Apparatus and method for converting thermal energy in a trilateral cycle into mechanical rotational energy

Abstract

Device and method for converting thermal energy in a trilateral cycle (TLC process) into mechanical rotational energy. A rotation unit for converting the thermal energy of a heated working fluid (AM) into rotational energy using the TLC process is characterized by a continuous tubular line wound in geometric shapes, preferably spirals, and arranged off-center on a support structure. In this tubular line, a uniform, continuous pressure reduction takes place by utilizing the centrifugal force acting on the liquid working fluid, combined with a continuous flash evaporation of the working fluid with simultaneous acceleration and increase in the flow velocity of the working fluid. The partially evaporated or...The liquid working fluid sets the rotation unit into a rotational movement according to the principle of a reaction turbine.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for converting thermal energy into technically usable rotational energy and subsequently electrical energy using a thermodynamic triangular process. State of the art

[0002] Due to the small temperature difference between low-temperature heat sources and possible heat sinks such as surface water or ambient air and the resulting low theoretical efficiency, the most complete possible utilization of the theoretically usable thermal energy is desired in heat engines.

[0003] This is made possible by the realization of a trilateral cycle (TLC process) according to Smith (US4,557,112), which has the theoretically highest exergetic efficiency compared to other thermal power processes such as a steam power, ORC or Kalina process.

[0004] In the TLC process according to Smith (see Fig. 1) a tool goes through the following steps: Isochoric pressure increase (points 1 - 2) Isobaric heat supply without evaporation of the working fluid (points 2 - 3) Isentropic flash evaporation through continuous pressure reduction with simultaneous volume increase and performance of volume work (points 3 - 4) Isobaric heat removal and condensation of the evaporated portion of the working fluid (point 4 - 1)

[0005] The basic structure of a thermal power plant using the TLC process is shown in Fig.2Starting at point 1, a liquid working fluid is brought to a working pressure by a pressure pump. External heat is then added to the working fluid in a heat exchanger. This heat is converted into a rotational movement through partial evaporation of the working fluid in a heat engine, which drives a generator. The resulting working fluid vapor is condensed under low pressure after exiting the heat engine and fed back to the pump together with the remaining liquid working fluid.

[0006] So the cycle begins again.

[0007] The technical challenge of the TLC process lies in the implementation of the partial evaporation of the working fluid in the heat engine as a forced flash evaporation with a falling evaporation curve (see Fig. 2 , TS diagram, course from point 3 to point 4) vertically through the wet steam area of ​​the working fluid.

[0008] The continuous, simultaneous and spatial coexistence of: Active reduction of the working pressure to initiate the flash evaporation of the working fluid. Volume increase through the newly created working fluid vapor or expansion of the already existing working fluid vapor. Performing expansion work through the volume increase with continuous reduction of the working pressure in the wet steam area of ​​the working fluid with a high liquid content. place high technical demands on the heat engine used.

[0009] Various devices are known for implementing the flash evaporation of a TLC process, such as rotary machines, screw and vane expanders, piston machines, and turbine systems. In particular, the large volume expansion of the working fluid of up to 1:300 and pressure expansion of up to 1:20 and more poses a challenge for many devices. [Smith2016], [Francesconi2022] and [Markides_Wang2023] provide a current overview.

[0010] Due to their compactness, simple construction, and especially the potential for large volume and pressure expansion, reaction turbines based on the Heron's ball principle are being intensively researched. Various devices are known: US Patent 4,332,520, June 1, 1982, Fig.1 US Patent 5,236,349, Aug. 17, 1993, Fig.3 US Patent 2006 / 034,677, Feb. 16, 2006, Fig. 3 , 11 EP1350923A1, January 8, 2002, Fig. 1

[0011] These devices were mostly derived from solutions for other technical processes and, according to the invention, have only one stage for flash evaporation.

[0012] This results in an extremely short period of time in which the working fluid undergoes the flash evaporation process, which leads to thermodynamic disadvantages.

[0013] This includes: The flash evaporation does not complete, which leads to unused thermal energy. The pV characteristic of the device does not correspond or only insufficiently corresponds to the pV evaporation characteristic of the working medium, which leads to conversion losses. High speeds of the device, which require additional, loss-prone gears. Risk of component damage at the outlet opening due to droplet erosion, triggered by the rapid, sudden flash evaporation. Components that are complex to manufacture (geometry of the outlet channels and nozzles), which results in a reduction in economic profitability. Poor adaptation of the device to changes in the inlet temperature or the condensation temperature due to the operating points predetermined by the mechanical design, which leads to a restriction of the application area. Object of the invention

[0014] The aim of the present invention is a device for converting low-temperature heat of less than 200°C into technically usable energy according to Fig. 2 realizing the flash evaporation of the TLC process ( Fig. 1 , points 3-4) while simultaneously eliminating the disadvantages of the previously known devices.

