U.S. patent application number 12/911811 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for air cooled condenser fogging control system.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Erwing Calleros, Rahul J. Chillar, Gregory Diantonio, David Rogers.
Application Number | 20120096864 12/911811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45318794 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120096864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chillar; Rahul J. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
AIR COOLED CONDENSER FOGGING CONTROL SYSTEM
Abstract
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems,
methods, and apparatus for controlling turbine steam output.
According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is
provided for controlling steam turbine output. The method can
include measuring one or more temperatures or back pressures
associated with one or more cells associated with a turbine cooling
condenser and controlling temperature distribution of the one or
more cells in response, at least in part, to the measured one or
more temperatures or back pressures.
Inventors: |
Chillar; Rahul J.; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Diantonio; Gregory; (Atlanta, GA) ;
Rogers; David; (Atlanta, GA) ; Calleros; Erwing;
(Atlanta, GA) |
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
45318794 |
Appl. No.: |
12/911811 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/660 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01K 9/003 20130101;
F01K 23/10 20130101; F01K 13/02 20130101; F22B 1/1815 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
60/660 |
International
Class: |
F01K 13/02 20060101
F01K013/02 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling steam turbine output, comprising:
measuring one or more temperatures or back pressures associated
with one or more cells associated with a turbine cooling condenser;
and controlling temperature distribution of the one or more cells
in response, at least in part, to the measured one or more
temperatures or back pressures.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling the temperature
distribution comprises selectively directing steam through the one
or more cells.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling the temperature
distribution comprises selectively introducing coolant towards the
one or more cells wherein heat from the steam is transferred by the
one or more cells to the coolant, wherein selectively introducing
the coolant comprises manipulating one or more nozzles in response
to one or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure, ambient
wind direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow,
parasitic load balance, or power demand.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling the temperature
distribution comprises selectively forcing air towards the one or
more cells wherein heat from the steam is transferred from the one
or more cells to the forced air, wherein selectively forcing air
comprises selectively manipulating one or more fans in response to
one or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure, ambient wind
direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow, parasitic
load balance, or power demand.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising selectively
introducing coolant towards the one or more condensers wherein heat
from the steam is transferred by the one or more cells to one or
more of the coolant, the forced air, or air-entrained coolant.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein selectively introducing coolant
comprises directing the coolant towards the one or more cells and
in an opposing direction of the forced air such that at least a
portion of the coolant removes heat from the one or more cells.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein selectively directing steam
comprises manipulating one or more steam paths to direct the steam
to one or more selected cooling cells.
8. A system for controlling steam turbine output, comprising: a
heat recovery steam generator; a steam turbine associated with the
heat recovery steam generator; one or more condensers associated
with the steam turbine, wherein the one or more condensers comprise
one or more cells; one or more sensors for measuring one or more
temperature or back pressures of one or more cells, one or more
valves for directing steam to the one or more cells; one or more
nozzles for introducing coolant towards the one or more cells; one
or more fans for forcing air and coolant past and around the one or
more cells; and at least one processor configured to execute
computer-executable instructions for controlling temperature
distribution of the one or more cells in response, at least in
part, to the to the measured one or more temperatures or back
pressures.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein controlling the temperature
distribution comprises selectively directing steam through the one
or more cells.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more nozzles are
further configured for selectively introducing coolant comprising
water towards the one or more cells wherein heat from the steam is
transferred by the one or more cells to the coolant, wherein
selectively introducing the coolant comprises manipulating a valve
or pump associated with the one or more nozzles in response to one
or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure, ambient wind
direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow, parasitic
load balance, or power demand.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more fans are
configured for selectively forcing air towards the one or more
cells wherein heat from the steam is transferred from the one or
more cells to the forced air, wherein selectively forcing air
comprises selectively manipulating the one or more fans in response
to one or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure, ambient
wind direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow,
parasitic load balance, or power demand.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising one or more valves
or pumps associated with the one or more nozzles for selectively
introducing coolant comprising water towards the one or more cells
such that heat from the steam is transferred by the one or more
cells to one or more of the coolant, the forced air, or
air-entrained coolant.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein selectively introducing coolant
comprises directing the coolant towards the one or more cells and
in an opposing direction of the forced air such that at least a
portion of the coolant removes heat from the one or more cells.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein selectively directing steam
comprises manipulating one or more steam paths to direct the steam
to one or more selected cells or one or more condensers.
