Multi-drum Boiler Plant for Rapid Thermal Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thick-walled components in boiler systems hinder rapid start-up and load change capabilities due to thermal stresses, contradicting the need for flexible energy generation in changing market conditions.
Innovation Solution
Distributing drum volume over at least two upper drums connected to the same water-steam circuit, reducing wall thickness and weight, and allowing for faster thermal response and vapor separation, with the option to use conventional, lighter pipes instead of welded drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If thick-walled drum components are used to withstand high operating pressures, then pressure resistance is improved, but start-up time and load change capability deteriorate due to slow heating rates required to avoid thermal stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large drum into multiple smaller drums (typically three) that are fluidically connected. Each smaller drum has a smaller diameter and thus smaller wall thickness, allowing faster thermal response and reduced thermal stresses during rapid start-up and load changes, while collectively providing the necessary steam separation volume and maintaining pressure resistance through the connected system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single large-volume drum to multiple smaller drums arranged in a distributed configuration. This spatial redistribution reduces the characteristic dimension (diameter) of individual drums, enabling thinner walls and faster thermal response, while the system as a whole maintains the required functional volume through parallel arrangement
2Strength
If thick-walled drum components are used to ensure structural strength at high pressures, then strength is improved, but thermal stress and heating time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single large drum is segmented into multiple smaller drums with reduced wall thicknesses. The smaller diameter of individual drums reduces the thermal mass and heating time required, while the distributed arrangement maintains overall structural strength and pressure containment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the drum components by reducing diameter and wall thickness through segmentation. This parameter change enables faster thermal response and reduced heating time while maintaining adequate strength through the distributed multi-drum configuration
3Volume of stationary object
If a single large drum is used for steam-water separation, then separation volume is sufficient, but wall thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single large drum is divided into multiple smaller drums that collectively provide the same steam separation volume. Each smaller drum requires less wall thickness for the same pressure rating, resulting in reduced individual and total weight, while the fluidic connection ensures proper water level control and steam separation across all drums
4Stress or pressure
If thick-walled drums are used to maintain pressure containment, then pressure resistance is improved, but thermal stress and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drum system is segmented into multiple smaller units with reduced wall thicknesses, enabling faster thermal response and greater flexibility for load changes and rapid start-up operations, while the connected configuration maintains adequate pressure containment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables dynamic operation by reducing the thermal mass and wall thickness of drum components. This allows the system to rapidly adapt to changing load requirements and perform quick start-up sequences, transforming the drum system from a static, slow-response component to a dynamic, flexible element
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
Enables rapid start-up and load changes, reduces thermal stresses, and lowers costs by using simpler, lighter components, while maintaining efficient steam-water separation and heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
at least two drums for separating the water-steam mixture into steam and water are connected to the circuit
Implementation Method 2
separating the water-steam mixture into steam and water
Implementation Method 3
boiler system for heating a medium, in particular natural circulation or forced circulation boilers
Implementation Method 4
heat is generated in the boiler system and transferred to a medium, in particular water, in a cycle
Implementation Method 5
natural circulation or forced circulation boilers
Implementation Method 6
heating a medium, in particular natural circulation or forced circulation boilers... to generate hot water and/or steam
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Boiler system for heating a medium, in particular natural circulation or forced circulation boiler or waste heat boiler, especially preferably corner tube boiler, comprising downpipes, collectors, distributors and riser pipes, which form at least part of a circuit of a medium to be heated, characterized in that at least two drums for separating the water-steam mixture into steam and water are connected to the circuit.