[0015] This means that the new technical solution should have the following properties: The flash evaporation process is very slow compared to the state of the art, thus avoiding sudden flash evaporation and the subsequent droplet erosion on mechanical components. The pV characteristic of the device largely corresponds to the pV evaporation characteristic of the working fluid. The flash evaporation of the working fluid is largely completed while simultaneously releasing energy. Adaptation to changes in the thermal ambient parameters such as the temperature of the heat source or the condensation temperature is possible. A large temperature range of the low-temperature heat source and the condensation temperature is covered. A simple to manufacture mechanical construction. Explanation of the solution approach

[0016] The object of converting thermal energy into mechanical rotational energy is achieved according to the invention as defined in the claims by a novel rotating energy converter which, in a novel process using the centrifugal forces acting during each rotation, enables a slow flash evaporation of the working medium after the TLC process compared to the prior art and releases the energy gained as mechanical rotational energy.

[0017] The energy converter is characterized by a rotating support structure on which a continuous, regularly shaped tubular pipe is arranged at varying distances from the rotational axis of the support structure. In this tubular pipe, the centrifugal force acting on the liquid working fluid causes a slow, continuous flash evaporation of the working fluid, resulting in a continuous pressure reduction while simultaneously accelerating and increasing the flow velocity of the liquid or evaporated working fluid. The liquid or partially evaporated working fluid exits a nozzle at high speed at the end of the tubular pipe, causing the energy converter to rotate according to the principle of a reaction turbine (also called a pressure turbine).

[0018] In a spiral arrangement of the tubular line, the working medium rotating at high speed in the line generates an additional angular momentum due to its mass, which is transferred to the energy converter as a counter-impulse according to the laws of angular momentum and generates an additional rotational force.

[0019] What’s new: Structure and design of the energy converter Use of the acting centrifugal forces as device and process internal auxiliary force Use of the laws of angular momentum Conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy deviating from the state of the art in many individual steps along the tubular line Degree of reaction [Wikipedia] of the energy converter approximately 1

[0020] For better differentiation and delimitation from the state of the art, the following applies: the novel energy converter as Rotation unit the entire device with integrated rotation unit as heat engine designated. List of illustrations

[0021] Fig. 1- State of the art: Thermodynamics of the TLC process Fig. 2- State of the art: Structure of a system for energy generation using a heat engine according to the TLC process Fig. 3- State of the art: Design of reaction turbines Fig. 4- General structure of a rotation unit 20 Fig. 5- Structure of a single-rotation unit 30 with a meandering, circularly arranged tubular line 23 Representation of the process of step-by-step slow flash evaporation using the example of the rotation unit 30 Fig. 6- Schematic diagram of the flow of the liquid and evaporated working medium using the example of the meandering, circularly arranged tubular line 23 of the rotation unit 30 Fig. 7- Structure of a single-rotation unit 31 with a flat spirally arranged tubular line 23 Representation of the generation of angular momentum φ using the example of the rotation unit 31 Fig.8- Structure of a single-rotation unit 32 with a wavy, hose-like line 23 laid as a winding Fig. 9- Structure of a single-rotation unit 33 with several hose-like lines 23 laid as a spiral tower 26 Fig.10 - Basic structure of a multi-rotation unit 34 using the example of the single-rotation unit 31 Fig. 11- Basic structure of single-rotation units 31 and 33 for reducing high maximum working pressures Fig. 12- Basic structure of a heat engine 40 with a single-rotation unit or multi-rotation unit Fig. 13- Basic structure of a complete thermal power plant 49 Fig. 14- Representation of the variation of possible operating states in the TS diagram. List of reference symbols and abbreviations used General reference symbols

[0022] AM - working fluid, generally used pA - working pressure, generally used pA max - maximum working pressure p1,p2,p3... - local working pressure in a single section Δp - pressure difference between two local working pressures pR - residual working pressure Δh - height difference r1 - minimum distance of the tubular line laid in geometric shapes from the rotation axis r2 - maximum distance of the tubular line laid in geometric shapes from the rotation axis Δr - difference between r1 and r2 F centrifugal - centrifugal force acting on the liquid working fluid ρ AM - density of the liquid working fluid ρ AD - density of the working fluid vapor ω - angular velocity of the rotating unit φ1 - angular momentum of the rotating working fluid φ2 - counter angular momentum to φ1 Thermodynamic reference symbols

[0023] Numbers 1 - 4 indicate thermodynamic state points for the working fluid in the TS and pV diagram Equipment used and condition

[0024] 10 - Working fluid, warm, general 11 - Working fluid, liquid, warm 12 - Working fluid, vapor, warm 13 - Working fluid, liquid, cold 14 - Working fluid, vapor, cold 15 - Inert auxiliary gas Rotation unit

