Cascading flash vessel structures

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for utilizing heat are provided. A flash vessel structure includes a first flash chamber and a second flash chamber opposite the first flash chamber. The flash vessel structure is configured to receive a liquid media flow via the first flash chamber, flash evaporate a portion of the liquid media flow to generate a vapor, and drain the liquid media flow via a liquid outlet on the second flash chamber. Adjacent flash chambers are separated by a separator structure including a liquid opening submerged within the liquid media flow. Each flash chamber includes a vapor orifice configured to stay above the liquid media flow. The flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to gravity. Compressors are coupled via a vapor channel to the flash structure to compress the vapor received from the respective flash chamber.

Description

Cascading Flash Vessel StructuresCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present Application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No.: 63 / 560,198, entitled “Cascading Flesh Vessel Design,” filed March 1, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for utilizing cascading flash vessel structures (e.g., with waste heat generated at a facility).BACKGROUND

[0003] Reducing on-site emissions in the industrial sector is critical to achieving desired greenhouse gas targets. For example, one set of greenhouse gas targets are set forth in California’s Air Resources Board’s AB32 and SB 32 greenhouse gas reduction targets, although this particular set of greenhouse gas targets should not be deemed the only targets to meet in the industrial sector. Presently, industrial manufacturing processes generate thermal energy that needs to be dissipated from these processes. For example, waste heat may be transferred to a cooling water loop, which increases the temperature of the cooling water. The hot cooling water may then be sent to a cooling tower where the thermal energy is dissipated to atmosphere to reduce the temperature of the cooling water.

[0004] To comply with greenhouse gas targets and become carbon neutral, it is desired to increase industrial electrification.

[0005] A barrier to achieving desired energy goals is a lack of efficient and economically attractive technologies to electrify the massive thermal energy demands associated with steam production in industry. State-of-the-art industrial heat pumps are unable to reach the temperatures required to produce medium-high pressure saturated steam required by many industrial facilities. State-of-the-art electric boiler technologies, on the other hand, are indeed able to reach required temperatures and pressures, but they do so with a low coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.0 or less. This results in excessive electricity consumption, making these systems uneconomical to operate. Additionally, the high electricity consumption may add undue strain on the electric power grid.

[0006] It would also be desirable that development of an alternative technology to meet the demand for medium to high pressure saturated steam could be implemented in amanner that limits custom engineering and specialized, one-off field assemblies. Custom engineering and specialized field assemblies drastically limit availability and increase cost. Further, customized solutions with specialized field assemblies could potentially require very costly downtime, and thus industrial customers are reluctant to try new technologies that may be perceived as possibly failing and / or causing undesired downtime.

[0007] Furthermore, one of skill in the art will appreciate that conventional flash vessel structures typically include single, vertically or horizontally oriented flash tank having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a vapor outlet. However, vertically oriented flash tanks present difficulties when utilized within a multi-stage, cascading system.

[0008] For instance, in a multi-stage cascading design, the liquid flashing as it travels in between flash tanks is known to cause significant problems and efficiency losses. If this flashing between flash tanks occurs, vapor forms in the pipes between the flash tanks, causing a vicious cycle of further flashing vapor between flash tanks, leading to greater pressure loss, pipe erosion, loss of system control, and control. In this way, when vertical flash tanks are located next to each other at the same height, flashing tends to occur in the pipe connecting adjacent flash tanks because the liquid is saturated at the surface of the first flash vessel. As such, as the liquid travels to the second flash tanks, the liquid travels downward, from the first flash tank to the second flash tank, which increases the pressure of the liquid due to the water column height, causing the liquid to begin to flash.

[0009] To prevent this flashing, conventional system have the inlet pipe of the second flash tank at a height below the liquid surface of liquid within the first flash tank. However, for industrial sized applications, this difference is height ranges exceeds four feet, often in excess of 15 feet. With some such applications needing ten more cascading flash tanks, the overall elevation change needed would be impractically tall. Moreover, this elevation is not economical.

[0010] Therefore, a need exists for an improved system and method that addresses one or more of the above-described disadvantages, in a manner that is cost-effective, efficient, reliable, scalable, etc.SUMMARY

[0011] Given the above background, what is needed in the art are systems and methods to utilize heat, such as waste heat generated at a facility, thereby enhancing an overall energy consumption efficiency level and reducing associated manufacturing, installation, and operating costs. Accordingly, various aspects of the present disclosure aredirected to systems, methods, and apparatuses for producing high-pressure steam. For instance, in some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure are configured to utilize heat.

[0012] In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure provides a flash vessel structure that include at least one flash chamber. In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure receives hot water from a waste heat source and causes a pressure drop to bring the pressure of the hot water to be lower than the saturation pressure of the hot water. This pressure drop causes some amount of the hot water to vaporize, creating low pressure steam. This low pressure steam is compressed through a series of fans, such as mechanical vapor recompression fans, to increase the pressure to the desired target value.

[0013] In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure include two or more flash chambers arranged in series, such that the liquid outlet from one flash chambers flows into the liquid inlet of the adjacent flash chamber. In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure includes at least three flash chambers configured in a cascading arrangement. For instance, in some embodiments, the hot water flows into the first flash chamber causing a portion to generate vapor, which is mixed with the compressed vapor of a second compressor and further transferred to a third compressor. Through this vapor generator, known as flashing, the temperature of the hot water is reduced, and that cooled hot water received by a second flash chamber, which, in turn, generates additional steam. Similarly, the hot water remaining in the second flash chamber is received by a third flash chamber, which, again, generates steam. In some embodiments, after the third flash chamber, there are no additional cascading flash chambers and the steam simply continues from one compressor to the next until it reaches the final compressor in a compressor train at the desired discharge pressure.

[0014] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure is particularly useful if there is a large difference between heating water supply temperature and heating water return temperature (AT) (e.g., returning to the heat source). When (AT) is relatively large, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure allow for flashing to occur at several intermediate temperatures between the heating water supply and heating water return temperature, rather than only at the heating water return. Moreover, generating steam at higher temperatures reduces the average temperature lift of the steam overall to achieve the desired outlet condition, consuming less energy with higher efficiency process.

[0015] Furthermore, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure is attractive, in that flashing occurs only in the flash chambers since liquid transfers between flash chambers occurs under the surface level of the hot water and there is little to no piping between stages, causing extended residence time of the hot water within an interior of the flash chamber. Moreover, in some embodiments, each flash chamber includes a shallow liquid depth, minimizing the suppression of flashing. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure allow for the hot water to flow into the flash chamber through separator structure, controlling at least the flow of the hot water.

