Integrated fan drive system for air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHE)

摘要

An air-cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) for cooling process fluids used in an industrial process. In one embodiment, the ACHE is configured as a forced-draft ACHE. A support structure supports the forced draft ACHE above grade. A tube bundle is supported by the structure and is configured to receive process fluids used in an industrial process. A plenum is connected to the support structure, positioned beneath the tube bundle and configured to direct air-flow through the tube bundle. A fan is supported by the support structure and positioned beneath the plenum. Rotation of the fan produces an air-flow that is directed through the tube bundle by the plenum. A fan drive system is supported by the support structure, positioned beneath the fan and comprises a permanent magnet motor comprising a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, the rotatable shaft being connected to the fan.

主权项

1. An industrial air-cooled heat exchanger for cooling liquids used in an industrial process, comprising:
a support structure; a tube bundle supported by the support structure, the tube bundle being configured to receive liquids to be cooled; a motor comprising a rotatable shaft, a stator and bearings that locate and support the rotatable shaft; a fan connected to the rotatable shaft of the motor such that rotation of the rotatable shaft causes rotation of the fan which causes an airflow that cools the liquids flowing through the tube bundle; wherein the support structure positions the tube bundle, the fan and the motor at a predetermined height above ground level; sensors to measure vibrations of the bearings and output signals representing the measured vibrations; and a variable motor-speed control device to generate electrical signals that cause rotation of the rotatable shaft of the motor at a predetermined rotational speed in order to rotate the fan, the variable motor-speed control device having an input for receiving control signals representing the predetermined rotational speed of the motor.