[0025] 20 - Rotation unit, consisting of: ∘ 21 - Hollow shaft, designed as a rotation axis ∘ 22 - Circular support structure ∘ 23 - Tubular line ∘ 24 - Outlet nozzle ∘ 25 - Thermal insulation 26 - Tubular line laid as a spiral tower 23 30 - Single-rotation unit with meandering tubular line 23 31 - Single-rotation unit with tubular line laid in flat spirals 23 32 - Single-rotation unit with wound, wave-shaped tubular line 23 33 - Single-rotation unit with several (six) tubular lines wound as a spiral tower 26 23 34 - Multi-rotation unit consisting of several single-rotation units 31 Heat engine 40 - Heat engine, with the further components ∘ 41 - pressure-resistant housing ∘ 42 - pivot bearing orRotary bearing bushing ∘ 43 - Rotary bushing for supplying warm working fluid 10 ∘ 44 - Opening for discharging the cold working fluid remaining in liquid form 13 ∘ 45 - Opening for discharging the cold working fluid vapor 14 and the inert auxiliary gas 15 ∘ 46 - Opening for circulating the inert auxiliary gas 15 49 - Thermal power plant complete. Detailed description

[0026] The following description shows: The general structure of the novel rotation unit 20 Structure of a single-rotation unit 30 The novel process of slow, step-by-step flash evaporation using the example of a single-rotation unit 30 Fluid mechanics using the example of a single-rotation unit 30 Structure of a single-rotation unit 31 Generation of angular momentum using the example of a single-rotation unit 31 Structure of a single-rotation unit 32 for low temperature differences Structure of a single-rotation unit 33 with spiral towers 26 Structure of a multi-rotation unit 34 with several single-rotation units Rotation units for high temperature differences Variations in the design of the tubular line 23 Variations in the working fluid General structure of a rotation unit 20

[0027] In the middle of a rotation unit 20 (see Fig. 4) there is a hollow shaft 21 designed as a rotation axis. The hollow shaft 21 has at least one inlet opening on the circumference through which heated working fluid 10 under maximum working pressure pA max is introduced into the inner region of the hollow shaft and at least one outlet opening for discharging the working fluid 10 from the hollow shaft.

[0028] Perpendicular to the hollow shaft 21 there is a support structure 22 which is firmly connected to the hollow shaft 21.

[0029] On the support structure 22 there is at least one pressure-resistant, continuous hose-shaped line 23, which is arranged in regular shapes with varying distances to the axis of rotation on the support structure and fixed thereto (see Fig. 4 symbolic representation).

[0030] The tubular line 23 is connected on the inlet side to the outlet opening of the hollow shaft 21, so that the working fluid 10 located inside the hollow shaft can flow into the line 23. On the outlet side, the line 23 is connected to at least one outlet nozzle 24 located tangentially on the outer circumference of the support structure 22, which is firmly connected to the support structure 22.

[0031] To reduce or avoid thermal losses, the rotation unit 20, in particular the tubular line 23 (see Fig. 4 , section AA) is enclosed with thermal insulation 25. Construction of a single-rotation unit 30 and the process of slow Flash evaporation

[0032] The novel process for realizing a slow stepwise flash evaporation according to the TLC process (see Fig. 1) is based on a large number of small pressure relief steps in the hose-shaped line 23 laid out in regular shapes with varying distances from the axis of rotation, using the centrifugal force F centrifuge acting on the liquid working medium in the line 23 due to the rotation of the entire rotating unit.

[0033] In Fig.5 The interaction of the cable 23, laid in regular shapes with varying distances to the rotation axis, with the centrifugal force F centrifuge is shown using the example of the rotation unit 30. In the rotation unit 30, on a support structure 22 ( Fig. 5a ) a tubular line 23 laid in meanders is arranged in a circular ring.

[0034] In a linear development ( Fig. 5b) the line 23 appears like a series of interconnected U-shaped sections, with the lower arcs of the U-shaped sections pointing outwards and having a distance r2 from the axis of rotation.

[0035] The internal connections from one U-shaped section to the next section have a smaller distance r1 to the rotation axis.

[0036] The difference between the two distances r1 and r2 is Δr.

[0037] The legs of the individual U-shaped sections that are radial to the supporting structure are filled with working fluid vapor or liquid fluid. The pressure p1 in the upper vapor-filled leg (see Fig.5b ) of the first U-shaped section is higher than the pressure p2 in the second section, and this is even higher than the pressure p3 in the third steam-filled section. Therefore, p2 = p1 - Δp and p3 = p2 - Δp.

[0038] The cause of the pressure difference Δp is the centrifugal force F centrifugal which is generated by the rotation of the entire rotation unit 30 and acts on the working fluid located in the legs of the U-shaped sections.

[0039] A centrifugal force is initially generated equally by the working fluid vapor 12 and the liquid working fluid 11. Due to its higher density, the liquid working fluid 11 generates a significantly stronger centrifugal force than the already evaporated gaseous working fluid 12. This results in a force imbalance between the centrifugal force of the working fluid vapor 12 and the liquid working fluid 11 in the two legs of a U-shaped section.

[0040] This force imbalance prevents the higher pressure p1 (or p2) from pushing the fluid into the next section with the lower pressure p2 (or p3). A height difference Δh arises for the fluid between the two legs of a U-shaped section, reflecting the pressure difference Δp between two adjacent sections.

[0041] The height difference Δh or the pressure difference Δp (see Fig. 5b ) are variable and depend on: the difference in density of the liquid working medium ρ AM and the working medium vapor ρ AD the rotational speed ω the difference Δr between the minimum distance r1 and the maximum distance r2 of the line 23 to the rotation axis

[0042] Due to a large number of these U-shaped sections with individual pressure differences Δp, the maximum working pressure pA max is gradually reduced in the rotation unit 30 over the length of the tubular line 23 down to a low residual pressure pR.

