Steam-Driven Pump System for Cavitation-Free Water Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps in steam generation apparatuses require multiple units and suffer from cavitation issues due to high temperatures, leading to inefficient water supply operations.
Innovation Solution
An energy-saving pump system that utilizes steam energy from a steam generator to supply water to a use location, incorporating a pump main body, steam transfer means, water supply means, and suction means to efficiently manage steam energy and water sourcing without additional energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple high pressure pumps are mounted in steam generation apparatus, then water supply capacity is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pump system with a steam-driven water supply system. Steam from the steam generator is directed to drive water supply, eliminating the need for separate mechanical pumps. This substitution of mechanical energy with thermal energy resolution the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining water supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator serves multiple functions: it generates steam for industrial use and simultaneously drives the water supply system. By making the steam generator multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate pumps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate water supply capacity.
2Stress or pressure
If high pressure pumps are used in high temperature environments, then water supply pressure is improved, but cavitation occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps that suffer from cavitation in high temperature environments with a steam-driven system. The steam, being in gaseous phase, does not experience cavitation issues. The steam pressure directly drives water supply, achieving high water supply pressure without the reliability problems of mechanical pumps in high temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the working medium from liquid (in mechanical pumps) to gas (steam). This parameter change allows the system to operate in high temperature environments without cavitation, as steam naturally exists in gaseous phase and can drive water supply through pressure differential without the cavitation issues that plague liquid-based mechanical pumps.
3Ease of operation
If conventional pumps are used for water supply, then water can be supplied to use location, but additional energy input is required increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator serves itself by using its own steam output to drive the water supply system. Instead of requiring external energy input from separate pumps, the system uses its own operational byproduct (steam) to perform the water supply function, thereby eliminating additional energy consumption while maintaining water supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the steam generation function and water supply function into a single integrated system. The steam that would otherwise be a separate output is combined with the water supply drive mechanism, allowing the system to achieve water supply without additional energy input by utilizing the steam's inherent energy.
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 enables efficient water supply to a use location using high-pressure steam energy, automatically sucking and supplying water from a random source with minimal energy input, addressing cavitation and efficiency issues in conventional pumps.
Implementation Method 1
a pump main body installed to receive steam from a steam generator
Implementation Method 2
by using steam energy of a high pressure generating in a steam generator
Implementation Method 3
a suction means that opens and closes a pipe between the pump main body and a water source, wherein after steam is received by opening and closing the steam transfer means, by opening the suction means, water of a water source may be sucked
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-saving pump, and control system for the pump comprises: a pump body arranged to receive steam from a steam generator; a steam transferor for opening/closing a pipeline between the pump body and the steam generator; and a suction valve for opening/closing a pipeline between the pump body and a water source, wherein the steam transferor is closed to receive steam and then the suction valve is opened to suction water from the water source.