Multi-Phase Star Connection Fluid Heating in Conductive Pipelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid heating methods using electrically conductive pipelines rely on Joule heat generation, which can be inefficient due to uniform current distribution and lack of phase control, limiting the effectiveness of fluid heating, especially in applications like hydrocarbon steam splitting and reformer reactions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a star connection configuration with multiple outer conductors and a neutral conductor, providing alternating voltages out of phase by 2π/M, ensures efficient Joule heat generation through multi-phase alternating currents, effectively heating fluids in electrically conductive pipelines, such as those used in hydrocarbon steam mixtures and reformer tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single-phase alternating current is used to heat the pipeline, then the heating process is simple, but the heating efficiency is insufficient and uniform current distribution is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The single-phase voltage source is segmented into multiple outer conductors (at least two) that are connected to the pipeline in a star configuration. Each outer conductor carries a phase-shifted alternating voltage (2π/M phase difference), creating multiple current paths through different sections of the pipeline. This segmentation allows non-uniform current distribution that concentrates heating in specific regions, thereby improving heating efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple voltage source structure.
2Temperature
If uniform current distribution is maintained in the pipeline, then the electrical system is stable, but the heating effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The star connection configuration with phase-shifted voltages creates local variations in current density along the pipeline. Different sections of the pipeline experience different current magnitudes due to the phase differences between outer conductors. This local quality variation enables targeted heating in specific pipeline sections, achieving higher fluid temperatures while the overall system maintains electrical stability through the balanced star connection topology.
3Productivity
If multi-phase alternating current with star connection is used, then Joule heat distribution is optimized, but the electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outer conductors carrying phase-shifted voltages are merged into a single pipeline through star-point connections. The pipeline itself serves as both the fluid conduit and the electrical conductor, eliminating the need for separate heating elements. This merging approach optimizes Joule heat distribution along the pipeline while reducing overall system complexity by integrating electrical and fluid transport functions into a single component.
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 enhances fluid heating efficiency by optimizing Joule heat distribution, allowing for effective hydrocarbon splitting and reforming processes, achieving higher temperatures and improved process efficiency in heating applications.
Implementation Method 1
Joule heat is generated in the at least one pipeline or in the several pipelines, which is transferred to the fluid, so that it is heated as it flows through the at least one pipe or the several pipes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for heating a fluid (F) with a device (1) comprising at least one electrically conductive pipe (100) for receiving the fluid (F) and at least one voltage source (2) connected to the at least one pipe (100), wherein the at least one voltage source (2) is configured to generate an electric current in the at least one pipe (100) which heats the at least one pipe (100) for heating the fluid (F). It is provided that the at least one voltage source (2) has M external conductors (L1,...,LM), where M is a natural number greater than or equal to two, and wherein the at least one voltage source (2) is configured to provide an alternating voltage at the external conductors (L1,...,LM), wherein these alternating voltages are phase-shifted relative to each other by 2π/M, and wherein the external conductors (L1,...,LM) are electrically connected to the at least one pipeline (100) in such a way that a star connection is formed. The fluid flows through the at least one or more pipelines of the device and is heated in them by the at least one pipeline or the several pipelines being heated by a multiphase alternating current flowing in the at least one pipeline or in the several pipelines, so that Joule heat is generated in the at least one pipeline or in the several pipelines, which is transferred to the fluid so that it is heated as it flows through the at least one pipeline or the several pipelines.