V-Shape Steam Condenser With Central Fan Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam condensation systems require complex and costly support structures due to the need for multiple foundations and complex steel frameworks, which increases material usage and assembly effort, especially for larger systems.

Innovation Solution

A steam condensation system with tube bundles arranged in a V-shape, where the fan is supported by a central pillar that extends from the fan to the apex, allowing the tube bundles to be self-supporting and reducing the need for additional structural support, with adjacent modules connected via struts and a secondary support structure for airflow and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If roof construction with fans below heat exchanger bundles is used, then large systems can be produced by connecting cells in parallel and series, but protective grilles must be provided for fans and air inlet height is reduced requiring increased support structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional roof construction by placing fans above the heat exchanger bundles instead of below. This inversion eliminates the need for protective grilles and reduces support structure complexity while maintaining the ability to produce large systems through modular cell connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the protective grilles that are required in conventional roof construction, simplifying the overall structure by eliminating components that are no longer necessary when fans are positioned above the heat exchanger bundles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Length of stationary object

If V arrangement with overhead fans is used, then overall height is reduced, but very complex support structures are required for heat exchanger bundles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the V arrangement by placing fans above the heat exchanger bundles rather than below, which reduces overall height while simultaneously simplifying the support structure requirements by eliminating the need for complex frameworks to support the bundles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple foundations and complex steel frameworks are used for support, then stability is maintained, but material requirements increase and assembly becomes more costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates multiple foundations and complex steel frameworks from the support structure, reducing material usage and assembly costs while maintaining system stability through the simplified fan-above-bundles configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the support functions into a simplified structure where the heat exchanger bundles themselves provide mutual support, eliminating the need for separate complex steel frameworks and multiple foundations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces material requirements, simplifies the support structure, and allows for more cost-effective and efficient assembly of larger systems by eliminating the need for multiple foundations and complex steel frameworks, while maintaining stability and facilitating maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The heat transfer to the cooling medium air with the help of heat exchangers through heat conduction and convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The heat transfer to the cooling medium air with the help of heat exchangers through heat conduction and convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

Plants for condensing turbine or process vapors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

The cooling medium, air, is conveyed through the heat exchanger bundle with the aid of suction or pressure fans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3201550B1Installation for condensing steam
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 ENEXIO GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3201550B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3201550B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3201550B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an installation for condensing steam (1), having the following features: a) each pair of tube bundles (2) is connected at its respective upper ends (3) to steam distribution lines (4) for introducing steam into the tube bundles (2), and at its respective lower ends (5) to condensate collectors (6) for receiving condensate from the tube bundles (2); b) the tube bundles (2) are arranged in a V shape such that the steam distribution lines (4) of a pair of tube bundles (2) are further apart from one another than are the condensate collectors (6) of the pair of tube bundles (2), such that the condensate collectors (6) are arranged in the region of a lower vertex (7) of the V-shaped arrangement; c) at least one aspirating fan (8) is arranged above the pair of tube bundles (2) in the region between the steam distribution lines (4); d) the fan (8) is borne by a central supporting pillar (9) which extends from the fan (8) to the vertex (7); e) the tube bundles (2) are mounted on a supporting bracket (13) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vertex (7) and is connected to the central supporting pillar (9); f) the tube bundles (2) are self-supporting.