Steam Generator Test Loop with Modular Economizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current test loops for simulating steam generators with or without an axial economizer are complex, costly, and time-consuming, lacking a simple and efficient method for comparison testing and requiring extensive disassembly for configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A test loop with a detachable axial economizer and non-uniform heat flux electric heating rods, allowing for easy conversion between configurations by adjusting loop valves and a central divider plate, simplifying the setup and reducing construction costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional hot fluid loop is adopted to simulate the cold side and hot side of the U-shaped pipe, then the simulation capability is improved, but the loop complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electric heating rod bundles to create a simplified thermal model that copies the essential heat transfer characteristics of the steam generator without requiring a full-scale hot fluid loop. This allows simulation of the cold side and hot side temperature distributions through electrical heating rather than complex fluid circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluid circulation system with an electrical heating system. Instead of using pumps, pipes, and fluid flow to simulate heat transfer, electric heating rods directly provide the thermal energy, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler electrical one
2Power
If a canned motor pump is used in the test flow, then the pumping capability is improved, but the operation complexity and equipment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the canned motor pump with a magnetic drive mechanism that uses magnetic fields to transmit rotational motion without mechanical seals or complex coupling mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the operational complexity associated with sealed motor pumps while maintaining the required pumping capability
3Ease of manufacture
If the test section is simplified in the steam generator, then the construction cost is reduced, but the structural complexity increases due to bundle wrapper, double wrapper and isolation plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test section into modular segments with standardized bundle wrappers and isolation plates. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall construction complexity despite the presence of multiple structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the bundle wrapper and isolation plate structures to serve multiple functions: structural support, thermal isolation, and flow control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing construction cost despite the apparent structural complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive disassembly is required for configuration changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modular segmentation of the test section with standardized connection interfaces. This allows configuration changes to be made by simply detaching and reattaching pre-assembled modules rather than disassembling the entire structure, maintaining adaptability while reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-assembles the bundle wrapper, isolation plates, and heating rod bundles as integrated modules before installation. This preliminary preparation allows rapid configuration changes during testing without requiring extensive on-site disassembly and reassembly operations
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 rapid and cost-effective comparison testing of steam generators with and without an axial economizer, reducing complexity and construction costs, while maintaining high operability and expanding to other thermal-hydraulic tests.
Implementation Method 1
non-uniform heat flux electric heating rods which are divided into a left group and a right group and configured for simulating a hot side and a cold side of a U-shaped tube bundle in the steam generator
Implementation Method 2
The cooling water loop 110 is used for condensing and cooling wet steam and providing the wet steam to the water supply loop 120 and the recirculated water loop 130
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a test loop for simulating a steam generator with or without an axial economizer and a test method thereof. The loop includes a cooling water loop, a water supply loop, a recirculated water loop and a power supply. The cooling water loop is used for condensing and cooling wet steam and providing the wet steam to the water supply loop and the recirculated water loop. The water supply loop is used for providing cold-state water supply for a test device, the recirculated water loop is used for reheating cooled water to be saturated and providing the water to the test device. The power supply is used for supplying power to heating equipment and an electric heater in the test device. The present disclosure provides a test method of the loop. Simulation tests can be carried out on a steam generator with or without an axial economizer.