Heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger (figure 1) in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube consisting of three tubes (5-6-7), the invention relating to methods for vaporising water (seawater, pure water, freshwater or wastewater) in order to produce steam (3) by means of a process using concentrated thermodynamic solar power as well as geothermal heat and other forms of heat with cogeneration, and by extension to applications for steam production and for producing hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis. For its process applications, the heat exchanger is in the form of a cylindrical tube of variable diameter (8-9) according to the amount of water (2) to be vaporised and with a length (8) and width (9) defined and modulated according to the flow parameters of a heat-transfer fluid (1-4) heated by solar energy concentrated in situ. The heat exchanger in the form of a stainless steel cylindrical tube is characterised by its particular capacity for process interaction, which produces a thermal transfer by convection and conduction by the tube (6), i.e. a transfer of heat from one hot body, the heat-transfer fluid, oil (7), to a colder body (5), which is a fluid, the water (2). By means of simple works carried out in the sunlit area, the heat exchanger can be installed on the surface, in the subsoil or in a geothermal well having medium or high enthalpy. Once the heat exchanger in the form of a stainless steel cylindrical tube is installed and adapted, systems of pipes carry the water (2) in the space provided up to the heat-transfer system according to the invention, in order to bring the temperature of the fluid to a value higher than the boiling temperature, for the fluid to then be raised, by the same system of pipes, to the surface in order to be vaporised by being ejected to the outside (3) of the heat exchanger. By virtue of its method of use and functions, the heat exchanger in the form of a stainless steel cylindrical tube is intended for methods for vaporising water (seawater, freshwater and wastewater) by evaporation.

Description

HEAT EXCHANGER

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for producing water vapor and electricity with cogeneration by a heat exchanger in the form of three smooth stainless steel cylindrical tubes. This system, via methods of vaporizing pure water, fresh water or sea water, makes it possible to produce, on the one hand, saturated or dry water vapor, by a concentrated thermodynamic solar energy process, 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 heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube, we will name it EC3, is a process by which a heat transfer by convection is carried out, which means a temperature difference between two media, a fluid which is water (fresh, pure or sea) and a heat flow from a solid body, in another stainless steel cylindrical tube filled with a highly hot heat transfer fluid (oil or molten salt) heated or reheated by a concentrated solar energy plant.

[0004] The heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube, for its operation and thermal interaction capacity, is installed on the surface in a cylindrical tank and arranged from preliminary works that are carried out on the ground next to the concentrating parabolic solar collectors or in basements, without or with the cylindrical tank, or in medium or high enthalpy geothermal wells, if the geothermal heat conditions and heat flows allow it. For its function, 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 its design and thermal process, makes it possible to optimize the convective vector of heat transfer from a hot body to a colder body. For this, the renewable energy used, concentrated solar energy, plays an important role in the function of the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, so that the water (soft, pure) circulating in the exchanger is vaporized in fine once leaving the heat exchanger or outside the cylindrical tube to be sent to the steam turbine for the production of electricity.

[0006] For the invention, the proposed stainless steel cylindrical tube-shaped heat exchanger and concentrated solar energy as an energy vector are closely linked. By using this energy source, the stainless steel cylindrical tube-shaped heat exchanger has the particularity of allowing this form of energy to replace the use of fossil fuels used today for steam and energy production methods; electricity, hydrogen, and oxygen. Indeed, during the coming decades, the need for access to energy and global energy needs will irremediably increase. Faced with legitimate needs, fossil fuels, which are drying up and loading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide, can no longer be the universal answer.It is therefore important to find new energy resources, preferably non-polluting, without greenhouse gases or carbon dioxide, clean, sustainable, reliable, accessible, and renewable. Solar energy and geothermal energy have the potential to provide answers to these global challenges. We live on a virtually indefinite and infinite supply of energy.

[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 heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube proposed here according to the invention is the producer of water vapor by a heat flow from a solid body of the same cylindrical stainless steel tube.

[0008] Adapted to current steam production systems, for very high energy production capacities, the proposed patent uses concentrated solar energy in its process. It thus makes it possible to produce, without any other costs than those of investment and operation, abundant steam water with production prices of steam and electricity, hydrogen and oxygen at a very low cost.

[0009] II - Fields of application

[0010] The fields of application of the patent are addressed to current systems for producing water vapor, with a view to producing on the one hand water vapor (fresh, pure, sea) and on the other hand thanks to the cogeneration process which can be derived, produce energy in the form of electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water at very low production costs, lower than the current market price under the best conditions. We can avoid the release of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

[0011] For the patent, among heat exchangers, there are several types of heat exchanger processes, which are 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 efficient heat transfer. 2. Co-flow heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids flow in the same direction, which allows for efficient heat transfer, but is generally less efficient than counter-flow heat exchangers. 3. Double-tube heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids circulate in concentric tubes, which allows for efficient heat transfer and great design flexibility. 4. Plate heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids circulate through thin plates, which allows efficient heat transfer and a large exchange surface area. 5. Shell and tube heat exchangers: In these heat exchangers, hot and cold fluids circulate through tubes arranged in bundles, which allows for efficient heat transfer and great design flexibility. 6. Heat recovery heat exchangers: These heat exchangers are used to recover waste heat in 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, thus 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 exchange 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 hot and cold fluids come into contact and transfer heat. 2. Fluid conduits: 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. Heat-conducting material: All heat exchangers are made of heat-conducting materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc. 5. 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 different heat exchanger processes to operate efficiently to transfer heat from one fluid to another in a variety of applications.

