BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to air treatment and filtration
devices and, in particular, to various embodiments of an air treatment apparatus that can
reduce moisture content, e.g., in air flowing in power generating systems with turbomachines
(e.g., gas and steam turbines).
Power generating systems heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems,
and other systems often deploy filters and moisture separators to remove moisture and
debris from air, e.g., before the air is drawn into a turbo-machine of the power generating
system. Examples of moisture separators direct air through a series of non-linear
channels. Inertia of the moisture in the air causes the moisture to impact the sidewalls of
the channels. This moisture collects on the walls of the channels and drains out of the
system, while the air continues to flow through the channels and on to the turbo-machine.
Although these channels can effectively capture large moisture droplets,
smaller droplets and particles often remain in the air and can transit downstream into the
turbo-machine. Even when these small moisture droplets do condense onto the nonlinear
channels, the droplets are often too small to develop adhesive forces with the
surface to the non-linear channels with force sufficient to overcome the velocity of air
moving through the channel. As a result, these small droplets are often swept from the
surface of the channel back into the air, which carries the droplets downstream.
Small moisture droplets are prevalent under many scenarios, e.g., in many
environments (e.g., coastal areas), climates, and under many weather conditions (e.g.,
fog). Systems like power generating systems often must operate in these environments
despite the unfavorable conditions. To avoid problems, the power generating systems
may require a robust solution that reduces the risk andlor rate of deterioration to the
components of the power generating systems.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information
and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure describes embodiments of an air treatment apparatus that
stimulates formation of large moisture droplets from small moisture droplets found in air,
e.g., air flowing in power generating systems to a turbo-machine. In one example, the
embodiments generate an electromagnetic field that promotes contact between the
smaller moisture droplets. This contact can increase the size of moisture droplets to
facilitate condensation of moisture out of the air. An advantage that the practice of some
embodiments of the air treatment apparatus is to reduce the moisture content of air
flowing through the power generating system, which can prevent clogging of filters and
can effectively prevent damage to components of the turbo-machine.
The disclosure describes, in one embodiment, a system that comprises an inlet
section for directing ambient air. The inlet section comprises a filter assembly and an air
treatment apparatus upstream of the filter assembly. In one example, the air treatment
apparatus generates an electromagnetic field having a frequency in the electromagnetic
spectrum to irradiate air flowing in the inlet section.
1 The disclosure also describes, in one embodiment, a system that comprises a
filter assembly and an emitter disposed upstream of the filter assembly. In one example,
the emitter generates infrared radiation that irradiates air flowing to the filter assembly.
The disclosure further describes, in one embodiment, a system that comprises
a weather hood having an inlet and an outlet. The system also comprises an air treatment
apparatus disposed in the weather hood. In one example, the air treatment apparatus
generates an electromagnetic field having a frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum to
irradiate air flowing in the weather hood.
This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief
overview of the subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative
embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit
the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief
description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified
form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is
not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all
disadvantages noted in the background.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the features of the invention can be understood, a
detailed description of the invention may be had by reference to certain embodiments,
some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of this invention and are therefore
not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the scope of the invention encompasses
other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments of
the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout
the various views. Thus, for further understanding of the invention, reference can be
made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 depicts a schematic, side view of an exemplary air treatment apparatus
as part of a system, e.g., a power generating system;
FIG. 2 depicts a schematic, side view of an inlet to a power generating system
that includes an exemplary air treatment system;
FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 depicts a flow pattern at the inlet of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 depicts a schematic, side view of an exemplary air treatment apparatus;
and
FIG. 6 depicts a schematic wiring diagram of an exemplary air treatment
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Broadly, embodiments of an air treatment apparatus can help condition intake
and exhaust air to reduce the amount of moisture present in the intake and exhaust air.
