Steam Generator Burst Control for High-Pressure Steam Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam stations lack the capability to achieve maximum steam pressure and discharge rate while minimizing energy consumption, which affects the efficiency of steam-based ironing and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A steam station with a temporally unlimited or time-limited sequence of steam bursts, allowing for alternating phases of high and low steam emission rates, controlled by an actuating element that can be operated tactilely, enabling the user to start and end the sequence without interrupting the process, thus maintaining constant high steam pressure and reducing overall steam emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous steam emission is used, then steam discharge rate is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic steam emission through burst sequences, where the steam generator operates in alternating phases of high emission (burst) and low or no emission (inter-burst). This periodic operation maintains effective steam discharge rate during bursts while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous emission, as the heating element only operates during burst phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the steam emission rate by switching between different operational states (burst and inter-burst) based on real-time requirements. The control system modulates the heating element and valve operation to provide high steam discharge when needed while minimizing energy input during less demanding periods, creating a dynamic balance between productivity and energy consumption.
2Productivity
If steam pressure is increased to maximize discharge rate, then steam penetration improves, but pressure drops during emission
Solution Approach 1:
The burst emission pattern allows steam pressure to build up during the inter-burst period when the valve is closed and heating continues. During the brief burst phase, high pressure is utilized for maximum discharge rate, then pressure naturally recovers during the subsequent inter-burst period. This periodic cycling maintains higher average pressure levels compared to continuous emission at the same average discharge rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressure buildup during the inter-burst period before the actual steam emission occurs. By maintaining heating and closing the valve during this preparatory phase, sufficient steam pressure is accumulated to ensure high discharge rate when the burst is initiated, preventing pressure drops during the critical emission window.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to control steam rates, then steam output control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a main valve for primary steam flow control, a bypass valve for pressure regulation, and an electronic control unit for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently, providing versatile steam output control while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
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 solution enhances steam penetration and ironing performance, improves sliding on ironed surfaces, and reduces energy consumption by allowing for targeted steam use, achieving higher steam emission rates with minimized pressure drops and continuous high steam pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a steam boiler (14) with an interior volume of 800 ml for generating a steam pressure and an electrical heating element (15) for heating the steam boiler (14)
Implementation Method 2
The steam boiler (14) is connected to the hose (21) via a valve (13) designed as an electrovalve, so that by opening and closing the valve (13), part of the pressurized steam emerges from the steam boiler (14), and as steam output through the hose (21) to the iron (20) can be performed
Implementation Method 3
an electrical heating element (15) for heating the steam boiler (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a steam station (10) for steam treating an article, comprising a steam generator (11) for generating a steam jet, and an actuation device (30) which, when actuated, can start and/or end a sequence of steam jets during the operation of a steam station for treating the article to be treated. The claimed invention enables a structurally simply and economical steam station to be provided enabling a steam jet to be created with a maximum pressure. A high steam rate which can improve the operating results, for example ironing or cleaning results, can also be obtained. The invention also enables the steam station to be operated efficiently thus reducing energy consumption, and it can also reduce the total amount of generated steam, can reduce energy, as well as increase the steam jet rate and improve the penetration of the steam into the article which is to be ironed.