Power Plant Synchronization Overspeed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronous generators using supercritical working fluids face damage due to excessive temperature and pressure during overspeed conditions, which can occur during synchronization with an electrical grid, leading to mechanical stresses and potential damage to moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A power plant system with a pump, heat exchanger, power turbine generator, condenser, pressure sensor, and control valves, where a controller adjusts the flow rate of the working fluid based on pressure measurements and operational states to prevent overspeeding, using a bypass line to manage fluid flow and maintain stable pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the synchronous generator operates at increased speed to generate larger amount of electricity, then the electricity generation capacity is improved, but the mechanical stresses on moving parts increase causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting overspeed conditions and immediately adjusting the working fluid flow rate through control valves before excessive mechanical stress can cause damage. The system preemptively reduces the flow rate to prevent the harmful effect of overspeeding on the turbine and generator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the rotational speed of the turbine generator and adjusting the working fluid flow rate accordingly. When the speed exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control valve receives feedback signal to reduce flow, thereby maintaining safe operating conditions while optimizing power generation.
2Power
If the working fluid flow rate is increased to generate more electricity, then the power output is improved, but the temperature and pressure increase to excessive levels causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system prevents excessive temperature and pressure by preemptively reducing the working fluid flow rate when overspeed conditions are detected. This preliminary anti-action stops the chain of events that would lead to harmful temperature and pressure increases before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of the working fluid dynamically based on operational conditions. By adjusting this parameter through control valves, the system maintains optimal temperature and pressure levels while maximizing power generation efficiency.
3Reliability
If the control system restricts working fluid flow to prevent overspeeding, then the equipment safety is improved, but the electricity generation capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the working fluid flow rate based on real-time operational conditions rather than maintaining a fixed restrictive flow. The control valve modulates flow continuously, allowing maximum power generation during normal operation and automatically restricting flow only when overspeed conditions threaten equipment safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the flow rate parameter dynamically, changing it from maximum during normal operation to reduced levels during overspeed conditions. This parameter adjustment strategy maintains high productivity during safe operation while ensuring equipment protection when necessary.
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 system effectively prevents damage to the power plant by controlling fluid flow and pressure, ensuring stable operation during synchronization with the electrical grid, thereby avoiding mechanical stress and maintaining equipment integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger apparatus configured to cause heat exchange between the working fluid supplied by the pump and an external heat source
Implementation Method 2
a power turbine generator configured to generate a rotational force by using the working fluid heated through the heat exchange performed in the heat exchanger apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a condenser configured to condense the working fluid discharged from the power turbine generator to become a liquid state
Implementation Method 4
a pump configured to compress a working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a power plant that uses a synchronous generator using a working fluid for generation of electric power, and a method of controlling the power plant, the power plant and the control method having an advantage of preventing damage to the power plant during synchronization with an electrical grid. The power plant comprises a pump for compressing a working fluid, a heat exchanger for heat transfer from an external heat source to the working fluid transferred from the pump, and a power turbine generator for generating a rotational force by using the working fluid heated by the heat exchanger, generating electricity using the rotational force, and supplying the electricity to an electrical grid.