Steam Generator Pulsed Valve Control for Safe Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generators face challenges in refilling without interrupting steaming and in safely emptying hot water to prevent scalding, as previous methods require complex temperature adjustments and lack effective control over water flow.
Innovation Solution
A steam generator with a control unit that regulates the opening and closing times of filling and emptying valves based on water pressure, allowing for pulsed water supply and mixing to ensure consistent steaming and safe drainage, with the option to store valve settings for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If water is supplied continuously to the steam generator, then the steaming process remains uninterrupted, but the heating element output becomes insufficient to produce desired steam without interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by supplying water in alternating pulses rather than continuously. The control unit opens and closes the filling valve in periodic cycles, allowing the heating element to maintain sufficient output by heating water during closed intervals while still providing continuous steam generation through the pulsed water supply during open intervals.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If complex regulation is used to adjust water supply rate to temperature, then uninterrupted steaming is achieved, but the control effort becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the water supply rate adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the pulse frequency and duration of water supply based on operational requirements, allowing optimization of steam generation without complex continuous regulation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If hot water is drained directly from the steam generator, then emptying is efficient, but scalding hazard to persons is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing cold water from the cooling unit as a mediator between the hot water in the steam generator and the drainage system. This cold water mixes with the hot water during the emptying process, reducing the temperature of the discharged water to safe levels while maintaining efficient emptying through controlled valve operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature control mechanisms are added to the drainage system, then scalding is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing cooling unit, which already contains cold water, to automatically cool the drainage water. The control unit manages the mixing process by coordinating the emptying valve and filling valve operations, eliminating the need for separate temperature control mechanisms while maintaining safe drainage temperatures.
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
Enables efficient refilling and safe emptying without interrupting steaming or risking scalding, allowing for precise control of water supply and temperature management, enhancing user safety and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the filling valve and the emptying valve can be controlled in pulse form by a control unit, the control unit determining the opening and closing times of the filling valve and/or the emptying valve depending on the pressure of the cold water supplied
Implementation Method 2
the interaction of the water level in the steam generator and the heating output of the heating element in the steam generator
Implementation Method 3
a partition arranged therein, an electrical unit being arranged in a first housing part and a steam generator being arranged in a second housing part and a cooling unit being arranged on the partition, in which a recess is provided through which Cooling medium flows
Implementation Method 4
when the steam generator is started, the pressure of the water supplied is determined and, depending on the determined pressure, the opening and closing times of the filling valve for the pulsed supply of water are determined
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A steam generator is designed to ensure uninterrupted steam production and, when emptying the steam generator after steaming has ceased, to guarantee safe emptying without posing a risk to personnel due to the high temperature of the water being emptied. This is achieved by a steam generator 1 with a steam generator 10, which is connected to a supply line 22 for supplying cold water and a discharge line 26 for emptying the steam generator 10. A filling valve 25 is arranged in the supply line 22 and a discharge valve 24 in the discharge line 26. The filling valve 25 and the discharge valve 24 can be controlled by a control unit 29 in a pulsed manner. The control unit 29 determines the opening and closing times of the filling valve 25 and/or the discharge valve 24 as a function of the pressure of the supplied cold water.