[0043] In Fig. 5c is that too Fig. 5a and 5b corresponding pV diagram with a representation of the position of the individual steps of the flash evaporation with the pressure difference Δp.

[0044] The summation of the individual steps results in a pV diagram as in Fig. 5d shown. Fluid mechanics of the single-rotation unit 30

[0045] In the rotation unit 30 after Fig.5 As described above, a continuous reduction of the working pressure pA from section to section occurs through a plurality of U-shaped sections of the tubular line 23. While in Fig. 5a quasi-static state is shown, the working medium is in reality subject to continuous supply of new working medium 10 from the hollow shaft 21 into the tubular line 23 (see Fig. 4 ) of a current.

[0046] In order to flow, the still liquid working medium 11 or the already existing working medium vapor 12 must overcome the blocking effect of the liquid working medium 11 caused by the centrifugal force. Overcoming the blocking effect of the liquid working medium for the working medium vapor takes place in various processes which are described in Fig.6 For easier understanding, U-shaped sections of the rotation unit 30 are shown here Fig.5 shown.

[0047] In Fig. 6aThe simplest case is shown, which typically occurs at the beginning of the hose-shaped line 23. Newly supplied liquid working fluid 10 flows under the pressure p4 into the right leg of the U-shaped section, reducing the height difference Δh and thus the pressure difference Δp caused by the centrifugal force, which the liquid working fluid can build up between the right and left legs. If the pressure difference Δp that can be generated by the height difference Δh becomes smaller than the actual pressure difference between the local working pressures p4 and p5, liquid working fluid flows from the left leg of a U-shaped section into the right leg of the next section with the lower working pressure p5, which leads to further changes in the subsequent U-shaped sections.

[0048] In the liquid working medium which has now flowed in and is now under working pressure p5 (see Fig. 6b), the lower working pressure p5 at this point results in minor flash evaporation of the working fluid. The resulting working fluid vapor bubbles increase the volume of the liquid working fluid due to their bubble volume and raise the liquid level in the left leg of the U-shaped section to such an extent that additional liquid working fluid flows to the left into the next section.

[0049] This leads to (see Fig.6c) that the remaining quantity of liquid working fluid 11 and thus the pressure difference Δp that can be generated by the liquid working fluid is lower than the actual pressure difference between p4 and p5. As a result, the blocking effect of the liquid working fluid can no longer be maintained. There is a direct flow of working fluid vapor 12, which is at the working pressure p4, into the next section under the working pressure p5. Subsequently, the volume of the working fluid vapor that has flowed through and was previously at working pressure p4 increases due to expansion due to the now lower working pressure p5. The local working pressure p5 is slightly increased, which leads to further changes in the subsequent U-shaped sections.

[0050] The Fig. 6a to 6cThe processes described here do not occur individually and in isolation, but always in combination. Flow and balancing reactions occur continuously across multiple sections.

[0051] Through the action of a large number of these local pressure differences, the process of flash evaporation of the working fluid takes place according to the TLC process (see Fig.1 ) in comparison to the state of the art, very slowly in many individual steps and thus follows the pV evaporation characteristic of the working medium almost ideally.

[0052] The Fig. 6 The processes shown produce a continuous increase in the volume of the working medium vapor 12 and thus a flow of the liquid working medium 11 and the working medium vapor 12 through the hose-like line 23.

[0053] The continuously increasing volume of the working medium vapor 12 causes a continuous increase in the flow velocity of the working medium vapor 12 or of the still liquid working medium 11 through the hose-like line 23. This means that the thermal energy consumed during the evaporation of the working medium is converted into kinetic energy of the flowing working medium.

[0054] The continuous increase in the flow velocity results in the cooled working fluid vapor 14 and the cooled, liquid working fluid 13 exiting the outlet nozzle 24 at the end of the tubular line 23 at a low residual working pressure pR at a very high flow velocity.

[0055] This results in the recoil force typical of reaction turbines, which is transmitted from the outlet nozzle 24 to the support structure 22 and further to the hollow shaft 21. This force can then be used by the hollow shaft 21 as mechanical rotation to drive, for example, a generator.

[0056] While in reaction turbines according to the state of the art (see Fig.3 ) the conversion of the entire thermal energy takes place in the nozzle [see Wikipedia], takes place in a rotation unit according to Fig.5 the conversion of thermal energy over the entire length of the tubular line 23 takes place with a significantly higher efficiency. Construction of a single-rotation unit 31 and creation of angular momentum

[0057] The arrangement of the hose-like line 23 as a meander as in Fig.5 shown is disadvantageous in terms of fluid mechanics, as it is associated with an abrupt change of direction in each section, which leads to flow resistance.

[0058] A continuous flow without abrupt changes in direction is more advantageous. This is achieved by a hose-like line 23 which, as in Fig.7a shown, is arranged in flat, circular spirals on the support structure 22.