[0016] Turning to more specific aspects, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a system for utilizing heat. The system includes a flash vessel structure and a series of at least two compressors. The flash vessel structure includes a series of at least two flash chambers. The series of at least two flash chambers further includes a first flash chamber located at a first end of the flash vessel structure and a second flash chamber located at a second end opposite the first end of the flash vessel structure. Moreover, the flash vessel structure is configured to receive a liquid media flow via a liquid input formed on the first flash chamber, flash evaporate a portion of the liquid media flow to generate a vapor, and drain the liquid media flow via a liquid outlet formed on the second flash chamber. Furthermore, every two immediately adjacent flash chambers are separated by a separator structure including a liquid opening configured to stay within (e.g., submerged or substantially submerged in) the liquid media flow. Additionally, each flash chamber includes a vapor orifice configured to stay above the liquid media flow. The series of at least two flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to a gravity direction. The series of at least two compressors is coupled to the flash vessel structure. Moreover, every two immediately adjacent compressors are coupled via a vapor channel, and each compressor has a vapor inlet coupled to a respective flash chamber and configured to compress at least the vapor received from the respective flash chamber.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a pump fluidly coupled to a liquid outlet of the second flash chamber and configured to control, at least in part, the liquid media flow.

[0018] In some embodiments, the separator structure is disposed between a liquid outlet of one flash chamber in the series of flash chambers and the liquid inlet of the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers.

[0019] In some embodiments, an upper end portion of an aperture of the separator structure is disposed below a liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers.

[0020] In some embodiments, a height of the separator structure extending from a lower end portion of the separator structure to the upper end portion of the separator structure is between 0.5 inches (”) and 6”.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lower end portion of the separator structure and a lower end portion of the flash chamber are at the same, or substantially the same, elevation.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a first sensor configured to detect a pressure at the flash vessel structure; and a controller electrically coupled to the first sensor and the separator structure, wherein the controller is configured to control the height of separator structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the separator structure comprises one or more interface surfaces configured for engaging with a corresponding surface of an adjacent flash chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, an interface surface in the one or more interface surfaces comprises a through hole.

[0025] In some embodiments, the separator structure comprises a protrusion extending from an edge portion of the separator structure.

[0026] In some embodiments, the protrusion is a datum point associated with an orientation of the separator structure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the separator structure is disposed between a first flange of the first chamber in the series of flash chambers and a second flange of the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers is formed at a depth between 6” and 18”.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a gasket disposed interposing between (i) the first flange of the first chamber in the series of flash chambers and a first surface of the separator structure or (i) the second flange of the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers and a second surface of the separator structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first flange and / or the second flange comprises a groove formed on an exterior surface of the first flange and / or the second flange.

[0031] In some embodiments, the liquid outlet of each flash chamber in the remainder of the series of at least two flash chambers is fluidly coupled directly to the liquid inlet of the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers.

[0032] In some embodiments, a cross-section of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure is rectangular, substantially rectangular, circular, substantially circular, ellipse, substantially ellipse, trapezoidal, substantially trapezoidal, curvilinear trapezoidal, or a combination thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments, an internal diameter of the cross-section is between 1 foot (’) and 12’.

[0034] The system of any preceding claim, wherein a bottom surface of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure comprises a protrusion comprising a vertical surface extending a height from the bottom surface of the flash chamber.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vertical surface of the protrusion is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to an opening of the inlet of the flash chamber.

[0036] In some embodiments, the protrusion comprises one or more through holes disposed on the vertical surface.

[0037] In some embodiments, a length of the bottom surface is between 5’ and 30’.

[0038] In some embodiments, the bottom surface is a planar surface.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one flash chamber in the flash vessel structure comprises a demister accommodated by an interior of the flash chamber,

[0040] the demister is configured to extend from a first side portion to a second side portion of the flash chamber, and

[0041] a cross-section of the demister is the same, or substantially the same, as the cross-section of the flash chamber.

[0042] In some embodiments, the demister comprises a plurality of vanes.

[0043] In some embodiments, a vane angle associated with each vane in the plurality of vanes is between 25 degrees (°) and 35 °.

[0044] In some embodiments, the demister is configured to provide a downstream flow of media comprising a particles size of less than between 250 pm and 1 mm.

[0045] In some embodiments, a portion of the demister is disposed at a centroid, or a substantially centroid, of the cross-section of the flash chamber.

[0046] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the demister is parallel, or substantially parallel, to a longitudinal axis of the flash chamber.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system further comprises: a second sensor configured to detect a pressure at an inlet of the demister; and a controller electrically coupled to the second sensor and configured to control a flow rate of the liquid media flow.

[0048] In some embodiments, the system further comprises: a third sensor configured to detect a temperature at the liquid outlet the flash chamber; and a controller electrically coupled to the third sensor and configured to control a flow rate of the liquid media flow.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system further comprises: a fourth sensor configured to detect a liquid surface level within the flash chamber; and a controller electrically coupled to the fourth sensor and configured to control a flow rate of the liquid media flow.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fourth sensor is accommodated by a stilling well disposed within the interior of the flash chamber.

[0051] In some embodiments, the system further comprises: a fifth sensor that is configured to detect a pressure the system; a sixth sensor that is configured to detect a temperature of the system; and a controller that is electrically coupled to the fifth sensor, the sixth sensor, and a valve that is configured to be fluidly coupled to liquid media flow and is further configured to maintain the pressure of the system.

[0052] In some embodiments, the valve is disposed at or upstream of the liquid input formed on the first flash chamber.

[0053] In some embodiments, the controller is a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first end of the flash vessel structure further comprises an end cap comprising an interior surface comprising: a first cross-sectional area associated with the cross-section of the first flash chamber, and a second cross-sectional area associated with a cross-section of the outlet of the system.

[0055] In some embodiments, a distance extending from the vapor channel of the second flash chamber to the inlet of the first flash chamber is the same, or substantially the same, as a distance extending from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor.

[0056] In some embodiments, a distance between two vapor outlet ports that feed two compressors, and the distance between those vapor outlet ports equals or substantially equals the distance between the compressors.

[0057] In some embodiments, a diameter of the vapor channel of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure is between 4” and 72”.

[0058] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers comprises at least two flash chambers in parallel.

[0059] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers comprises a first set of parallel flash chambers and a second set of parallel flash chambers different from the first set of parallel flash chambers.

