U.S. patent application number 14/509687 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for modular air cooled condenser flow converter apparatus and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPX COOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Francis BADIN, Christophe DELEPLANQUE, Fabien FAUCONNIER, Thomas Van QUICKELBERGHE, Francois Van RECHEM, Michel VOUCHE. Invention is credited to Francis BADIN, Christophe DELEPLANQUE, Fabien FAUCONNIER, Thomas Van QUICKELBERGHE, Francois Van RECHEM, Michel VOUCHE.
Application Number | 20160102895 14/509687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54288690 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160102895 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BADIN; Francis ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
MODULAR AIR COOLED CONDENSER FLOW CONVERTER APPARATUS AND
METHOD
Abstract
The present invention relates to a mechanical draft cooling
tower that employs air cooled condenser modules. The aforementioned
cooling tower operates by mechanical draft and achieves the
exchange of heat between two fluids such as atmospheric air,
ordinarily, and another fluid which is usually steam. The
aforementioned cooling tower utilizes a modular air cooled
condenser concept wherein the air cooled condensers utilize heat
exchange deltas and uniquely designed fluid flow dividers.
Inventors: |
BADIN; Francis; (Binche,
BE) ; DELEPLANQUE; Christophe; (Brussels, BE)
; FAUCONNIER; Fabien; (Brussels, BE) ; Van
QUICKELBERGHE; Thomas; (Wannebecq (Lessines), BE) ;
Van RECHEM; Francois; (Brussels, BE) ; VOUCHE;
Michel; (Marbais, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BADIN; Francis
DELEPLANQUE; Christophe
FAUCONNIER; Fabien
Van QUICKELBERGHE; Thomas
Van RECHEM; Francois
VOUCHE; Michel |
Binche
Brussels
Brussels
Wannebecq (Lessines)
Brussels
Marbais |
|
BE
BE
BE
BE
BE
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
SPX COOLING TECHNOLOGIES,
INC.
Overland Park
KS
|
Family ID: |
54288690 |
Appl. No.: |
14/509687 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 41/00 20130101;
F28B 1/06 20130101; F25B 39/00 20130101; F25B 39/04 20130101; F28B
9/02 20130101; F28D 1/053 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 41/00 20060101
F25B041/00; F25B 39/00 20060101 F25B039/00 |
Claims
1. A flow divider for the distribution of a flow of industrial
fluid for use in an air cooled condenser or the like having a
vertical axis, the flow divider comprising: a cylindrical lower
base portion that receives the flow of industrial fluid; an upper
diffusion region that extends from said cylindrical base portion
wherein said upper diffusion region is generally non-cylindrical in
geometry; a first port disposed on said upper diffusion region that
allows for the flow of industrial fluid there through; and a first
conduit connected to said first port.
2. The flow divider according to claim 1, further comprising: a
second port disposed on said upper diffusion region that allows for
the flow of industrial fluid there through; and a second conduit
connected to said second port.
3. The flow divider according to claim 2, further comprising: a
third port disposed on said upper diffusion region that allows for
the flow of industrial fluid there through; and a third conduit
connected to said third port.
4. The flow divider according to claim 3, further comprising: a
fourth port disposed on said upper diffusion region that allows for
the flow of industrial fluid there through; and a fourth conduit
connected to said fourth port.
5. The flow divider according to claim 1, wherein said upper
diffusion region is generally square in geometry.
6. The flow divider according to claim 1, wherein said first
conduit is an elbow conduit.
7. The flow divider according to claim 2, wherein said second
conduit is an elbow conduit.
8. The flow divider according to claim 1, further comprising a flow
vane disposed within said cylindrical lower base portion.
9. The flow divider according to claim 8, said flow vane is a
plurality of flow vanes.
10. The flow divider according to claim 4, wherein said first
conduit is rotated about the vertical axis to a first position;
wherein said second conduit is rotated about the vertical axis to a
second position; wherein said third conduit is rotated about the
vertical axis to a third position; and, wherein said fourth conduit
is rotated about the vertical axis to a fourth position.
11. An air cooled condenser for cooling an industrial fluid,
comprising: a first condenser bundle having a first set of tubes
having first and second ends; a steam manifold connected to the
first ends of the first set tubes; a condensate header connected to
said second end of the first set tubes; a second condenser bundle
having a second set of tubes having third and fourth ends; a steam
manifold connected to the third ends of the second set tubes; a
condensate header connected to said fourth end of the second set
tubes; a flow divider for the distribution of a flow of industrial
fluid comprising: a cylindrical lower base portion that receives
the flow of industrial fluid; an upper diffusion region that
extends from said cylindrical base portion wherein said upper
diffusion region is generally non-cylindrical in geometry; a first
port disposed on said upper diffusion region that allows for the
flow of industrial fluid there through; a second port disposed on
said upper diffusion region that allows for the flow of industrial
fluid there through; a first conduit connected to said first port
and said first set of tubes; and a second conduit connected to said
second port and said first set of tubes.
