Heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smooth, cylindrical stainless steel tube-shaped heat exchanger (Figure 1) consisting of three tubes (5-6-7) for vaporizing water (seawater, pure water, freshwater, or wastewater) to produce steam (3) by a concentrated solar thermal energy process, using geothermal heat and other forms of heat with cogeneration, and by extension, for producing steam and producing hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis. For its process applications, it takes the form of a cylindrical tube with a variable diameter (8-9) depending on the quantity of water (2) to be vaporized, and with a length (8) and width (9) defined and modulated based on the flow parameters of a heat transfer fluid (1-4) heated by concentrated solar energy in situ.The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger is characterized by its unique process interaction capacity, whereby heat transfer occurs by convection and conduction through the tube (6), i.e., heat transfer from a hot body, the oil-carrying fluid (7), to a cooler body (5), which is a water-carrying fluid (2). This can be achieved through simple installations in areas exposed to sunlight, such as subsoil or a medium- or high-enthalpy geothermal well.Once the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger is installed and configured, piping systems carry water (2) into the designated space and then to the heat transfer system according to the invention. There, the fluid temperature is raised above its boiling point, and the water is then returned to the surface via the same piping system to be vaporized by venting it (3) outside the heat exchanger. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, by its method of use, relates in its functions to methods of vaporizing water (seawater, freshwater, and wastewater) by evaporation.

Description

Title of the invention: EC3 Heat Exchanger

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam and electricity production system with cogeneration by a heat exchanger in the form of three smooth stainless steel cylindrical tubes. This system, through methods of vaporizing pure water, fresh water or seawater, makes it possible to produce, on the one hand, saturated or dry steam, by a concentrated solar thermal energy process, geothermal heat or other heat source, and on the other hand, by cogeneration, to obtain electrical energy, hydrogen and oxygen at very low cost.

[0002] I - Technical fields

[0003] The present invention of a heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube, which we shall call EC3, is a process by which heat transfer is achieved by convection, which means a temperature difference between two media, a fluid which is water (fresh, pure or sea) and a heat flux from a solid body, in another cylindrical stainless steel tube filled with a highly hot heat transfer fluid (oil or molten salt) heated or reheated by a concentrated solar power plant.

[0004] The heat exchanger, in the form of a smooth, cylindrical stainless steel tube, is installed on the surface within a cylindrical tank, following preliminary work carried out on land next to parabolic concentrating solar collectors or in basements, with or without the cylindrical tank, or in medium- or high-enthalpy geothermal wells, if geothermal heat conditions and heat fluxes permit. For its operation, the energy used can be concentrated solar energy or geothermal energy, two primary, local, abundant, and inexhaustible natural energy resources on Earth.

[0005] For the present invention, the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, by virtue of its design and thermal process, optimizes the convective heat transfer vector from a hot body to a colder body. To this end, the renewable energy used, concentrated solar power, plays a significant role in the function of the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, ensuring that the (fresh, pure) water circulating within the exchanger is ultimately vaporized upon exiting the heat exchanger or outside the cylindrical tube, before being sent to the steam turbine for electricity generation.

[0006] For the invention, the proposed stainless steel cylindrical tube-shaped heat exchanger and concentrated solar energy as the energy carrier are closely linked. By utilizing this energy source, the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger has the unique ability to replace the fossil fuels currently used for steam and power production—electricity, hydrogen, and oxygen. Indeed, in the coming decades, global energy needs and access requirements will inevitably increase. Faced with legitimate demands, fossil fuels, which are dwindling and polluting the atmosphere with carbon dioxide, can no longer be the universal solution. It is therefore crucial to find new energy resources that are preferably non-polluting, free of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, clean, sustainable, reliable, accessible, and renewable.Solar and geothermal energy have the potential to provide answers to these planetary challenges. We live on a virtually unlimited and infinite energy reserve.

[0007] To capture this heat from solar energy, a heat transfer fluid is required, which can be either oil or molten salt in our system. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger proposed here according to the invention produces water vapor by means of a heat flow originating from a solid body within the same stainless steel cylindrical tube.

[0008] Adapted to current steam production systems, for very large energy production capacities, the proposed patent uses concentrated solar energy in its process. It thus makes it possible to produce abundant steam at very low production costs, with no costs other than those of investment and operation, for steam and electricity, hydrogen and oxygen.

[0009] II - Fields of application

[0010] The patent's applications relate to current steam production systems, with a view to producing, on the one hand, steam (fresh, pure, seawater) and, on the other hand, through the resulting cogeneration process, producing energy in the form of electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and drinking water at very low production costs, below current market prices under optimal conditions. We can avoid greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.

[0011] For the purposes of this patent, among heat exchangers, there are several types of heat exchanger processes, distinguished by their design, configuration, and mode of operation. Here are some different heat exchanger processes: 1. Counterflow heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids flow in opposite directions, allowing for efficient heat transfer. 2. Co-current heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids flow in the same direction, allowing for efficient heat transfer, but generally less efficient than counter-current heat exchangers. 3. Double-tube heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids circulate in concentric tubes, allowing for efficient heat transfer and high design flexibility. 4. Plate heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids circulate through thin plates, allowing for efficient heat transfer and a large exchange surface area. 5. Shell and tube heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids flow through tubes arranged in bundles, allowing for efficient heat transfer and high design flexibility. 6. Heat recovery heat exchangers: these heat exchangers are used to recover waste heat from industrial processes and reuse it for other applications. 7. Condensing heat exchangers: These heat exchangers are used to recover the latent heat of condensation from process fluids, enabling efficient heat recovery. 8. There are many other types of heat exchangers, each designed to meet specific heat transfer needs.

[0012] The various heat exchanger processes all aim to transfer heat from one fluid to another. They therefore share certain common characteristics, such as: 1. A heat exchange surface: all heat exchangers have a heat exchange surface, which is where the hot and cold fluids come into contact and transfer heat. 2. Conduits for fluids: Heat exchangers have conduits to allow hot and cold fluids to flow through the exchanger and transfer heat. 3. Controlled fluid flow: To maximize heat transfer efficiency, heat exchangers must control the flow of hot and cold fluids. 4. A heat-conducting material: all heat exchangers are made from heat-conducting materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc. 5. Thermal insulation: To minimize heat loss, heat exchangers can be thermally insulated to reduce unwanted heat transfer between the external environment and process fluids. 6. Application-specific design and configuration: Each heat exchanger process has a specific design and configuration that is tailored to the needs of the application for which the heat exchanger is used.

