Seebeck effect power generation device based on collaborative utilization of LNG waste cold energy

Abstract

The utility model relates to a Seebeck effect power generation device based on LNG waste cold energy cooperative utilization. Comprising a high-pressure pipe, a vaporizer, a decompression odorization part and a medium-pressure pipe which are communicated in sequence, and further comprises a heat exchanger and a power generation part. The power generation part comprises a cold plate and a hot plate, a thermoelectric power generation piece assembly is arranged between the cold plate and the hot plate, a snakelike flow channel is formed in the cold plate, the two ends of the snakelike flow channel are communicated with the heat exchanger shell pass through a circulating pipe, a circulating pump is arranged on the circulating pipe, fins and a fire grate are arranged on the hot plate, and the fire grate is communicated with a medium-pressure pipe through a pressure reducing pipe. A pressure regulating box, a flame arrester and a first pressure gauge are arranged on the pressure reducing pipe. The LNG cold energy can be converted into electric energy, energy is efficiently utilized, and the device is compact in structure, stable in operation, safe and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of waste cold energy from LNG. Background Technology

[0002] With global energy demand continuing to rise, liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a highly efficient and clean energy source, is seeing its applications expand rapidly. Many industrial applications, such as LNG regasification stations and air separation units, contain a large amount of cryogenic energy, with temperatures ranging from -162°C to -196°C. Currently, most methods involve directly releasing this cryogenic energy into the environment after seawater regasification. This is not only a huge waste of energy but also potentially has adverse effects on the local ecological environment. It is estimated that as much as 830 kJ of cryogenic energy is wasted per kilogram of LNG. Meanwhile, existing cryogenic power generation technologies mostly rely on the Rankine cycle, which requires a complex working fluid pumping system. This not only makes the equipment bulky and difficult to integrate effectively in limited industrial spaces but also results in high maintenance costs, placing a heavy economic burden on the long-term operation of enterprises. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a Seebeck effect power generation device based on the co-utilization of LNG waste cold energy, in order to solve the waste problem caused by the direct emission of low-temperature cold energy.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy comprises a high-pressure pipe, a vaporizer, a pressure reducing and odorizing section, and a medium-pressure pipe connected in sequence. It also includes a heat exchanger and a power generation section. The high-pressure pipe is connected to the tube side of the heat exchanger and the vaporizer via branch pipes. The power generation section includes a cold plate and a hot plate, with a thermoelectric generator assembly between the cold plate and the hot plate. The cold plate has a serpentine flow channel, and the two ends of the serpentine flow channel are connected to the two ends of the shell side of the heat exchanger via circulation pipes. A circulation pump is installed on the circulation pipes. The hot plate has multiple fins, and a flame arrester is located below the multiple fins. The flame arrester is connected to the medium-pressure pipe via a pressure reducing pipe. A pressure regulating box, a flame arrester, and a first pressure gauge are installed on the pressure reducing pipe.

[0006] Furthermore, the thermoelectric generator assembly has two sets, with two cold plates and two hot plates respectively. The two hot plates are fixedly connected to both ends of the multiple fins, and the two cold plates are arranged on both sides of the fins. The two sets of thermoelectric generator assemblies are respectively sandwiched between the two cold plates and the two hot plates, and the circulation pipe is connected in series with two serpentine flow channels.

[0007] Furthermore, a storage tank is connected to the circulation pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, insulation cotton is wrapped around the circulation pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, an insulation sheet is attached to one side of the cold plate.

[0010] Furthermore, an emergency shut-off valve is installed on the pressure reducing pipe, and the emergency shut-off valve is linked to the gas alarm.

[0011] Furthermore, the cold plate, hot plate, and fins are made of stainless steel.

[0012] Furthermore, a pressure regulating valve and a second pressure gauge are installed on the branch pipe.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. High-efficiency energy recovery and utilization: Through ingenious system integration, the low-temperature cold energy of LNG that was originally directly emitted is converted into electrical energy, realizing the efficient cascade utilization of energy, effectively alleviating the energy consumption problem of LNG gasification stations and other places, improving energy utilization efficiency, and reducing operating costs.

[0015] 2. Compact and reasonable structure: The power generation unit and the pipeline system of the LNG gasification station are closely integrated, with a compact layout that does not occupy a large amount of extra space. This facilitates the renovation and installation in existing facilities and improves space utilization.