[0060] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers comprises the first set of parallel flash chambers and the series of at least two compressors comprises a first set of parallel compressors, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel flash chambers is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel compressors.

[0061] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel flash chambers is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel compressors by a distance.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers comprises a channel accommodated within an interior of the at least one flash chamber, wherein the channel is configured to accommodate a portion of the liquid media flow.

[0063] In some embodiments, each compressor in the series of at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure share a one-to-one relationship.

[0064] The system of any of claims 1-45, wherein each compressor in the at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure share a one-to-two relationship.

[0065] In some embodiments, each flash chamber of the at least two flash chambers comprises a cross section that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and the cross section keeps substantially identical across the at least two flash chambers.

[0066] In some embodiments, liquid openings of the series of at least two flash chambers aligns, or substantially aligns, with respect to a central axis of the flash vessel structure that is substantially parallel to a direction of the liquid media flow within the flash vessel structure.

[0067] In some embodiments, the liquid media flow is configured to be in fluidic communication with a first stream of makeup water.

[0068] In some embodiments, a flow rate of the liquid media flow through some or all of the flash structure is between 0.5 meters per second (m / s) and 2 m / s.

[0069] In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors comprises m compressors. Moreover, m is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the series of at least two compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

[0070] In some embodiments, a distance extending between a first end of the first compressor and a second end of the second compressor is between 10’ and 25’.

[0071] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers comprises n flash chambers. Moreover, n is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the series of at least two compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

[0072] In some embodiments, m is equal to n.

[0073] In some embodiments, each flash chamber of the at least two flash chambers comprises a uniform or substantially uniform length, a uniform or substantially uniform width, a uniform or substantially uniform height, or a combination thereof.

[0074] In some embodiments, an angle between (i) a first vapor outlet port of a first flash chamber that feeds a first compressor and (i) an inlet of the first compressor is a right angle or substantially right angle.

[0075] In some embodiments, a ratio of an internal diameter of a cross-section of a respective duct fluidly coupling a flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers and a respective compressor in the series of at least two compressors against a length of the respective duct is greater than or equal to 1 :2.5.

[0076] In some embodiments, a flow angle associated with the liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a flow angle associated with a vapor media flow exiting the flash vessel structure to the series of at least two compressors.

[0077] In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure comprises one or more ports, wherein each port in the one or more ports in configured to accommodate a respective sensor.

[0078] The systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] Figure l is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0080] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0081] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system having a flash vessel structure in parallel, or substantially parallel, to a series of at least two compressors, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0082] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system having a flash vessel structure with sets of flash chambers in parallel, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0083] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system having a compact configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0084] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0085] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes separator structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0086] Figure 7B is a front view of a separator structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0087] Figure 8 is a view of a separator structure disposed between flanges of two adjacent flash chambers, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0088] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes an orifice plate, in accordance with some embodiments, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0089] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes a demister and a channel, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0090] Figure 10B is a square cross-sectional view of a flash chamber, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a demister, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0092] Figure 12 is a side view of an end portion of a flash structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0093] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a liquid pump, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0094] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system that is applied in a high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0095] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a system for utilizing heat, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0096] Figure 16A, 16B, and 16C are chart diagrams depicting various parameters associated with a variety of high-pressure steam production heat pump systems, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0097] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a system for utilizing heat, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0098] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0099] Systems, methods, and apparatuses for producing utilizing heat are provided. Systems, methods, and apparatuses for utilizing heat are provided. A flash vessel structure includes a first flash chamber and a second flash chamber opposite the first flash chamber. The flash vessel structure is configured to receive a liquid media flow via the first flash chamber, flash evaporate a portion of the liquid media flow to generate a vapor, and drain the liquid media flow via a liquid outlet on the second flash chamber. Adjacent flash chambers are separated by a separator structure including a liquid opening submerged within the liquid media flow. Each flash chamber includes a vapor orifice configured to stay above the liquid media flow. The flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to gravity. Compressors are coupled via a vapor channel to the flash structure to compress the vapor received from the respective flash chamber.

[0100] In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatus transfer heat using a system of cascading flash chambers. The system includes a flash vessel structure and a series of at least two compressors. The flash vessel structure includes a series of at least two flash chambers. The series of at least two flash chambers further includes a first flash chamber located at a first end of the flash vessel structure and a second flash chamber located at a second end opposite the first end of the flash vessel structure. Moreover, the flash vessel structure is configured to receive a liquid media flow via a liquid input formed on the first flash chamber, flash evaporate a portion of the liquid media flow to generate a vapor, anddrain the liquid media flow via a liquid outlet formed on the second flash chamber. Furthermore, every two immediately adjacent flash chambers are separated by a separator structure including a liquid opening configured to stay within the liquid media flow. Additionally, each flash chamber includes a vapor orifice configured to stay above the liquid media flow. The series of at least two flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to a gravity direction. The series of at least two compressors is coupled to the flash vessel structure. Moreover, every two immediately adjacent compressors are coupled via a vapor channel, and each compressor has a vapor inlet coupled to a respective flash chamber and configured to compress at least the vapor received from the respective flash chamber.

[0101] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0102] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For instance, a first compressor could be termed a second compressor, and, similarly, a second compressor could be termed a first compressor, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first compressor and the second compressor are both compressors, but they are not the same compressor.

[0103] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0104] The foregoing description includes example systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences, and computing machine program products that embody illustrative implementations. For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various implementations of the inventive subject matter. It will be evident, however, to those skilled in the art that implementations of the inventive subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In general, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail.

[0105] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific implementations. However, the illustrative discussions below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The implementations are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the implementations and various implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0106] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will be appreciated that, in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions are made in order to achieve the designer’s specific goals, such as compliance with use case- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one designer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a design effort might be complex and time-consuming, but nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordering skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.

[0107] As used herein, the term “if’ may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0108] As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” can mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which can depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, e.g., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within 1 or morethan 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art. “About” can mean a range of ± 20%, ± 10%, ± 5%, or ± 1% of a given value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value. The term “about” can have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term “about” can refer to ± 10%. The term “about” can refer to ± 5%.

[0109] As used herein, the term “epoch” means a predefined period of time.