[0014] Quantifying and measuring the energy expended for 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 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 across 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 in operating the heat exchanger.

[0016] 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 used 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 The quality and design of the heat exchanger itself, as well as the overall efficiency of the steam generation system, are important factors. 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 used to generate steam.

[0019] No heat exchanger, per se, consumes 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 heat exchanger type can influence the energy consumption of an overall system. 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] Additionally, the choice of working fluid, inlet and outlet temperature, fluid pressure and velocity, and insulation effectiveness can also affect the amount of energy expended in a heat exchanger system.

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

[0023] By using concentrated solar energy or geothermal energy, the heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube makes it possible to replace the fossil fuels consumed today and to reserve them and / or allocate them according to their particularities to other economic sectors. The present invention, through its process, makes it possible to make maintenance savings due to the simplicity of its operating system, and finally to avoid carbon dioxide 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 form of application, it is important to specify that as for the production of pure, fresh and sea water vapor, the technical process of the heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube can also allow, after the production of steam and electricity, ultimately to produce hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water. Indeed, the heat exchanger has the function on the one hand to heat the water to vaporize it according to the methods of thermal production in order to obtain pure, fresh and sea water vapor and on the other hand by cogeneration to obtain electrical energy, hydrogen and oxygen at very low cost. With water and electricity, we thus have the two essential elements to obtain hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis. Pure hydrogen and oxygen produced by electrolyzer are the most compatible for all forms of industrial applications.Furthermore, as with the production of steam from water, the heat exchanger of the present invention, through the use of concentrated solar energy, allows low production costs to be obtained with significant hydrogen and oxygen production capacities. The heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube used as the basis for this particular application is identical to that of the steam production methods, so the patent claims are identical.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be effectively used in areas such as hot water production, space and city heating, greenhouse cultivation in agriculture and fish farming, air conditioning-cooling applications, industrial processes and steam supply to industrial companies. The production units are completely autonomous and will not use any fossil fuels in operations and will not produce any carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.

[0028] Description of the invention

[0029] For its applications, the proposed patent is simple in spirit, secure in its principle, modular in its operation and efficient by its positioning in horizontal, vertical or different type of angle in situ, this mainly in the zones (solar or geothermal) of medium or high enthalpy. For the works concerning the installation, the arrangement and the positioning of the heat exchanger can be variable. It can be done either on the surface with a concentrated thermodynamic solar energy plant [figure 7], or in depth with an underground geothermal heat well.

[0030] Concentrated solar energy 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 drinking water, and the other for the production of water vapor directly from geothermal heat and then electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water. This implies that the demonstration of these capacities of the two processes as energy vectors is no longer in doubt.

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

[0032] The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger proposed here in its applications allows to obtain lower production costs, compared to the current market based on the production capacities achievable with comparable scale sizes. On this basis, the price of steam, electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and fresh potable water produced, apart from the investment cost, the maintenance, upkeep and operating costs 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, whose technology is in situ, renewable, sustainable, clean, reliable, accessible for virtually everyone, without waste or carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and which we can produce entirely with our own renewable resources.

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

[0034] A parabolic trough power generation system is a type of solar thermal power plant [Figure 7] that uses parabolic troughs to concentrate sunlight onto tubes containing a heat transfer fluid, either molten salt or oil, at a centerline. This heat transfer fluid is heated by the concentrated solar energy and used to produce steam through a heat exchanger that powers a steam turbine to generate electricity.

[0035] The system consists of rows of parabolic trough mirrors [Figure 7], also called collectors, which are aligned in an east-west direction to follow the sun's path throughout the day by a solar tracker system. Each collector consists of a concentrating parabolic cross-section, which reflects sunlight into a pipe placed at the focus of the parabolic cross-section. The tube [Figure 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 the tubes located at a central axis. The heat from this heat transfer fluid is then used to heat and reheat the heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube which will produce water vapor with the help of this same heat exchanger, and which will power a steam turbine to generate electricity.

[0037] The system also uses a thermal storage system to store thermal energy [Figure 7] generated during the day to generate 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 power 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 thermodynamic solar power plant. The hydrogen and oxygen produced can be used for a variety of applications, such as energy storage, fuel 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 and oxygen, and drinking water using parabolic trough collectors uses 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 produce electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and possibly drinking water. The system also uses 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] [Figure 1]:

[0043] Gives a simplified model overview of the stated principle of the heat exchanger in the form of three cylindrical stainless steel tubes one inside the other which according to its length (8) and width (9) determined according to the capacity of production of water vapor; the water inlet (2), steam outlet (3), to heat the water it is necessary to heat the water with a heat transfer fluid of heated oil or molten salt and heated by concentrated solar energy which enters (inlet) (1) and leaves (outlet) (4), can be positioned both on the surface of the earth and underground. The first smooth cylindrical stainless steel tube (5) is inside the second smooth cylindrical stainless steel tube (6). Between the two there is a space quite tight for the passage of water and steam. The two tubes are enveloped 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 that contains fine sand to maintain the heat within the heat exchanger.

[0044] [Figure 2]:

[0045] Gives a schematic view of the first smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube closed from below (13) and from above (15), cut from above by one twentieth (14) of its length (12) to make a buffer and additional tank (14) for water vapor. It is divided into two equal parts of cylindrical semicircle by a wall (17) from the outside quite wide (16) and which according to its length (18), its width (10), its thickness (11) and its length (12) of the heat exchanger, determined according to the capacity of production of water vapor, makes an equal separation of semicircle on both sides of the length of the outside of the first smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube.