[0016] 3. Stable and reliable operation: It uses the Seebeck effect for power generation, with no complex mechanical moving parts, reducing equipment failure points, lowering maintenance difficulty and frequency, and ensuring long-term stable operation.

[0017] 4. High safety performance: An emergency shut-off valve is installed on the pressure reducing pipe and linked to the gas alarm. Once a gas leak is detected, the gas supply can be quickly cut off, effectively preventing the accident from escalating and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

[0018] 5. Optimized material selection: The cold plate, hot plate and fins are made of stainless steel, which has good high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, adapts to harsh working environments, extends the service life of the equipment and reduces replacement costs.

[0019] 6. Environmentally friendly: It reduces the potential environmental impact caused by direct emissions of cold energy, while the power generation process is clean and pollution-free, meeting the requirements of sustainable development, helping enterprises achieve energy conservation and emission reduction goals, and enhancing their social image. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2This is a top view of the structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cold plate of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermoelectric generator assembly of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Pressure reducing pipe; 2. Medium pressure pipe; 3. Pressure reducing and odorizing section; 4. Vaporizer; 5. Second pressure gauge; 6. High pressure pipe; 7. Pressure regulating valve; 8. Heat exchanger; 9. Insulation cotton; 10. Circulation pipe; 11. Liquid storage tank; 12. Circulation pump; 13. Gas alarm; 14. Emergency shut-off valve; 15. Flame burner; 16. Hot plate; 17. Fin; 18. Thermoelectric generator; 19. Insulation sheet; 20. Cold plate; 21. First pressure gauge; 22. Flame arrester; 23. Pressure regulating box; 24. Serpentine flow channel; 25. Base plate; 26. Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the co-utilization of LNG waste cold energy comprises a high-pressure pipe 6, a vaporizer 4, a pressure-reducing and odorizing section 3, and a medium-pressure pipe 2 connected in sequence. The pressure-reducing and odorizing section 3 includes a pressure regulator, a flow meter, and an odorizing device. The gas pressure entering the medium-pressure pipe 2 is between 0.2 MPa and 0.4 MPa. It also includes a heat exchanger 8 and a power generation unit. The high-pressure pipe 6 is connected to the tube side of the heat exchanger 8 and the vaporizer 4 via branch pipes. The power generation unit includes a cold plate 20 and a hot plate 16. A thermoelectric generator assembly 18 is provided between the cold plate 20 and the hot plate 16. The thermoelectric generator assembly 18 is a power generation structure with an area of ​​1×1m, composed of multiple 55×55cm small thermoelectric generator pieces 18. The power generation structure is bonded to a substrate 25 on both sides with thermally conductive silicone grease. The rows of small thermoelectric generator pieces are connected in series. The cold plate 20 is connected to the cables 26 located at both ends of the substrate 25. A serpentine flow channel is provided inside the cold plate 20. The two ends of the serpentine flow channel are connected to the two ends of the shell side of the heat exchanger 8 through the circulation pipe 10. A circulation pump 12 is installed on the circulation pipe 10. The circulation pump 12 drives the antifreeze to circulate in the shell side of the heat exchanger 8 and the circulation pipe 10. The hot plate 16 is provided with multiple fins 17. A burner 15 is provided below the multiple fins 17. The fins 17 can quickly transfer the combustion heat of the burner 15 to the hot plate 16. The burner 15 is connected to the medium pressure pipe 2 through the pressure reducing pipe 1. A pressure regulating box 23, a flame arrester 22 and a first pressure gauge 21 are installed on the pressure reducing pipe 1. After passing through the pressure regulating box 23, the gas pressure entering the burner 15 is below 0.01 MPa. At the same time, a flame arrester 22 is installed on the pressure reducing pipe to ensure safety during use.

[0028] The usage process of this utility model is as follows:

[0029] 1. The LNG temperature in the high-pressure pipe 6 is -161℃. A branch pipe is connected to the high-pressure pipe 6 to introduce part of the LNG into the heat exchanger 8 and then into the vaporizer 4. The LNG entering the tube side of the heat exchanger 8 exchanges heat with the antifreeze circulating in the shell side of the heat exchanger 8, and then cools the antifreeze to -40℃. The circulating pump 12 sends the antifreeze into the serpentine flow channel of the cold plate 20 to cool the cold plate 20.

