Shared Hydraulic Power Unit for Steam Turbine Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam turbine systems require separate actuation systems for main and bypass valves, leading to increased costs, space consumption, and complexity due to different components, actuation fluids, and control systems, necessitating a unified solution.
Innovation Solution
A common hydraulic power unit (HPU) is designed to operate both main and bypass valves, sharing components such as hydraulic tanks, pumps, accumulators, and control systems, ensuring compatibility with the specifications of both valve types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuation systems are used for main and bypass valves, then each valve type can be controlled with dedicated components and fluids, but the system complexity, cost, and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate main valve actuation system and bypass valve actuation system into a single integrated actuation system. The hydraulic power unit, control system, and fluid supply are shared between both valve types, eliminating redundancy while maintaining the ability to independently control each valve type according to its specific requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The hydraulic power unit provides pressurized fluid to both main and bypass valves, the control system manages both valve types, and the arrangement can be configured to meet the specific pressure and flow requirements of different valve applications within the same system
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuation systems are used for main and bypass valves, then each system can be optimized for its specific requirements, but the initial purchase, installation, and maintenance costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates two separate actuation systems into one integrated system, reducing the total number of components that need to be purchased, installed, and maintained. The shared hydraulic power unit, control system, and infrastructure eliminate redundant costs while the system maintains the adaptability to optimize control for both main and bypass valves through configurable hydraulic circuits and control logic
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuation systems are used for main and bypass valves, then each system can operate independently, but the space required at the site and equipment from multiple vendors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the actuation systems for main and bypass valves into a single consolidated unit, reducing the physical space required at the site. By sharing the hydraulic power unit, control system, and fluid supply infrastructure, the overall footprint is significantly reduced compared to having two separate systems, while still maintaining the capability to independently control each valve type when needed
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 approach reduces costs and space requirements while simplifying maintenance by integrating the actuation systems, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for separate components and control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pump assembly is configured to pump the common hydraulic fluid from the tank to provide a pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
The accumulator assembly is configured to store the pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 3
The header is coupled to the pump assembly and the accumulator assembly, wherein the header is configured to supply the pressurized hydraulic fluid to one or more main valves and one or more bypass valves
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a hydraulic power unit having a tank, a pump assembly, an accumulator assembly, and a header. The tank is configured to store a common hydraulic fluid. The pump assembly is configured to pump the common hydraulic fluid from the tank to provide a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The accumulator assembly is configured to store the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The header is coupled to the pump assembly and the accumulator assembly, wherein the header is configured to supply the pressurized hydraulic fluid to one or more main valves and one or more bypass valves of a steam turbine system.