12. The air cooled condenser according to claim 11, wherein said
upper diffusion region is generally square in geometry.
13. The air cooled condenser according to claim 11, wherein said
first conduit is an elbow conduit.
14. The air cooled condenser according to claim 11, wherein said
second conduit is an elbow conduit.
15. The air cooled condenser according to claim 11, further
comprising a flow vane disposed within said cylindrical lower base
portion.
16. The air cooled condenser according to claim 15, said flow vane
is a plurality of flow vanes.
17. A method for distributing a fluid to be cooled using a flow
divider, comprising: receiving the fluid to be cooled through a
cylindrical lower base portion; flowing the fluid to be cooled
through an upper diffusion region that extends from said
cylindrical base portion wherein said upper diffusion region is
generally non-cylindrical in geometry; flowing the fluid to be
cooled through a first port disposed on said upper diffusion
region; and flowing the fluid to be cooled through a first conduit
connected to said first port.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step
of flowing the fluid to be cooled through a second port disposed on
said upper diffusion region.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the upper diffusion
region is generally square in geometry.
20. A flow divider for use with an air cooled condenser or the
like, comprising: means for receiving the fluid to be cooled
through a cylindrical lower base portion; means for flowing the
fluid to be cooled through an upper diffusion region that extends
from said cylindrical base portion wherein said upper diffusion
region is generally non-cylindrical in geometry; means for flowing
the fluid to be cooled through a first port disposed on said upper
diffusion region; and means for flowing the fluid to be cooled
through a first conduit connected to said first port.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical draft cooling
tower that utilizes air cooled condenser modules. The
aforementioned cooling tower operates by mechanical draft and
achieves the exchange of heat between two fluids such as
atmospheric air, ordinarily, and another fluid which is usually
steam or an industrial process fluid or the like. The
aforementioned cooling tower employs flow dividers that allow for
the industrial process fluid to be flowed to multiple tube bundles
located in the condenser modules efficiently and economically.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cooling towers are heat exchangers of a type widely used to
emanate low grade heat to the atmosphere and are typically utilized
in electricity generation, air conditioning installations and the
like. In a mechanical draft cooling tower for the aforementioned
applications, airflow is induced or forced via an air flow
generator such as a driven impeller, driven fan or the like.
Cooling towers may be wet or dry. Dry cooling towers can be either
"direct dry," in which steam is directly condensed by air passing
over a heat exchange medium containing the steam or an "indirect
dry" type cooling towers, in which the steam first passes through a
surface condenser cooled by a fluid and this warmed fluid is sent
to a cooling tower heat exchanger where the fluid remains isolated
from the air, similar to an automobile radiator. Dry cooling has
the advantage of no evaporative water losses. Both types of dry
cooling towers dissipate heat by conduction and convection and both
types are presently in use. Wet cooling towers provide direct air
contact to a fluid being cooled. Wet cooling towers benefit from
the latent heat of vaporization which provides for very efficient
heat transfer but at the expense of evaporating a small percentage
of the circulating fluid.
[0003] To accomplish the required direct dry cooling the condenser
typically requires a large surface area to dissipate the thermal
energy in the gas or steam and oftentimes may present several
challenges to the design engineer. It sometimes can be difficult to
efficiently and effectively direct the steam to all the inner
surface areas of the condenser because of non-uniformity in the
delivery of the steam due to system ducting pressure losses and
velocity distribution. Therefore, uniform steam distribution is
desirable in air cooled condensers and is critical for optimum
performance. Another challenge or drawback is, while it is
desirable to provide a large surface area, steam side pressure drop
may be generated thus increasing turbine back pressure and
consequently reducing efficiency of the power plant. Therefore it
is desirous to have a condenser with a strategic layout of ducting
and condenser surfaces that allows for an even distribution of
steam throughout the condenser, that reduces back pressure, while
permitting a maximum of cooling airflow throughout and across the
condenser surfaces.
[0004] Another drawback to the current air cooled condenser towers
is that they are typically very labor intensive in their assembly
at the job site. The assembly of such towers oftentimes requires a
dedicated labor force, investing a large amount of hours.
