Power generation device and system

Abstract

The application provides a power generation device and system, which comprises a shell, a compression piston, a power unit, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a turbine expander and a rotary motor. The compression piston is arranged in the shell and divides the shell into a power cavity and a compression cavity. The power unit is arranged in the power cavity and connected with the compression piston to make the compression piston reciprocate in the shell. The first pipeline is provided with a heating mechanism and connected with the compression cavity and the turbine expander respectively. The second pipeline is provided with a cooling mechanism and connected with the compression cavity and the turbine expander respectively. The rotary motor is in transmission connection with the turbine expander. The application has the advantages of simple heat exchange structure, high single-stage pressure ratio, high reliability and high power density, and is suitable for the field of small and medium power generation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power generation equipment technology, and in particular to a power generation device and system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the development of science and technology and the improvement of economic level, the total energy consumption has continued to increase, and the resulting problems such as energy shortage and environmental pollution have become increasingly serious. At the same time, the utilization rate of fossil energy is low, and a large amount of industrial waste heat cannot be fully utilized.

[0003] As a closed-cycle engine with external combustion (heating), the Stirling engine has advantages such as strong heat source adaptability and low operating noise. At the same time, the efficiency of the Stirling cycle is higher than that of general heat engines, and its ideal cycle efficiency can reach the Carnot efficiency. Therefore, the Stirling engine has a very broad application prospect in renewable energy utilization, waste heat utilization, and combined heat and power.

[0004] Stirling engines often use high-pressure hydrogen or helium as the circulating gas to achieve better power density and engine efficiency. A common approach to Stirling engines is to directly connect the engine's piston to the rotor of a linear motor. The reciprocating motion of a permanent magnet generates an alternating magnetic field, ultimately outputting electrical work within the coil. However, the relatively large volume of the inner and outer stators in this method results in lower power density for the system.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the efficiency of Stirling engines in generating electricity, while reducing their size, increasing their power density, and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the system remains a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a power generation device and system to solve the technical problem of low power density in existing Stirling power generation technology.

[0007] This invention provides a power generation device, comprising:

[0008] case;

[0009] A compressor piston is disposed within the housing, and the compressor piston divides the housing into a power chamber and a compressor chamber;

[0010] A power unit is disposed in the power chamber and is connected to the air compressor piston, which is used to make the air compressor piston reciprocate within the housing.

[0011] The first pipeline is connected to the exhaust port of the compressed air chamber. The first pipeline is equipped with a heating mechanism and is connected to the air inlet of the turbine expander.

[0012] The second pipeline is connected to the return port of the compressed air chamber. The second pipeline is equipped with a cooling mechanism and is connected to the outlet of the turbine expander.

[0013] A rotary motor is connected to the drive of the turboexpander.

[0014] According to the present invention, a power unit includes a gas distribution piston, a connecting member, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a regenerator, and a cooler. The high-temperature heat exchanger, the regenerator, and the cooler are connected in sequence to cause the gas distribution piston to reciprocate. The gas distribution piston is connected to the connecting member.

[0015] According to a power generation device provided by the present invention, the gas distribution piston and the connecting member divide the power chamber into an expansion chamber and a compression chamber, the gas distribution piston is located in the expansion chamber, and the compression piston is disposed between the compression chamber and the compression chamber.

[0016] According to a power generation device provided by the present invention, the high-temperature heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the heating mechanism is connected to a third pipeline, the third pipeline is connected to a first port on the shell side of the high-temperature heater, and a second port on the shell side of the high-temperature heater is connected to a fourth pipeline, the fourth pipeline being connected to the first pipeline at a position located behind the heating mechanism.

[0017] According to a power generation device provided by the present invention, the first pipeline is provided with a first one-way valve for allowing gas to flow in the direction from the compressor chamber to the turbine expander, and the second pipeline is provided with a second one-way valve for allowing gas to flow in the direction from the turbine expander to the compressor chamber.

[0018] According to the present invention, a power generation device further includes: a regeneration unit, wherein the regeneration unit has a built-in first channel and a second channel, the first channel being connected to the first pipeline at a position located in front of the heating mechanism, and the second channel being connected to the second pipeline at a position located in front of the cooling mechanism.

[0019] The present invention also provides a power generation system comprising at least two of the aforementioned power generation devices.

[0020] According to a power generation system provided by the present invention, the at least two power generation devices are arranged opposite each other.

[0021] According to a power generation system provided by the present invention, the first pipelines of the at least two power generation devices are connected, the second pipelines of the at least two power generation devices are connected, and the compression chambers of the at least two power generation devices are connected.

[0022] The at least two power generation devices share one turbine expander and one rotary motor.