[0013] These common features allow the different heat exchanger processes to operate efficiently to transfer heat from one fluid to another in a variety of applications.

[0014] The quantification and measurement of the energy expended for the different heat exchanger processes depends on several factors, such as the type of heat exchanger, the temperature and flow rate of the fluids, the material used for the manufacture of the heat exchanger, and the operating conditions.

[0015] Here are some common methods for quantifying and measuring the energy expended for the different heat exchanger processes: 1. Temperature measurement: The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of process fluids can be measured to determine the amount of heat transferred. 2. Fluid flow measurement: Fluid flow can be measured using a flow meter to calculate the amount of heat transferred. 3. Thermal analysis: Thermal analysis can be used to measure the amount of heat transferred inside the heat exchanger by measuring the temperature gradients inside the ducts. 4. Pressure measurements: Pressure measurements can be used to determine the resistance of fluids through the heat exchanger and the amount of work required to circulate it. 5. Simulation models: Simulation models can be used to predict the performance of a heat exchanger under different operating conditions and to calculate the amount of energy expended for the operation of the heat exchanger.

[0016] By using one or more of these measurement methods, it is possible to quantify and measure the energy expended for the various heat exchanger processes. This information can be used to improve the energy efficiency of heat transfer systems and to reduce energy consumption.

[0017] The amount of energy expended to produce steam using a heat exchanger depends on the steam production process used, as well as the efficiency of the heat exchanger itself. There are several steam production processes using a heat exchanger, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of energy efficiency.

[0018] It is important to note that energy efficiency also depends on the quality and design of the heat exchanger itself, as well as the overall efficiency of the steam production system. Methods such as optimizing the heat exchanger design, using high-quality heat-conducting materials, and optimizing combustion processes can help improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of energy expended to produce steam.

[0019] There is no heat exchanger in itself that expends more energy than another. Indeed, the role of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat from one fluid to another, without producing or consuming energy itself.

[0020] However, the choice of a heat exchanger type can influence the energy consumption of a system as a whole. For example, some types of heat exchangers may have greater heat losses than others due to their design, material, or size. This can result in increased energy consumption to maintain the desired temperature or to compensate for heat losses.

[0021] In addition, the choice of working fluid, inlet and outlet temperature, fluid pressure and velocity, as well as insulation efficiency, can also affect the amount of energy expended in a heat exchanger system.

[0022] It is therefore important to consider the entire heat production and cooling system, as well as all the parameters that influence the performance of the heat exchanger, in order to evaluate the overall energy efficiency of a heat exchanger system and identify opportunities for improvement.

[0023] By using concentrated solar energy or geothermal energy, the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger makes it possible to replace the fossil fuels consumed today and to reserve and / or allocate them, according to their specific characteristics, to other economic sectors. The present invention, through its process, makes it possible to save on maintenance costs due to the simplicity of its operating system, and finally to avoid carbon dioxide releases and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

[0024] Complementary applications

[0025] The present invention relates to methods of producing water vapor.

[0026] However, in another application, it is important to specify that, as with the production of pure fresh and seawater steam, the technical process of the smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger can also, after the production of steam and electricity, ultimately produce hydrogen, oxygen, and potable water. Indeed, the heat exchanger's function is twofold: first, to heat the water for vaporization using thermal production methods to obtain pure fresh and seawater steam; and second, through cogeneration, to obtain electrical energy, hydrogen, and oxygen at very low cost. With water and electricity, we thus have the two essential elements for obtaining hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis. The pure hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolyzer are the most suitable for all types of industrial applications.Furthermore, as with steam production, the heat exchanger of the present invention, through the use of concentrated solar energy, enables low production costs with significant hydrogen and oxygen production capacities. The cylindrical stainless steel tube heat exchanger used for this particular application is identical to that used in steam production methods; therefore, the patent claims are identical.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be used effectively in fields such as hot water production, space and urban heating, greenhouse cultivation in agriculture and fish farming, air conditioning and cooling applications, industrial processes, and steam supply to industrial enterprises. The production units are completely self-contained and will not use any fossil fuels in their operations and will produce no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.

[0028] Description of the invention

[0029] For its applications, the proposed patent is simple in concept, reliable in principle, adaptable in operation, and efficient due to its horizontal, vertical, or various angled in situ positioning, primarily in medium- or high-enthalpy (solar or geothermal) zones. The installation, layout, and positioning of the heat exchanger can be varied. It can be installed either on the surface with a concentrated solar thermal power plant [Fig. 7] or at depth with an underground geothermal heat well.

[0030] Concentrated solar power and geothermal energy can be successfully used in two essential cases: one for the production of heat and then the production of steam, electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and potable water, and the other for the production of steam directly from geothermal heat and then electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and potable water. This implies that the capabilities of these two processes as energy carriers are already well established.

[0031] By the invention, the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger and its method, a way is opened and is no longer to be demonstrated, that of the production of water vapor by direct heat transfer from a local concentrated solar energy flow to a heat transfer fluid, here oil or molten salt, concentrated solar energy as a heat source makes it possible to produce water vapor.

[0032] The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger proposed herein allows for lower production costs compared to the current market, based on achievable production capacities with comparable scale. On this basis, the price of the steam, electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and potable fresh water produced, excluding the initial investment cost, will be very low and will remain so.Thanks to this system, it will be possible to produce steam, electricity, clean water, hydrogen and oxygen with a new energy production process, the technology of which is in situ, renewable, sustainable, clean, reliable, accessible to virtually everyone, without waste or release of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and which we can produce entirely with our own renewable resources.

[0033] Concentrated solar thermal energy: This technology uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight and produce heat, which can then be used to generate electricity or to heat or vaporize water. It is actually an older technology, but one that has often been overlooked in favor of photovoltaic panels, and which is now beginning to develop again.