15. An apparatus for controlling steam turbine output, comprising:
one or more condensers associated with the steam turbine, wherein
the one or more condensers comprise one or more cells; one or more
sensors for measuring one or more temperatures or back pressures of
one or more cells; one or more valves for directing steam to the
one or more cells; one or more nozzles for introducing coolant
towards the one or more cells; one or more fans for forcing air and
coolant towards the one or more cells; and at least one processor
configured to execute computer-executable instructions for
controlling temperature distribution of the one or more cells in
response, at least in part, to the measured one or more
temperatures or back pressures.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein controlling the temperature
distribution comprises selectively directing steam through the one
or more cells, wherein selectively directing steam comprises
manipulating one or more steam paths to direct the steam to one or
more selected cells or one or more condensers.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more nozzles are
further configured for selectively introducing coolant comprising
water towards the one or more cells wherein heat from the steam is
transferred by the one or more cells to the coolant, wherein
selectively introducing the coolant comprises manipulating a valve
or pump associated with the one or more nozzles in response to one
or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure, ambient wind
direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow, parasitic
load balance, or power demand.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more fans are
configured for selectively forcing air towards the one or more
cells wherein heat from the steam is transferred from the one or
more cells to the forced air, wherein selectively forcing air
comprises selectively manipulating the one or more fans in response
to one or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure, ambient
wind direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow,
parasitic load balance, or power demand.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising one or more
valves or pumps associated with the one or more nozzles for
selectively introducing coolant comprising water towards the one or
more cells such that heat from the steam is transferred by the one
or more cells to one or more of the coolant, the forced air, or
air-entrained coolant.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein selectively introducing
coolant comprises directing the coolant towards the one or more
cells and in an opposing direction of the forced air such that at
least a portion of the coolant removes heat from the one or more
cells.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to gas turbines, and more
particularly relates to controlling turbine steam output.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typical industrial gas turbine systems utilize heat recovery
steam generators (HRSG) to recover energy that may otherwise be
wasted as heat. For example, hot exhaust gases produced by the gas
turbine can be directed to the HRSG, where the exhaust heat
converts water into steam. The steam, in turn, can be used to drive
a steam turbine to produce additional usable power, such as
electrical power. After the steam has traversed the turbine,
condensers can be used to cool the steam and return it to a liquid
state for use again by the HRSG. Removing heat from the steam
quickly helps reduce backpressure in the downstream steam path of
the turbine, and increases the efficiency of the system.
[0003] Condensers can include a number of cooling tubes and/or fin
tube bundles that act as heat exchangers for the steam. Ambient
air, forced air, or water-cooled condensers are typically used to
reduce the steam temperature. For example, when cool air or water
is forced across the fin tubes, heat is exchanged from the hot
steam inside the condensers to the external air or water. However,
forced-air condensers require extra energy for fans to blow air
across the cooling fin tubes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Some or all of the above needs may be addressed by certain
embodiments of the invention. Certain embodiments of the invention
may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling turbine
steam output.
[0005] According to an example embodiment of the invention, a
method is provided for controlling steam turbine output. The method
can include measuring one or more temperatures or back pressures
associated with one or more cells associated with a turbine cooling
condenser, and controlling temperature distribution of the or more
cells in response, at least in part, to the measured one or more
temperatures or back pressures.
[0006] According to another example embodiment, a system is
provided for controlling steam turbine output. The system may
include a heat recovery steam generator, a steam turbine associated
with the heat recovery steam generator, and one or more condensers
associated with the steam turbine. The one or more condensers may
include one or more cells. The system may also include one or more
sensors for measuring one or more temperature or back pressures of
one or more cells, one or more valves for directing steam to the
one or more cells, one or more nozzles for introducing coolant
towards the one or more cells, one or more fans for forcing air and
coolant past and around the one or more cells, and at least one
processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions
for controlling temperature distribution of the or more cells in
response, at least in part, to the to the measured one or more
temperatures or back pressures.
[0007] According to another example embodiment, an apparatus is
provided for controlling steam turbine output. The apparatus may
include one or more condensers associated with the steam turbine.