[0059] In the linear development of line 23 (see Fig.7b, 7c ) is the direct analogy of the arrangement of the spirally laid tubular line 23 to the Fig.5 The line 23 shown here is laid in meanders. The same principles apply as for Fig.5 and 6 explained.

[0060] The arrangement of the hose-like line 23 on the support structure 22 in flat, circular spirals, in combination with a high flow velocity, leads to the generation of an angular momentum.

[0061] As in Fig. 7bAs shown, the working fluid flows clockwise in the spiral-shaped conduit 23. This creates an angular momentum φ1 that is also directed clockwise. Due to the higher density, this angular momentum is caused in particular by the liquid working fluid 11.

[0062] The angular momentum φ1 (see Fig.7b ), whose pivot point is off-center from the rotation axis (of the hollow shaft 21) of the rotation unit 31, generates a counter-impulse φ2 according to the impulse laws (see Fig. 7a ), which acts on the rotation unit 31 via the support structure 22. The counter-angular momentum φ2 has an opposite direction of rotation to φ1, ie φ2 rotates counterclockwise.

[0063] Due to the inventive tangential clockwise orientation of the outlet nozzle 24, the direction of rotation of the rotation unit resulting from the recoil force of the outlet nozzle 24 and the direction of rotation resulting from the counter-momentum φ2 are identically counterclockwise and thus overlap. This means that in addition to the recoil force of the outlet nozzle 24, there is a second force, the angular momentum φ2, that causes the rotation unit 31 to rotate. Construction of a single-rotation unit 32 for low temperature differences

[0064] The conversion of small temperature differences into mechanical energy is often desired. This is not possible with current technology, as the small temperature differences only allow for small pressure differences while simultaneously generating a large volume increase due to the resulting steam.

[0065] With a rotation unit 32 (see Fig.8) and a corresponding design of the tubular line 23, even small temperature differences can be converted into mechanical energy.

[0066] If you take the Fig.5 shown meandering line 23 and reduces the height of the individual sections to a flat wave shape, an arrangement of the line 23 as a concentric winding with individual wave-shaped sections as in Fig.8a shown. In the linear development of line 23 (see Fig.8b ) you can see the principle of the individual U-shaped sections as Fig.5 explained again.

[0067] Only minimal pressure differences Δp can be generated between the individual elongated U-shaped sections, which nevertheless allow a slow and gradual conversion of thermal energy into mechanical flow energy over a large number of sections. Construction of a single-rotation unit 33 with spiral towers 26

[0068] As before Fig. 5 As explained, the basis for the inventive function of a rotation unit 20 is the formation of a pressure difference Δp between two successive sections.

[0069] For this purpose, as in Fig. 7 shown, the hose-like line 23 can be arranged in spirals as a flat circular ring.

[0070] Another possibility of the spiral arrangement of the tubular line 23 is in the form of superimposed spirals as a spiral tower 26 as in Fig. 9b For reasons of symmetry and to avoid imbalance, at least two spiral towers 26 must be arranged on a support structure 22. This structure is referred to as the rotation unit 33.

[0071] In Fig.9a An example of a rotation unit 33 with 6 spiral towers 26 is shown, but other arrangements with 2-5 or more than 6 spiral towers are also possible.

[0072] As in Fig.9cAs shown, in a tubular line 23 arranged off-center on a support structure 22 as a spiral tower 26, the same laws of the formation of a pressure difference Δp and an angular momentum φ1 act as in a tubular line 23 arranged in flat spirals according to Fig.7 .

[0073] With a corresponding design of the hollow shaft 21 for supplying the warm working fluid 10 with individual lines to the individual spiral towers 26, the individual spiral towers can be switched on or off when the thermal conditions change. A corresponding control and regulation system controls the switching on or off of the individual spiral towers 26. Structure of a multi-rotation unit 34

[0074] The structurally simple design of a single-rotation unit allows, as in Fig.10 shown, to increase the mechanical performance several single-rotation units (in Fig.10a total of 4 single-rotation units 31) on a common hollow shaft 21. This design is referred to as a multi-rotation unit 34.

[0075] By combining different types of single-rotation units (30-33) into a multi-rotation unit 34, the adaptability to changes in the maximum working temperature or the condensation temperature is increased.

[0076] With a corresponding design of the hollow shaft 21 with several separate lines for the supply of the warm working fluid 10 as in Fig.10 As shown in section AA, the individual rotation units can be switched on or off depending on changes in thermal conditions. A corresponding control and regulation system controls the number of rotation units switched on or off.

[0077] To avoid or reduce thermal losses, the multi-rotation unit 34, in particular the tubular lines 23 (see Fig.10 ) is enclosed with a thermal insulation 25. Rotation units for high pressure differences

[0078] Depending on the working fluid used, maximum working temperature or condensation temperature, a high pressure difference arises between the maximum working pressure pA max and the residual working pressure pR, which, as previously explained, must be reduced in the individual spirals of the hose-like line 23 via the individual pressure differences Δp. Thus, in the case of high pressure differences, a correspondingly large number of individual sections of the hose-like line 23 are required. For this purpose, as in Fig. 11 shown, different variants for implementation.

