Generator Cooling via Steam Flow in Low Pressure Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for generators in turbosets are inefficient and costly, requiring significant equipment and energy to maintain the generator at safe operating temperatures, especially in high-temperature applications like large steam turbine systems, leading to thermal energy loss and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves arranging the generator upstream in the supply line of a turboset, where a gaseous fluid, such as steam, first flows past the generator to cool it before driving the turbine, eliminating the need for additional cooling systems by utilizing the thermal energy for mechanical energy generation, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cooling systems (air, water, hydrogen) are used to cool the generator, then the generator can be reliably cooled, but the equipment complexity and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the steam supply function by positioning the generator within the steam supply line. The steam that would otherwise only drive the turbine now simultaneously cools the generator as it passes through, combining two functions into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam supply line is given dual functionality: it serves both to supply steam to the turbine and to cool the generator. The same fluid stream performs multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate cooling infrastructure.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling systems with pumps and heat exchangers are installed, then the generator temperature can be controlled, but the system requires considerable equipment and associated costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from the complex conventional cooling system and integrates it directly into the steam supply path. This eliminates the need for separate pumps, heat exchangers, and cooling circuits, reducing equipment quantity while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam supply line serves itself by cooling the generator as it passes through. The system uses its own operational fluid (steam) to perform the cooling function without requiring external cooling infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient.
3Reliability
If additional cooling systems are installed to prevent generator overheating, then the generator can operate safely, but the overall system efficiency decreases due to energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the thermal energy in the steam (which would otherwise be wasted heat) into a beneficial cooling effect for the generator. The steam's thermal energy is utilized to cool the generator, turning a potential waste product into a useful resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with the steam supply function, so that the same steam stream that drives the turbine also cools the generator. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling energy input, reducing overall energy consumption.
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 allows for reliable and energy-efficient cooling of the generator, increasing the overall efficiency of the turboset by utilizing the thermal energy absorbed by the fluid to generate mechanical energy, while simplifying the system design and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid absorbs thermal energy from the generator, which increases the enthalpy of the fluid and cools the generator
Implementation Method 2
The turbine converts the thermal energy supplied to it into mechanical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating method for a turbine set (10) comprising a turbine (12) and a generator (14) arranged within a supply line (32) to the turbine (12), comprising the steps b) introducing a fluid into the supply line (32), c) passing the fluid past the generator (14), d) driving the turbine (12) by means of the fluid, wherein a flow of the fluid is directed from the generator (14) to the turbine (12), characterized in that the pressure in the supply line (32) and in the turbine (12) is below the ambient pressure. The invention further relates to a turboset (10) comprising a turbine (12) designed as an axial turbine and a generator (14) arranged within a feed line (32) to the turbine (12), wherein the turbine (12) is designed for an inflow from the direction of the generator (14), which is characterized in that the turbine (12) is designed as a steam turbine.Furthermore, the invention relates to a low-pressure steam turbine system comprising such a turbine set (10) and a flash evaporator for evaporating liquid heat transfer medium so that vaporous fluid is obtained, wherein the pressure in the flash evaporator is below ambient pressure.