Self-standing Condensing Panels for Steam Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam condensing systems face challenges such as high power consumption and noise in fan-assisted dry cooling, higher investment costs in natural draft indirect dry cooling, and inefficiencies due to air pocket formation and corrosion in vacuum condensers, particularly under fluctuating ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A steam condensing system featuring a supply manifold and self-standing condensing panels that utilize natural draft for cooling, reducing the need for fan assistance and secondary water loops, while incorporating a secondary pipe assembly for non-condensable gas extraction and a displacement device to manage thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fan-assisted dry cooling is used, then condensation efficiency is improved, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing panels are designed to be self-standing and self-supported, utilizing natural convection currents created by temperature differences between the heated panels and ambient air to achieve condensation without requiring external fan assistance or complex support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan-driven air circulation system with a passive natural convection system, where hot air rises and cool air replaces it naturally, eliminating the need for mechanical fans while maintaining condensation function
2Use of energy by moving object
If natural draft indirect dry cooling is used, then power consumption is reduced, but investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condensation function and structural support function into a single integrated system where the condensing panels serve both as heat exchange surfaces and as self-supporting structural elements, eliminating the need for separate expensive support structures required in traditional indirect dry cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The self-standing condensing panels utilize their own thermal buoyancy to drive air flow through the system, requiring no external power source or complex mechanical infrastructure, thereby reducing investment costs while maintaining energy efficiency
3Productivity
If vacuum condenser is used, then condensation is achieved, but air pocket formation and corrosion occur under fluctuating ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple independently functioning condensing panels that dynamically adapt to varying ambient conditions, ensuring continuous condensation performance and preventing vacuum formation that would lead to air pocket accumulation and corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation system is divided into multiple separate condensing panels rather than a single vacuum chamber, allowing each panel to function independently and preventing system-wide vacuum formation that causes air pocket accumulation and corrosion issues
4Stability of the object's composition
If complex support structures and ducting are used, then system stability is improved, but capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure function into the condensing panels themselves, which are designed as self-standing units that support each other through their own structural integrity and thermal buoyancy, eliminating the need for separate complex support frameworks and extensive ducting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary complex support structures and extensive ducting from traditional condenser designs, retaining only the essential condensing panels that are simplified to be self-supporting while maintaining system stability
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 system reduces capital expenditures and maintenance by minimizing ducting and support structures, enhances thermal efficiency, and prevents air pocket formation, thereby improving condenser performance and safety under varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The condensing panels are self-standing and configured to be cooled by natural draft
Implementation Method 2
The supply manifold bifurcates with each bifurcation being configured to supply a respective condensing panel of the first pair of condensing panels
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for condensing steam includes a steam supply duct, a supply riser, a supply manifold, a pair of condensing panels, a return manifold, and a condensate return. The steam supply duct is configured to convey steam from a steam generator. The supply riser is configured to convey steam from the steam supply duct. The supply manifold is configured to convey steam from the supply riser. The pair of condensing panels is configured to receive steam from the supply manifold. The supply manifold bifurcates with each bifurcation being configured to supply a respective condensing panel of the pair of condensing panels. The return manifold is configured to receive condensate from the pair of condensing panels. The condensate return duct is configured to convey condensate from the return manifold to the steam generator.