[0034] A parabolic trough power generation system is a type of concentrated solar power (CSP) plant [Fig. 7] that uses parabolic trough mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto tubes containing a heat transfer fluid, molten salt or oil, at a central axis. This heat transfer fluid is heated by the concentrated solar energy and used to produce steam via a heat exchanger, which drives a steam turbine to generate electricity.

[0035] The system consists of rows of parabolic trough mirrors [Fig. 7], also called collectors, which are aligned in an east-west direction to to track the sun's path throughout the day using a solar tracker system. Each collector consists of a concentrating parabolic cross-section, which reflects sunlight towards a tube located at the focus of the parabolic section. The tube [Fig. 7] contains the heat transfer fluid that circulates through the system.

[0036] The heat transfer fluid is a molten oil or salt, which is heated to very high temperatures in tubes located on a central axis. The heat from this heat transfer fluid is then used to heat and warm the cylindrical stainless steel heat exchanger, which produces steam with the aid of this same heat exchanger, and which powers a steam turbine to produce electricity.

[0037] The system also uses a thermal storage system to store the thermal energy [Fig. 7] generated during the day in order to produce electricity at night or on cloudy days. Thermal storage options often include hot water tanks, molten salts, synthetic oil, silicone oil, and other heat storage materials.

[0038] The project to produce steam, electricity, hydrogen, and oxygen from concentrated solar thermal energy is a promising initiative for the production of clean, sustainable, and renewable energy. This technology uses concentrated solar energy to heat a heat transfer fluid that produces steam, which in turn can be used to generate electricity.

[0039] The hydrogen and oxygen production process occurs through the electrolysis of water, which is powered by electricity generated by the solar thermal power plant. The hydrogen and oxygen produced can be used for a variety of applications, such as energy storage, fuels for cars, aviation, train locomotives, buses, hydrogen trucks, industrial production, clean energy production, and many others.

[0040] In summary, a system for producing steam, electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and potable water using parabolic trough collectors employs parabolic trough mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto tubes containing a heat transfer fluid, which is heated and reheated to produce steam and power a turbine to generate electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and potentially potable water. The system also utilizes a thermal storage system to store the thermal energy generated during the day for later use.

[0041] Description of the figures of the invention

[0042] [Fig.1]:

[0043] Provides an overview of a simplified model of the stated principle of the heat exchanger in the form of three cylindrical stainless steel tubes, one inside the other, whose length (8) and width (9) are determined according to the steam production capacity; the water inlet (2), steam outlet (3). To heat the water, a heat transfer fluid of heated oil or molten salt, heated by concentrated solar energy, is required. This fluid enters (inlet) (1) and exits (outlet) (4). The heat exchanger can be positioned either on the surface of the earth or underground. The first smooth cylindrical stainless steel tube (5) is located inside the second smooth cylindrical stainless steel tube (6). Between the two is a space tight enough for the passage of water and steam. The two tubes are enclosed by a third smooth cylindrical stainless steel tube (7).There is a space between the second and third tubes for the passage of heat transfer fluid. All of these tubes can be placed inside a tank containing fine sand to retain heat within the heat exchanger.

[0044] [Fig.2]:

[0045] Gives a schematic view of the first smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube closed at the bottom (13) and at the top (14), cut off at the top by one-twentieth (12) of its length (12) to make a buffer and additional reservoir for steam. It is divided into two equal cylindrical semicircles by a fairly wide external wall (15) (16) which, according to its length (17), width (9), thickness (11) and length (8) of the heat exchanger, determined according to the steam production capacity, makes an equal semicircle division on both sides of the external length of the first smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube.

[0046] [Fig.3]:

[0047] Shows a schematic view of the second smooth, closed, cylindrical stainless steel tube from the bottom (13) and the top (14). There are two openings, one for the water fluid inlet (2) and the other (3) for the saturated or dry steam outlet. It is divided into two equal cylindrical semicircles by a wall (15) of sufficient width (16) and thickness (17) on the outside of the tube. The wall's length (8), width (9), and thickness (11) of the cylindrical tube are determined according to the steam production capacity, creating an equal division on both sides of the external length of the second cylindrical stainless steel tube.

[0048] [Fig.4]:

[0049] Provides a schematic view of the third closed cylindrical stainless steel tube from the bottom (13) and the top (14). The cover (14) located at the top of the cylindrical tube has four access points, including access point (1), which corresponds to the inlet of the heat transfer fluid heated and reheated by concentrated solar energy, access point (4), which corresponds to the outlet of the heat transfer fluid (cold oil or molten salt), the inlet (2), which corresponds to the inlet of the water fluid, the inlet (3), which corresponds to the outlet of the water vapor. The length (8), width (9) and thickness (11) of the third tube are determined according to the water vapor production capacity.

[0050] [Fig.5]:

[0051] Provides an overview of the tank in which the heat exchanger, consisting of three cylindrical stainless steel tubes, will be located. The tank will surround all of these cylindrical stainless steel tubes, which, depending on their length (8), diameter or width (9), and thickness (11), will be larger than the heat exchanger, which will be placed inside the tank (19), determined according to the steam production capacity. The space provided (19) contains fine sand, which will be heated by the oil heat transfer fluid.

[0052] [Fig.6]:

[0053] Gives an overview of the stated principle of the heat exchanger in the form of three smooth stainless steel cylindrical tubes assembled one inside the other which, according to the length (8), the width (9), determined according to the capacity for producing water vapor, can be positioned both on the surface (on the ground) and deep underground (under the ground).

[0054] The EC3 heat exchanger can be heated and reheated by concentrated solar thermodynamic energy through a heat transfer fluid, by geothermal heat or by another form of heat.

[0055] The first part of the heat exchanger consists of a first smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube (5) located inside a second smooth stainless steel tube (6). The first stainless steel cylindrical tube, covered on both its lower (13) and upper (14) sides, is divided into two equal cylindrical semicircles (10) by a sufficiently wide wall (10) that forms an equal separation along both sides of the outer length of the first cylindrical tube. The first stainless steel cylindrical tube is cut, from above, into a semicircle (12) with a diameter of one-twentieth of its length. The second stainless steel cylindrical tube (6) covers the first tube, which is longer than the first (8), and its width (9) is the space between the two tubes (21-22), which can vary.The second smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube (6) is divided into two equal cylindrical semicircles (10) by a sufficiently wide wall (10) which forms an equal separation on both sides of the outer length of the second stainless steel cylindrical tube (6). The third stainless steel cylindrical tube (7) covers the second cylindrical tube, which is longer than the second stainless steel cylindrical tube in both length and width relative to the second stainless steel cylindrical tube.