[0023] According to a power generation system provided by the present invention, between two adjacent power generation devices, the first pipeline of one of the power generation devices is connected to the return port of the compressed air chamber of the other power generation device;

[0024] The at least two power generation devices share one turbine expander and one rotary motor.

[0025] The power generation device and system provided in this invention use a power unit to drive a compressor piston in reciprocating motion. During this reciprocating motion, the compressor piston adiabatically compresses the working gas in the compressor chamber, generating high-pressure gas. This high-pressure gas, passing through a first pipeline, is heated at constant pressure by a heating mechanism, generating high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas then undergoes adiabatically expansion through a turbine expander, driving the turbine to rotate. The turbine transfers mechanical energy to a rotary motor to generate electricity. The working gas passing through the turbine is then cooled at constant pressure and released heat by a cooling mechanism before flowing back to the compressor. The Brayton cycle is completed within the cavity. The above process uses a free piston compressor mechanism, which can reduce the lateral friction of the piston and improve efficiency. Furthermore, the use of a volumetric compressor mechanism provides a higher pressure ratio in a single unit compared to conventional axial and centrifugal compressor structures, making it suitable for small to medium power generation. The working gas in this scheme can also serve as a heat transfer medium, simplifying the structure of the heating mechanism of the power generation device and eliminating the need for heat pipes or hot fluids. The use of a rotary motor also results in higher efficiency and significantly reduces the mass and volume of the stator magnet, thereby increasing power density. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the power generation device provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the power generation device provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the power generation system provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the power generation system provided by the present invention.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Housing; 2. Compressor piston; 3. Compressor chamber; 4. First pipeline; 5. Second pipeline; 6. Heating mechanism; 7. Cooling mechanism; 8. Turbine expander; 9. Rotary motor; 10. Gas distribution piston; 11. Connecting parts; 12. High-temperature heat exchanger; 13. Regenerator; 14. Cooler; 15. Expansion chamber; 16. Compression chamber; 17. Third pipeline; 18. Fourth pipeline; 19. First check valve; 20. Second check valve; 21. Regeneration unit; 22. Leaf spring. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0038] The following is combined with Figures 1-4 The present invention describes a power generation device comprising a housing 1, a compressor piston 2, a power unit, a first pipeline 4, a second pipeline 5, a turbine expander 8, and a rotary motor 9. The compressor piston 2 is disposed within the housing 1 and divides the housing 1 into a power chamber and a compressor chamber 3. The power unit is disposed within the power chamber and connected to the compressor piston 2, enabling the compressor piston 2 to reciprocate within the housing 1. A heating mechanism 6 is provided on the first pipeline 4. The first end of the first pipeline 4 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor chamber 3, and the second end of the first pipeline 4 is connected to the inlet of the turbine expander 8. A cooling mechanism 7 is provided on the second pipeline 5. The first end of the second pipeline 5 is connected to the return port of the compressor chamber 3, and the second end of the second pipeline 5 is connected to the outlet of the turbine expander 8. The output shaft of the rotary motor 9 is connected to the turbine of the turbine expander 8, thereby achieving a transmission connection between the rotary motor 9 and the turbine expander 8.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power unit drives the compressor piston 2 to reciprocate. When the compressor piston 2 reciprocates, it can perform adiabatic compression on the working gas in the compressor chamber 3, thereby generating high-pressure gas. When the high-pressure gas passes through the first pipeline 4, it can be heated at constant pressure by the heating mechanism 6, thereby generating high-temperature and high-pressure gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas can undergo adiabatic expansion through the turbine expander 8, and drive the turbine of the turbine expander 8 to rotate. The turbine transfers mechanical energy to the rotary motor 9 to generate electricity. The working gas passing through the turbine will be cooled at constant pressure and released heat through the cooling mechanism 7, and then flow back into the compressor chamber 3 to complete the Brayton cycle.

[0040] The free piston compressor mechanism used in the above process can reduce the lateral friction of the piston and improve efficiency. In addition, the volumetric compressor mechanism has a higher pressure ratio in single-unit operation compared with conventional axial and centrifugal compressor structures, making it suitable for small and medium power generation. The working gas in this scheme can also serve as a heat transfer structure, making the structure of the heating mechanism 6 of the power generation device simpler and eliminating the need for heat pipes or hot fluids. The use of a rotary motor 9 can also achieve higher efficiency, while greatly reducing the mass and volume of the stator magnet and increasing the power density.

[0041] It is understandable that the flow direction of the working gas is: compressor chamber 3 - first pipeline 4 - turbine expander 8 - second pipeline 5 - compressor chamber 3, thus completing the circulation of the working gas to achieve the Brayton cycle. Helium can be used as the working gas, serving as both the working gas and the heat transfer medium.