The embodiments are compatible with a variety of systems including power generating
systems that include a power generating device (e.g., a turbo-machine and/or
reciprocating engine), heating, ventilation, and conditioning (HVAC) systems, air
filtration systems, and the like. In the examples discussed below, the air treatment
apparatus finds use in power generating systems that deploy turbo-machines (e.g., gas
and steam turbines) and related devices. The embodiments help to remove moisture from
air that flows through the power generating system to the turbo-machine. In one aspect,
the moisture separating apparatus can introduce an electromagnetic field into the air. The
electromagnetic field can cause moisture droplets to coalesce into larger, heavier
droplets, which are more likely to fall andlor condense out of the air as the air transits the
components of the power generating system. This disclosure contemplates still other
examples, however, wherein the air treatment apparatus and/or its components are in
position to modify the moisture content of air flowing, e.g., in an HVAC system andlor as
part of and/or in place of a filtration system.
FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary air treatment apparatus 100 (also "apparatus
100") in position at an inlet section 102 of a system (e.g., a power generating system
104). The apparatus 100 generates an electromagnetic field 106 to treat an airstream 108
that flows into the power generating system 102 to a power-generating device (e.g., a
turbo-machine 110). The electromagnetic field 106 can have a frequency in the
electromagnetic spectrum. In one example, the frequency defines infrared radiation.
This disclosure also contemplates radiation in other frequency ranges, e.g., ranges that
also cause moisture droplets in the airstream 108 to actively coalesce together. In one
example, the inlet section 102 includes a condensing surface proximate the apparatus
100. The condensing surface provides an area on which moisture droplets can condense
and, in one example, the condensing surface is in position to allow condensation to
dissipate (e.g., flow) out of the inlet section 102 all together.
Moving now from left to right in the diagram of FIG. 1, the power generating
system 104 also has an inlet duct 112 that couples the inlet section 102 to the turbomachine
110 via a silencer assembly 114. The turbo-machine 110 includes a compressor
1 16, which couples to the silencer assembly 1 14, and a turbine 1 18 that drives a generator
120. The turbine 118 may include a turbine inlet 122 and a turbine outlet 124 to evacuate
heat and/or combustion gasses from the turbine 118. Other examples of the power
generating device can include reciprocating engines and related devices, that are used in
place of or combined with gas and steam turbines.
During operation of the power generating system 104, the compressor 1 16
draws ambient air from the environment surrounding the power generating system 104
into the inlet section 102. The ambient air flows through the electromagnetic field 106.
This feature effectively irradiates moisture droplets (and other precipitants and
contaminants) in the ambient air. Introducing the electromagnetic field 106 to moistureladen
air can disrupt the natural suspension (or formation) of these moisture droplets.
The disruption can cause smaller droplets in the air to coalesce with one another to form
larger, heavier moisture droplets. These larger droplets are more likely to condense on or
be trapped by components that are part of the apparatus 100, as well as components that
are found in the inlet section 102 of the power generating system 104. This feature
reduces the moisture content of the flowing air before the air reaches the turbo-machine
110. Lowering the moisture content can help prevent damage (e.g., corrosion) to
components downstream of the inlet section 102, e.g., the compressor 116, the turbine
1 18, the generator 120.
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 depict another example of an air treatment apparatus 200
(also "apparatus 200") that can remove moisture droplets from airstream 108. FIG. 2
shows a side, partial cross-section view of an inlet section 202 to illustrate one
implementation of the apparatus 200. FIG. 3 shows a front view of the inlet section 202
taken at line A-A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow pattern that can occur
in the inlet section 202.
In FIG. 2, the inlet section 202 includes a filter assembly 226 with a first filter
unit 228, a second filter unit 230, and an access unit 232 disposed therebetween. A
transition 234 couples the downstream side of the filter assembly 226, e.g., to the inlet
duct 112 of FIG. 1. A pair of weather hoods (e.g., a first weather hood 236 and a second
weather hood 238) couple to the upstream side of the filter assembly 226. Examples of
the weather hoods 236, 238 prevent precipitants (e.g., rain, ice, snow, etc.) and large
debris (e.g., leaves) from entering the filter assembly 226. The weather hoods 236, 238
include an outer housing 240 and a plurality of guide vanes 242, which collectively form
channels to direct air through the weather hoods 236, 238 into the first filter unit 228.
The guide vanes 242 can form the condensing surface on which moisture droplet in the
air condense. In other examples, the condensing surface may be in position in the filter
assembly 226.
The apparatus 200 includes one or more emitter arrays (e.g., a first emitter
array 244 and a second emitter array 246), each with one or more emitters 248 that can
generate infrared radiation 250. The emitter arrays 244, 246 reside in the weather hoods
236, 238. In one example, the emitters 248 secure to the structure of the weather hoods
236, 238, e.g., to the outer housing 240 and/or the guide vanes 242. This configuration
directs the infrared radiation 250 into the channels to irradiate air flowing therethrough.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the emitters 248 can extend lengthwise, or
transverse, across the width of the weather hoods 236, 238. This configuration can
irradiate a majority of the air that flows through the channels. The emitters 248 can
comprise a single, elongated member. In other examples, the emitters 248 can comprise
an arrangement of smaller, separate devices that are in position to extend substantially
across the width of the weather hoods 236,238.
Exemplary devices for use as the emitters 248 emit waves and, in a more
particular construction, waves with a frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. These
devices can include light generating devices (e.g., light bulbs and tubes, light emitting
diode (LED) devices, etc.) and heat generating devices. Any one of these devices can
secure within the weather hoods 236, 238 using fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.).
Intermediary components can provide structure to support the emitters 248 in position
within the weather hoods 236, 238. Such structure may provide, among other things,
operative support to the emitters 248, access to the emitters for purposes of maintenance
(e.g., replacement) and repair, and features to permit adjustment to the position of the
emitters 248, e.g., to change the direction of radiation that arises from the emitters 248.
FIG. 4 illustrates the inlet section 202 of FIG. 2 with arrows to show the flow
pattern that occurs in the weather hoods 236, 238. As shown in this diagram, the vane
guides 242 separate the airflow 108 into a plurality of airstreams (e.g., a first airstream
252, a second airstream 254, and a third airstream 256). The airstreams 252, 254, 256
traverse the channels in the weather hood 236, passing through the infrared radiation 250
before entering into the filter assembly 226. In one example, the airstreams 252, 254,
256 pass via the filter assembly 226 to the transition 234 to form a turbine airstream 258,
which flows to a power generating device (e.g., turbo-machine 110 of FIG. 1).
In one implementation, the infrared radiation 250 has a frequency that is likely
to cause moisture droplets having a first diameter to coalesce into moisture droplets
having a second diameter, which is larger than the first diameter. Droplets of this size
contact the guide vanes 242 (or condensing surface) or other objects in the filter assembly
226 and adhere to the surface of contact with sufficient force to prevent further travel of
the droplets. In one example, the adhesion forces prevent the droplets from being swept
away due to the velocity of the continuously flowing airstreams 252, 254, 256 in the
weather hoods 236,238.
As discussed above, implementation of the apparatus 200 can help to remove
moisture andlor certain contaminants from air that flows through the inlet section 202.
For example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the moisture content of the airflow 108 may
have a first value and the moisture content of the turbine airstream 258 may have a
second value. Use of the apparatus 200 can treat the incoming air to cause the second
value to fall below the first value. This feature is particularly advantageous for use with
systems (e.g., power generating system 104 of FIG. 1) found in wet climates in which
ambient air can exhibit certain properties (e.g., moisture content and/or relative humidity)
that are relatively higher than other climates. Moreover, weather conditions such as fog,
rain, and winds can change these properties to levels that would allow moisture droplets
in the air, if left untreated, to clog filters in the filter assembly 226 andlor to cause
corrosion and other damage to occur in the power generating device (e.g., turbo-machine
110 of FIG. 1).
FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary air treatment apparatus 300 (also "apparatus
300") that can reduce moisture in air flowing through a power generating system (e.g.,
power generating system 104 of FIG. 1). The apparatus 300 includes a first emitter array
344 and a second emitter array 346, each with a plurality of emitters 348. The apparatus
300 couples with a control device 360 and one or more sensors, generally identified by
the numerals 362,364,366, and 368.
Embodiments of the apparatus 300 may identify changes in the properties of
airflow 108 flowing, e.g., through the inlet section 102, 202 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4. For
example, the apparatus 300, the control device 360, and the sensors 362, 364, 366, and
368 may form a feedback loop, which monitors properties of airflow 108. Examples of
the sensors 362, 364, 366, and 368 may include devices that can generate signals
indicative of relative humidity, moisture, pressure, velocity, and the like. The control
device 360 can use these signals to modify operation of the emitters 348. For example, if
the control device 360 determines that the moisture content of airflow 108 exceeds a first
threshold level, then the control device 360 can issue instructions to change certain
operating features (e.g., intensity, output, frequency) of the emitters 348. In other
examples, if the control device 360 identifies that the moisture content of the turbine
airstream 258 exceeds a second threshold level, then the control device 360 can issue
instructions that change one or more of the operating features of the emitters 348 to
improve moisture capture.
FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a high level wiring scheme for
another exemplary air treatment apparatus 400 that can reduce moisture levels in air
flowing through a power generating system (e.g., power generating system of FIG. 1).
The apparatus 400 includes a first emitter array 402 and a second emitter array 404, each
having a plurality of emitters 406. The apparatus 400 is part of a system 408 that
includes a control device 410 that can exchange signals with the apparatus 400 to
effectuate operation of the emitters 406. The control device 410 has a processor 412,
memory 41 4, and control circuitry 41 6. Busses 41 8 couple the components of the control
device 410 together to permit the exchange of signals, data, and information from one
component of the control device 410 to another. In one example, the control circuitry
416 comprises sensing circuitry 420 which couples with sensors (e.g., an ambient
humidity sensor 422, a weather hood humidity sensor 424, a filter assembly humidity
sensor 426, and a transition humidity sensor 428). The control circuitry 4 16 also includes
emitter circuitry 430 and power circuitry 432 that couple to, respectively, the first emitter
array 402 andlor the second emitter array 404 and a power supply 434.
This configuration of components can dictate operation of the apparatus 400
to reduce the moisture levels of airstreams that flow through a system (e.g., power
generating system 104 of FIG. I). For example, one or more of the sensors 422, 424,
426, 428 can provide signals (or inputs) that relate to information about the ambient air
surrounding the power generating system as well as information about the air flowing
through power generating system. In addition to relative humidity, the information may
also include weather information (e.g., temperature, barometric pressure, etc.) as well as
information about conditions inside of the power generating system, e.g., inside of turbomachine
I 10 (FIG. 1).
Features of the control device 410 can also facilitate operation and control of
the apparatus 400. The control device 410 and its constructive components, for example,
can communicate amongst themselves andlor with other circuits (andlor devices), which
execute high-level logic functions, algorithms, as well as executable instructions (e.g.,
firmware instructions, software instructions, software programs, etc.). Exemplary circuits
of this type include, but are not limited to, discrete elements such as resistors, transistors,
diodes, switches, and capacitors. Examples of the processor 412 include microprocessors
and other logic devices such as field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs") and
application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Although all of the discrete elements,
circuits, and devices function individually in a manner that is generally understood by
those artisans that have ordinary skill in the electrical arts, it is their combination and
integration into functional electrical groups and circuits that generally provide for the
concepts that are disclosed and described herein.
The structure of the components in system 408 can permit certain
determinations as to the humidity of air that flows through the power generating system.
For example, the electrical circuits of the control device 410 can physically manifest
theoretical analysis and logical operations andor can replicate in physical form an
algorithm, a comparative analysis, andor a decisional logic tree, each of which operates
to assign the output and/or a value to the output that correctly reflects one or more of the
nature, content, and origin of the changes that occur and that are reflected by the relative
inputs to the emitters 406 as provided by the corresponding control circuitry, e.g., in the
control circuitry 416.
In one embodiment, the processor 412 is a central processing unit (CPU) such
as an ASIC andlor an FPGA that is configured to instruct andlor control operation of the
emitters 406. This processor can also include state machine circuitry or other suitable
components capable of controlling operation of the components as described herein. The
memory 414 includes volatile and non-volatile memory and can store executable
instructions in the form of and/or including software (or firmware) instructions and
configuration settings. Each of the sensing circuitry 420, the emitter circuitry 430, and
power circuitry 432 can embody stand-alone devices such as solid-state devices.
Examples of these devices can mount to substrates such as printed-circuit boards and
semiconductors, which can accommodate various components including the processor
4 12, the memory 410, and other related circuitry to facilitate operation of the control
device 408 in connection with its implementation in the system 408.
However, although FIG. 6 shows the processor 412, the memory 414, the
components of the control circuitry 416 as discrete circuitry and combinations of discrete
components, this need not be the case. For example, one or more of these components
can comprise a single integrated circuit (IC) or other component. As another example, the
processor 412 can include internal program memory such as RAM and/or ROM.
Similarly, any one or more of functions of these components can be distributed across
additional components (e.g., multiple processors or other components).
As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular and proceeded
with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or
functions, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one
embodiment" of the claimed invention should not be interpreted as excluding the
existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
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 by 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.
PARTS LIST
Air treatment apparatus
Inlet section
Power generating system
Electromagnetic field
Airstream
Turbo-machine
Inlet duct
Silencer assembly
Compressor
Turbine
Generator
Turbine inlet
Turbine outlet
Air treatment apparatus
Inlet section
Filter assembly
First filter unit
Second filter unit
Access unit
Transition
First weather hood
Second weather hood
Outer housing
Guide vanes
First emitter array
Second emitter array
Emitters
Infrared radiation
Flowing airstreams
Flowing airstreams
Flowing airstreams
Apparatus
First emitter array
Second emitter array
Emitters
Control device
Numerals
Numerals
Numerals
Numerals
Air treatment apparatus
First emitter array
Second emitter array
Emitters
System
Control device
Processor
Memory
Control circuitry
Busses
Sensing circuitry
Humidity sensor
Weather hood humidity sensor
Filter assembly humidity sensor
Transition humidity sensor
Emitter circuitry
Power circuitry
Power supply

. . . . . . - - . . . . . . . . . . - .
We Claims:
1. A system, comprising:
an inlet section for directing ambient air, the inlet section comprising a filter
assembly and an air treatment apparatus upstream of the filter assembly, the air treatment
apparatus generating an electromagnetic field having a frequency in the electromagnetic
spectrum to irradiate air flowing in the inlet section.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a weather hood disposed upstream
of the filter assembly, wherein the electromagnetic field irradiates air in the weather
hood.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the weather hood forms a plurality of
airstreams.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the weather hood comprises a channel forming
a first airstream and a second airstream, and wherein the air treatment apparatus irradiates
at least one of the first airstream and the second airstream.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a guide vane upstream of the filter
assembly, wherein the air treatment apparatus comprises an emitter disposed on the guide
vane, and wherein the emitter generates the electromagnetic field.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic field comprises infrared
radiation.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic field comprises a plurality
of individual electromagnetic fields.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor and a control device
coupled with the sensor and with the air treatment apparatus, wherein the control device
generates instructions to change a parameter of the electromagnetic field in response to
the sensor.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensor monitors the relative humidity of air
in the inlet section.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensor monitors the relative humidity of
air that exits the inlet section.
1 1. A system, comprising:
a filter assembly; and
an emitter disposed upstream of the filter assembly, the emitter generating
infrared radiation that irradiates air flowing to the filter assembly.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a weather hood coupled to an
upstream side of the filter assembly.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the emitter is positioned inside of the
weather hood.
14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a condensing surface proximate
the emitter, wherein the condensing surface receives moisture droplets from the air.
15. The system of claim 11, further comprising a sensor and a control device
coupled with the sensor and with the emitter, wherein the control device generates
instructions to change a parameter of the electromagnetic field in response to the sensor.
16. A system, comprising:
a weather hood having an inlet and an outlet; and
an air treatment apparatus disposed in the weather hood, the air treatment
apparatus generating an electromagnetic field having a frequency in the electromagnetic
spectrum to irradiate air flowing in the weather hood.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the weather hood separates the air into a
first airstream and a second airstream.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the electromagnetic field comprises a first
electromagnetic field for the first airstream and a second electromagnetic field for the
second airstream.
19. The system of claim 16, further comprising a condensing surface disposed in
the weather hood.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the condensing surface is part of a guide
vane that extends from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the air treatment apparatus
resides between the inlet and the outlet.