[0056] The provided duct space (21-22) for circulating water and steam, between the first and second tubes of the smooth stainless steel heat exchanger, is semicircular. A partition wall on each side of the cylindrical tube allows water (21) to flow in on one side and steam to flow out on the other side (22). This also allows for the vaporization of water formed by the transfer of heat from the oil heat transfer fluid through the exterior of the second tube of the exchanger. As the water enters, it almost immediately turns into water vapor, heated by the oil heat transfer fluid through the exterior of the second tube. The reservoir at the bottom of the tube (12) and at the top of the tube between the first (12) and second tubes of the exchanger will store the water vapor and create additional pressure with the heat from the vapor before it exits the exchanger.

[0057] The conduit space provided for the circulation of the oil (or molten salt) heat transfer fluid (23), between the second and third tubes of the smooth stainless steel heat exchanger, is semi-circular by a separating wall from the outside of the second tube on each side of the cylindrical tube, allowing the flow of hot heat transfer fluid (23-24) at the inlet and cold heat transfer fluid (25-26) at the outlet on the other side, and thus the heat transfer fluid as soon as it drops to a lower temperature threshold, it is immediately filled by the hot heat transfer fluid from the stored tanks or by the circuit of the concentrating parabolic collectors.

[0058] The heat exchanger, in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube, is positioned relative to the local thermal regime based on the heat received from the heat transfer fluid heated by concentrated solar energy, primarily at medium or high enthalpy. The diameter (width) (9) and length (8) of the smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger will vary depending on the combination of factors and parameters of the local heat gradient and flux, as well as the steam production capacity according to requirements. The diameter measurement given here for illustrative purposes in the diagram ([Fig. 1]) corresponds to a heat exchanger with significant steam production capacity.

[0059] [Fig.7]:

[0060] Gives an overview diagram of a parabolic concentrating solar thermodynamic power plant (27) equipped with a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger (32) in a tank (33) to produce steam, electricity (42,43,44,45), hydrogen, oxygen (47) and drinking water (48).

[0061] The entire diagram is intended solely to show and for the record a technical diagram of a steam process using solar energy. parabolic concentrating thermodynamics of our system which we call "CEST" (27) (Thermodynamic Solar Energy Power Plant). The heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube, called EC3, according to the invention which is powered by solar energy (28,29,30) replaces the thermal power plant currently used and powered by fossil fuels necessary for the operation of an existing electrical power plant unit.

[0062] The diagram clearly shows the operation of the CEST (27) with the positioning of the EC3 (32,33) according to its length (8), its width (9) for different production capacities and different flow rates of water fluid (2) and heat transfer fluid (1) imposed for the production of water vapor (3).

[0063] The CEST operates and uses mirrors (28) to concentrate sunlight and produce heat via parabolic trough collectors (28). It is a type of concentrated solar power (CSP) plant that uses parabolic trough mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto tubes (29) containing a mid-axis heat transfer fluid (29), which are aligned in an east-west direction to track the sun's path throughout the day. This heat transfer fluid is heated by the concentrated solar energy, stored in tanks (30), and used to produce steam via our heat exchanger (32), which powers a steam turbine (42) to generate electricity.

[0064] The heat transfer fluid is either oil or molten salt, heated and reheated to very high temperatures, reaching 300°C to 800°C, in tubes located on a central axis. This heat is then used simultaneously to heat the entire EC3. The tank (33) will also contain fine sand, which will help maintain the heat of the tank and the EC3 at a sufficiently high temperature.

[0065] The system also uses a thermal storage system to store excess thermal energy (30) generated during the day to produce steam and electricity at night, on cloudy days, or for later use. Thermal storage options (30) often include hot water tanks, molten salts, synthetic oil, silicone oil, and other heat storage materials.

[0066] The CEST system (27) will use fresh or purified water from a water source (38), sea, lake, or river. After purification (39) or desalination (39) in the reverse osmosis system, the purified water (40) is sent to the EC3 heat exchanger via the heat pipe (37). The purified water is vaporized immediately upon entering the EC3 (32), pushed by the flow, and then the steam (35) begins to be stored in the buffer tank and additional buffer (36) before being sent to the steam turbine (42). After electricity production (43), the steam is recovered and collected in the condenser (46). There is three possibilities of using this same water vapor, either by an electrolyzer (47) to produce hydrogen and oxygen, or drinking water by remineralizing (48), or reusing the same vapor in a closed circuit (41) by the same EC3 (32). References

[0067] [Fig. 1] Simplified model of the EC3 heat exchanger

[0068] 1. Hot oil heat transfer fluid inlet

[0069] 2. Water inlet

[0070] 3. Steam outlet

[0071] 4. Outlet of the cold heat transfer fluid

[0072] 5. First cylindrical tube

[0073] 6. Second cylindrical tube

[0074] 7. Third cylindrical tube

[0075] 8. Length of the heat exchanger

[0076] 9. Width or diameter of the heat exchanger

[0077] 10. Separation of the tubes into two half-cylinders

[0078] [Fig.2] First cylindrical stainless steel tube

[0079] 8. Tube length

[0080] 9. Tube width

[0081] 11. Tube thickness

[0082] 12. Steam reservoir

[0083] 13. Bottom cover of the tube

[0084] 14. Top cover of the tube

[0085] 15. Width of the outer separating wall of the tube

[0086] 16. Length of the outer separating wall of the tube

[0087] 17. The thickness of the outer separating wall of the tube

[0088] [Fig.3] Second cylindrical stainless steel tube

[0089] 2. Cold water inlet

[0090] 3. Hot steam outlet

[0091] 8. Tube length

[0092] 9. Tube width

[0093] 11. Tube thickness

[0094] 13. Bottom cover of the tube

[0095] 14. Top cover of the tube

[0096] 15. Width of the outer separating wall of the tube

[0097] 16. Length of the outer separating wall of the tube

[0098] 17. Thickness of the outer separating wall of the tube

[0099] [Fig.4] Third cylindrical stainless steel tube

[0100] 1. Inlet of hot oil heat transfer fluid

[0101] 2. Cold water inlet

[0102] 3. Hot steam outlet

[0103] 4. Outlet of cold oil heat transfer fluid

[0104] 8. Tube length

[0105] 9. Tube width

[0106] IL Tube thickness

[0107] 13. Bottom cover of the tube

[0108] 14. Top cover of the tube

[0109] [Fig.5] Tank for the heat exchanger

[0110] 1. Inlet of hot oil heat transfer fluid

[0111] 2. Cold water inlet

[0112] 3. Hot steam outlet

[0113] 4. Outlet of cold oil heat transfer fluid

[0114] 8. Tank length

[0115] 9. Width or diameter of the tank

[0116] 11. Tank thickness

[0117] 13. Bottom cover of the tube

[0118] 14. Top cover of the tube

[0119] 18. The tank (which serves to retain heat)