[0046] [Figure 3]:

[0047] Gives a schematic view of the second smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube closed from below (22) and from above (23). There are two accesses, one for the inlet (24) of the water fluid and the other access (25) is the outlet of the saturated or dry water vapor. It is divided into two equal parts of cylindrical semicircle by a wall (27) quite wide (26) and thickness (28) from the outside of the tube and which according to its length (21), its width (19) and its thickness (20) of the cylindrical tube, determined according to the production capacity of the water vapor, which makes an equal separation on both sides of the length of the exterior of the second cylindrical stainless steel tube.

[0048] [Figure 4]:

[0049] Shows a schematic view of the third closed stainless steel cylindrical tube from below (32) and from above (33). The cover (33) at the top of the cylindrical tube has four accesses, including access (34), which corresponds to the inlet of the heat transfer fluid heated and reheated by concentrated solar energy, access (35), which corresponds to the outlet of the heat transfer fluid (cold oil or molten salt), access (24), which corresponds to the inlet of the water fluid, access (25), which corresponds to the outlet of the water vapor. The length (31), width (29) and thickness (30) of the third tube are determined according to the water vapor production capacity.

[0050] [Figure 5]:

[0051] Gives an overview of the cylindrical tube-shaped tank in which the heat exchanger in the form of three stainless steel cylindrical tubes will be located. The tank will surround all of these stainless steel cylindrical tubes which, depending on their length (37), diameter (36), thickness (38) and width (36), will be larger than the heat exchanger, which will be placed inside (39), determined according to the water vapor production capacity. The space provided (40) of fine sands for which will be kept warm by the oil heat transfer fluid.

[0052] [Figure 6]:

[0053] Gives an overview of the stated principle of the heat exchanger in the form of three cylindrical tubes of smooth stainless steel assembled one inside the other which, depending on the length (10), the width (11), determined according to the capacity of production of water vapor, can be positioned both on the surface (on the ground) and in depth (under the ground).

[0054] The EC3 heat exchanger can be heated and reheated by concentrated solar thermal energy using a heat transfer fluid, geothermal heat, or other forms of heat.

[0055] The first part of the heat exchanger consists of a first smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube (5) which is inside the second smooth stainless steel tube (6). The first stainless steel cylindrical tube, two sides from below (18) and from above covered (5), divided into two equal parts of cylindrical semicircle (15-29) by a wall (8-28) quite wide which makes an equal separation on both sides of the length of the outside of the first cylindrical tube. The first cylindrical stainless steel tube is cut, from above, into a semicircle (32) by one twentieth of its length. The second cylindrical stainless steel tube (6) covers the first tube which is longer than it (14) and its width is the space between the two tubes (16-31), which can be variable. The second smooth cylindrical stainless steel tube (6) is divided into two equal parts of a cylindrical semicircle (15) by a fairly wide wall (9-21) which makes an equal separation on both sides of the length of the outside of the second cylindrical stainless steel tube (6). The third cylindrical stainless steel tube (7) covers the second cylindrical tube which is longer than the second cylindrical stainless steel tube in its length and width compared to the second cylindrical stainless steel tube.

[0056] The conduit space provided for circulation of water and steam, between the first tube and second tube of the smooth stainless steel heat exchanger, is semi-circular by a partition wall on each side of the cylindrical tube allows on one side the flow of water (16-19) inlet and steam outlet on the other side (27-31-33) and as well as the vaporization of the water which is formed by the transfer of heat from the oil heat transfer fluid from the outside of the second tube of the exchanger. When the water enters almost immediately turns into water vapor, through the oil heat transfer fluid heating from the outside of the second tube. The reservoir at the bottom of the tube (19) and at the top of the tube between the first (32) and second tube of the exchanger will store the water vapor and create additional pressure with the heat of the steam before the outlet outside the exchanger.

[0057] The conduit space provided for circulation of the oil heat transfer fluid (or molten salt) (12), between the second tube and third tube 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 allows on one side the flow of the hot heat transfer fluid (12-22-25) at the inlet and the cold heat transfer fluid at the outlet (30-34) on the other side and as well as the heat transfer fluid as soon as it drops to a heat threshold less it is filled by the hot heat transfer fluid immediately by the hot heat transfer fluid located in stored tanks or by the circuit of the parabolic collectors with concentration.

[0058] The heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube and its positioning in relation to the local thermal regime is placed according to the reception of heat from the heat transfer fluid heated by concentrated solar energy, mainly in medium or high enthalpy. The diameter (its width) (11) and the length (10) of the heat exchanger in the form of a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube will vary depending on the combination of factors and parameters of gradient and local heat flux, but also on the water vapor production capacities according to the needs. The diameter measurement given here for information purposes in the diagram (Figure 1) corresponds to a heat exchanger including significant water vapor production capacities.

[0059] [Figure 7]:

[0060] Provides a schematic overview of a parabolic trough solar power plant (1) with a smooth stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger (5) in a tank (5) to produce steam, electricity (15-16-17-18), hydrogen, oxygen (20) and drinking water (21).

[0061] The entire Diagram is intended only to show and for the record a technical diagram of the water vapor process by central parabolic thermodynamic solar energy with concentration of our system which is called "CEST" (Centrale de l'Énergie Solaire Thermodynamique). 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 (1-2-3-4) replaces the thermal power plant currently used and powered by fossil energy necessary for the operation of an existing central electrical unit.