The one or more condensers may include one or more cells. The
apparatus may also include one or more sensors for measuring one or
more temperatures or back pressures of one or more cells. The
apparatus may also include one or more valves for directing steam
to the one or more cells; one or more nozzles for introducing
coolant towards the one or more cells; one or more fans for forcing
air and coolant towards the one or more cells; and at least one
processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions
for controlling temperature distribution of the or more cells in
response, at least in part, to the measured one or more
temperatures or back pressures.
[0008] Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described
in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed
inventions. Other embodiments and aspects can be understood with
reference to the following detailed description, accompanying
drawings, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] Reference will now be made to the accompanying tables and
drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative turbine and
cooling system, according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative condenser cooling system,
according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative cooling control
system, according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an illustrative cooling system,
according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an illustrative cooling system
with an alternate header arrangement, according to an example
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative cooling system
with dual cooling path configuration, according to an example
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method according to
an example embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Embodiments of the invention will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0018] Certain embodiments of the invention may enable steam output
associated with a heat recovery steam generator to be controlled.
According to certain example embodiments, forced air and/or fogging
coolant may be directed to condenser banks and selectively
activated to control a temperature distribution of the condenser
cooling system.
[0019] Various fans, valves, pumps, nozzles, and controllers may be
utilized for controlling the forced air and/or coolant, according
to example embodiments of the invention, and will now be described
with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a turbine and cooling system 100, according
to an example embodiment of the invention. In an example
embodiment, fuel 102 may be combusted to power a turbine 104. Part
of the rotational energy produced by the turbine 104 may be
utilized, at least in part, to drive a compressor 106 and a
generator 108. In an example embodiment, electricity from the
generator 108 may be supplied to a power grid 112 via a transformer
110. In an example embodiment, the generator 108 may be cooled by a
cooling skid 114. In an example embodiment, an additional cooling
skid 116 may be utilized to cool lube oil associated with the
turbine 104 and the compressor 106.
[0021] According to an example embodiment, hot exhaust gas 118 from
the turbine 104 may be directed to a heat recovery steam generator
(HRSG) 120 and steam turbine 122 to extract and convert the heat
energy from the exhaust to rotational energy that can be utilized
to drive an additional generator, for example. According to an
example embodiment, cooling water 140 may be converted to steam via
the HRSG 120, and the resulting steam pressure may be harnessed to
drive the steam turbine 122. In an example embodiment, after the
steam has traversed the steam turbine 122, it may have lower energy
content and may be considered lower quality steam 124. Therefore,
according to an example embodiment, a condenser 126 may be utilized
to cool and condense the low quality steam 124 to help reduce the
backpressure from the steam turbine 122.
[0022] In accordance with an example embodiment, the turbine and
cooling system 100 may include supporting structures, steam ducting
from the steam turbine interface, auxiliaries such as the
condensate and drain pumps, condensate and duct drain tanks, air
evacuation units, and related piping works and instrumentation.
[0023] According to example embodiments of the invention, spraying
water mist or fogging 134 towards and around the condensers 126 may
reduce the ambient air temperature via an evaporation process. The
lower ambient air temperature may lower the temperature of the air
stream. Such a reduction in temperature of air may internally lower
the temperature of the water and steam flowing in the cooling tubes
via heat exchange as the cooler air blows across the air-cooled
condenser cooling tubes.
[0024] According to an example embodiment of the invention, one or
more condensers 126 sections may be selectively cooled via fogging
skids 126. In an example embodiment, the fogging skids 126 may
include pumps and fans. According to an example embodiment, one or
more condenser 126 regions, zones, or sections may be selectively
cooled with ambient or forced air 132. In another example
embodiment of the invention, the one or more condensers 126 may be
selectively cooled with fogging 134 in addition to the ambient or
forced air 132. In an example embodiment, fogging coolant may
include aerosolized water that is sprayed through fogging nozzles
or nozzle arrays. In an example embodiment, the heat from the
condenser 126 may be exchanged with the ambient or forced air 132
with fogging 134 resulting in heat 136 being released from the
condenser 126 and the low quality team 124 condensing to water 140
for recycling through the HRSG 120.
[0025] According to an example embodiment of the invention a
fogging spray pattern may be optimized for maximizing cooling
impact on the condenser. According to an example embodiment of the
invention a fogging spray pattern may be optimized for minimizing
water usage. In accordance with example embodiments of the
invention, the wind direction may be monitored and used to control
the fogging spray nozzle array 130 to minimize wastage of water and
maximize cooling. In an example embodiment, forced air and/or the
fogging spray pattern 134 may be based on localized temperature
readings from the cooling tower condensate tubes. For example,
tubes that run hotter may receive greater percentages of forced air
and/or spray of water.