[0110] Furthermore, the terms “compressor” and “blower” are used interchangeably herein unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0111] The terms “flash vessel” and “knockout drum” are used interchangeably herein unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0112] The terms “steam” and “water vapor” are used interchangeably herein unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0113] Moreover, the term “stream” as used herein means any material moving or en route, directly or indirectly, from one location to another. In some embodiments, a stream is still a stream even if it is temporarily stationary for any epoch. In some embodiments, it will be understood that if the present disclosure refers to a particular stream, this does not necessarily refer to a single pipe or other physical conveyance.

[0114] It is noted that in various embodiments of this application, “connect” broadly means “directly connect” or “indirectly connected” via an additional structure.

[0115] Furthermore, when a reference number is given an “ith” denotation, the reference number refers to a generic component, set, or embodiment. For instance, a compressor termed “compressor i” refers to the ithcompressor in a plurality of compressors (e.g., a compressor 214-i in a plurality of compressors 214).

[0116] Figure 1 represents a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements, in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 2-6 are block diagrams of detailed example high-pressure steam production heat pump systems, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0117] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to providing a system (e.g., system 104 of any of Figure 1-13, etc.} for producing high- pressure steam (e.g., high-pressure steam 140-1 or 140-2 of Figure 1A, high-pressure steam 140 of any of Figures 2, etc. .

[0118] In some embodiments, the system 104 is coupled to one or more facilities (e.g., first facility 102-1 of Figure 1A, second facility 102 of Figure 1A, etc.). For instance, in some embodiments, the system 104 is associated with a first facility 102-1 and disposed proximate to the first facility 102-1, which allows the system 104 to utilize one or more resources from the first facility 102-1. Moreover, in some embodiments, the system 104 is associated with the first facility 102-1 and disposed proximate to the first facility 102-1 in order to allow for the system 104 to provide the high-pressure steam 140 produced at the system 104 to the first facility 102-1, such as by coupling to an existing steam header of the first facility 102-1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0119] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system includes a flash vessel structure and a series of at least two compressors (e.g., series of at least two compressors 214 of any of Figures 2-6, etc.) and a flash vessel structure (e.g., flash vessel structure 202 of any of Figures 2-6, etc.), which collectively are utilized by the system 104 to produce the high-pressure steam 140 for a facility 102.

[0120] Additional details and information regarding the production of high-pressure steam using flash vessels and compressors is found at International Patent Application Publication No. : WO 2024 / 039878 Al, entitled “Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Producing High-Pressure Stream, filed August 18, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0121] In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure 202 includes a series of at least two flash chambers (e.g., series 204 of Figure 2, series 204 of Figure 3, first series 204-1 of Figure 4, second series 204-2 of Figure 4, series 204 of Figure 6, etc.). In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes a first flash chamber (e.g., first flash chamber 206-1 of Figure 2) and a second flash chamber (e.g., second flash chamber 206-2 of Figure 2, etc.), which allows for utilizing cascading flash chambers.

[0122] In some embodiments, each flash chamber 206 in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 is configured to be maintained (e.g., by control module 906 of Figure 14) at a predetermined internal pressure or predetermined internal pressure range that is less than a saturation pressure of the liquid media received by the flash vessel structure 202. For instance, in some embodiments, each respective flash vessel 206 is configured to be maintained at an internal pressure that is less than a saturation pressure of the liquid media water received at the liquid inlet 606 into the respective flash chamber 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Moreover, each flash chamber 206 in the series of atleast two flash chambers 204 is configured to expand the liquid media that is received by the liquid inlet 22 of the flash chamber 206 to produce low-pressure steam.

[0123] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes between two and twenty flash chambers 206, between two and seventeen flash chambers 206, between two and fifteen flash chambers 206, between two and twelve flash chambers 206, between two and nine flash chambers 206, between two and six flash chambers 206, between two and three flash chambers 206, between three and twenty flash chambers 206, between three and seventeen flash chambers 206, between three and fifteen flash chambers 206, between three and twelve flash chambers 206, between three and nine flash chambers 206, between three and six flash chambers 206, between five and twenty flash chambers 206, between five and seventeen flash chambers 206, between five and fifteen flash chambers 206, between five and twelve flash chambers 206, between five and nine flash chambers 206, between five and six flash chambers 206, between seven and twenty flash chambers 206, between seven and seventeen flash chambers 206, between seven and fifteen flash chambers 206, between seven and twelve flash chambers 206, between seven and nine flash chambers 206, between nine and twenty flash chambers 206, between nine and seventeen flash chambers 206, between nine and fifteen flash chambers 206, between nine and twelve flash chambers 206, between eleven and twenty flash chambers 206, between eleven and seventeen flash chambers 206, between eleven and fifteen flash chambers 206, between eleven and twelve flash chambers 206, between thirteen and twenty flash chambers 206, between thirteen and seventeen flash chambers 206, between thirteen and fifteen flash chambers 206, between fifteen and twenty flash chambers 206, between fifteen and seventeen flash chambers 206, or between seventeen and twenty flash chambers 206, inclusive. In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes at least two flash chambers 206, at least three flash chambers 206, at least four flash chambers 206, at least five flash chambers 206, at least six flash chambers 206, at least seven flash chambers 206, at least eight flash chambers 206, at least nine flash chambers 206, at least ten flash chambers 206, at least eleven flash chambers 206, at least twelve flash chambers 206, at least thirteen flash chambers 206, at least fourteen flash chambers 206, at least fifteen flash chambers 206, at least sixteen flash chambers 206, at least seventeen flash chambers 206, at least eighteen flash chambers 206, at least nineteen flash chambers 206, or at least twenty flash chambers 206. In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes at most two flash chambers 206, at most three flash chambers 206, at most four flash chambers 206, at most five flash chambers 206, at most six flash chambers 206, at most seven flashchambers 206, at most eight flash chambers 206, at most nine flash chambers 206, at most ten flash chambers 206, at most eleven flash chambers 206, at most twelve flash chambers 206, at most thirteen flash chambers 206, at most fourteen flash chambers 206, at most fifteen flash chambers 206, at most sixteen flash chambers 206, at most seventeen flash chambers 206, at most eighteen flash chambers 206, at most nineteen flash chambers 206, or at most twenty flash chambers 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first flash chamber 206-1 is located at a first end of the flash vessel structure 202 and the second flash chamber located at a second end of the flash vessel structure 202. In some such embodiments, the second end is opposite the first end of the flash vessel structure 202, which creates spatial separation between the first flash chamber 206-2 and the second flash chamber 206-1. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the first flash chamber 206-1 is an initial terminal flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 and the second flash chamber 206-2 is a final terminal flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers 204. For instance, referring briefly to Figure 2, a first flash chamber 206-1 is a first terminal flash chamber 206 of the series of at least two flash chambers 204 at one end of the flash vessel structure 202 and a second flash chamber 206-2 is a second terminal flash chamber 206 of the series of at least two flash chambers 204 at a second end of the flash vessel structure 202. Moreover, in some embodiments, each flash chamber 206 of the at least two flash chambers 204 includes a cross section that is perpendicular to the horizontal (e.g., a horizontal direction of flow of the liquid media, the horizon, etc.).

