for marine environments due to the heaving and rolling of vessels affecting the water level and electric path between electrodes, leading to uneven load on phases and safety concerns with high-voltage installations.
Innovation Solution
A circular arrangement of an even number of electrodes, with each pair opposing each other by 180°, connected in pairs to one phase of AC power, and an inner container electrically insulated from the outer drum, ensuring balanced power production despite tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrode boilers are used in marine environments, then the boiler can provide hot water or steam, but the heving and rolling of the vessel will affect the water level and electric path between electrodes, resulting in uneven load on phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning electrodes at specific angular intervals (e.g., 0°, 120°, 240° for three-phase systems) rather than symmetric distribution. This asymmetric angular positioning ensures that when the vessel tilts, not all electrodes are equally affected, but the phased connection compensates to maintain balanced load distribution across phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the electrode assembly tiltable relative to the boiler drum axis. The electrodes can be positioned at adjustable angles to compensate for vessel inclination, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to changing marine conditions while maintaining balanced phase loads.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high-voltage AC power is supplied to the electrode boiler, then the heating efficiency is high, but phase errors may result in current to earth of several Amperes, which is unacceptable from safety standpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by ensuring all electrode connections are properly referenced to the drum potential. The drum serves as a common reference potential, and all electrodes are connected through this equipotential surface, preventing potential differences that would cause current to earth while maintaining high-voltage AC heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the boiler drum as an intermediary element between the high-voltage AC power supply and the electrodes. The drum acts as a potential reference and isolation barrier, mediating the electrical connections to prevent direct current paths to earth while allowing efficient heating through the water medium.
3Productivity
If the water level in the boiler changes due to vessel motion, then the electric path between electrodes is affected, but the boiler must maintain continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the electrode assembly to tilt independently of the drum axis. This dynamic positioning capability enables the electrodes to maintain optimal submersion and electric path geometry even when water level changes occur due to vessel motion, ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the angular position and tilt angle of the electrodes in response to water level changes. By changing these geometric parameters, the system maintains stable electric paths between electrodes despite variations in water level caused by vessel motion.
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 solution allows for stable and balanced hot water or steam production in non-stationary marine environments, maintaining safety and efficiency by compensating for changes in water level and minimizing phase errors.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is generated by passing an AC electrical current from an electrode to a counter electrode using the water as conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode boiler that is adapted for use in a marine environment. The boiler includes a container (5) holding water, a number of electrodes (7a - f) submerged in said water, a source of AC electric power connected with said electrodes, means for supplying water to said container, means for removing hot water or steam from said container and means for holding the water in said container at a pre-defined level. In order to secure an even production from the electrodes even when the boiler is tilted, the electrodes are even in number and are arranged in a circle, wherein electrodes (7a - 7d; 7b - 7e; 7c - 7f) that are located at 180° distance along said circle are connected to each other and to one phase of electric power from said source