Accordingly, such assembly is labor intensive requiring a large
amount of time and therefore can be costly. Accordingly, it is
desirable and more efficient to assemble as much of the tower
structure at the manufacturing plant or facility, prior to shipping
it to the installation site.
[0005] It is well known in the art that improving cooling tower
performance (i.e. the ability to extract an increased quantity of
waste heat in a given surface) can lead to improved overall
efficiency of a steam plant's conversion of heat to electric power
and/or to increases in power output in particular conditions.
Moreover, cost-effective methods of manufacture and assembly also
improve the overall efficiency of cooling towers in terms of
cost-effectiveness of manufacture and operation. Accordingly, it is
desirable for cooling tower that are efficient in both in the heat
exchange properties and assembly. The present invention addresses
this desire.
[0006] Therefore it would desirous to have an economical,
mechanical draft cooling tower that is efficient not only in its
heat exchange properties but also in its time required for assembly
and cost for doing the same while minimizing steamside pressure
drop relating to the ducting of said cooling tower.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provides
for a fluid, usually steam and method for a modular mechanical
draft cooling tower for condensing said steam.
[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flow divider
for the distribution of a flow of industrial fluid for use in an
air cooled condenser or the like having a vertical axis, the flow
divider comprising: a cylindrical lower base portion that receives
the flow of industrial fluid; an upper diffusion region that
extends from said cylindrical base portion wherein said upper
diffusion region is generally non-cylindrical in geometry; a first
port disposed on said upper diffusion region that allows for the
flow of industrial fluid there through; and a first conduit
connected to said first port.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, an air
cooled condenser for cooling an industrial fluid is provided,
comprising: a first condenser bundle having a first set of tubes
having first and second ends; a steam manifold connected to the
third ends of the first set tubes; a condensate header connected to
said fourth end of the first set tubes; a second condenser bundle
having a second set of tubes having third and fourth ends; a steam
manifold connected to the first ends of the second set tubes; a
condensate header connected to said second end of the second set
tubes; a flow divider for the distribution of a flow of industrial
comprising: a cylindrical lower base portion that is receives the
flow of industrial fluid; an upper diffusion region that extends
from said cylindrical base portion wherein said upper diffusion
region is generally non-cylindrical in geometry; a first port
disposed on said upper diffusion region that allows for the flow of
industrial fluid there through; a second port disposed on said
upper diffusion region that allows for the flow of industrial fluid
there through and a first conduit connected to said first port and
said first set of tubes; and a second conduit connected to said
second port and said first set of tubes.
[0010] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method
for distributing a fluid to be cooled using a flow divider is
provided, comprising: receiving the fluid to be cooled through a
cylindrical lower base portion that; flowing the fluid to be cooled
through an upper diffusion region that extends from said
cylindrical base portion wherein said upper diffusion region is
generally non-cylindrical in geometry; flowing the fluid to be
cooled through a first port disposed on said upper diffusion
region; and flowing the fluid to be cooled through a first conduit
connected to said first port.
[0011] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a flow
divider for use with an air cooled condenser or the like is
provided, comprising: means for receiving the fluid to be cooled
through a cylindrical lower base portion; means for flowing the
fluid to be cooled through an upper diffusion region that extends
from said cylindrical base portion wherein said upper diffusion
region is generally non-cylindrical in geometry; means for flowing
the fluid to be cooled through a first port disposed on said upper
diffusion region; and means for flowing the fluid to be cooled
through a first conduit connected to said first port.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a
multi-delta air cooled condenser for cooling an industrial fluid or
the like is provided, comprising: a first street that comprises a
first air cooled condenser module; a second street comprising a
second air cooled condenser module; a first central duct that is in
fluid communication with said first air cooled condenser module and
said second air cooled condenser module; a third street comprising
a third air cooled condenser module; a second central duct that is
in fluid communication with said third air cooled condenser module;
a first flow divider connected to said first central duct,
comprising: a cylindrical lower base portion that receives the flow
of industrial fluid; an upper diffusion region that extends from
said cylindrical base portion wherein said upper diffusion region
is generally non-cylindrical in geometry; a first port disposed on
said upper diffusion region that allows for the flow of industrial
fluid there through; and a first conduit connected to said first
port, wherein said first conduit is in fluid communication with
said first air cooled condenser module; a second port disposed on
said upper diffusion region that allows for the flow of industrial
fluid there through; and a second conduit connected to said first
port, wherein said first conduit is in fluid communication with
said second air cooled condenser module; a second flow divider
connected to said second central duct, comprising: a cylindrical
lower base portion that is receives the flow of industrial fluid;
an upper diffusion region that extends from said cylindrical base
portion wherein said upper diffusion region is generally
non-cylindrical in geometry; a third port disposed on said upper
diffusion region that allows for the flow of industrial fluid there
through; and a third conduit connected to said third port, wherein
said third conduit is in fluid communication with said third air
cooled condenser module.