[0120] 19. The interior of the tank in which there will be EC3 surrounded with sands

[0121] 20. The EC3 heat exchanger

[0122] [Fig.6] This diagram illustrates the EC3, a system consisting of three cylindrical stainless steel tubes assembled one inside the other, then installed in a tank with sands.

[0123] 1. Hot oil heat transfer fluid inlet

[0124] 2. Water inlet

[0125] 3. Steam outlet

[0126] 4. Outlet of cold heat transfer fluid

[0127] 8. Tube and tank length

[0128] 9. Tube and tank width

[0129] 10. Separation of the tubes into two half-cylinders

[0130] 11. Tube and tank thickness

[0131] 12. Steam reservoir

[0132] 13. Bottom cover of the tube

[0133] 14. Top cover of the tube

[0134] 18. The tank

[0135] 19. Interior of the tank

[0136] 21. The space of the conduit is tight and the water fluid descends

[0137] 22. The space of the tight conduit and the rise, outlet of the water vapor.

[0138] 23. The space of the conduit and the oil heat transfer fluid descends

[0139] 24. Reservoir intended for the hot oil heat transfer fluid

[0140] 25. The duct space and the rise of the oil heat transfer fluid

[0141] 26. The duct space, the rise and the outlet of the cold oil heat transfer fluid.

[0142] [Fig.7] This diagram represents a concentrated solar thermal power plant parabolic (CEST), integrating the EC3 heat exchanger to produce steam, electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water.

[0143] 27. This diagram shows an overview of the production system and a power plant parabolic solar energy with thermodynamic concentration equipped with EC3,

[0144] 28. Hollow parabolic

[0145] 29. Hot oil heat pipe

[0146] 30. Heat storage tank using oil heat transfer fluid

[0147] 31. Hot oil heat pipe to EC3

[0148] 32. The EC3 heat exchanger

[0149] 33. Sandblasted tank for EC3

[0150] 34. Cold oil return heat pipe

[0151] 35. Steam heat pipe

[0152] 36. Steam storage tank and steam separator

[0153] 37. Water conduit

[0154] 38. The space and collection of seawater, river, lake or freshwater

[0155] 39. The water desalination or purification space

[0156] 40. Pure water storage tank for sending to the EC3 heat exchanger

[0157] 4L Heat pipe and condenser vapor recovery duct for the EC3

[0158] 42. Steam turbine

[0159] 43. Alternator

[0160] 44. Transformer

[0161] 45. Electrical network (Connection to the network)

[0162] 46. Condenser (Water vapor recovery and storage)

[0163] 47. The Electrolyzer (Hydrogen and Oxygen Production) PEM or Alkaline

[0164] 48. The drinking water remineralization unit

[0165] 49. Heat pipe and steam or water conduit from the condenser to the electrolyzer and to the remineralization unit.

[0166] 50. Heat pipe and return line for steam or water to the tank storage of water.

[0167] Technical principle and operation

[0168] The EC3 heat exchanger, using concentrated solar energy of medium or high enthalpy depending on the sunshine of the local weather, allows the heat of the heat transfer fluid to be transferred and the water source used to be vaporized instantly.

[0169] Concentrated solar thermal energy offers a large amount of energy constituting an accessible energy potential under certain conditions, and its heat flux, a heat transfer fluid, is expressed in W / m2. See calculation information and measurement unit [Sheet 1] and [Sheet 2].

[0170] Each operating site is characterized by solar irradiance and its temperature flux expressed in W / m², and [Sheet 1] and [Sheet 2] are used as units of measurement. The operation of CEST plants has notably highlighted the fact that the temperature increases progressively in places where there is high solar radiation with a high temperature flux, including the reception of solar irradiation.

[0171] According to the invention, the heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube is formed by two tubes separated into two half-moons, this shape will most often be recommended to allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid (molten salt or oil) and purified fresh water, on one side in the forward direction and on the other side in the return direction for vaporization of the water and heating of the heat transfer fluid (molten salt or oil) cooled on the surface.

[0172] However, depending on the geographical topography of the CEST location, the EC3 heat exchanger will consist of a cylindrical tube heat exchanger and a third tube located inside a tank of fine sand. The temperature of the highly heated heat transfer fluid will be maintained in this third tube by the tank, which is itself heated by the heat transfer fluid. The two other cylindrical tube heat exchangers made of stainless steel will be positioned and installed either on the surface or underground within the fine sand tank. The space between the first and second heat exchangers allows for the flow of water. The other half of the space between the first and second heat exchangers allows for the flow of steam out of the cylindrical tube of the heat exchanger.When water enters and the outlet is blocked, the pressure increases due to the narrow space in the semicircle of the tube.

[0173] The EC3 heat exchanger is in the form of a cylindrical tube, with a diameter that varies according to the quantity of water and a length ([Fig. 1] of the simplified model) that will be defined by calculations provided based on the indicated production quantity and the site parameters during the in-situ feasibility studies. For better thermal efficiency of the heat transfer element, the heat exchanger is constructed from smooth, composite stainless steel materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, chromium, or nickel, with resistance to high positive temperature differences exceeding 300°C and resistant to oxidation and corrosion. These temperatures are significantly higher than the temperatures of concentrated solar energy required for the purposes of the invention.