[0062] The diagram clearly shows the operation of the CEST (1) with the positioning of the EC3 (5) according to its length, its width for different production capacities and different flow rates of water fluid (9-14) and heat transfer fluid (2) imposed for the production of water vapor.

[0063] CEST works and uses mirrors (3) to concentrate sunlight and produce heat by the parabolic trough collectors (3) is a type of concentrated solar power plant that uses parabolic trough mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto tubes (2) containing a heat transfer fluid with a centerline (2), and which are aligned in an east-west direction to follow the path of the sun throughout the day. This heat transfer fluid is heated by concentrated solar energy, stored in tanks (cisterns) (4) and used to produce water vapor through our heat exchanger (5) which powers a steam turbine (15) to generate electricity.

[0064] The heat transfer fluid is either oil or molten salt, heated and reheated to very high temperatures of up to 300°C to 800°C in the tubes located in a central axis. This heat is then used, at the same time, to heat the entire EC3. The tank will also contain fine sand which will keep the heat of the tank and the EC3 at a constant high temperature.

[0065] The system also uses a thermal storage system to store excess thermal energy (4) generated during the day to produce water vapor and electricity at night, on cloudy days, or for later use. Thermal storage options (4) often include hot water tanks, molten salts, synthetic oil, silicone oil, and other heat storage materials.

[0066] The CEST system (1) will use from a water point (10), sea, lake or river fresh or pure water after having purified (11) or desalinated (11) in the reverse osmosis system, the pure water (12) is sent to the heat exchanger of EC3 by the heat pipe (9-14). The pure water is vaporized upon entering the EC3, pushed by the flow and then the steam (7) begins to be stored in the buffer tank space and additional buffer to be sent to the steam turbine (15). After the production of electricity, the steam is recovered, collected in the condenser (19). There are three possibilities to use this same water vapor, either by an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen, or drinking water by remineralizing, or reuse the same steam in a closed circuit by the same EC3.

[0067] References

[0068] [Figure 1]: Simplified model of the EC3 heat exchanger 1. Hot oil heat transfer fluid inlet 2. Water inlet 3. Steam outlet 4. Outlet of the cold heat transfer fluid 5. First cylindrical tube 6. Second cylindrical tube 7. Third cylindrical tube 8. Length of heat exchanger 9. Width or diameter of the heat exchanger

[0069] [Figure 2]: First cylindrical stainless steel tube 10. Tube width 11. Tube thickness 12. Tube length 13. Bottom tube cover 14. Space provided as an additional steam buffer tank 15. Top tube cover 16. Width of the outer partition wall of the tube 17. Length of the outer partition wall of the tube 18. The thickness of the outer partition wall of the tube

[0070] [Figure 3]: Second cylindrical stainless steel tube 19. Tube width 20. Tube thickness 21. Tube length 22. Bottom tube cover 23. Tube top cover 24. Water inlet 25. Water vapor outlet 26. Width of the outer partition wall of the tube 27. Length of the outer partition wall of the tube 28. Thickness of the outer partition wall of the tube

[0071] [Figure 4]: Third cylindrical stainless steel tube 29. Tube width 30. Tube thickness 31. Tube length 32. Bottom tube cover 33. Top tube cover 34. Hot oil heat transfer fluid inlet 35. Cold oil heat transfer fluid outlet 36. Cold water inlet 37. Hot steam outlet

[0072] [Figure 5]: Tank for the heat exchanger 38. Width or diameter of the tank 39. Length of the tank 40. Tank thickness 4L The location of the EC3 heat exchanger 42. The planned location for the sands 43. Upper tank cover 44. Hot oil heat transfer fluid inlet 45. Cold water inlet 46. ​​Hot steam outlet 47. Cold oil heat transfer fluid outlet 48. Lower tank cover

[0073] [Figure 6]: Heat exchanger (EC3); Set of cylindrical stainless steel tubes assembled with the box 1. The EC3 heat exchanger; Set of stainless steel cylindrical tubes assembled with the tank 2. Hot oil heat transfer fluid inlet 3. Cold water inlet 4. Hot steam outlet 5. Outlet of the heat transfer fluid from the cold oil 6. First tube 7. Second tube 8. Third tube 9. Separating wall between the first and second tubes which cuts into a cylindrical semicircle for water and steam 10. Separation wall between the second and third tubes which cuts into a cylindrical semicircle for the oil heat transfer fluid 11. Length of the tank with the heat exchanger 12. Width of the tank with the heat exchanger 13. The space of the oil heat transfer fluid conduit from the inlet 14. The exterior of the third tube 15. The exterior of the second tube 16. The exterior of the first tube 17. The space of the water and steam conduit 18. The semicircle between the first tube and the second tube 19. The bottom cover of the first tube 20. Buffer tank, between the first and second tubes, allows the steam to continue towards the outlet 21. The bottom cover of the second tube 22. The separation wall of the exterior of the second tube which allows the oil heat transfer fluid to circulate between the second and third tubes, in the space provided 23. Tank and pipe between the second and third tubes for the oil heat transfer fluid 24. Space for fine sands for thermal heat storage 25. The exterior of the tank 26. Return of the oil heat transfer fluid in the pipe to the outlet 27. Water and steam tank 28. The return of water vapor into the space leads to the exit 29. The dividing wall of the first tube from the outside which cuts into two cylindrical semicircles 30. The outside of the first tube towards the exit 31. The space of the oil heat transfer fluid conduit 32. The space of the water vapor conduit 33. Additional steam buffer tank 34. The space of the conduit towards the hot steam outlet