[0013] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a
quick connection coupling for use with an air cooled condenser is
provided, comprising: a collar having a first half and; a second
half hingedly connected to said first half; an internal sealing
piece having a circumference that is disposed within said first
half and said second half; a sealing member that encircles the
circumference; and a releasable attachment member that releasably
attaches said first half to said second half
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of
retaining a first conduit and a second conduit wherein each conduit
has a flange is provided, comprising: inserting the first and
second conduit into a connection coupling, comprising: a collar
having a first half; a second half hingedly connected to said first
half; an internal sealing piece having a circumference that is
disposed within said first half and said second half; a sealing
member that encircles the circumference; and a releasable
attachment member that releasably attaches said first have to said
second half; encircling each conduit with the internal sealing
piece; engaging each flange with the first half and the second half
such that the conduits are retained; and tightening the attachment
member such that the collar sealingly retains the conduits.
[0015] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a flow
divider for the distribution of a flow of industrial fluid for use
in an air cooled condenser or the like having a vertical axis is
provided, the flow divider comprising: a cylindrical lower base
portion that provides an inlet that receives the flow of industrial
fluid, wherein said cylindrical base portion has a first diameter;
a first truncated cone extending from said lower base portion
wherein said first truncated cone has a first end and a second end
and wherein said first truncated cone transitions from one diameter
to another as said cone extends from said first end to said second
end; a second truncated cone extending from said lower base portion
wherein said second truncated cone has a third end and a fourth end
and wherein said second truncated cone transitions from one
diameter to another as said cone extends from said third end to
said fourth end; a first conduit connected to said first truncated
cone, wherein said first conduit has a second diameter; and a
second conduit connected to said second truncated cone, wherein
said second conduit has a third diameter.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, an air
cooled condenser for cooling an industrial fluid is provided,
comprising: a first condenser bundle having a first set of tubes
having first and second ends; a steam manifold connected to the
first ends of the first set tubes; a condensate header connected to
said second end of the first set tubes; a second condenser bundle
having a second set of tubes having first and second ends; a steam
manifold connected to the first ends of the second set tubes; a
condensate header connected to said second end of the second set
tubes; a flow divider, comprising: a cylindrical lower base portion
that provides an inlet that receives the flow of industrial fluid,
wherein said cylindrical base portion has a first diameter; a first
truncated cone extending from said lower base portion wherein said
first truncated cone has a first end and a second end and wherein
said first truncated cone transitions from one diameter to another
as said cone extends from said first end to said second end; a
second truncated cone extending from said lower base portion
wherein said second truncated cone has a third end and a fourth end
and wherein said second truncated cone transitions from one
diameter to another as said cone extends from said third end to
said fourth end; a first conduit connected to said first truncated
cone, wherein said first conduit has a second diameter and is in
fluid communication with said first tube bundle; and a second
conduit connected to said second truncated cone, wherein said
second conduit has a third diameter and is in fluid communication
with said second tube bundle.
[0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method
of retaining a first conduit and a second conduit wherein each
conduit has a flange is provided, comprising: inserting the first
and second conduit into a connection coupling, comprising: a collar
having a first half; a second half hingedly connected to said first
half; an internal sealing piece having a circumference that is
disposed within said first half and said second half; a sealing
member that encircles the circumference; and a releasable
attachment member that releasably attaches said first have to said
second half; encircling each conduit with the internal sealing
piece; engaging each flange with the first half and the second half
such that the conduits are retained; and tightening the attachment
member such that the collar sealingly retains the conduits.