[0026] According to an example embodiment, coolant, such as water,
may be selectively directed to certain fogging nozzles 130 needed
to control the cooling distribution of the condenser 126 zones or
sections. Furthermore, in an example embodiment, the forced air fan
speeds may be controlled or adjusted by zone. According to an
example embodiment, the flow of steam may be selectively directed
through certain condenser banks and cooled as needed to reduce the
parasitic load of the fans and/or to conserve fogging water.
[0027] FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of a condenser cooling system
200, according to an example embodiment of the invention. In an
example embodiment, steam 202 may enter the condenser piping 206
and may be directed to cooling cells 207. In an example embodiment,
after the steam is cooled, and condensed, it may be directed to a
hot well by a condenser return 204. According to an example
embodiment, the steam from the turbine 202 may be selectively
directed towards certain cooling cell banks or rows by one or more
valves 214. The valves 214 may control the flow of the steam to
banks or rows of cooling cells 207, and the steam may flow through
the individual condenser piping 206. In an example embodiment, the
cooling cells 207 may include fans and condensers 212.
[0028] According to an example embodiment, the condenser piping 206
may direct the steam 202 to condensers 212, where cooling air
and/or fogging coolant may be utilized to exchange heat with the
steam to condense it to a liquid. The liquid may then be recycled
via a condenser return to a hot well 204.
[0029] In certain example embodiments of the invention, the
condenser cooling system 200 may include multiple condensers 212
and associated cooling cells 207. In an example embodiment, the
various cooling cells 207 in the condenser cooling system 200 may
have different temperatures, depending on factors such as wind
direction, fan speed, coolant, humidity, nearby heat sources, etc.
For example, certain cells may run cooler due to their proximity to
the perimeter of the system. For example, FIG. 2 indicates a lower
temperature cell 208 in the corner of the system 200, a mid
temperature cell 210 along a side of a row of cells, and example
higher temperature cells 212 towards the middle of the system 200.
In example embodiments, many other temperature distributions may
occur due to the factors mentioned above, and other factors.
[0030] According to an example embodiment, steam 202 may be
selectively directed to certain cells or rows of cells. In certain
example embodiments, directing the steam 202 to certain rows of
cells may allow maintenance or repair to be carried out in certain
condenser cells, while other cells of the condenser cooling system
200 may still be operational. In other example embodiments,
directing the steam 202 to certain rows of cells may facilitate a
more efficient cooling of the steam 202. For example, if the HRSG
is operating at less than full capacity, it may be more cost
effective to activate only certain rows of condenser cells to
reduce parasitic power, wear and tear on fans, and/or to conserve
fogging coolant.
[0031] In an example embodiment of the invention, the temperature
of the individual cooling cells 207 may be measured by one or more
temperature sensors. In an example embodiment, the operation of the
condenser cooling system 200 may be based, at least in part, on the
measured temperatures of the cooling cells. According to an example
embodiment, the speed of individual cooling fans may be controlled
based on the measured temperatures to direct more cool air towards
the cells that need a higher level of heat transfer. In an example
embodiment, fogging spray may be selectively controlled based on
measured cell temperature, wind direction, humidity etc. to further
provide efficient and selective cooling of the cells 207.
[0032] According to example embodiments of the invention,
controlling the temperature distribution of the cooling cells 207
may include selectively directing steam through the one or more
cells 207. In an example embodiment, controlling the temperature
distribution may include selectively introducing coolant towards
the one or more cells 207 such that heat from the steam is
transferred by the one or more cells 207 to the coolant. According
to an example embodiment, selectively introducing the coolant may
include manipulating one or more nozzles (such as 130 in FIG. 1) in
response to one or more of: temperature, humidity, back pressure,
ambient wind direction, zonal temperature distribution, steam flow,
parasitic load balance, or power demand.
[0033] According to an example embodiment, controlling the
temperature distribution of the one or more cooling cells 207 may
include selectively forcing air towards the one or more cells 207.