[0042] According to the power generation device provided by the present invention, the power unit includes a gas distribution piston 10, a connecting member 11, a high-temperature heat exchanger 12, a regenerator 13, and a cooler 14. The high-temperature heat exchanger 12, the regenerator 13, and the cooler 14 are sequentially connected to drive the gas distribution piston 10 to reciprocate. The gas distribution piston 10 is connected to the connecting member 11, and the connecting member 11 is connected to the compressor piston 2. The gas distribution piston 10 is driven to reciprocate by a temperature gradient formed between the high-temperature heat exchanger 12, the regenerator 13, and the cooler 14, thereby realizing the movement of the compressor piston 2.

[0043] Specifically, the high-temperature heat exchanger 12, the regenerator 13 and the cooler 14 are arranged in sequence. The high-temperature heat exchanger 12, the regenerator 13 and the cooler 14 are connected by several pipes, and there is also working gas in the pipes.

[0044] The valve piston 10 and the connecting member 11 divide the power chamber into an expansion chamber 15 and a compression chamber 16. The valve piston 10 is located in the expansion chamber 15, and the compression piston 2 is located between the compression chamber 16 and the compression chamber 3.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the end of the connector 11 furthest from the valve piston 10 extends outward continuously. The connector 11 is connected to the compressor piston 2 by a gap seal, and the extended end of the connector 11 passes through the compressor piston 2. A leaf spring 22 is connected inside the housing 1 (on the side furthest from the expansion chamber 15). The connector 11 is not directly connected to the compressor piston 2. The connector 11 is separated from the compressor piston 2 by a gap seal in the middle of the compressor piston 2. The compressor piston 2 moves due to the pressure fluctuation between the upper compression chamber 16 and the lower compression chamber 3.

[0046] The high-temperature heat exchanger 12, regenerator 13, cooler 14, valve train piston 10, connecting parts 11, and leaf spring 22 inside the casing 1, together with the casing 1, can form the Stirling engine structure. The Stirling engine structure can utilize different types of heat sources, making it energy-saving and environmentally friendly. At the same time, the valve train piston 10 and the compressor piston 2 are free piston mechanisms, which have the advantages of high efficiency and long service life.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the high-temperature heat exchanger 12, the regenerator 13, and the cooler 14 are disposed on the inner surface of the shell 1, located at the edge of the power chamber. The high-temperature heat exchanger 12, the regenerator 13, and the cooler 14 are connected in sequence for heat conduction, which allows the high-temperature heat source and the low-temperature cold source between the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and the cooler 14 to exchange heat, so that a certain temperature gradient is generated inside the regenerator 13. The acoustic power is amplified inside the regenerator 13, and the amplified acoustic power is transmitted to the expansion chamber 15, which can drive the gas distribution piston 10 to reciprocate. The remaining acoustic power will return to the cooler 14 to complete the cycle.

[0048] The first pipeline 4 is equipped with a first check valve 19, which is used to make the gas flow in the direction from the compressor chamber 3 to the turbine expander 8. The second pipeline 5 is equipped with a second check valve 20, which is used to make the gas flow in the direction from the turbine expander 8 to the compressor chamber 3. The setting of the first check valve 19 and the second check valve 20 can ensure the flow direction of the working gas and prevent the working gas from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0049] Please continue reading the appendix. Figure 1 The power generation device provided in this embodiment also includes a regenerative unit 21. The regenerative unit 21 has a built-in first channel and a second channel. The first channel is connected to the first pipeline 4 at a position in front of the heating mechanism 6, and the second channel is connected to the second pipeline 5 at a position in front of the cooling mechanism 7. The "front" position is defined with reference to the flow direction of the working gas. Along the flow direction of the working gas, the regenerative device installed on the first pipeline 4 is located in front of the heating mechanism 6, and along the flow direction of the working gas, the regenerative device installed on the second pipeline 5 is located in front of the cooling mechanism 7.

[0050] The regenerator unit 21 is different from the regenerator in the engine. It is a counter-current heat exchanger that plays the role of exchanging heat between the high and low temperature gases flowing from the left and right.