[0125] In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure 202 is configured to receive a liquid media (e.g., hot water 110 of Figures 1-6) flow via a liquid input (e.g., liquid input 208 of Figure 2) formed on the first flash chamber 206-1, flash evaporate a portion of the liquid media flow 110 to generate a vapor, and drain the liquid media flow 110 via a liquid outlet (e.g., liquid outlet 210 of Figure 2, etc.) formed on the second flash chamber 206-2. By way of example, in some embodiments, each flash chamber 206 includes a liquid input for receiving a liquid media, a vapor orifice configured to stay above the liquid media and convey vaper flashed at the flash chamber 206 to a compressor 216, and a liquid outlet 608 configured to convey the liquid media to the liquid outlet 210 of the series of at least two flash chambers 204 or an adjacent flash chamber 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, a flow rate of the liquid media flow 110 through some or all of the flash vessel structure 202 is between 0.5 meters per second (m / s) and 2 m / s. Insome embodiments, the flow rate of the liquid media flow through some or all of the flash structure is between 5 and 20 m / s, 5 and 12 m / s, 6 and 19 m / s, 6 and 11 m / s, 7 and 18 m / s, 7 and 10 m / s, 8 and 17 m / s, 8 and 9 m / s, 9 and 16 m / s, 10 and 15 m / s, 11 and 14 m / s, 12 and 13 m / s, 12 and 20 m / s, 13 and 19 m / s, 14 and 18 m / s, or 15 and 17 m / s. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the liquid media flow through some or all of the flash structure is at least 5 m / s, at least 6 m / s, at least 7 m / s, at least 8 m / s, at least 9 m / s, at least 10 m / s, at least 11 m / s, at least 12 m / s, at least 13 m / s, at least 14 m / s, at least 15 m / s, at least 16 m / s, at least 17 m / s, at least 18 m / s, at least 19 m / s, or at least 20 m / s. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the liquid media flow through some or all of the flash structure is at most 5 m / s, at most 6 m / s, at most 7 m / s, at most 8 m / s, at most 9 m / s, at most 10 m / s, at most 11 m / s, at most 12 m / s, at most 13 m / s, at most 14 m / s, at most 15 m / s, at most 16 m / s, at most 17 m / s, at most 18 m / s, at most 19 m / s, or at most 20 m / s.

[0127] In some embodiments, the system 104 is configured to receive the liquid media 110 at a first temperature. In some embodiments, the first temperature is between 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (15.6 degrees Celsius (°C)) and 150 °F (65.6 °C). In some embodiments, the first temperature is between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 220 °F (104 °C). For instance, in some embodiments, the first temperature is between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 190 °F(87.8 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 150 °F(65.6 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 120 °F(48.9 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 105 °F (40.6 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 90 °F(32.2 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 75 °F (23.9 °F), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 190 °F(87.8 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 150 °F(65.6 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 120 °F(48.9 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 105 °F (40.6 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 90 °F(32.2 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 120 °F (48.9 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 105 °F (40.6 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C),between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C), and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C), and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C), and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), or between 205 °F (96.1 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), inclusive. In some embodiments, the first temperature from is at least 60 °F (15.6 °C), at least 65 °F (18.3 °C), at least 70 °F (21.1 °C), at least 75 °F (23.9 °C), at least 80 °F (26.7 °C), at least 85 °F (29.4 °C), at least 90 °F (32.2 °C), at least 95 °F (35.0 °C), at least 100 °F (37.8 °C), 105 °F (40.6 °C), at least 110 °F (43.3 °C), at least 115 °F (46.1 °C), at least 120 °F (48.9 °C), at least 125 °F (51.7 °C), at least 130 °F (54.4 °C), at least 135 °F (57.2 °C), at least 140 °F (60.0 °C), at least 145 °F (62.8 °C), at least 150 °F (65.6 °C), at least 155 °F (68.3 °C), at least 160 °F (71.1 °C), at least 165 °F (73.9 °C), at least 170 °F (76.7 °C), at least 175 °F (79.4 °C), at least 180 °F (82.2 °C), at least 185 °F (85.0 °C), at least 190 °F (87.8 °C), at least 195 °F (90.6 °C), at least 200 °F (93.3 °C), at least 205 °F (96.1 °C), at least 210 °F (98.9 °C), at least 215 °F (102 °C), or at least 220 °F (104 °C). In some embodiments, the first temperature is at most 60 °F (15.6 °C), at most 65 °F (18.3 °C), at most 70 °F (21.1 °C), at most 75 °F (23.9 °C), at most 80 °F (26.7 °C), at most 85 °F (29.4 °C), at most 90 °F (32.2 °C), at most 95 °F (35.0 °C), at most 100 °F (37.8 °C), 105 °F (40.6 °C), at most 110 °F (43.3 °C), at most 115 °F (46.1 °C), at most 120 °F (48.9 °C), at most 125 °F (51.7 °C), at most 130 °F (54.4 °C), at most 135 °F (57.2 °C), at most 140 °F (60.0 °C), at most 145 °F (62.8 °C), at most 150 °F (65.6 °C), at most 155 °F (68.3 °C), at most 160 °F (71.1 °C), at most 165 °F (73.9 °C), at most 170 °F (76.7 °C), at most 175 °F (79.4 °C), at most 180 °F (82.2 °C), at most 185 °F (85.0 °C), at most 190 °F (87.8 °C), at most 195 °F (90.6 °C), at most 200 °F (93.3 °C), at most 205 °F (96.1 °C), at most 210 °F (98.9 °C), at most 215 °F (102 °C), or at most 220 °F (104 °C). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] In some embodiments, every two immediately adjacent flash chambers are separated by a separator structure (e.g., first separator structure 220-1 of Figure 2, second separator structure 220-2 of Figure 2, first separator structure 220-1 of Figure 6, second separator structure 220-2 of Figure 6, third separator structure 220-3 of Figure 6, separator structure 220 of Figure 7A, separator structure 220 of Figure 7B, separator structure 220 of Figure 8, separator structure 220 of Figure 9, separator structure 220 of Figure 10A, etc. that is configured to control a flow between the adjacent flash chambers 206. For instance, referring briefly to Figure 7B, in some embodiments, the separator structure 220 includes aliquid opening 804 configured to stay within the liquid media flow 110. By way of example, in some embodiments, the liquid opening includes an aperture 704 that is submerged or substantially submerged within the liquid media flow. In some embodiments, the aperture 704 of the separator structure 220 is submerged within the liquid media flow if between 90 percent (%) and 100%, between 95% and 100%, or between 99% and 100% of a cross- sectional area of the aperture accommodates the liquid media flow. In some embodiments, the aperture 704 of the separator structure 220 is submerged within the liquid media flow if bat least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or at least 100% of the cross-sectional area of the aperture accommodates the liquid media flow. In some embodiments, the aperture 704 of the separator structure 220 is submerged within the liquid media flow if bat most 90%, at most 95%, at most 96%, at most 97%, at most 98%, at most 99%, or at most 100% of the cross-sectional area of the aperture accommodates the liquid media flow. Additional details and information regarding the separator structure 220 of the present disclosure will be described in further detail infra.