[0079] In Fig.11aa rotation unit 31 with a large number of individual spirals is shown, whereby there are limitations due to the base area of ​​the support structure 22 and the mechanical properties of the hose-like line 23.

[0080] Another variant of a rotation unit for high pressure differences consists in the use of a rotation unit 33 with spiral towers. The hose-like lines 23 of the individual spiral towers 26 are connected to each other in such a way (see Fig.11b ), that the mixture of liquid working medium 11 and working medium vapor 12 passes successively through several spiral towers before exiting from an outlet nozzle 24. Depending on the number of spiral towers used in a rotation unit 34, a variable interconnection is also possible.

[0081] Likewise, in a multi-rotation unit 34, high pressure differences can be reduced by connecting the individual single-rotation units in series. Variations in the design of the tubular line 23

[0082] As before Fig.5 As shown, the basic condition for the inventive function of a rotation unit 20 is that a pressure difference Δp arises in a tubular line 23 between two adjacent sections during rotation.

[0083] To optimize the performance and the technical properties of the rotary unit resulting from the increasing steam volume, a change in the pressure difference Δp is desirable during the flash evaporation process. This can be achieved by varying the tubular line 23.

[0084] Thus, in a first variant, the difference Δr between the radii r1 and r2 of the tubular line 23 (see Fig.5 , 7 , 8 , 9) from the beginning to the end. A reduction in Δr leads to a reduction in the possible height difference Δh and thus in the maximum pressure difference Δp. Conversely, an increase in Δr is also possible with an increase in the maximum pressure difference Δp.

[0085] Another variant involves varying the distance of the tubular line 23 from the rotation axis from the beginning to the end while maintaining a constant difference Δr. A reduction in the distance leads to a reduction in the maximum pressure difference Δp due to the similarly decreasing centrifugal force. Increasing the distance and thus increasing the maximum pressure difference Δp is also possible here.

[0086] The rapidly changing flow volume of liquid working fluid 11 and working fluid vapor 12 can be accommodated as a further option with a tubular line 23 that has a cross-sectional area that varies from beginning to end. An increase in the cross-sectional area leads to a reduction in the flow velocity, while a reduction in the cross-sectional area leads to an increase in the flow velocity.

[0087] Depending on the specific application or area of ​​use, combinations of the mentioned variations as well as other variants can also be used. Variations in the work equipment

[0088] The classic TLC process according to Smith (see Fig.1) operates with a working fluid 10, which is typically a single chemical compound that partially evaporates isentropically in step 4. "Partially" means that the entire amount of heated working fluid never evaporates. Depending on the working fluid used, operating temperatures, and the temperature difference between heating and condensation, more than half of the working fluid remains cooled in the liquid state. This remaining liquid portion of the working fluid serves only as a heat reservoir in the original TLC process and provides the thermal energy for the evaporating portion of the working fluid.

[0089] Here, the solution of a binary mixture acts as the working fluid, replacing the remaining liquid portion of the working fluid with a second, chemically different compound. At the same pressure, this second compound always has a higher vaporization temperature than the first, vaporizing compound. As a result, the second compound always remains liquid and never converts to vapor. It serves solely as a heat reservoir for the complete vaporization of the first chemical compound.

[0090] A change in the mixing ratio of the two compounds allows easy adaptation of the energy converter to changing temperatures or temperature differences between the heat source and the condensation.

[0091] The use of a binary mixture as a working medium has no influence on the physical course of the TLC process, the technical function of the rotation unit 20 or the operation of the heat engine.

[0092] In the classic TLC process, it is also usual to work with a heated and pressurized working medium 10, which is completely in the liquid state when fed to the heat engine.

[0093] The newly developed and technically very simple design of a rotation unit 20 with a tubular line 23 allows operation with a working fluid 10 that is already in a partially vaporized state. This means that the warm working fluid 10 supplied to the rotation unit 20 can be a mixture of heated liquid working fluid 11 and already formed working fluid vapor 12.

[0094] This property extends the working range of the rotation unit 20 to variable temperatures, such as those that can occur during the day during solar thermal heating. Example of a heat engine 40

[0095] A single-rotation unit or a multi-rotation unit is the essential element of a heat engine 40 whose structure in Fig. 12 is shown.

[0096] In Fig. 12a a heat engine with a single-rotation unit is shown, in Fig. 12b a heat engine with a multi-rotation unit.

[0097] A heat engine 40 consists of at least the following components: a single or multi-rotation unit 20 a pressure-resistant housing 41 with rotary bearings or rotary bearing bushings 42 for rotatably mounting the rotation unit 20 rotary bushings 43 for supplying warm working fluid 10 into the hollow shaft 21 of the rotation unit an opening 44 in the lower area of ​​the housing 41 for discharging the remaining liquid cold working fluid 13 and an opening 45 in the upper area of ​​the housing 41 for discharging the cold working fluid vapor 14 an opening 46 in the middle area of ​​the housing 41 for circulating an inert auxiliary gas 15

[0098] To operate the heat engine 40, heated working fluid 10 at maximum working pressure pA max is introduced from the outside into the rotary union 43 and from there further into the hollow shaft 21 of the rotary unit.