[0030] The calculation formula is: Heat absorbed by LNG (latent heat of vaporization) = Heat released by antifreeze (sensible heat) m LNG ×ΔH v = m antifreeze × c antifreeze × |ΔT antifreeze|;

[0031] Substituting the parameters: m1×510kJ / kg=m2×3.35kJ / kg×℃×60℃;

[0032] That is: (m1 / m2): (m1 / m2) = (3.35 × 60) / 510 ≈ 0.394;

[0033] That is, the ratio of LNG flow rate to antifreeze flow rate is approximately 1:2.54.

[0034] 2. Natural gas drawn from medium-pressure pipe 2 is depressurized by pressure reducing box and sent to burner 15 for ignition and combustion. The combustion flame heats fins 17 to heat hot plate 16 to about 200°C.

[0035] 3. Thermoelectric generator 18 can generate electricity for various electrical equipment in the LNG station. Taking a 1×1m power generation structure as an example, the power generation is calculated as follows:

[0036] 1. Basic parameters and assumptions;

[0037] Hot surface temperature: Th = 200℃ = 473.15K;

[0038] Cold surface temperature: Tc = -40℃ = 233.15K;

[0039] Temperature difference: ΔT = T h -T c =240K;

[0040] Material parameters (bismuth telluride as an example):

[0041] Seebeck coefficient α = 200 μV / K = 2 × 10 -4 V / K;

[0042] Conductivity σ = 10 4 S / m (resistivity ρ=10) -4 Ωm);

[0043] Thermal conductivity k = 1.5 W / (m × K);

[0044] The figure of merit ZT = 0.5 (typical value, average temperature T). avg =403K);

[0045] Solar cell dimensions: Area A = 1m 2 Thickness L = 0.001m;

[0046] 2. Thermoelectric conversion efficiency;

[0047] Efficiency formula (considering the figure of merit ZT): Substitution

[0048] 3. Heat flux density and total amount;

[0049] Fourier's Law (Heat Flux Density): Total heat input: Q = q × A = 3.6 × 10 5 W;

[0050] 4. Power generation calculation (based on efficiency);

[0051] P = η × Q = 0.0512 × 3.6 × 105 W = 18.4 kW;

[0052] 5. Maximum power output (when matching load);

[0053] Internal resistance R int =ρ×L / A=10 -4 Ωm×(0.001m / 1m 2 ) = 10 -7 Ω;

[0054] Maximum power formula: Therefore, the power generation is between 5.76 and 18.4 kW. This power generation can power at least five 1-horsepower air conditioners (total power 1.225 kW) or about 200 to 300 ordinary cameras (10W / unit).

[0055] Furthermore, the thermoelectric generator assembly 18 includes two sets of interconnected power generation units. Each power generation unit consists of multiple thermoelectric generators, and the two sets of power generation units are respectively arranged between two cold plates 20 and two hot plates 16. The two hot plates 16 are fixedly connected to both ends of multiple fins 17, and the two cold plates 20 are respectively arranged on both sides of the fins 17. The circulation pipe 10 is connected in series with two serpentine flow channels. This structure, by setting two sets of thermoelectric generator assemblies 18 and correspondingly setting two cold plates 20 and two hot plates 16, increases the effective area of ​​thermoelectric power generation, thereby improving power generation efficiency and power output, which is conducive to obtaining more electrical energy and better meeting the needs of various electrical equipment in the LNG station. On the other hand, two hot plates 16 are fixedly connected to both ends of multiple fins 17, and two cold plates 20 are set on both sides of the fins 17. This arrangement allows the fins 17 to transfer the heat from the burner 15 to the hot plates 16 more effectively, while the cold plates 20 can also better receive the cold energy from the heat exchanger 8, further improving the utilization efficiency of heat and cold energy and enhancing the effect of thermoelectric power generation.

[0056] Furthermore, a storage tank 11 is connected to the circulation pipe 10. Connecting the storage tank 11 to the circulation pipe 10 can stabilize the liquid level (such as antifreeze) in the circulation system, prevent excessive liquid fluctuations caused by the operation of the circulation pump 12 or other factors, and ensure the normal operation of the power generation device, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the system.