[0174] For the application of the heat exchanger process under consideration here, the water (fresh or purified) must reach a temperature of approximately 110°C / 550°C to be vaporized in the heat exchanger. The vaporization temperature may vary depending on the natural or technical atmospheric pressure involved. The use of composite materials for the heat exchanger allows for a wide range of applications, which manufacturers have now fully mastered. The heat exchanger is prefabricated in sections and assembled on-site, positioned as required either underground or above ground, and can be fitted into a sandblasted tank.

[0175] The heat exchanger is equipped at each end with a buffer tank for transferring water between the steam fluid's down and up pipes and the heat exchanger, whether it is in the form of a double or triple tube. In the front part of the cylindrical stainless steel heat exchanger, the buffer tank acts as a storage tank and increases the steam pressure towards the surface of the heat exchanger in the hot tank.

[0176] It also allows, during this same phase, the channeling of the water to the outlet of the heat exchanger in the form of steam. Still in the front part of the heat exchanger, the buffer tank channels the steam from the hot water, after circulation in the heat exchanger, to the riser pipes at the surface so that the steam, at the temperature and pressure required for the application, is vaporized at the outlet of the tube. The front buffer tank is divided into a cylindrical semicircle to allow the steam to flow back. In the rear part of the cylindrical heat exchanger, the installed buffer tank serves only for the transfer of water in the supply direction and the return of steam, which is heated during its passage through the cylindrical heat exchanger along its entire length [Fig. 1].

[0177] The invention, a heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube, is a tube or cylinder [Fig. 1] closed at the top and bottom with an external diameter varying according to the capacity of a water heat transfer fluid, ranging from 20 centimeters to 10 meters in width (diameter), the tube thickness ranging from 1 mm to 1 cm, and its length ranging from 2 m to 1,000 m. The top of the tube is cut off by one-tenth of the tube's length in a cylindrical semicircle [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3] to allow for a steam buffer tank and the circulation of the Water vapor flows out of the heat exchanger. The inside of the first tube of the heat exchanger can be filled (with air or heat transfer fluid) or left empty.

[0178] The geometry and width of the cylindrical water circulation circle are calculated so that the flow of water in the surrounding medium avoids thermal turbulence where heat transfer processes interact, such as the phenomena: • The Reynolds number, which expresses the interactions between the properties of the fluid and its flow velocity. The Reynolds number describes the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. • De Prandtl, the Prandtl number corresponds to the ratio established between the dependent heat diffusion and specific properties of the fluid. • De Peclet, which is the product of the Prandtl and Reynolds numbers, and corresponds to the ratio between the heat advected (transported by movement) and the heat diffused. • Finally, the Eckert number, which is the ratio of kinetic energy to internal energy.

[0179] Water (fresh or pure) is injected at approximately 20°C initially at a given velocity to the heat exchanger at the circulation depth, which is deduced from the local thermal regime. Heat exchange then occurs between the water (fresh or pure) and the third cylindrical tube containing a hot heat transfer fluid between 380°C and 420°C, until, after a circulation of a specified length (the intended space), a temperature of 400°C is reached within a time frame for which two calculations can be found [Fig. 3], [Fig. 4], and maintained throughout the flow and transformation into steam until the steam exits. The water (fresh or pure), thus heated immediately at the tube inlet, is then transformed into steam for which a calculation can be found [Fig. 5], and brought to the surface in the hot steam phase at high pressure, without any further heat exchange.The vertical or horizontal paths (depending on the positioning of the heat exchanger) of the heat exchanger are adiabatic.

[0180] The local thermal regime is controlled by the temperature of the heat transfer fluid (oil or molten salt) on the surface stored in sufficiently hot tanks and by the heat flux of these heat transfer fluids. The thermal properties of the stainless steel and the water, as well as the fluid velocity, characterize the heat transfer processes between the stainless steel and the circulating water. At the circulation depth (length of the heat exchanger), that is, at the depth fixed for the functional application of the heat exchanger according to the invention, and before circulation begins, the temperature of the stainless steel is logically constant.

[0181] Water is injected at a constant volumetric flow rate according to the water's vaporizability capacity. The pressure conditions are such that vaporization takes place within the cylindrical stainless steel tube heat exchanger.

[0182] The heat transfer or thermal contact of the cylindrical tube to the water (fresh or pure) circulating in the semicircle occurs between the space provided between two steel tubes and the external surface of the heat exchanger which is perfectly insulated by the use of composite materials such as stainless steel.

[0183] In summary, the patent for a stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger is simple in concept and principle, and its operation is modular. To fully utilize its function, the heat exchanger is installed and positioned directly within the hot, medium- or high-enthalpy fine sand tank by means of modifications as described earlier in this document. Its function is to directly utilize the energy resources of the concentrated solar energy flow by heating a heat transfer fluid (molten salt or oil) in situ, that is, by transferring heat by convection from a hot body to a cooler body, which is the fresh or pure water conveyed to the heat exchanger according to its process.

[0184] For its full convective heat transfer function, the water is conveyed to the thermal convection zone of the heat exchanger. Heat transfer by convection is faster and greater than by other forms of heat transfer such as conduction or radiation. The heat exchanger is a cylindrical stainless steel tube and allows for water vaporization.

[0185] By its process, the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger using concentrated solar energy and being associated with methods of producing electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water would make it possible to obtain even lower production costs than to date, to be able to substitute for the fossil fuels used today and thus reserve them for other value-added economic sectors, to make maintenance savings through new, less restrictive operating systems, to release no CO2 or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and to technologically respond to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

