Steam Generator Coupling via Pre-Heating and Dynamic Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting additional steam generators to a first steam generator in a power plant are time-consuming and prone to disturbances, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of system failures, as they require synchronizing steam conditions and maintaining constant output, which delays power plant output increase and reduces system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves routing steam from the first steam generator to the additional steam generator before it reaches the same steam parameters, allowing for simultaneous coupling during startup without stopping load increase, using partially opened shut-off valves to direct steam flow and manage pressure and temperature differences, and closing diversion valves to prevent steam from going to the condenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If steam systems are synchronized to the same pressure and temperature before coupling, then system stability is improved, but startup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the feed water in the additional steam generator before steam production begins. This preliminary preparation allows the steam generator to reach operational parameters faster and couple with the first steam generator more quickly, reducing overall startup time while maintaining system stability through controlled pre-heating rather than sudden full-load operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If steam generator output is kept constant during coupling, then coupling stability is improved, but power plant productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling continuous load increase during the coupling process rather than maintaining constant output. The control system dynamically adjusts parameters during coupling, allowing the additional steam generator to ramp up its output continuously while being coupled to the first steam generator, thereby maintaining coupling stability while improving overall power plant productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by allowing the load increase to continue uninterrupted during the coupling process. Instead of pausing the load increase to achieve stable coupling, the system maintains continuous useful action by dynamically managing the coupling process while the steam generator continues to ramp up its output, thus improving productivity without sacrificing coupling stability.
3Loss of time
If simultaneous coupling of multiple steam systems is performed, then startup time is reduced, but system reliability decreases due to multiple potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors parameters during the simultaneous coupling of multiple steam systems. This real-time feedback allows the system to detect and respond to potential issues immediately, maintaining high reliability even while performing simultaneous coupling operations that reduce startup time. The feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment to prevent failures from propagating across multiple systems.
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 significantly reduces startup time for additional steam generators, enhances system efficiency, and reduces emissions, making the power plant more economical and environmentally friendly by allowing continuous power output increase without step-by-step system coupling.
Implementation Method 1
steam from the first steam generator is switched to the additional steam generator before the steam of the additional steam generator has reached approximately the same steam parameters
Implementation Method 2
The shut-off valve of at least one first steam system of the at least another steam generator is opened so that steam can flow into the other steam generator
Implementation Method 3
a fluid used to drive the steam turbine is routed in a fluid circuit that includes a number of steam systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for connecting at least one additional steam generator (13) to a first steam generator in a power plant which comprises at least two steam generators (13) and a steam turbine (14), in which a fluid used for driving the steam turbine (14) is conducted in a fluid circuit comprising a number of steam systems (27, 31, 36), wherein the steam systems (27, 31, 36) are associated with individual steam generators (13) and can be separated from each other by shut-off devices (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52), and in which the fluid of at least the first steam generator is switched to the steam turbine (14), wherein before the steam of the at least one additional steam generator (13) has reached approximately the same steam temperature as the steam of the first steam generator, the shut-off device (45) of at least one first steam system of the at least one further steam generator (13) is opened such that steam can flow into the additional steam generator.