[0018] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0019] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of various embodiments of
the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying
figures.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air cooled condenser
modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective, plan view of the air cooled
condenser modules depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fluid flow divider in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a fluid flow divider in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a flow divider geometry in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a flow divider geometry in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a flow divider geometry in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of a street configuration
for an air cooled condenser in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of a street configuration
for an air cooled condenser in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a quick connection for an
air cooled condenser in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a clamp of the quick
connection depicted in FIG. 10.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a flow divider in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the flow divider
depicted in FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show by way
of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that
structural, logical, processing, and electrical changes may be
made. It should be appreciated that any list of materials or
arrangements of elements is for example purposes only and is by no
means intended to be exhaustive. The progression of processing
steps described is an example; however, the sequence of steps is
not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known
in the art, with the exception of steps necessarily occurring in a
certain order.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 1, a sectional view of a series of air
cooled condenser modules of an air cooled condenser, generally
designated 10, is illustrated. The air cooled condenser modules 10
include multiple A-type geometry deltas, each designated 12 and 14
respectively. Two deltas are identified for ease of description and
explanation however the condenser modules employ numerous deltas
depending upon the size of the air cooled condenser tower and/or
the application of the air cooled condenser tower. Each delta 12,
14 comprises two tube bundle assemblies 15 having a series of
finned tubes to conduct heat transfer. The deltas 12, 14 will be
discussed in further detail below.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the flow divider, generally
designated 32, is depicted. Whereas the flow divider 32 is
illustrated in combination with the A-type deltas in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the flow divider 32 is illustrated in isolation in FIG. 3 so as all
the components and geometry can be easily viewed and described. In
the embodiment depicted FIGS. 1-3, the flow divider 32 functions to
feed four finned tube bundles 15 (two bundles per delta 12, 14). As
illustrated, the flow divider 32 comprises a base portion,
generally designated 35, from which a series of conduits 24, 26,
28, 30 extend. Each conduit 24, 26, 28, 30 has a curved "elbow"
shape design and connects to a respective feed conduit 16, 18, 20,
22. Each of the feed conduits 16, 18, 20, 22 is connected to, and
in fluid communication with, the A-type deltas 12, 14, and more
specifically, the finned tube bundles 15.
[0038] The flow divider 32 is comprised of two portions or regions
having geometries or designs distinct from one another. The flow
divider 32 has a lower cylindrical base portion or region 34
wherein the main flow of the industrial fluid enters said fluid
divider 32. The lower base portion or region 34 transitions to a
diffusion region 36 which has a generally square geometry. As
depicted in FIGS. 1-3, and more specifically in FIG. 3, the
diffusion section 36 includes several holes or ports that coincide
with the elbow conduits 24, 26, 28, 30 wherein each allows for the
flow of industrial fluid there through. A typical air cooled
condenser employs risers to which each flow divider 32 is connected
and accordingly allows flow of industrial fluid, such as steam,
there through. The risers are connected to a main steam duct of the
air cooled condenser.
[0039] The flow divider 32 functions to divide and/or merge the
flows of the industrial fluid by switching inlet and outlet
conduits extending from said divider 32. The divider 32 may have
any number of dividing or merging flows depending upon the size and
application of the divider 32. Moreover, the flow divider 32 may
employ guiding vanes within the base portion 34 and/or the
diffusion region 36 which assist the reduction of head loss. Also,
the elbow conduits may vary in design and geometry. For example,
some embodiments may employ standard elbow conduits, or short elbow
conduits or mitered elbow conduits. Alternatively, "T" piece or "Y"
fork designs may be utilized.
[0040] Turning back to FIG. 1, a delta 12, 14 will be described in
further detail. As depicted, each delta 12, 14 is comprised of two
individual heat exchange bundle assemblies 15, each having a series
of finned tubes. The individual tubes are approximately two (2)
meters in length whereas the bundle length is approximately twelve
(12) meters. As illustrated, each bundle assembly 15 is positioned
at an angle to one another to form the A-type configuration of the
delta 12, 14. While the bundle assemblies 15 may be positioned at
any desired angle, they preferably are positioned at an angle
approximately twenty degrees (20.degree.) to approximately thirty
degrees (30.degree.) from vertical and approximately sixty degrees
(60.degree.) to approximately seventy degrees (70.degree.) from
horizontal. More specifically, the bundle assemblies 15 are
positioned at twenty-six degrees (26.degree.) from vertical and
sixty-four degrees (64.degree.) from horizontal.