[0129] In some embodiments, in order to provide the high-pressure steam 140 that is utilizable by the facility 102, the compressor train 212 includes a series of at least two compressors 214 (e.g., first compressor 216-1 of any of Figures 2-6, second compressor 216- 2 of any of Figures 2-6, third compressor 216-3 of any of Figures 2-6, etc. . By way of example, in some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 draw vapor (e.g., via a pressure gradient generated at the compressor 216) at its vapor inlets and increases pressure at its vapor outlets. In some such embodiments, the flash chambers 206 provide vapor to the vapor inlets of the series of at least two compressors, and, therefore, operate at approximately the inlet pressure of corresponding compressor in the series of at least two compressors 214 the flash chamber is fluidly coupled to via the vapor out of the flash chamber.

[0130] In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes the first compressor 216-1 and the second compressor 216-2. The first compressor 216-1 includes a first optimal inlet volumetric flow rate associated with a vapor inlet. Moreover, in some such embodiment, the second compressor 216-2 includes a second optimal inlet volumetric flow rate that is greater than the first optimal inlet volumetric flow rate of the first compressor 216-1. Furthermore, in some such embodiment, the second optimal inlet volumetric flow rate that is equal or substantially equal to the first optimal inlet volumetric flow rate of the first compressor 216-1. Additionally, in some such embodiment, the second optimal inlet volumetric flow rate that is less than to the first optimal inlet volumetric flowrate of the first compressor 216-1. Moreover, in some such embodiments, the first compressor 216-1 is coupled upstream of the second compressor 216-2 in the series of at least two compressors 214.

[0131] Furthermore, in some embodiments, each compressor 216 in the series of at least two compressors 214 is a single-stage compressor 216. For instance, in some embodiments, each stage of each compressor 216 is associated with a corresponding motor (e.g., power supply 986 of Figure 14) and / or a corresponding variable frequency drive (VFD) controller (e.g., controller 906 of Figure 14), which allows for a respective compressor 216 to be individually operated distinctly from the remainder of the series of at least two compressors 214.

[0132] For instance, in some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes between two and twenty compressors 216 (e.g., two compressors 216, three compressors 216, . . twenty compressors 216, etc.), between two and seventeen compressors 216, between two and fifteen compressors 216, between two and twelve compressors 216, between two and nine compressors 216, between two and six compressors 216, between two and three compressors 216, between three and twenty compressors 216, between three and seventeen compressors 216, between three and fifteen compressors 216, between three and twelve compressors 216, between three and nine compressors 216, between three and six compressors 216, between five and twenty compressors 216, between five and seventeen compressors 216, between five and fifteen compressors 216, between five and twelve compressors 216, between five and nine compressors 216, between five and six compressors 216, between seven and twenty compressors 216, between seven and seventeen compressors 216, between seven and fifteen compressors 216, between seven and twelve compressors 216, between seven and nine compressors 216, between nine and twenty compressors 216, between nine and seventeen compressors 216, between nine and fifteen compressors 216, between nine and twelve compressors 216, between eleven and twenty compressors 216, between eleven and seventeen compressors 216, between eleven and fifteen compressors 216, between eleven and twelve compressors 216, between thirteen and twenty compressors 216, between thirteen and seventeen compressors 216, between thirteen and fifteen compressors 216, between fifteen and twenty compressors 216, between fifteen and seventeen compressors 216, or between seventeen and twenty compressors 216, inclusive. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes at least two compressors 216, at least three compressors 216, at least four compressors 216, at least five compressors 216, at least six compressors 216, at least seven compressors 216, at least eightcompressors 216, at least nine compressors 216, at least ten compressors 216, at least eleven compressors 216, at least twelve compressors 216, at least thirteen compressors 216, at least fourteen compressors 216, at least fifteen compressors 216, at least sixteen compressors 216, at least seventeen compressors 216, at least eighteen compressors 216, at least nineteen compressors 216, or at least twenty compressors 216. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes at most two compressors 216, at most three compressors 216, at most four compressors 216, at most five compressors 216, at most six compressors 216, at most seven compressors 216, at most eight compressors 216, at most nine compressors 216, at most ten compressors 216, at most eleven compressors 216, at most twelve compressors 216, at most thirteen compressors 216, at most fourteen compressors 216, at most fifteen compressors 216, at most sixteen compressors 216, at most seventeen compressors 216, at most eighteen compressors 216, at most nineteen compressors 216, or at most twenty compressors 216.

[0133] In some embodiments, each compressor 216 in the series of at least two compressors 214 and each flash vessel 206 in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 share a one-to-one relationship. For instance, referring briefly to Figure 2, the system 104 depicts the one-to-one relationship for each compressor 216 and each flash chamber 206, in that the series of at least two compressors 214 has two compressors 216 and the series of at least two flash chambers 204 similarly has two flash chambers 206. In some embodiments, the compressors 216 and flash chambers 206 share the one-to-one relationship when a temperature difference between a first compressor and a second compressor satisfies a threshold temperature, such as 10 °C, 20 °C, etc. In some embodiments, the compressors 216 and flash chambers 206 share the one-to-one relationship when a temperature difference between a first flash vessel and a second flash vessel satisfies a threshold temperature, such as 20 °C. Moreover, in some embodiments, each compressor 216 and each flash chamber 206 share a many-to-one relationship.

