Steam Turbine Exhaust Integration for Chemical Process Feedstock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam-electric power systems suffer from low thermal efficiency due to significant heat loss during steam condensation, and there is a need to enhance energy conversion efficiency in chemical and physical processes that rely on steam as a feedstock.
Innovation Solution
Integrate steam turbines with chemical and physical processes to utilize exhaust steam as a feedstock, forming an integrated operating system that enhances thermal energy conversion efficiency by avoiding heat loss from steam condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If steam is condensed back into water in conventional power systems, then the Rankine cycle can be completed, but significant heat loss occurs during condensation reducing thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat loss during steam condensation into a beneficial resource by directing the exhaust steam to chemical and physical processes that require steam as a feedstock. The steam that would otherwise be wasted is now utilized for valuable industrial processes, transforming an energy loss into a useful output.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electricity through the power generator and provides steam feedstock for chemical and physical processes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to discard steam after power generation, as it can be directly utilized by downstream processes.
2Power
If steam turbines are used to generate electricity, then electric power can be produced, but the steam must be condensed which causes energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chemical and physical processes as intermediary systems that receive the exhaust steam from the power generator. These intermediary processes act as a bridge, accepting the steam that would otherwise be condensed and wasted, and utilizing it for their operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power generation system with chemical and physical process systems into an integrated operating system. By combining these previously separate systems, the exhaust steam from power generation is directly fed into processes requiring steam, eliminating the energy loss associated with separate condensation and recreation of steam.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate systems are used for power generation and steam supply, then each system can operate independently, but energy efficiency is reduced due to heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines previously separate power generation and steam supply systems into an integrated operating system where exhaust steam from power generation is directly utilized by chemical and physical processes, eliminating heat loss from condensation while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by directing exhaust steam continuously to chemical and physical processes that require steam feedstock. This continuous utilization eliminates the interruption and energy loss that would occur with conventional condensation and steam recreation cycles.
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 integration of steam turbines with chemical and physical processes increases energy efficiency for electric power generation by utilizing exhaust steam, thereby improving overall thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
increasing a pressure of water from a water source with a pump
Implementation Method 2
in the first heat exchanger, heating the pressurized water to generate pressurized steam
Implementation Method 3
heating the pressurized water to generate pressurized steam
Implementation Method 4
with the power generator, producing electricity using the pressurized steam
Implementation Method 5
in the second heat exchanger, adjusting a temperature of the outlet stream of the power generator
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system may be configured to provide steam. Exemplary systems may comprise a water source in fluid communication with a pump. The pump may be in fluid communication with a first heat exchanger, which may be in fluid communication with a power generator, which may be a turbine. The power generator may be in fluid communication with a second heat exchanger. An outlet of the second heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with a reactor system.