[0074] [Figure 7]: A schematic of a concentrated parabolic solar power plant (CEST) for producing water vapor, electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water. 1. A production system and a thermodynamically concentrated parabolic solar energy power plant, 2. Heat pipe 3. Hollow parabolic 4. Heat storage tank using oil heat transfer fluid 5. The EC 3 heat exchanger 6. Heat pipe 7. Steam heat pipe 8. Storage tank and steam separator 9. Water conduit 10. The space of sea water, or fresh water 11. The desalination or water purification area 12. Pure water storage tank to be sent to the EC3 heat exchanger 13. Condenser steam recovery pipe 14. Water conduit 15. Steam turbine 16. Alternator 17. Transformer 18. Electrical network 19. Condenser 20. The electrolyser 21. The drinking water mineralization unit

[0075] Technical principle and operation

[0076] The EC3 heat exchanger, using concentrated solar energy of medium or high enthalpy depending on the sunshine and local meteorology, allows the heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid and the water source used to be instantly vaporized.

[0077] Concentrated solar thermal energy provides a large amount of energy constituting an energy potential accessible under certain conditions, and its heat flow, a heat transfer fluid is expressed in W / m2. See calculation information and measurement unit [Sheet 1] and [Sheet 2],

[0078] Each operating site is characterized by the sunshine and its temperature flux expressed in W / m2 and [Sheet 1] and [Sheet 2] are used as the unit of measurement. The operation of the CEST power plants has notably highlighted the fact that the temperature increases progressively in places where there will be solar radiation with high temperature flux including the reception of solar irradiation.

[0079] 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 the purified fresh water, on one side in the direction outward and on the other side in return direction for vaporization of the water and heating of the heat transfer fluid (molten salt or oil) cooled on the surface.

[0080] However, depending on the geographical topology of the CEST location, the EC3 temperature exchanger will be made up of a cylindrical tube heat exchanger and a third tube located inside a fine sand tank, in which the temperature of the highly hot heat transfer fluid will be maintained by the tank, itself heated by the heat transfer fluid. The other two stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchangers will be positioned and installed on the surface or underground in the fine sand tank. The space between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger allows the flow of water in the forward direction. The other half of the space between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger allows the flow of water vapor in the direction of the outlet of the cylindrical tube of the heat exchanger.When water enters and the outlet is blocked, the pressure increases due to the narrow space of the semicircle of the tube.

[0081] The EC3 heat exchanger has the shape of a cylindrical tube, with a variable diameter depending on the quantity of water and a length (figure 1 of the simplified model) which will be defined by the calculations provided from the indications of the expected production quantity and the parameters of the site on which during the in situ feasibility studies. For a better thermal efficiency of the heat transfer element, the heat exchanger is made of smooth stainless steel composite materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, chromium or nickel, with resistance to strong positive temperature differences going beyond 300°C and resistant to oxidation and corrosion. These temperatures are well above the temperatures of concentrated solar energy which are necessary in the context of the invention.

[0082] For the application of the heat exchanger process that concerns us here, the water (fresh or purified) must reach a temperature of approximately 110 °C / 550 °C to be vaporized in the heat exchanger. It will always be possible for the vaporization temperature to change depending on the pressure natural or technical atmospheric conditions involved. The use of composite materials for the heat exchanger allows for versatility of use that is perfectly mastered today by the people who manufacture it. The heat exchanger is prefabricated by element and assembled on site and positioned as needed either underground or on the ground (surface) and can be placed in the fine sandblasted tank.

[0083] The heat exchanger is equipped at each end with a buffer tank for transferring water between the water vapor fluid downcomer and upcomer pipes and the heat exchanger, whether in the form of a double or triple tube. In the front part of the heat exchanger, in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube, the buffer tank serves as storage and increases the water vapor pressure towards the surface of the heat exchanger in the hot tank.

[0084] It also allows in this same phase to channel 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 allows to channel the steam of the hot water after circulation in the heat exchanger towards the pipes of rise to the surface so that the steam of the water at temperature and pressure necessary according to the applications is vaporized at the outlet of the tube. The front buffer tank is separated in cylindrical semicircle to allow the circulation of the steam of the water in the direction of return. In the rear part of the heat exchanger in the form of a cylinder, the installed buffer tank is only used for the transfer to the outward flow of the water and to the return of the steam of the water which is charged in temperature during its passage in the heat exchanger in the form of a cylinder over its entire length [Figure 1],

[0085] The invention, a heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical tube made of stainless steel, is a tube or cylinder pipe [figure 1] closed from below and from above with an external diameter varying according to the capacity of a heat transfer fluid of water, which can range from 20 centimeters to 10 meters in width (diameter), the thickness of the tube can range from 1 mm to 1 cm, and its length can range from 2 m to 1,000 m. The top of the tube is cut by one tenth of the length of the cylindrical semicircular tube [figure 2] and [figure 3] to allow for a steam buffer tank and circulation of water vapor in the direction of the heat exchanger outlet. The interior of the first tube of the heat exchanger can be filled (air or heat transfer fluid) or left empty.