[0041] Each of the bundle assemblies 15 may be assembled prior to
shipping wherein each typically comprises a riser to header
transition piece, steam manifold, finned tubes, and steam
condensate headers. The embodiments of the current invention can
utilize five (5) times the tubes, and also employ condenser tubes
that are much shorter in length. As result of the aforementioned
design and orientation, the steam velocity traveling through the
tube bundles 15 is reduced as result of the increased number of
tubes in combination with the reduced tube length, and therefore
steam pressure drop within the deltas 12, 14 is reduced, making the
air cool condenser 10 more efficient.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the flow
divider is depicted, generally designated 40. Whereas the flow
divider design depicted in FIGS. 1-3 employs four elbow conduits
24, 26, 28, 30, the flow divider 40 depicted in FIG. 4 employs two
elbow conduits 46, 48. Like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-3, the flow divider has a lower cylindrical base portion or
region 42 wherein the main flow of the industrial fluid enters said
fluid divider 40. The lower base portion or region 42 transitions
to a diffusion region 44, similar to that described in connection
with FIGS. 1-3, having a geometry that is generally rectangular in
design. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the diffusion section 44 includes
two holes or ports that coincide with elbow conduits 46, 48 and
allow for flow of industrial fluid there through.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7 plan views of alternative
geometric configurations of flow dividers 50 are depicted. As
illustrated, the elbow flow conduits, generally 52, may be oriented
in multiple configurations as desired or needed per the air cooled
condenser application. FIG. 5 illustrates the flow conduits 52 in a
symmetrical orientation, parallel to one another whereas FIG. 6
illustrates the flow conduits 52 positioned equidistant from one
another about the flow divider 54. Finally, FIG. 7 depicts a
non-symmetrical orientation. Moreover, the flow conduits may be
non-symmetrical in diameter wherein in one embodiment of the
present invention, the size of the conduits may be smaller in
diameter whereas other conduits may be larger in diameter.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 8, a schematic view of street
arrangements, generally designated 60, for an air cooled condenser
is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 8 depicts a top view for an even number of streets,
62 64, 66, 68 whereas FIG. 9 illustrates an air cooled condenser
set up having an odd number which will be discussed in more detail
below. Referring back to FIG. 8, the streets 62, 64, 66, 68 are
comprised of a series of cooling modules or cells 70. The cooling
modules 70 are connected to, and in fluid communication with, the
central duct 72 and 73 which flows industrial process fluid to the
modules 70 to be cooled. The modules 70 comprise of multiple A-type
geometry deltas similar to those discussed in connection with FIG.
1. Each delta 12, 14 comprises two tube bundle assemblies 15 (See
FIG. 1) with a series of finned tubes to conduct heat transfer. Not
shown is the process feeding the process fluid to the central duct
72, 73 such as exhaust steam from steam turbines.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the fluid to be cooled flows to
each cell 70 via the central duct 72, 73 as previously described.
The industrial fluid, such as turbine exhaust, is distributed to
the central duct 72, 73 which is typically suspended under the air
cooled condenser fan deck level. The central duct 72, 73 feeds the
two streets 62, 64 and 66, 68 as indicated by the arrows through a
series of risers and flow dividers, similar to those described in
connection with FIG. 2. The flow dividers, which are designated
schematically by reference numeral 74, function to feed four (4)
finned tube bundles 15 (two bundles per delta 12, 14) as discussed
in connect with FIGS. 1-3. As previously described, each flow
divider 74 comprises a base portion, from which a series of four
conduits extend where two conduits feed one module 70, one conduit
for each side of the A-type geometry delta, and the two other
conduits feed the opposing cell, again, one conduit for each side
of the A-type geometry delta. As previously described, each conduit
has a curved "elbow" shape design and connects to a respective feed
conduit. Each of the feed conduits is connected to, and in fluid
communication with the A-type deltas, and more specifically, the
finned tube bundles.
[0046] Each of the flow dividers 74 is composed to two portions or
regions having geometries or designs distinct from one another as
previously discussed and described. The fluid flow divider 74 has a
lower cylindrical base portion or region 34 wherein the main flow
of the industrial fluid enters said fluid divider 74. The lower
base portion or region 34 transitions to a diffusion region which
has a generally square geometry. This diffusion section includes
several holes or ports that coincide with the elbow conduits and
allow for flow of industrial fluid there through.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 9, whereas FIG. 8 depicted an air cooled
condenser 60 with an even number of streets 62, 64, 66, 68, FIG. 9
depicts a schematic plan view of an air cooled condenser 80 having
an odd or non-even number of streets 82, 84, 86. The streets 82,
84, 86 are comprised of a series of cooling modules or cells 70
similar to those discussed in connection with FIG. 8. The cooling
modules 70 are connected to, and in fluid communication with, the
central duct 88 and 90 which flows industrial process fluid to the
modules 70 to be cooled. The modules comprise of multiple A-type
geometry deltas as discussed in connection with FIG. 1. Each delta
12, 14 comprises two tube bundle assemblies 15 with a series of
finned tubes to conduct heat transfer. The cooling modules 70 are
connected to, and in fluid communication with, the central duct 88,
90 that flows industrial process fluid to the modules 70 to be
cooled (See FIG. 1). The modules include multiple A-type geometry
deltas as discussed in connection with FIG. 1. Each delta 12, 14
comprises two tube bundle assemblies 15 with a series of finned
tubes to conduct heat transfer. Not shown is the process feeding
the process fluid to the central duct 88, 90 such as exhaust steam
from steam turbines.