[0186] The invention therefore relates to a heat exchanger in the form of a smooth, cylindrical stainless steel tube which has a specific design and configuration that allows the production of steam (from fresh, pure or seawater) and subsequently of electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and potable water by a concentrated solar thermal energy process with cogeneration by a system of electrolyzer. The EC3 heat exchanger is characterized by the following design elements and vectors: 1. The first part of the heat exchanger consists of three tubes. The first two tubes are nested one inside the other and then enclosed within the third tube. The first two tubes are separated into two semicircles by an external wall at the end of the first tube, creating two equally sized semicircular spaces. One space carries the water fluid (descending) and the other the steam (ascending). There is a reservoir at the bottom between the first and second tubes because the second tube is longer than the first. There is also an additional steam buffer tank located forward of one-twentieth of the length of the first tube, which creates this space between the first and second tubes. 2. The second part of the EC3 heat exchanger consists of two tubes separated equally by two semicircles, separated by a partition on the outside of the second tube. The fact that the third tube is longer than the second allows for a reservoir at the bottom of these tubes. This equal separation by the partition creates a conduit space between the two tubes, allowing the hot oil-based heat transfer fluid to flow downwards and the cold heat transfer fluid to flow upwards. 3. The relatively close duct spacing between the tubes (Part 1-a) provides a certain flow zone where the boundary layer can form and interact with the cylindrical semicircular surface of the tubes. This allows heat transfer between the tubes and the fluid. A smaller spacing between the tubes might be preferable to promote closer interaction between the fluid and the tube surface, thus improving heat transfer efficiency. 4. Exploit the water vapor boundary layer that forms inside a smooth space between two tubes in a relatively tight space. The boundary layer is the area adjacent to a solid surface where the effects of friction, pressure, and drag are significant; this could also increase flow resistance and generate higher pressure. 5. It is very important to design the smooth space between the tubes in a way that facilitates the flow of water vapor and minimizes heat or mass loss. A smooth and clean surface, along with well-controlled flow conditions, can improve the efficiency of boundary layer operation. 6. Heat and mass transfer, and the condensation of water vapor on the outer and inner walls of the tubes, can be maximized by maintaining a temperature difference between the tubes and the vapor. of water. This can be achieved by maintaining a pressure difference between the smooth space and the water vapor, which will encourage the evaporation of water on the surface of the tubes. This will allow the release of latent heat during condensation, thus increasing heat transfer. However, this could also increase flow resistance and generate higher pressures. 7. The EC3 heat exchanger is designed to transfer heat from an oil-based heat transfer fluid to water. Therefore, they share certain common characteristics, such as: a. An exchange surface on each side of a cylindrical semicircle, on one side to transfer hot fluids and cold water in contact with heat to vaporize and on the other side to maintain the steam and pressure in hot. b. The duct space provided for fluids in EC3 heat exchangers is intended to allow hot and cold fluids to circulate through the exchanger and transfer heat. c. We can control the flow of hot and cold fluids and maximize heat transfer efficiency to improve yield. d. The heat exchanger is constructed of smooth stainless steel and a mixture of other composite materials that are good heat conductors. e. Placing the EC3 heat exchanger in a hot fine sand tank can retain heat and minimize heat loss thermally to reduce unwanted heat transfers between the external environment and the process fluids.

[0187] The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger according to the invention 3, by virtue of its technical process function, is equipped with a buffer tank at the lower end of the tube, depending on the exchanger model, whether it is a double or triple tube. Between the first and second tubes, a buffer tank is placed behind them, between the water inlet and hot steam outlet. There is a second, additional buffer tank forward, one-twentieth the length of the first and second tubes, which serves only to facilitate the flow of steam and increase the steam pressure before the outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0188] [Sheet 1]

[0189] Globally, taking into account actual solar irradiance, the average annual solar energy received at ground level amounts to approximately 75,000 GTep2 or 0.9 billion TWh3. This energy represents 6,000 times the current annual global consumption of energy (12.5 Gtoe). Solar radiation, the power emitted by the sun at 63,500 kW / m², reaches the Earth's atmosphere at a power of approximately 1,367 W / m². This is known as the solar constant. Since the Earth is a small sphere compared to the Sun, the portion of radiation that reaches Earth is scattered in all directions as it passes through the atmosphere. 10 to 20% of this radiation absorbed by the atmosphere reaches the surface directly.

[0190] The solar radiation received on a surface therefore varies over time depending on the position of the Sun and cloud cover. The solar power at the Earth's surface is approximately 1,000 W / m² for a surface perpendicular to the rays.

[0191] [Sheet 2]:

[0192] To calculate the equivalences for the heat flux expressed in W / m2, we can use the following conversions: • 1 Watt (W) = 1 Joule / second (J / s) 1 hour (h) = 3600 seconds (s) 1 meter square (m2) = 10,000 square centimeters (cm2) • 1 W / m² = 0.0001 W / cm² • 1 W / m2 = 0.001 kW / m2 • 1 W / m² = 1 J / s / m² • 1 W / m² = 3600 J / h / m² • 1 kW / m2 = 3.6 MJ / h / m2 Thus, a heat flux of 1000 W / m2 is equivalent to: • 0.1 W / cm2 • 1 kW / m2 • 1000 J / s / m2 • 3,600,000 J / h / m2 • 3.6 MJ / h / m2 These equivalencies allow us to convert the heat flux expressed in W / m2 into other units of measurement as needed.

[0193] [Sheet 3]:

[0194] To calculate the concentrated solar energy resource available for a location of sunshine, using the following data (a synthetic oil heat transfer fluid): • Average solar irradiation: 1000 W / m² / h • Solar collector width: 2.5 m • Solar collector length: 100 m • Concentration rate: 90% • Central pipe: Length 100 m and diameter 0.07 m • Oil-based heat transfer fluid with the following properties: • Calorific value: 1562 J / kg • Initial temperature: 20°C • Final temperature: 420°C • Density: 1060 kg / m3

[0195] Calculation of the solar power incident on the solar collector: • Collector area = Collector width x Collector length • Collector area = 2.5 m x 100 m = 250 m² • Incident solar power = Average solar irradiation x Collector area • Incident solar power = 1000 W / m² / h x 250 m² = 250,000 W / h

[0196] Calculation of concentrated solar power: • Concentrated solar power = Incident solar power x Concentration rate • Concentrated solar power = 250,000 W / h x 0.9 = 225,000 W / h.

[0197] Calculation of the mass of oil in the pipe: • Pipe volume = Area of ​​the pipe base x Pipe length The area of ​​the base of the pipe (cylinder) can be calculated using the diameter: • Base area = ir x (diameter / 2) 2 • Base area = 3.1416 x (0.07 / 2) 2 = 0.003847 m2. • Pipe volume = Area of ​​the pipe base x Pipe length • Pipe volume = 0.003847 m2 x 100 m = 0.3847 m3. • Mass of oil in the pipe = Volume of the pipe x Density of oil • Mass of oil in the pipe = 0.3847 m3 x 1060 kg / m3 ~ 407.642 kg. • Therefore, the mass of oil in the pipe is approximately 407.642 kg.

