Steam System Load Control via Merged Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam systems fail to efficiently control steam supply to steam engines, particularly during load fluctuations, and do not consider both fluid and steam loads, leading to inefficient operation and complex control configurations.
Innovation Solution
A steam system that includes a prime mover, a driven machine, a by-pass path for steam supply, and a controller to manage steam supply based on both fluid and steam loads, using a steam supply valve and a self-depressurization by-pass valve to maintain optimal steam pressure and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam supply to the steam engine is controlled only by a steam supply valve based on steam load, then steam pressure can be maintained, but the system cannot respond efficiently to fluid load fluctuations and requires complex control configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam supply control and by-pass control into a single by-pass valve mechanism. The by-pass valve is positioned to simultaneously regulate steam flow to the steam engine and control steam pressure in the steam line, eliminating the need for separate steam supply valve and by-pass valve controls, thus simplifying the control configuration while improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The by-pass valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the steam supply to the steam engine, regulates steam pressure in the steam line, and responds to both steam load and fluid load conditions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of control components needed and simplifies the overall control system
2Reliability
If a by-pass valve is used to control steam supply during load fluctuations, then steam pressure can be maintained, but the control response is slow and cannot fully handle large load fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the by-pass valve responds to pressure differential signals that reflect both steam load and fluid load conditions. This feedback control enables the valve to automatically adjust steam supply in response to load fluctuations, maintaining stable steam pressure while improving response speed through continuous monitoring and adjustment
3Measurement precision
If multiple valves (steam supply valve and by-pass valve) are used to control steam flow, then precise control is achieved, but the system complexity increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the steam supply valve and by-pass valve into a single by-pass valve configuration. This single valve simultaneously performs steam supply control and pressure regulation, reducing the number of moving parts and energy-consuming components while maintaining precise control capability through its strategic positioning in the steam line
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 configuration enhances operation efficiency by allowing precise control of steam supply to steam engines, reducing energy consumption, and simplifying the control system, while ensuring stable fluid and steam load management.
Implementation Method 1
a self-depressurization by-pass valve to maintain optimal steam pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An air compressor is driven by a steam engine that generates power using steam. The steam is supplied to the steam engine through a steam supply path, and the steam is exhausted through a steam exhaust path. The steam from the steam engine is supplied to a steam using device through a steam header. The usage load of the steam is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in the steam header. The compressed air from the air compressor is supplied to a compressed air using device through a compressed air path. The usage load of the compressed air is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged on the compressed air path. The steam supply to the steam engine is controlled based on the usage load of the steam and the usage load of the compressed air.