[0134] In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes m compressors 216, in which m is an integer, such as an integer greater than two. In some embodiments, m is at least two and less than twenty-one. Moreover, in some embodiments, m is selected for the system 104 in accordance with one or more input parameters (e.g., parameters 916 of Figure 9) of the system 104 and / or one or more output parameters 916 of the system 104. For instance, in some embodiments, m is selected in accordance with a temperature of the high-pressure steam 140 that is produced by the system 104 and a temperature of hot water received from the facility 102 or the different facility 102 by thesystem 104. In some embodiments, m is selected in accordance with a lift (e.g., difference) between the temperature of the high-pressure steam 140 that is produced by the system 104 and the temperature of the liquid media. For instance, in some embodiments, m is selected in order to provide the lift between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 60 °F (15.6°C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 60 °F (15.6°C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 120 °F (48.9 °C), between 60 °F (15.6°C) and 105 °F (40.6 °C), between 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 90 °F (32.2 °C), between 60 °F (15.6°C) and 75 °F (23.9 °F), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 80 °F (26.7°C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 80 °F (26.7°C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 120 °F (48.9 °C), between 80 °F (26.7°C) and 105 °F (40.6 °C), between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 90 °F (32.2 °C), between 100 °F (37.8°C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 120 °F (48.9 °C), between 100 °F (37.8 °C) and 105 °F (40.6 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 120 °F (48.9 °C) and 135 °F (57.2 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 175 °F (79.4 °C), between 140 °F (60.0 °C) and 150 °F (65.6 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C)and 330 °F (165 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C)and 300°F (149 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C)and 270 °F (135 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C)and 250 °F (121 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C), and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C), and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 175 °F (79.4 °C), and 190 °F (87.8 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 190 °F (87.8 °C) and 205 °F (96.1 °C), between 205 °F (96.1 °C) and 330 °F (165 °C), between 205 °F (96.1 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 205 °F (96.1 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 205 °F (96.1 °C) and 250 °F (121 °C), between 205 °F (96.1 °C) and 220 °F (65.6 °C), between 250 °F (121 °C)and 330 °F (165 °C), between 250 °F (121 °C) and 300 °F (149 °C), between 250 °F (121 °C) and 270 °F (135 °C), between 270 °F (135 °C), and 330 °F (165 °C), between 330 °F (165 °C) and 392 °F (200 °C) inclusive. In some embodiments, m is selected in order to provide the lift of at least 60 °F (15.6 °C), at least 65 °F (18.3 °C), at least 70 °F (21.1 °C), at least 75 °F (23.9 °C), at least 80 °F (26.7 °C), at least 85 °F (29.4 °C), at least 90 °F (32.2 °C), at least 95 °F (35.0 °C), at least 100 °F (37.8 °C), 105 °F (40.6 °C), at least 110 °F (43.3 °C), at least 115 °F (46.1 °C), at least 120 °F (48.9 °C), at least 125 °F (51.7 °C), at least 130 °F (54.4 °C), at least 135 °F (57.2 °C), at least 140 °F (60.0 °C), at least 145 °F (62.8 °C), at least 150 °F (65.6 °C), at least 155 °F (68.3 °C), at least 160 °F (71.1 °C), at least 165 °F (73.9 °C), at least 170 °F (76.7 °C), at least 175 °F (79.4 °C), at least 180 °F (82.2 °C), at least 185 °F (85.0 °C), at least 190 °F (87.8 °C), at least 195 °F (90.6 °C), at least 200 °F (93.3 °C), at least 205 °F (96.1 °C), at least 210 °F (98.9 °C), at least 215 °F (102 °C), at least 220 °F (104 °C), at least 250 °F (121 °C), at least 270 °F (135 °C), at least 300 °F (149 °C), at least 330 °F (165 °C), or at least 392 °F (200 °C). In some embodiments, m is selected in order to provide the lift of at most 60 °F (15.6 °C), at most 65 °F (18.3 °C), at most 70 °F (21.1 °C), at most 75 °F (23.9 °C), at most 80 °F (26.7 °C), at most 85 °F (29.4 °C), at most 90 °F (32.2 °C), at most 95 °F (35.0 °C), at most 100 °F (37.8 °C), 105 °F (40.6 °C), at most 110 °F (43.3 °C), at most 115 °F (46.1 °C), at most 120 °F (48.9 °C), at most 125 °F (51.7 °C), at most 130 °F (54.4 °C), at most 135 °F (57.2 °C), at most 140 °F (60.0 °C), at most 145 °F (62.8 °C), at most 150 °F (65.6 °C), at most 155 °F (68.3 °C), at most 160 °F (71.1 °C), at most 165 °F (73.9 °C), at most 170 °F (76.7 °C), at most 175 °F (79.4 °C), at most 180 °F (82.2 °C), at most 185 °F (85.0 °C), at most 190 °F (87.8 °C), at most 195 °F (90.6 °C), at most 200 °F (93.3 °C), at most 205 °F (96.1 °C), at most 210 °F (98.9 °C), at most 215 °F (102 °C), at most 220 °F (104 °C), at most 250 °F (121 °C), at most 270 °F (135 °C), at most 300 °F (149 °C), at most 330 °F (165 °C), or a least 392 °F (200 °C).

[0135] In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 is configured such that the at least two compressors 216 in the series of at least two compressors 214 are fluidically coupled in series. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 are coupled, at least in part, fluidically in series, which allows for a stream of vapor medium to flow from a first compressor 216-1 in the series of at least two compressors 216 into a second compressor 216-2 in the series of at least two compressors 216, or from a first flash chamber to the first compressor 216-1 and further to the second compressor 216-2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0136] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 is coupled to the flash vessel structure 202, in which every two immediately adjacent compressors 214 are coupled via a vapor channel (e.g., first vapor channel 214-1 of Figure 2, second vapor channel 214-2 of Figure 2, etc.), which allows for each compressor 216 to receive vapor flashed by the respective flash chamber 206. In this way, in some embodiments, each compressor 216 is configured to compress at least the vapor received from the respective flash chamber 206.