[0048] Similar to the embodiment discussed in connection with FIG.
8, the fluid to be cooled flows to each module 70 via the central
duct 88, 90 as previously described. The industrial fluid, such as
turbine exhaust, is distributed to the central duct 88, 90 which is
typically suspended under the air cooled condenser fan deck level.
As illustrated in FIG. 9 the central duct 88 feeds streets 84 and
86, while the central duct 90 feeds streets 82 and 84 as indicated
by the arrows. The aforementioned flow is achieved through a series
of risers and flow dividers, similar to those described in
connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. The flow dividers, which are
designated schematically at the intersection of the central ducts
and the arrows, reference numerals 92 and 94. Each functions to
feed finned tube bundles 15 as discussed in connect with FIGS. 1-3.
As can be seen in FIG. 9, the flow dividers designated with
reference numeral 92 feed two streets, streets 84 and 86 or streets
82 and 84 whereas the flow dividers 94 feed a single street.
[0049] The flow dividers 92 will be described in connection with
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, wherein each comprises a base
portion, generally designated 35, from which a series of conduits
24, 26, 28, 30 extend. Each conduit 24, 26, 28, 30 has a curved
"elbow" shape design and connects to a respective feed conduit 16,
18, 20, 22. Each of the feed conduits 16, 18, 20, 22 is connected
to, and in fluid communication with the A-type deltas 12, 14, and
more specifically, the finned tube bundles 15.
[0050] The flow divider 92 is composed to two portions or regions
having geometries or designs distinct from one another. The flow
divider 92 has a lower cylindrical base portion or region 34
wherein the main flow of the industrial fluid enters said flow
divider 92. The lower base portion or region 34 transitions to a
diffusion region 36 which has a generally square geometry. As
depicted in FIG. 3, the diffusion section 36 includes several holes
or ports that coincide with the elbow conduits 24, 26, 28, 30 and
allow for flow of industrial fluid there through. A typical air
cooled condenser employs risers to which the flow divider 32 is
connected and accordingly allows flow of industrial fluid, such as
steam, there through. The risers are connected to a main steam
duct.
[0051] The flow divider 92 functions to divide and/or merge the
flows by switching inlet and outlet conduits extending from said
divider 92. The divider 92 may have any number of dividing or
merging flows depending upon the size and application. Moreover,
the flow divider 92 may employ guiding vanes within the base
portion 34 and/or diffusion region 36 which assist the reduction of
head loss. Also, the elbow conduits may vary in design and
geometry. For example, some embodiments may employ standard elbow
conduits, or short elbow conduits or mitered elbow conduits.
[0052] Turning now to the flow dividers designated by the reference
numeral 94, said flow dividers are similar to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4 and will be described in connection with FIG.
4. Whereas the flow divider design depicted in FIGS. 1-3 employs
four elbow conduits 24, 26, 28, 30, the flow divider 40 depicted in
FIG. 4 employs two elbow conduits 46, 48. The flow divider 92 has a
lower cylindrical base portion 42 or region wherein the main flow
of the industrial fluid enters said flow divider 92. The lower base
portion or region 42 transitions to a diffusion region 44, having a
geometry that is generally rectangluar in design. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, the diffusion section 44 includes two holes or ports that
coincide with elbow conduits 46, 48 and allow for flow of
industrial fluid there through.
[0053] In the orientation described in FIGS. 8 and 9, the steam
distribution has been adapted such the central ducts 88, 90 have
the same diameter. In the depicted orientation, the central ducts
operate to feed steam to one street of one side of the central duct
and half of the street on the on the other side of the central
duct. Therefore, one central duct is feeding two modules each of
the central duct and then alternating to one module each of side
and so on and so forth.
[0054] Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a quick connection design,
generally designated 200, is illustrated. The quick connection
includes a collar 210 and an internal sealing piece 212 that rests
in, and is secured by the collar 210. The internal sealing piece
212 is generally circular in diameter and has a sealing component
214 such as an O-ring or the like, which provides sealing
engagement between two conduits which will be discussed in further
detail below. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the collar 210
includes two halves or pieces 216, 218 connected via a swivel or
hinge 220 at one end of the collar. The collar 210 also includes a
sealing attachment of each side at the other end via an attachment
mechanism 222. This attachment 222 is adjustable and in one
embodiment, a nut and bolt combination is preferred.