According to an example embodiment, heat from the steam may be
transferred from the one or more cells 207 to the forced air. In an
example embodiment, selectively forcing air may include selectively
manipulating one or more fans in response to one or more of:
temperature, humidity, backpressure, ambient wind direction, zonal
temperature distribution, steam flow, parasitic load balance, or
power demand. According to an example embodiment, cooling of the
one or more cooling cells 207 may further include selectively
introducing coolant towards the one or more condensers wherein heat
from the steam may be transferred by the one or more cells (207) to
one or more of the coolant, the forced air, or air-entrained
coolant.
[0034] According to example embodiments of the invention, the steam
turbine output may be controlled at least in part by measuring one
or more temperature associated with the condensers cells, and/or by
measuring the cooling air exit temperature from the air cooled
condensers. In an example embodiment, temperature may be measured
at or near the steam header (condenser tube inlet) and at or near
the exit condensate header (steam discharge) of a particular cell.
According to an example embodiment, if there is not sufficient
temperature differential between these two measurements, then that
particular cell may be sprayed with water or fogging coolant to
increase the temperature differential. According to an example
embodiment, an increase in vacuum and/or reduction in back pressure
may result from the cooling of the cell. According to an example
embodiment, vacuum and/or back pressure measurements may be
utilized in place of, or in conjunction with temperature
differential measurements to determine the appropriate action for
directing fog coolant towards a particular condenser cell. In an
example embodiment, increasing the heat rejection capability of the
condenser by spraying fogging coolant on the cell may facilitate
conditions for creating more output from the steam turbine.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a cooling control system 300, according to an
example embodiment of the invention. According to an example
embodiment of the invention, the cooling control system may include
a controller 302, which may include a memory 304, one or more
processors 306, one or more input/output interfaces 308, and/or one
or more network interfaces 310. According to an example embodiment,
the memory 304 may include an operating system 312, data 314, and
one or more control modules 318. In an example embodiment, the one
or more control modules 318 may include specialized computer
executable code for processing inputs, stored data 314, and for
directing certain data for output or control.
[0036] According to an example embodiment of the invention, the
cooling control system 300 may receive information from, send
information to, and interact with various valves, pumps, and
sensors 320, the a turbine and steam system (such as 100 in FIG.
1), and a condenser cooling system (such as 200 in FIG. 2). In an
example embodiment, the controller may be utilized to receive
temperature measurement data from the condenser cooling system
(such as 200 in FIG. 2) and provide independent control for each
condenser cell fan.
[0037] FIG. 4 depicts an end view example of a single condenser
cell associated with a cooling system 400 for condensing steam 402.
The steam may be supplied from a turbine supply header, for
example. In an example embodiment, the steam 402 may be directed
through condenser tubes 404 for heat exchange with ambient air,
forced air, and/or cooling water fogging. According to example
embodiments, the condenser tubes may include chilling fins for
increased surface area and increased efficiency of the heat
exchange. After the steam is cooled, it may condense and may return
in the form of liquid to a hot well via well collection headers
406. According to an example embodiment, the cooling air 408 may be
drawn towards the cooling cell via a fan. The fan may include a fan
motor 410 and one or more blades 412. In an example embodiment, the
fan may blow the cooling air 408 past and around the condenser
tubes 404 to exchange heat from the steam within the condenser
tubes 404. In an example embodiment, the exchanged heat may be
carried away from the condenser cell via discharge air 416.
[0038] FIGS. 4-6 depict example embodiments of cooling systems 400,
500, 600 that each represent different embodiments for placement of
respective cooling water fogging headers 414, 504, 602. According
to an example embodiment, approximate fogging coolant paths 414 may
be controlled, at least in part, by the placement of the fogging
headers 414. In example embodiments, the fogging header spray
nozzle orientation may further allow control of the fogging coolant
paths 114. For example, FIG. 4 depicts an example cooling system
400 where the fogging headers 414 are placed approximately parallel
with the condenser tubes 404. Certain advantages, for example,
cooling efficiencies, fogging water conservation, ease of assembly,
ease of repair etc., may be realized by the particular
configuration and placement of the fogging headers 414, and the
direction of the fogging spray.
