Steam Generator Deflector Hood for Complete Evaporation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating steam are either time-consuming and energy-intensive or result in incomplete evaporation, leaving a significant portion of the liquid unevaporated.

Innovation Solution

A steam generator design featuring a deflection hood and a pressure vessel with a heating element, where the liquid is heated to a temperature above its boiling point within the vessel, and the overheated liquid is directed to the outside where it meets a deflection hood, ensuring minimal liquid remains unevaporated, with continuous flow and controlled heating to maximize evaporation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flash evaporation is used to generate steam quickly, then steam generation speed is improved, but evaporation completeness deteriorates (significant portion of liquid remains unevaporated)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation speedVSAvoidunevaporated liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the evaporation process into two distinct stages: (1) rapid heating and partial evaporation in a pressurized chamber, and (2) secondary evaporation on the outer surface of the pressure vessel. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, achieving both speed and completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extends the evaporation process from a single internal space to a two-dimensional surface (the outer surface of the pressure vessel). By directing unevaporated liquid onto the heated outer surface, it creates an additional evaporation zone that captures and evaporates the remaining liquid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If large quantity of water is heated simultaneously to generate steam, then steam output is improved, but energy consumption and time required deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam outputVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure vessel's outer surface is heated passively by the superheated liquid inside through thermal conduction, eliminating the need for external heating elements. The system uses its own internal energy to perform secondary evaporation, significantly reducing additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention recovers the thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted in the superheated liquid by using it to evaporate the unevaporated portion on the outer surface, maximizing energy utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 rapid, cost-effective, and energy-efficient steam generation with minimal residual liquid, optimizing evaporation by maintaining the liquid below its boiling point within the vessel and utilizing the deflection hood to ensure complete evaporation outside.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid in the pressure vessel is heated by means of the heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a first part of the liquid evaporating and a second part of the liquid remaining liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The superheated liquid then escapes from the pressure vessel, for example, through a nozzle or outlet, and evaporates instantly due to the sudden change in surrounding pressure and the resulting expansion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlash evaporation: Flash Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

the second part of the liquid, in particular, hits the baffle and is directed to the outside of the pressure vessel... which has a temperature higher than the evaporation temperature or the boiling temperature of the liquid that is directed to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

the liquid in the pressure vessel transfers some of its heat to the pressure vessel, so that the outside of the pressure vessel is also heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3553376B1Method for generating steam and a steam generator
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 DENECKE KNUT
  • EP3553376B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating steam from a liquid by means of a steam generator (2) which has at least one heating element (4) and at least one pressure vessel (6) with an outlet opening (8) and an outer surface (12), wherein the liquid (a) in the pressure vessel (6) is heated by means of the heating element (4) and (b) exits the pressure vessel (6) through the outlet opening (8), wherein a first part of the liquid evaporates and a second part of the liquid remains liquid, wherein the steam generator (2) has a deflector hood (10) onto which the second part of the liquid hits and from there is directed to the outer surface (12).