Susumu Kouno

Title: The Innovations of Susumu Kouno

Introduction

Susumu Kouno is a notable inventor based in Hiroshima-ken, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of steam systems, holding a total of 4 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the control and stability of steam systems, particularly in relation to turbine operations.

Latest Patents

Kouno's latest patents include a steam system, a control system thereof, and a control method thereof. In his steam system, a turbine is driven by steam supplied from a high-pressure header to a low-pressure header. When the pressure in the low-pressure header drops, a turbine bypass valve is opened to supply high-pressure steam to the low-pressure side header. This normal control mechanism ensures that when the turbine is tripped, steam rapidly flows into the low-pressure header, temporarily increasing its pressure. The steam in the low-pressure header is then discharged through a discharge valve. If the steam supply from the low-pressure header to another process increases, the discharge valve is closed. After the discharge valve is fully closed, an after-trip control is performed, increasing the opening of the turbine bypass valve earlier than in normal control to prevent the steam amount in the low-pressure header from becoming too small. This innovation enhances the control stability of the steam system during turbine trips.

Kouno's control method and control device for steam systems involve a low-pressure header storing low-pressure steam and a high-pressure header storing high-pressure steam, with a steam turbine connected between them. The method includes a normal time blow-off valve control step and a trip time blow-off control step. This approach allows for stable operation even when a turbine trips, ensuring that excessive steam is quickly discharged to the outside.

Career Highlights

Susumu Kouno is currently employed at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, where he continues to develop innovative solutions in steam system technology. His expertise in this area has made him a valuable asset to the company.

Collaborations

Kouno has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Kazuko Takeshita and Haruaki Hirayama, contributing to advancements in their field.

Conclusion

Susumu Kouno's contributions to steam system technology through his patents demonstrate his commitment to innovation and improvement in industrial processes. His work not only enhances operational stability but also showcases the importance of effective control methods in engineering.