[0057] Furthermore, insulation cotton 9 is wrapped around the outside of the circulation pipe 10. Wrapping the circulation pipe 10 with insulation cotton 9 effectively reduces the heat exchange between the low-temperature liquid (such as antifreeze) inside the circulation pipe 10 and the external environment, reduces the loss of cold energy, ensures that the cold energy transferred to the cold plate 20 is used more fully for thermoelectric power generation, improves power generation efficiency, and also reduces thermal interference to the external environment.

[0058] Furthermore, an insulation sheet 19 is attached to one side of the cold plate 20. Attaching the insulation sheet 19 to one side of the cold plate 20 further enhances the insulation performance of the cold plate 20, reduces the loss of cold energy from the cold plate 20 to the surrounding environment, and enables the cold plate 20 to better maintain a low temperature state. This creates a larger temperature difference between the cold plate 20 and the hot plate 16, which is beneficial for improving the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator module 18.

[0059] Furthermore, an emergency shut-off valve 14 is installed on the pressure reducing pipe 1, and the emergency shut-off valve 14 is linked to the gas alarm 13. When the gas concentration is detected to exceed the threshold, the gas supply can be quickly and automatically cut off, effectively preventing the expansion of gas leakage accidents, ensuring the safety of the entire device and the surrounding environment, and meeting industrial safety standards and requirements.

[0060] Furthermore, the cold plate 20, hot plate 16, and fins 17 are made of stainless steel. Using stainless steel for the cold plate 20, hot plate 16, and fins 17 provides excellent high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, enabling the power generation unit to operate in complex environments such as high temperatures (approximately 200°C on the hot plate 16 side), low temperatures (approximately -40°C on the cold plate 20 side), and humidity. This extends the equipment's service life, reduces maintenance costs and equipment failure rates, and ensures the long-term stable operation of the unit.

[0061] Furthermore, a pressure regulating valve 7 and a second pressure gauge 5 are installed on the branch pipe. This allows for precise regulation and real-time monitoring of the LNG pressure entering the heat exchanger 8, ensuring that the LNG participates in the heat exchange process in a suitable state. This is beneficial for stabilizing the output of cold energy and the operating parameters of the power generation unit, thereby improving the overall system's operational stability and reliability.

[0062] The embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of implementations of the inventive concept. The scope of protection of this utility model should not be considered as limited to the specific forms described in the embodiments. The scope of protection of this utility model also extends to equivalent technical means that can be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the co-utilization of LNG waste cold energy, comprising a high-pressure pipe, a vaporizer, a pressure reducing and odorizing section, and a medium-pressure pipe connected in sequence, characterized in that: It also includes a heat exchanger and a power generation unit. The high-pressure pipe is connected to the heat exchanger tube side and the vaporizer through a branch pipe. The power generation unit includes a cold plate and a hot plate. A thermoelectric generator assembly is provided between the cold plate and the hot plate. A serpentine flow channel is provided in the cold plate. The two ends of the serpentine flow channel are connected to the two ends of the heat exchanger shell side through a circulation pipe. A circulation pump is installed on the circulation pipe. Multiple fins are provided on the hot plate. A burner is provided below the multiple fins. The burner is connected to the medium-pressure pipe through a pressure reducing pipe. A pressure regulating box, a flame arrester and a first pressure gauge are installed on the pressure reducing pipe.

2. The Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric generator assembly includes two sets of interconnected power generation units. Each set of power generation units consists of multiple thermoelectric generators. The two sets of power generation units are respectively arranged between two cold plates and two hot plates. The two hot plates are fixedly connected to both ends of the multiple fins, and the two cold plates are respectively arranged on both sides of the fins. The circulation pipe is connected in series with two serpentine flow channels.

3. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Connect the storage tank to the circulation pipe.

4. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Insulating cotton wrapped around the circulation pipe.

5. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An insulation sheet is attached to one side of the cold plate.

6. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An emergency shut-off valve is installed on the pressure reducing pipe, and the emergency shut-off valve is linked to the gas alarm.

7. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cold plate, hot plate, and fins are made of stainless steel.

8. A Seebeck effect power generation device based on the synergistic utilization of LNG waste cold energy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A pressure regulating valve and a second pressure gauge are installed on the branch pipe.

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