[0099] The rotation unit converts the thermal energy of the working medium 10 into a mechanical rotation of the rotation unit or the hollow shaft 21. The rotation of the hollow shaft 21 is then transmitted via a rotary bearing bushing 42 to a generator, where it generates electrical energy.

[0100] The cooled liquid working fluid 13 and the cooled working fluid vapor 14 emerging from the rotation unit are collected in the housing 41.

[0101] The liquid working medium 13 flows out through the opening 44 in the lower area of ​​the housing 41 to be reheated.

[0102] The working fluid vapor 14 flows together with parts of the inert auxiliary gas 15 through the opening 45 in the upper region of the housing 41 to a condenser for liquefaction.

[0103] The inert auxiliary gas 15 flows into the housing 41 through the opening 46 located in the central region.

[0104] The Fig.12The illustrated arrangement of the rotation unit 20 with a vertical rotation axis is the preferred arrangement. However, in principle, a horizontal or inclined arrangement of the rotation axis is also possible without affecting the basic function of the rotation unit 20.

[0105] In Fig. 13 The structure of a complete thermal power plant 49 with a heat engine 40 is shown. The working fluid vapor 14 exiting the heat engine 40 flows, together with portions of the inert auxiliary gas 15, to a condenser for removing the entropy while liquefying the working fluid vapor 14. After condensation, the now cold, liquid working fluid 13 flows to a collecting tank.

[0106] In the condenser, the inert auxiliary gas is separated from the liquid cold working medium 13 and flows slightly cooled through the opening 46 back to the heat engine 40.

[0107] The cold working fluid 13 remaining liquid in the heat engine 40 also flows from the heat engine 40 to the collecting tank.

[0108] A pump draws the cold liquid working fluid 13 from the collection tank, pressurizes it to the maximum working pressure pA max, and pumps it to a heater for heating to the maximum working temperature. The pressurized and heated working fluid 10 is then fed back to the rotation unit 20 for conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy.

[0109] The inert auxiliary gas 15 circulating between the heat engine 40 and the condenser performs functions for controlling the flow direction of the cold working fluid vapor 14 and for pressure equalization between the condenser and the heat engine 40.

[0110] Gases such as nitrogen (N 2 ) or carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) can be used as inert auxiliary gas.

[0111] A control and regulation system adapts the supplied quantity of heated working medium 10, the mixing ratio of a binary working medium 10 or the number of single-rotation units 20 of a multi-rotation unit switched on or off to changes in the temperature of the low-temperature heat source, the condensation temperature or the available energy quantity of the low-temperature heat source.

[0112] Not shown are various auxiliary systems such as: Starting aid devices for initial commissioning Measuring sensors as well as process control and regulation technology Heat storage Filter systems for cleaning the liquid working fluid Filling, removal and refilling systems for the working fluid

[0113] In Fig.14 In addition, various operating scenarios are shown as TS diagrams of the work equipment. Fig. 14a- Course under basic operating conditions (dashed lines) defined by the temperature of the heat source and the condensation temperature Fig. 14b - Process with increased heat source temperature. Example: Using solar thermal energy as a heat source in summer. The starting point of flash evaporation (point 3) is shifted upward. More thermal energy is converted than under baseline operating conditions. Fig. 14c - Curve with increased condensation temperature. Example: Using geothermal energy as a heat source and cooling with ambient air in summer. The condensation curve from point 4 to point 1 is shifted upward. The relaxation curve from point 3 to point 4 is shortened. Less energy is converted than under basic operating conditions. Fig. 14d- Course with increased temperature of the heat source and increased condensation temperature Example: Use of solar thermal energy as a heat source and cooling by ambient air in summer Depending on the temperature difference between points 2 and 3, more or less thermal energy can be converted than under basic operating conditions. Literature:

[0114] [Smith2016] IK Smith Total flow and other systems involving two-phase expansion Geothermal Power Generation 2016, pp. 321-351 http: / / dx.doi.org / 10.1016 / B978-0-08-100337-4.00012-7 [Francesconi2022] Francesconi, M.; Briola, S.; Antonelli, M. A Review on Two-Phase Volumetric Expanders and Their Applications Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 10328. https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / app122010328 [Markides_Wang2023] Christos N. Markides, Kai Wang Power Generation Technologies for Low-Temperature and Distributed Heat DOI: https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / B978-0-12-818022-8.00003-X 2023 Elsevier Ltd. [Wikipedia] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Reaktionsgrad

