Turbo-generator shafting layout for steam pipe length reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing turbo-generator units face challenges with long HTHP steam pipes leading to increased costs, pressure loss, and reduced efficiency, making it costly to improve cycle efficiency and complicating system control, especially in double-reheat systems.
Innovation Solution
The design involves arranging shafts at different levels, with the high-level shafting positioned outside the boiler close to the header-connection area, significantly shortening HTHP steam pipe lengths, reducing pressure and heat radiation losses, and simplifying the steam pipe system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If double-reheat system is adopted to improve cycle efficiency, then cycle efficiency is improved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the high-level shafting in a different spatial dimension (higher elevation) close to the boiler header-connection area, fundamentally changing the vertical arrangement from conventional low-level placement. This dimensional change enables direct connection with minimal pipe length, resolving the complexity-cost issue while maintaining double-reheat efficiency benefits
2Loss of energy
If HTHP steam pipe length is reduced by repositioning shafting, then pressure loss and heat radiation loss decrease, but system arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the shafting to a higher vertical dimension near the boiler header, the patent creates a direct, short connection path that eliminates long horizontal runs and multiple bends. The spatial reconfiguration simplifies the pipe system while minimizing energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The high-level shafting is positioned in advance close to the header-connection area, allowing steam to be delivered directly without requiring long-distance transmission. This preliminary positioning prevents energy losses before they can occur
3Temperature
If high temperature alloy steel pipes are used for HTHP steam pipes, then temperature resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-temperature alloy steel pipes with shorter, lower-cost alternative materials by dramatically reducing pipe length. The shortened piping system allows use of more economical materials while maintaining operational integrity through reduced exposure to high temperatures
4Length of moving object
If shafting is positioned close to boiler header-connection area, then steam pipe length is reduced, but turbine hall space requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning shafting at high elevation near the boiler, rather than extending horizontal space in the turbine hall. This vertical arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint while accommodating the shortened steam pipes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a novel turbo-generator unit, which at least comprises a boiler and a superheater and a reheater provided in the boiler. On the boiler, the positions corresponding to the header of the steam inlets and outlets of the superheater and reheater form the header-connection area; the steam pipe system at least comprises the pipes that connect the boiler with the HP cylinder and the IP cylinder and are used to transmit the HTHP steam; the HP cylinder and the generator constitute the high-level shafting, and the high-level shafting is positioned outside of boiler and close to the header-connection area. The present invention can also comprise a low-level shafting positioned at a low level. Since the high-level shafting and the low-level shafting are arranged at different levels, the lengths of costly HTHP steam pipes in the pipe system and the pressure drop and heat radiation loss of the pipe system are significantly reduced, and the work capability of the unit is improved. Furthermore, the quantity of the steam stored in the reheat system and the adjustment inertia of unit is reduced, and the economical efficiency of the double-reheat unit is sufficiently realized.