[0086] The geometry and width of the cylindrical water circulation circle are calculated so that the flow of water in the surrounding environment avoids thermal turbulence where heat transfer processes interact, such as the phenomena: - Reynolds number, which expresses the interactions between the properties of the fluid and its circulation speed. The Reynolds number describes the ratio of inert forces to viscous forces. - From Prandtl, the Prandtl number corresponds to the ratio established between the diffusion of heat dependent on the specific properties of the fluid. - Peclet, which is the product of the Prandtl and Reynolds numbers, and corresponds to the ratio between the advected heat (transported by movement) and the diffused heat. - Finally the Eckert number, which is the ratio of kinetic energy to internal energy.

[0087] The water (fresh or pure) is injected at about 20°C at the beginning at a given speed up to the heat exchanger at the circulation depth, which is deduced from the local thermal regime. The heat exchanges then occur between the water (fresh or pure) and the third cylindrical tube in which it has hot heat transfer fluid of between 380°C and 420°C, until after a circulation of length (the planned space), the temperature of 400°C is reached in a time of which two cases of calculation can be found [figure 3], [figure 4] and maintained throughout the flow and transformation into steam and until the steam outlet. The water (fresh or pure) thus heated immediately at the inlet of the tube is then transformed into water vapor of which one can find a case of calculation [figure 5] and led to the surface in the hot steam phase at high pressure, without any exchange additional heat. The vertical or horizontal paths (depending on the positioning of the heat exchanger) of the heat exchanger are adiabatic.

[0088] The local thermal regime is controlled by the temperature of the heat transfer fluid (oil or molten salt) on the surface stored in fairly hot tanks and by the heat flux of these heat transfer fluids. The thermal properties of stainless steel and 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), i.e. at the depth fixed for the functional application of the heat exchanger according to the invention, and before the circulation begins, the temperature of the stainless steel is logically constant.

[0089] The water is injected at a constant volume flow rate according to the water capacity to be vaporized. The pressure conditions are such that vaporization takes place within the heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube.

[0090] The heat transfer or thermal contact from 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 insulating by the use of composite materials such as stainless steel.

[0091] In summary, the proposed stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger patent is simple in spirit, in principle and it is modular in operation. To fully express its operation, the heat exchanger is installed and positioned directly in the medium or high enthalpy hot fine sand tank by development works as described previously in the document. In its function, by directly utilizing the energy resources of the concentrated solar energy flow by heating a heat transfer fluid (molten salt or oil) in situ, i.e. by the convection heat transfer of a body hot to a colder body which is fresh or pure water conveyed to the heat exchanger according to its process.

[0092] For its full convective heat movement functions, water is conveyed to the thermal convection zone of the heat exchanger. Heat transfer by convection is faster and more significant than by other forms of heat transfer such as conduction or radiation. To use the heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube and to allow vaporization of water.

[0093] By its process, the heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical stainless steel tube using concentrated solar energy and being associated with the methods of production of electricity, hydrogen, oxygen and drinking water would make it possible to obtain even lower production costs than to date, to be able to substitute the fossil fuels used today and thus to reserve them for other economic sectors with added value, to be able to save on maintenance by new less restrictive operating systems, to not release any CO2 or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and to respond technologically to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

[0094] [Sheet 1]:

[0095] Globally, taking into account actual sunshine, the solar energy received on the ground on average annually amounts to approximately 75,000 GToe2 or 0.9 billion TWh3. This energy represents 6,000 times the current annual global energy consumption (12.5 GToe). Solar irradiation, power emitted by the sun: 63,500 kW / m 2 , arrives outside the Earth's atmosphere with a power of about 1,367 W / m 2 This is called the solar constant. The Earth, a small ball compared to the Sun, the parts of the radiation that reach the Earth are scattered in all directions during the crossing of the atmosphere. 10 to 20% of this radiation absorbed by the atmosphere reaches the surface directly.

[0096] 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 / m 2 for a surface perpendicular to the rays.

[0097] [Sheet 2]:

[0098] To calculate the equivalences for the heat flux expressed in W / m 2 , we can use conversions like the following: - 1 Watt (W) = 1 Joule / second (J / s) 1 hour (h) = 3600 seconds (s) 1 square meter (m 2 ) = 10,000 square centimeters (cm 2 ) - 1 W / m 2 = 0.0001 W / cm 2 - 1 W / m 2 = 0.001 kW / m 2 - 1 W / m 2 = 1 J / s / m 2 - 1 W / m 2 = 3600 J / h / m 2 - 1 kW / m 2 = 3.6 MJ / h / m 2 Thus, if a heat flux of 1000 W / m 2, this is equivalent to: - 0.1 W / cm 2 - 1 kW / m 2 - 1000 J / s / m 2 - 3,600,000 J / h / m 2 - 3.6 MJ / h / m 2 These equivalences allow us to convert the heat flow expressed in W / m 2 into other units of measurement as required.

[0099] [Sheet 3]:

[0100] 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 / m 2 / h - Width of the solar collector: 2.5 m - Length of the solar collector: 100 m - Concentration rate: 90% - Central pipe: Length of 100 m and diameter of 0.07 m - Oil heat transfer fluid with the following properties: - Calorific value: 1562 J / kg - Initial temperature: 20°C - Final temperature: 420°C Density: 1060 kg / m 3

[0101] 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 m 2 - Incident solar power = Average solar irradiation x Collector area - Incident solar power = 1000 W / m 2 / hx 250 m 2 = 250,000 W / h

[0102] 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.