[0051] It is understandable that the high-temperature, high-pressure working gas still retains a certain amount of heat after passing through the turbine expander 8. By passing this portion of the working gas with heat through a reheating unit 21 during its reflux, the heat-containing working gas can preheat the high-pressure working gas flowing out of the compression chamber 3, thereby ensuring full utilization of the heat. Specifically, the first and second channels within the reheating unit 21 can conduct heat, thereby achieving heat transfer to preheat the high-pressure working gas flowing out of the compression chamber 3.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in the power generation device provided by the present invention, the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The heating mechanism 6 is connected to a third pipe, which is connected to a first port on the shell side of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12. A fourth pipe is connected to a second port on the shell side of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12, and the fourth pipe is connected to a first pipe 4 located behind the heating mechanism 6. Here, "behind" refers to the flow direction of the working gas. Along the flow direction of the working gas, the connection point between the fourth pipe 18 and the first pipe 4 is located on the first pipe 4 behind the heating mechanism 6.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, the heating mechanism 6 can be a nuclear heating device, such as a nuclear reactor. A stream of high-temperature gas is drawn out from the middle of the heating mechanism 6 and enters the shell side of the high-temperature heat exchanger 12, thereby providing heat energy for the entire power generation device. The gas flow out of the shell tube will mix with the high-temperature and high-pressure gas and drive the turbine expander 8 to work. This allows the entire power generation device to be heated by only one heat source, making the structure of the power generation device more compact.

[0054] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a power generation system having at least two of the power generation devices described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, at least two power generation devices are arranged opposite each other. This opposing structure can reduce the external vibration and noise of the power generation system, making the power generation devices operate more smoothly and quietly.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the first pipes 4 of at least two power generation devices are connected, the second pipes 5 of at least two power generation devices are connected, and the compression chambers 16 of at least two power generation devices are connected. The at least two power generation devices share a single turbine expander 8 and rotary motor 9. This arrangement can form a multi-cylinder engine system, which can provide more acoustic power and thus generate more electricity. In the multi-cylinder system, the compressor piston 2 and the valve timing piston 10 are a single moving part, simultaneously serving the functions of phasing and power output.

[0057] According to the power generation system provided by the present invention, between two adjacent power generation devices, the first pipeline 4 of one power generation device is connected to the return port of the compression chamber 3 of the other power generation device; wherein, at least two power generation devices share a turbine expander 8 and a rotary motor 9. It is understood that a multi-cylinder system with staged compression can also be formed, achieving a higher pressure ratio to improve engine efficiency. Taking two power generation devices as an example, the working gas is sequentially compressed through two compression chambers 3, and the two-stage compression can achieve a higher pressure ratio, thereby improving engine efficiency.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power generation device characterized by comprising: The application relates to a power generation device. The device comprises a shell, a compression piston arranged in the shell, a power unit arranged in a power cavity of the shell, a first pipeline connected with an exhaust port of the compression cavity, a second pipeline connected with a return port of the compression cavity, a rotary motor connected with the turbine expander, and a working medium gas flowing through the compression cavity, the first pipeline, the turbine expander, the second pipeline and the compression cavity. The power unit comprises a gas distribution piston, a connecting piece, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a regenerator and a cooler. The high-temperature heat exchanger, the regenerator and the cooler are sequentially connected, the gas distribution piston is connected with the connecting piece, and the gas distribution piston and the connecting piece divide the power cavity into an expansion cavity and a compression cavity. The high-temperature heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a third pipeline is connected with a first port of a shell side of the high-temperature heat exchanger, a fourth pipeline is connected with a second port of the shell side of the high-temperature heat exchanger, and the fourth pipeline is connected with a position behind the heating mechanism of the first pipeline. The first pipeline is provided with a first one-way valve for allowing the gas to flow from the compression cavity to the turbine expander, and the second pipeline is provided with a second one-way valve for allowing the gas to flow from the turbine expander to the compression cavity. The device further comprises a regenerative unit provided with a first channel and a second channel, the first channel is connected with the first pipeline at a position in front of the heating mechanism, and the second channel is connected with the second pipeline at a position in front of the cooling mechanism. The device comprises at least two power generation devices as claimed in any one of claims 1-6.

2. The power generation device according to claim 1, characterized by The at least two power generation devices are arranged oppositely.

3. The power generation device of claim 2, wherein The first pipelines of the at least two power generation devices are connected, the second pipelines of the at least two power generation devices are connected, the power unit comprises a gas distribution piston and a connecting piece, the gas distribution piston is connected with the connecting piece, the gas distribution piston and the connecting piece divide the power cavity into an expansion cavity and a compression cavity, and the compression cavities of the at least two power generation devices are connected.

4. The power generation device of claim 2, wherein The at least two power generation devices share one turbine expander and one rotary motor.

5. The power generation device of claim 1, wherein The first pipeline of one of the power generation devices is connected with the return port of the compression cavity of the other power generation device.

6. The power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by ​ ​ 7. A power generation system characterized by: ​ 8. The power generation system of claim 7, wherein, ​ 9. The power generation system of claim 7, wherein, ​ ​ 10. The power generation system of claim 7, wherein, ​ The at least two power generation devices share one turbine expander and one rotary motor. The at least two power generation devices share one turbine expander and one rotary motor.

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