[0039] FIG. 5 depicts another example embodiment where the fogging
headers 502 are placed approximately parallel with the plane of the
fan blades. In this example embodiment, the length of the
approximate cooling fog path 504 may be longer for fog traveling
towards the higher temperature portion of the condenser pipes and
fins, and may provide additional cooling of the air prior to the
heat exchange process.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts another example embodiment where the fogging
headers 602 may be placed in an arrangement that may facilitate
one, two, or more interaction regions 608 between the fogging paths
604 and the condenser tubes and chilling fins 610. In an example
embodiment, cooling may be enhanced by selectively directing the
coolant towards the condenser tubes and chilling fins 610 of one or
more cells, and in an opposing direction of the forced air such
that at least a portion of the coolant removes heat from the one or
more cells. In an example embodiment, the fogging headers 602 may
be placed on the outside of the condenser tube structures with the
fogging nozzles directing fog towards the condenser tubes and
chilling fins 610. In an example embodiment, the fog paths 604 may
first encounter the condenser tubes and chilling fins 610 in an
interaction region 608, and then by the airflow 606 produced by the
fan, may again encounter the condenser tubes and chilling fins 610
in another interaction region 608. Similar example embodiments may
be utilized to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange
process. Other example configurations may be utilized without
departing from the scope of the claimed inventions.
[0041] An example method 700 for controlling steam turbine output
will now be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7.
According to an example embodiment, the method 700 starts in block
702 and includes measuring one or more temperatures or back
pressures associated with one or more cells associated with a
turbine cooling condenser. In block 704, and according to an
example embodiment, the method 700 includes controlling temperature
distribution of the one or more cells in response, at least in
part, to the measured one or more temperatures or back pressures.
The method 700 ends after block 704.
[0042] Accordingly, example embodiments of the invention can
provide the technical effects of providing enhanced control and
cooling of condenser cells. Example embodiments of the invention
can provide the further technical effects of selectively cooling
certain condenser cells based on temperature measurements of the
cells.
[0043] In example embodiments of the invention, the turbine and
cooling system 100, the cooling control system 300, and the cooling
systems 400-600 may include any number of hardware and/or software
applications that are executed to facilitate any of the
operations.
[0044] In example embodiments, one or more I/O interfaces may
facilitate communication between the turbine and cooling system
100, the cooling control system 300, and the cooling systems
400-600 and one or more input/output devices. For example, a
universal serial bus port, a serial port, a disk drive, a CD-ROM
drive, and/or one or more user interface devices, such as a
display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, control panel, touch screen
display, microphone, etc., may facilitate user interaction with the
turbine and cooling system 100, the cooling control system 300,
and/or the cooling systems 400-600. The one or more I/O interfaces
may be utilized to receive or collect data and/or user instructions
from a wide variety of input devices. Received data may be
processed by one or more computer processors as desired in various
embodiments of the invention and/or stored in one or more memory
devices.
[0045] One or more network interfaces may facilitate connection of
the turbine and cooling system 100, the cooling control system 300,
and the cooling systems 400-600 inputs and outputs to one or more
suitable networks and/or connections. For example, the connections
may facilitate communication with any number of sensors associated
with the system. The one or more network interfaces may further
facilitate connection to one or more suitable networks; for
example, a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, a
cellular network, a radio frequency network, a Bluetooth.TM. (owned
by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson) enabled network, a Wi-Fi.TM.
(owned by Wi-Fi Alliance) enabled network, a satellite-based
network any wired network, any wireless network, etc., for
communication with external devices and/or systems.
[0046] As desired, embodiments of the invention may include the
turbine and cooling system 100, the cooling control system 300, and
the cooling systems 400-600 with more or less of the components
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
[0047] The invention is described above with reference to block and
flow diagrams of systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or computer
program products according to example embodiments of the invention.
It will be understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams
and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams
and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented by
computer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of
the block diagrams and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to be
performed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to be
performed at all, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0048] These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded
onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a
processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a particular machine, such that the instructions that
execute on the computer, processor, or other programmable data
processing apparatus create means for implementing one or more
functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. These
computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction
means that implement one or more functions specified in the flow
diagram block or blocks. As an example, embodiments of the
invention may provide for a computer program product, comprising a
computer-usable medium having a computer-readable program code or
program instructions embodied therein, said computer-readable
program code adapted to be executed to implement one or more
functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The
computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or
other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented
process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or
other programmable apparatus provide elements or steps for
implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or
blocks.
[0049] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams
support combinations of means for performing the specified
functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the
specified functions and program instruction means for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks
in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, can be implemented by
special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems that perform the
specified functions, elements or steps, or combinations of
special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0050] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and various
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific
terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0051] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
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