Steam Turbine Coupling Layout for Fluctuating Steam Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam turbines operating with fluctuating steam parameters from renewable energy sources face efficiency loss or damage risks due to suboptimal operation, and generating secondary steam using hydrogen and oxygen is costly.
Innovation Solution
A steam turbine system with switchable couplings and dual sub-turbines, allowing flexible operation by blending primary and secondary steam to maintain optimal parameters, using a secondary steam source generated from hydrogen and oxygen reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secondary steam is generated by reacting hydrogen and oxygen to adjust steam parameters, then steam turbine efficiency and optimal operation are improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts steam parameters (temperature, pressure, moisture content) by blending primary steam with secondary steam generated through hydrogen-oxygen combustion. This parameter adjustment ensures the steam turbine operates at optimal conditions while minimizing the need for expensive secondary steam generation by only producing it when necessary to correct parameter deviations
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the primary steam source and the steam turbine, monitoring steam parameters and selectively activating secondary steam generation only when parameters fall outside optimal ranges. This intermediary control mechanism reduces unnecessary secondary steam production and associated costs
2Loss of energy
If steam parameters are not adjusted when fluctuating, then operating costs are reduced, but steam turbine efficiency decreases or damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-monitoring and self-correction capabilities where steam parameters are continuously measured and automatically adjusted through selective secondary steam injection. The system serves itself by detecting parameter deviations and initiating corrective steam blending without external intervention, maintaining efficiency while minimizing cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steam turbine system operates with fluctuating steam parameters from renewable energy sources, then adaptability to varying steam supply is improved, but efficiency loss or damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to varying steam supply conditions by continuously adjusting the blend ratio of primary and secondary steam. The switchable coupling and dynamic steam blending capability allow the system to respond in real-time to fluctuations in primary steam parameters, maintaining optimal turbine operation across varying conditions without efficiency loss or damage risk
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 adaptation to changing steam conditions, ensuring continuous operation and optimal efficiency by selectively mixing steam types, reducing the need for costly secondary steam generation.
Implementation Method 1
The combustion of oxygen with hydrogen allows for the rapid production of large quantities of steam with high steam parameters (especially high temperature and low or no moisture content)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steam turbine plant, comprising a water-steam circuit (1). The water-steam circuit (1) comprises at least one steam turbine (2) with a first and a second sub-turbine (2´,2´´). The first sub-turbine (2´) can be connected directly or indirectly to the second sub-turbine (2´´) via at least one first switchable coupling (3). The water-steam circuit (1) additionally comprises a first primary steam source (4) and a second secondary steam source (5), wherein the first sub-turbine (2´) can be supplied with a primary steam of the primary steam source (4), and the second sub-turbine (2´´) can be supplied with the primary steam of the primary steam source (4) or a part thereof and/or a secondary steam of the secondary steam source (5). The secondary steam can be generated by means of a steam generator which, as part of the secondary steam source (5), reacts hydrogen and oxygen together in order to generate steam.