[0055] Due to the fact that air cooled condenser typically operate
under vacuum conditions, all connections obviously must be tight
and secure. The most common way to provide a tight connection is
welding the tubes or conduits together. The quick connection design
is an alternative to welding. Accordingly, during operation, the
collar 210 captures the flanges of two conduits 224, 226 wherein
the sealing component functions to encircle the ends of each
respective conduit. The collar 210 is then tightened around said
sealing component via the adjustable attachment 222, sealing the
conduits together. Quick connection can be employed on air cooled
condensers in several connection applications for example
condensate lines, air take off lines, and steam lines. Quick
connections can be installed by less skilled personnel than
required for welding which is very important especially when
skilled personnel is in short supply.
[0056] During operation, typically, turbine back pressure of the
air cooled condenser or the like is limited by the maximum steam
velocity in the tubes (to limit erosion) wherein the steam velocity
is increasing with a decrease of back pressure (due to density of
steam). Thus, due to the addition of tubes as described in the
present invention in combination with the flow divider design, the
steam is still maintained at the maximum allowable steam velocity
but at a lower back pressure. Another limitation the current delta
design addresses is that the pressure at the exit of the secondary
bundles cannot be less than the vacuum pump capability. This
pressure typically results from turbine back pressure minus the
pressure drop in ducting minus the pressure drop in the tubes.
Accordingly, due to the reduced pressure drop in the tubes, the
allowable turbine back pressure is lower with the propose air
cooled condenser design.
[0057] Furthermore, the above-described bundle design also reduces
the pressure drop within the individual delta 12, 14. For example,
the heat exchange that takes place via the deltas 12, 14, is
dependent upon the heat exchange coefficient, i.e., the mean
temperature difference between air and steam and the exchange
surface. Due to the reduced pressure drop as previously described,
the mean pressure (average between inlet pressure and exit
pressure) in the exchanger is higher with the design of the
proposed air cooled condenser. In other words, because steam is
saturated, the mean steam temperature is also higher for the same
heat exchange surface resulting in increased heat exchange.
[0058] Alternatively, the above described embodiments of the
present employ tube bundles manufactured and assembled, prior to
shipping, having steam manifold and steam condensate headers,
alternative embodiment bundles may not include a manifold prior to
shipping. More specifically, in such embodiments, the tube bundles
may be ship without steam manifolds attached thereto. In said
embodiments, the tube bundles may be assembled in field to form the
A-type configuration, as discussed above. However, instead of
employing two steam manifolds, this alternative embodiment may
employ a single steam manifold wherein the single steam manifold
extends along the "apex" of the A configuration.
[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a tee piece or flow divider
300 is illustrated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of
the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the flow
divider 300 has a main cylindrical portion or base 302 that
provides a flow inlet. The flow divider 300 also comprises first
and second flow branches each connected to, and extending from, the
main cylindrical portion 302. The flow branches 304, 306 as
illustrated have a geometry similar to truncated cone regions, 304
and 306 respectively, having a first region having a first diameter
that transitions to a second region having a smaller diameter. As
can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the flow branch portions 304, 306
may alternatively be described as a melding or combination or
merger of flow regions having a "T" geometry and a "Y" geometry.
Also as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the flow divider 300
includes cylindrical portions, 308 and 310, attached to a
respective branch 304, 306. Said cylindrical portions 308, 310 have
a diameter that is less than the diameter of the inlet portion
302.
[0060] The above-described design requires less manufacture time,
while also providing a lighter design allowing for less fluid side
pressure drop. This present solution should also be more easily cut
in piece and re-welded on site. Therefore, the current piece should
be easily manufactured as it is constructed from simple pieces.
Moreover, the above-described divider 200 design minimizes steam
side pressure drops during operation of an air cooled condenser or
the like.
[0061] As clearly illustrated in Table 1 below, three flow divider
or duct riser connections: Design A, Design B and Design C. Design
A is a standard "T" shape design currently used in the art whereas
Design B is another "T" shaped design that utilizes flow vanes
whereas Design C is the flow divider 300 of the present invention.
As illustrated in the Table 1, Design C, or the flow divider 300
providing significant improvement steam side pressure drop wherein
it demonstrated 33 percent relative to the pressure loss
coefficient, K for Design A. For Design B, demonstrated 90 percent
relative to the pressure loss coefficient, K for Design A.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Flow Divider Connection Design A Design B
Design C References Conditions CFD - RESULTS K -- 0.730 0.654 0.239
Relative % 100% 90% 33%
[0062] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and, thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, for example a forced draft air cooled
condenser has been illustrated but an induced draft design can be
adapted to gain the same benefits and, accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to that fall within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *