Calculating Heat Loss for Improved Efficiency in a Steam Generator Design

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the redesign of a steam generator, focusing on calculating heat loss to improve efficiency. Participants explore the technical requirements for the generator, including water capacity, heat loss limits, fan specifications, and steam output. The conversation also touches on the classification of the device and the necessary calculations for heat loss.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines specific design requirements for the steam generator, including capacity, heat loss limits, and fan specifications.
  • Another participant questions the unit of measurement for the output, seeking clarification on whether it is grams or gallons.
  • Clarification is provided that the output is in grams per hour.
  • Some participants suggest that the device may not be a conventional steam generator but rather a vaporizer or kettle, noting that the output is relatively low.
  • A participant expresses difficulty in finding relevant calculations for heat loss and seeks guidance on the necessary equations to improve efficiency.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of information available on similar devices, with one participant noting that the current method of adding insulation has been the primary approach to improve efficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the classification of the device, with some viewing it as a steam generator and others as a vaporizer or kettle. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific calculations needed for heat loss.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the calculations required for heat loss and the classification of the device, indicating a need for further exploration of these topics.

Jt2015
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At current I am trying to redesign a steam generator as seen in the picture attached, the requirements for this are as follows:
· The water contain must have a minimum capacity of 2.25 litres
· The heat loss as boiling point shall not exceed 75W in ambient of -3 C +/- 1 C
· The fan shall have a capacity of 0.07 to 0.10m^3/min at 0.5 mbar static pressure
· Six steam outlets holes shall be positioned at the top of the generator around the perimeter spaced at equal distances
· The generator should be calibrated at -3 C +/- 1 C to give reading for each 70 +/- 5g/h output up to a maximum of n times this figure where n is the maximum number of seating positions designated by the manufacturer.

Having not studied physics I am struggling to find what calculations would be required in order to calculate the heat loss and therefore cannot try improving it.
The dimensions for the base are not set and can be altered, only the nozzle and dispersion chamber have set dimensions.

If somebody could point me in the right direction to what equations I will need that would be great,

Thanks
 

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  • Steam Pic.png
    Steam Pic.png
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Jt2015 said:
70 +/- 5g/h output
Grams? Or, gallons?
 
Bystander said:
Grams? Or, gallons?

Sorry, it's grams per hour
 
Here's the requirements for the nozzle and chamber too.
 

Attachments

  • Nozzle & Chamber.png
    Nozzle & Chamber.png
    15.3 KB · Views: 583
Jt2015 said:
Here's the requirements for the nozzle and chamber too.
I don't think this device is a steam generator in the conventional sense, more like a vaporizer or a tea kettle. 70 g an hour is equivalent to converting about 5 tablespoons of water to vapor.
 
SteamKing said:
I don't think this device is a steam generator in the conventional sense, more like a vaporizer or a tea kettle. 70 g an hour is equivalent to converting about 5 tablespoons of water to vapor.

Yeh that's a problem I've had as regards to research into it, there's not much information on them. I've literally called it that because that's what it is listed as in the guidelines.

Effectively it is just a kettle heating element in an aluminium (Previous machine) casing lined with insulator, with the nozzle, chamber and fan on top.
I just have little knowledge on what calculations I need to work out the heat loss through it in order to then improve the efficiency for the design as currently the method for this has been just add more insulator.
 

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