[0198] Calculation of the heating time of the oil heat transfer fluid: • Heat = Mass of oil x Specific heat value x (Final temperature - Initial temperature) • Heat = 407,642 kg x 1562 J / kg x (420°C - 20°C) « 100,899,907,040 J. • Heating time = Heat / Concentrated solar power • Heating time = 100,899,907,040 J / 225,000 W / h ~ 448,888 s. • Therefore, the heating time of the oil heat transfer fluid is approximately 448.888 seconds or approximately 7 minutes and 28.9 seconds.

[0199] [Sheet 4]:

[0200] Recalculate the concentrated solar energy resource available for a location of sunshine, using the following data (an oil heat transfer fluid): • Calculate the solar power incident on the solar collector. • Calculate the concentrated solar power. • Calculate the mass of oil in the pipe. • Calculate the heating time of the heat transfer fluid (synthetic oil).

[0201] Step 1: Calculation of the solar power incident on the solar collector The solar power incident can be calculated by multiplying the average solar irradiation (1000 W / m2 / h) by the area of ​​the solar collector (2.5 m x 100 m). • Collector area = 2.5 m x 100 m = 250 m² • Incident solar power = Average solar irradiation x Collector area • Incident solar power = 1000 W / m2 / h x 250 m2 = 250,000 W / h

[0202] Step 2: Calculation of concentrated solar power The concentrated solar power is obtained by multiplying the incident solar power by the concentration rate (90%). • Concentrated solar power = Incident solar power x Concentration rate • Concentrated solar power = 250,000 W / h x 0.9 = 225,000 W / h

[0203] Step 3: Calculating the mass of oil in the pipe The mass of oil in the pipe can be calculated using the formula: • Mass = Volume x Density. The volume of the pipe can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a cylinder: • Volume = ir x (diameter / 2) 2 x length. • Volume = ir x (0.07 m / 2) 2 x 100 m • Volume ~ 0.384 m3. • Mass = Volume x Density • Mass = 0.384 m3 x 1060 kg / m3 Mass ~ 407.04 kg.

[0204] Step 4: Calculating the heating time of the heat transfer fluid (oil) The heating time can be calculated using the heat formula: • Heat = Mass x Specific heat value x (Final temperature - Initial temperature) We know the mass of oil (407.04 kg), the specific calorific value (1562 J / kg), the initial temperature (380 °C) and the final temperature (400 °C). • Heat = Mass x Specific heat value x (Final temperature - Initial temperature) • Heat = 407.04 kg x 1562 J / kg x (400 °C - 380 °C). • Heat = 407.04 kg x 1562 J / kg x 20 °C • Heat « 12,124,480 J. Next, we can calculate the heating time by dividing the heat by the concentrated solar power. • Heating time = Heat / Concentrated solar power. • Heating time = 12,124,480 J / 225,000 W / h • Warm-up time ~ 53.89. Thus, according to the data provided, the mass of oil in the pipe is approximately 407.04 kg and the heating time of the oil heat transfer fluid is approximately 54 seconds.

[0205] [Sheet 5]:

[0206] An example of calculating the heating time of water and its transformation into water vapor, as well as the steam output in a heat exchanger with dimensions 100 m long, 1 m wide and a gap of 0.10 m, heated constantly at 400°C for 1 hour by a hot oil heat transfer fluid also at 400°C, with a water flow rate of 100 litres per second entering at 20°C, here are the calculation steps to follow: 1. Calculate the volume of the heat exchanger space: a. Volume = Length * Width * Spacing b. Volume = 100 m * 1 m * 0.10 m c. Volume = 10 mA3 2. Convert the water flow rate of 100 liters / second to cubic meters / second: a. Water flow rate = 100 liters / second = 0.1 mA3 / second (since 1 cubic meter is equivalent to 1000 liters). 3. Calculate the mass of water heated during the period of 1 hour: a. Water mass = Water flow rate * Heating time b. Mass of water = 0.1 mA³ / second * 1 hour * 3600 seconds / hour c. Mass of water = 360 mA3. 4. Use the density of water at 20°C, which is approximately 998.29 kg / m³, to calculate the mass of water: a. Mass of water = Volume * Density of water b. Mass of water = 10 mA3 * 998.29 kg / mA3 c. Mass of water = 9982.9 kg. 5. Use the specific heat of water, which is approximately 4182 J / kg / °C, to calculate the amount of heat required to heat the water: a. Quantity of heat = Mass of water * Specific heat of water * (Final temperature - Initial temperature) b. Quantity of heat = 9982.9 kg * 4182 J / kg / °C * (400°C - 20°C) c. Quantity of heat = 1,668,748,104 J. 6. Using the latent heat of vaporization of water, which is approximately 2,257,000 J / kg, calculate the quantity of vapor produced: a. Quantity of vapor = Quantity of heat / Latent heat of vaporization of water b. Quantity of steam = 1,668,748,104 J / 2,257,000 J / kg c. Quantity of steam = 739.476 kg.

[0207] Results may vary depending on conditions, different factors and the specific thermal properties of the fluids used.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat exchanger consisting of a cylindrical structure made of smooth stainless steel incorporating titanium, chromium or nickel alloys, providing corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity and mechanical robustness characterized in that this structure comprises three concentric tubes (5, 6, 7) separated into half-cylinders by a wall to allow separate circulation of water and steam.

2. Heat exchanger according to claim 1 designed with dedicated spaces: a. A first adjustable space between the first and second tubes (2 to 3) for the downward flow of water and the upward flow of steam. b. A second space (1 to 4), between the second and third tubes, for the downward flow of a heated heat transfer fluid and the upward flow of the cooled fluid.

3. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the third external tube (7) is intended for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, such as synthetic oil or molten salt, heated by a thermal source such as solar (27) or geothermal energy.

4. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises buffer tanks (12, 24) which are located at the upper and lower ends of the concentric tubes.

5. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it is modular for horizontal, vertical or inclined installation, according to site requirements and adaptable to surface operation for thermodynamic solar energy or underground for geothermal applications.

6. Heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims designed to operate at high temperatures up to 300 to 800°C.

7. A heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube assembly is placed inside a tank containing sand to retain heat within the exchanger.

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