Claims

1. Rotation unit (20) for converting the thermal energy of a warm working medium (10) in a flash evaporation according to the TLC process into rotational energy, characterized by : • a hollow shaft (21) designed as a rotation axis with at least one inlet opening on the circumference for supplying liquid under maximum working pressure pA maxstanding and heated working medium (10) into the inner area of ​​the hollow shaft (21) and at least one outlet opening on the circumference for discharging the working medium (10) from the hollow shaft • at least one support structure (22) which is firmly connected to the hollow shaft (21) and arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation • at least one outlet nozzle (24) which is fixed tangentially to the outer edge of the support structure (22) • at least one pressure-resistant, continuous hose-shaped line (23) which is arranged on the support structure (22) and which is laid and fixed on the support structure (22) in at least 5 geometric shapes with an alternating decreasing and increasing distance from the axis of rotation ∘ ∘ on the inlet side with the at least one outlet opening of the hollow shaft (21) for admitting the working medium (10) at maximum working pressure pA maxstanding heated liquid working medium (10) is connected into the tubular line (23) ∘ is connected on the output side to the at least one outlet nozzle (24) for discharging liquid remaining and cooled working medium (13) under a residual pressure pR and cold working medium vapor (14) also under residual pressure pR, thereby generating a recoil force acting on the support structure (22).

2. Rotation unit (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one pressure-resistant, continuous tubular line (23) is designed as a self-supporting 3D structure without a supporting structure (22).

3. Rotation unit (20) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the supplied working medium 10 is a mixture of liquid working medium (11) and working medium vapor (12).

4. Rotation unit (20) according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the working fluid (WTF) consists of a single chemical compound.

5. Rotation unit (20) according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the working medium (AM) consists of a binary mixture of two chemically different compounds, wherein in the rotation unit (20) one of these compounds evaporates completely and the second compound always remains liquid and acts as a non-evaporating heat carrier which supplies heat of evaporation for the evaporation of the first compound.

6. Single-rotation unit (30) according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the at least one pressure-resistant, continuous hose-shaped line (23) is laid in a circular ring in meanders with varying distances from the axis of rotation.

7. Single-rotation unit (31) according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the at least one pressure-resistant, continuous hose-shaped line (23) is laid in a circular ring in flat spirals with varying distances from the axis of rotation.

8. Single-rotation unit (32) according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the at least one pressure-resistant, continuous tubular line (23) is laid as a concentric winding in a wave shape with a varying distance from the axis of rotation.

9. Single-rotation unit (33) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that at least two tubular lines (23) are arranged as spiral towers (26) with varying distances from the axis of rotation on a support structure (22).

10. Multi-rotation unit (34), characterized by that several rotation units 20 according to one of claims 1 to 9 are arranged on a common hollow shaft (21).

11. Rotation unit (33, 34) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by that the supply of warm working fluid (10) to the individual single-rotation units (30, 31, 32) or spiral towers (26) can be individually switched on or off.

12. Heat engine (40) for converting thermal energy into rotational energy using the TLC process, characterized by: • At least one rotation unit (20, 30 - 34) according to one of claims 1 to 11 • A pressure-resistant housing (41) with rotary bearings (42) for receiving and rotatably positioning the rotation unit (20, 30 - 34) in the housing (41) • at least one rotary feedthrough (43) for supplying liquid, pressurized and heated working medium (10) into the inner region of the hollow shaft (21) of the rotation unit (20, 30, 31, 32) • an electrical generator connected to the hollow shaft (21) of the rotation unit (20, 30 - 34) or another technical device for using the mechanical energy generated by the rotation unit (20, 30 - 34) • at least one opening (44) on the bottom of the housing (41) for discharging the cold working medium (13) that remains in liquid form. • at least one opening (45) in the upper region of the housing (41) for discharging the resulting cold working medium vapor (14) • at least one opening (46) for circulating an inert auxiliary gas.

13. Heat engine (40) according to claim 12, characterized in that it has a control and regulation system which, in order to adapt the heat engine (40) to • changes in the temperature of the low-temperature heat source, • the condensation temperature or • the available energy quantity of the low-temperature heat source, regulates the • supplied quantity of heated working medium (10) • the mixing ratio of a binary working medium (10) or • the number of spiral towers (26) of a single-rotation unit (33) or of the single-rotation units (20, 30 - 32) of a multi-rotation unit (34) that are switched on or off.

14. Method for converting the thermal energy of a warm working medium (10) in a flash evaporation according to the TLC process into rotational energy by means of a rotation unit with a • laid in at least 5 geometric shapes with varying distances from the axis of rotation • through which the liquid working medium (11, 13) and working medium vapor (12, 14) flow • rotating with the rotation unit, a tubular line (23), characterized bythat: in each section of the line (23) with a distance of the line (23) to the axis of rotation that decreases in the direction of flow, a partial counterpressure (Δp) is created locally by the centrifugal force acting on the liquid working medium (11, 13) located in the line (23), which counteracts the local working pressure (pA) or the flow of the liquid and vaporous working medium (11, 12, 13, 14) and thus enables a gradual, slow flash evaporation of the warm working medium (11) in the line (23).

15. A method for converting the thermal energy of a warm working medium (10) in a flash evaporation according to the TLC process into rotational energy, characterized in thatthe liquid and vaporized working medium (11, 12, 13, 14) flowing in a rotation unit (31, 33) with a spirally laid tubular line (23) generates a rotational pulse (φ1) by an off-center circular movement in the line (23), which is transmitted to the rotation unit (31) as a counter-pulse (φ2).

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