[0103] Calculation of the mass of oil in the pipe: - Volume of pipe = Area of ​​base of pipe x Length of pipe The area of ​​the base of the pipe (cylinder) can be calculated using the diameter: - Area of ​​the base = 7t * (diameter / 2) 2 - Area of ​​the base = 3.1416 x (0.07 / 2) 2 = 0.003847 m 2 - Volume of pipe = Area of ​​base of pipe x Length of pipe - Pipe volume = 0.003847 m 2 x 100 m = 0.3847 m 3 . - Mass of oil in the pipe = Volume of the pipe x Density of the oil - Mass of oil in the pipe = 0.3847 m 3 x 1060 kg / m 3 ~ 407,642 kg. - So the mass of oil in the pipe is about 407.642 kg.

[0104] Calculation of the heating time of the oil heat transfer fluid: - Heat = Mass of oil x Specific calorific 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. - So the heating time of the oil heat transfer fluid is about 448,888 seconds or approximately 7 minutes and 28.9 seconds.

[0105] [Sheet 4]:

[0106] 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 concentrated solar power. - Calculate the mass of oil in the pipe. - Calculate the heating time of the heat transfer fluid (synthetic oil).

[0107] Step 1: Calculation of the incident solar power on the solar collector The incident solar power 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 m 2 - Incident solar power = Average solar irradiation x Collector area - Incident solar power = 1000 W / m 2 / hx 250 m 2 = 250,000 W / h

[0108] Step 2: Calculation of concentrated solar power 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

[0109] 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 the cylinder: Volume = 7t x (diameter / 2) 2 x length. Volume = 7t x (0.07 m / 2) 2 x 100 m Volume ~ 0.384 m 3 . Mass = Volume x Density Mass = 0.384 m 3 x 1060 kg / m 3 Mass ~ 407.04 kg.

[0110] Step 4: Calculating the heating time of the heat transfer medium (oil) The heating time can be calculated using the heat formula: - Heat = Mass x Specific calorific 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 calorific 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. Then 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 - Heating time ~ 53.89. Thus, according to the provided data, the mass of oil in the pipe is approximately 407.04 kg and the heating time of the oil heat carrier is approximately 54 seconds. [OR I] [Sheet 5]:

[0112] An example of calculating the heating time of water and its transformation into water vapor, as well as the exit of the steam in a heat exchanger of dimensions 100 m in length, 1 m in width and a space of 0.10 m, constantly heated to 400°C for 1 hour by a heat transfer fluid of hot oil also at 400°C, with a water flow rate of 100 liters 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 = 10m A 3 2. Convert the water flow rate of 100 liters / second to cubic meters / second: a. Water flow rate = 100 liters / second = 0.1 m A 3 / second (since 1 cubic meter is equivalent to 1000 liters). 3. Calculate the mass of water heated during the 1-hour period: a. Mass of water = Water flow rate * Heating time b. Mass of water = 0.1 m A3 / second * 1 hour * 3600 seconds / hour c. Mass of water = 360 m A 3. 4. Use the density of water at 20°C, which is approximately 998.29 kg / m A 3, to calculate the mass of water: a. Mass of water = Volume * Density of water b. Mass of water = 10 m A 3 * 998.29 kg / m A 3 tbsp. 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. Amount of heat = Mass of water * Specific heat of water * (Final temperature - Initial temperature) b. Amount of heat = 9982.9 kg * 4182 J / kg / °C * (400°C - 20°C) c. Amount 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 amount of steam produced: a. Amount of steam = Amount of heat / Latent heat of vaporization of water b. Amount of steam = 1,668,748,104 J / 2,257,000 J / kg c. Amount of steam = 739,476 kg.

[0113] Results may vary depending on conditions, various factors and the specific thermal properties of the fluids used.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 15 May 2024 (15.05.2024) 1. The smooth stainless steel heat exchanger, in the form of a cylindrical tube, is specially designed to produce water vapor from various water sources. This vapor can then be used to generate electricity, hydrogen, oxygen, and drinking water through a process of concentrating solar energy with cogeneration by an electrolyzer system. Key features of the EC3 heat exchanger include its specific design and configuration to enable these various applications. a. The first section of the heat exchanger comprises three tubes, the first two of which are nested inside each other and wrapped in the third tube. These first two tubes are separated into two semicircles by an external wall at the end of the first tube, thus creating two separate semicircle spaces. These spaces serve as conduits for the descending water and the ascending steam.A reservoir is located between the first and second tubes due to the increased length of the second tube, and a second buffer tank is placed about one-twentieth the length of the first cut tube, creating a space between the first two tubes. b. The second part of the EC3 heat exchanger consists of two tubes separated into two equal semicircles by an external wall of the second tube. The third tube, being longer than the second, creates a reservoir at the bottom of these tubes. This equal separation by the wall allows the circulation of the hot oil heat transfer fluid descending between the two tubes and, on rising, allows the cold heat transfer fluid to exit. c. The close spacing between the tube conduits (first part 1-a) creates a flow zone conducive to the formation of a boundary layer that interacts with the cylindrical surface of the semicircular tubes. This promotes heat transfer between the tubes and the fluid.An even closer spacing between tubes could be advantageous to promote closer interaction between the fluid and the tube surface, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. d. Exploit the water vapor boundary layer that forms in a narrow space between two smooth tubes. This boundary layer develops along a solid surface where friction, pressure, and drag effects are significant, resulting in increased flow resistance and inducing higher pressure. e. It is essential to plan the space between tubes in a way that facilitates the smooth movement of water vapor while minimizing heat or mass loss. A smooth, clean surface, combined with precise flow management, can increase the efficiency of boundary layer utilization. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) f. We optimize heat and mass transfer while encouraging the condensation of water vapor on the inner and outer surfaces of the tubes by maintaining a temperature difference between the tubes and the water vapor. To achieve this, we maintain a pressure difference between the smooth space and the water vapor, which encourages the evaporation of water from the tube surface. This evaporation releases latent heat during condensation, thus increasing heat transfer. However, this can also increase flow resistance and lead to higher pressures. g. The purpose of the EC3 heat exchanger is to transfer heat from an oil heat transfer fluid to water. Therefore, they have some similar characteristics, including: i.An exchange surface is present on each side of the cylindrical semicircle to transfer heat from the hot fluids to the cold water in contact, thus promoting vaporization. On the other side, it maintains the steam and pressure at high levels. ii. The conduit space provided for the fluids in EC3 heat exchangers aims to facilitate the circulation of hot and cold fluids through the exchanger, thus promoting heat transfer. iii. We have the ability to regulate the flow of hot and cold fluids, which allows us to maximize the efficiency of heat transfer and thus improve the output. iv. The heat exchanger is made of smooth stainless steel and other composite materials selected for their excellent heat conduction properties. v.Placing the EC3 heat exchanger in a vessel filled with hot fine sand helps retain heat and reduce thermal losses, minimizing unwanted heat transfer between the external environment and the process fluids.

2. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, as described in claim 1, is characterized by dimensions of up to several meters in diameter and a variable length of up to several meters. These dimensions are determined according to the desired production capacities of water to be vaporized, as well as the thermal factors related to the flow of concentrated solar energy or any other heat source.

3. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, as described in claim 1, is provided with a cylindrical semicircular conduit which allows the circulation and channeling of the fluid, in particular water. This process takes place during the convection heating phase when the fluid passes through the semicircle of the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, as well as the buffer tank.

4. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, as described in claim 3, takes advantage of its function and form to directly utilize the energy resources of a medium or high enthalpy concentrated solar and geothermal energy stream from the subsurface. It achieves this by the transfer of AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) convection heat, where heat is transferred from a warm body to a colder body, in this case water.

5. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, as described in claim 1, is distinguished by the use of concentrated solar and geothermal energy as an energy source in its operating process, thus replacing fossil fuels such as gas or oil.

6. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, as described in claims 1, 2 and 3, is equipped with a buffer tank located at the lower end of the tube, in accordance with the design of the exchanger, whether it is a double or triple tube. Between the first and second tubes, a second buffer tank is positioned, allowing the water downcomer and the hot water vapor upcomer to be separated. Another additional buffer tank is placed at the front, at about one twentieth of the length of the first tube, between the first and second tubes. Its sole purpose is to facilitate the flow of water vapor and to increase the pressure of the water vapor before it leaves the heat exchanger.

7. The stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger, in accordance with the preceding specifications set forth in claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, is positioned both on the surface and underground. It is supplied by a first heat transfer fluid of oil heated by concentrated solar energy, which in turn vaporizes a second fluid, water, through pipes of different sections between the downcomer pipes for water at different temperatures, taken from the surface, from depth or from the sea, and the upcomer pipes for the heated water after its passage through the semicircle of the stainless steel cylindrical tube heat exchanger. At this point, the hot water is vaporized. The circulation speed of the water during its descent towards the exchanger is lower than that of the hot water during its ascent. Thus, it stores calories during its descent while minimizing losses during its ascent after its passage through the heat exchanger.The hot water riser pipes for surface vaporization are made from heat-bearing materials. The use of solar or geothermal energy according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the production costs of vaporizing water (fresh, pure or sea) compared to current techniques, even for the least energy-intensive.

8. When water passes through our heat exchanger in the form of a cylindrical tube between two very tightly packed tubes and is heated, if pressure is exerted on the back by the incoming water, it turns into steam due to increased friction, resulting in high pressure.

9. The phenomenon referred to in claim 8 results mainly from the rise in temperature and pressure when the fluid circulates between the tubes, combined with the limitation of the passage of the fluid in a restricted space. The water is in conditions of confinement and high temperature, with increased pressure due to the arrival of water. • Passing water through a very tight tube creates friction between the water and the walls of the tube. This friction contributes to further heating of the water, thus promoting the transformation into steam. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) • The presence of water behind (arriving) creates additional pressure inside the tube that contributes to the movement of the fluid, such as Archimedes' buoyancy or flowing pressure. This increased pressure can act on the circulating hot water, increasing the probability of transition to the vapor state. • The heated water inside the tube increases its temperature. As the water temperature increases, so does the pressure. It approaches its boiling point, where it begins to turn into steam. • The combination of high temperature, increased pressure and friction can lead to a significant increase in vapor formation inside the tube. • The phenomenon of convection involves the transfer of heat by mass movement. When water evaporates, convection becomes significant, especially in systems where water circulates and exchanges heat with other fluids or surfaces. • The conduction phenomenon of the heat transfer process occurs through a material or between two materials in direct contact. In the case of a stainless steel heat exchanger, heat conduction through the tube walls can be an important aspect of the vaporization process. All these parameters of convection, conduction, friction and thrust can be combined in our EC3 heat exchanger. This is the main difference with other heat exchangers. These factors influence the vaporization processes. A well-designed heat exchanger, like our EC3, would take into account these different modes of heat transfer to ensure maximum efficiency in the vaporization process. It would be designed to optimize conduction, convection through the tube walls, minimize friction losses and maximize heat exchange with the circulating fluids, all while taking into account the physical properties of the material used, especially stainless steel. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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