[0137] In some embodiments, a distance (e.g., distance DO of Figure 2) that extends between a first end of the first compressor 216-1 and a second end of the second compressor 216-2 is between 10’ and 25’. In some embodiments, the distance DO extending between the first compressor 216-1 and the second compressor 216-2 is between 10 and 25 ', 10 and 18 ', 11 and 24 ', 11 and 17 ', 12 and 23 ', 12 and 16 ', 13 and 22 ', 13 and 15 ', 14 and 21 ', 15 and 20 ', 16 and 19 ', 17 and 18 ', 18 and 25 ', 19 and 24 ', 20 and 23 ', or 21 and 22 '. In some embodiments, the distance DO extending between the first compressor 216-1 and the second compressor 216-2 is at least 10 ', at least 11 ', at least 12 ', at least 13 ', at least 14 ', at least 15 ', at least 16 ', at least 17 ', at least 18 ', at least 19 ', at least 20 ', at least 21 ', at least 22 ', at least 23 ', at least 24 ', or at least 25 '. In some embodiments, the distance DO extending between the first compressor 216-1 and the second compressor 216-2 is at most 10 ', at most 11 ', at most 12 ', at most 13 ', at most 14 ', at most 15 ', at most 16 ', at most 17 ', at most 18 ', at most 19 ', at most 20 ', at most 21 ', at most 22 ', at most 23 ', at most 24 ', or at most 25 '.

[0138] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system having a flash vessel structure 202 in parallel, or substantially parallel, to a series of at least two compressors 214, in accordance with some embodiments. By way of example, in some embodiments, a longitudinal axis (e.g., first longitudinal axis 302-1 of Figure 3) of the series of at least two flash chambers 204 is parallel or substantially parallel toa longitudinal axis (e.g., second longitudinal axis 302-2 of Figure 3) of the series of at least two compressors 214.

[0139] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system having a flash vessel structure with sets of flash chambers in parallel, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0140] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes a pathline through both the first flash chamber 206-1 and the second flash chamber 206-2 when the series of at least two flash chambers 204 are coupled, at least in part, fluidically in series. In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 is configured such that each flash chamber 206 in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 is disposed in a straight line, a substantially straight line, an arc line, or a substantially arc line. In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 is configured such that each compressor in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 is disposed in an array, such as an array of two or more rows of parallel, or substantially parallel lines. Similarly, in some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 216 includes a pathline through both the first compressor 216-1 and the second compressor 216-2 when the series of at least two compressors 214 are coupled, at least in part, fluidically in series. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 is configured such that each compressor 216 in the series of at least two compressors 216 is disposed in a straight line, a substantially straight line, an arc line, or a substantially arc line. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 is configured such that each compressor in the series of at least two compressors 214 is disposed in an array, such as an array of two or more rows of parallel, or substantially parallel lines.

[0141] For instance, in some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes at least two flash chambers 206 in parallel., such that the liquid media flow is split, at least in part, between the first flash chamber 206-1 and the second flash chambers 206-2 of the at least two flash chambers 206 in parallel and flows in both the first flash chambers 206-1 and the second flash chamber 206-2 before recombining within the system 100, such as within the series of at least two compressors 214. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the liquid input 208 of the flash vessel structure 202 includes a bifurcation, such as a tee or wye, which allows for providing the same liquid media flow to two distinct set of parallel flash chambers 402. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet 210 of the flash vessel structure 202 includes a bifurcation,such as a tee or wye, which allows for collecting the liquid media flow from the two distinct set of parallel flash chambers 402.

[0142] In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes at least two flash chambers 206 in parallel, such as a first flash chamber 206-1 in parallel to a third flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes p flash chambers in parallel, in which p is a positive, even integer, which allows for evenly disturbing flash chambers 206 in parallel.

[0143] Moreover, in some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes a first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1 and a second set of parallel flash chambers 402-2 different from the first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1. In some embodiments, a set of parallel flash chambers 402 includes between two and twenty flash chambers 206, between two and seventeen flash chambers 206, between two and fifteen flash chambers 206, between two and twelve flash chambers 206, between two and nine flash chambers 206, between two and six flash chambers 206, between two and three flash chambers 206, between three and twenty flash chambers 206, between three and seventeen flash chambers 206, between three and fifteen flash chambers 206, between three and twelve flash chambers 206, between three and nine flash chambers 206, between three and six flash chambers 206, between five and twenty flash chambers 206, between five and seventeen flash chambers 206, between five and fifteen flash chambers 206, between five and twelve flash chambers 206, between five and nine flash chambers 206, between five and six flash chambers 206, between seven and twenty flash chambers 206, between seven and seventeen flash chambers 206, between seven and fifteen flash chambers 206, between seven and twelve flash chambers 206, between seven and nine flash chambers 206, between nine and twenty flash chambers 206, between nine and seventeen flash chambers 206, between nine and fifteen flash chambers 206, between nine and twelve flash chambers 206, between eleven and twenty flash chambers 206, between eleven and seventeen flash chambers 206, between eleven and fifteen flash chambers 206, between eleven and twelve flash chambers 206, between thirteen and twenty flash chambers 206, between thirteen and seventeen flash chambers 206, between thirteen and fifteen flash chambers 206, between fifteen and twenty flash chambers 206, between fifteen and seventeen flash chambers 206, or between seventeen and twenty flash chambers 206, inclusive. In some embodiments, the set of parallel flash chambers 402 includes at least two flash chambers 206, at least three flash chambers 206, at least four flash chambers 206, at least five flash chambers 206, at least six flash chambers 206, at least seven flash chambers 206, at least eight flash chambers 206, at least nine flashchambers 206, at least ten flash chambers 206, at least eleven flash chambers 206, at least twelve flash chambers 206, at least thirteen flash chambers 206, at least fourteen flash chambers 206, at least fifteen flash chambers 206, at least sixteen flash chambers 206, at least seventeen flash chambers 206, at least eighteen flash chambers 206, at least nineteen flash chambers 206, or at least twenty flash chambers 206. In some embodiments, the set of parallel flash chambers 402 includes at most two flash chambers 206, at most three flash chambers 206, at most four flash chambers 206, at most five flash chambers 206, at most six flash chambers 206, at most seven flash chambers 206, at most eight flash chambers 206, at most nine flash chambers 206, at most ten flash chambers 206, at most eleven flash chambers 206, at most twelve flash chambers 206, at most thirteen flash chambers 206, at most fourteen flash chambers 206, at most fifteen flash chambers 206, at most sixteen flash chambers 206, at most seventeen flash chambers 206, at most eighteen flash chambers 206, at most nineteen flash chambers 206, or at most twenty flash chambers 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1 and the second set of parallel flash chambers 402-2 each includes the same number of flash chambers. By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 4, each of the first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1 and the second set of parallel flash chambers 402-2 includes seven respective flash chambers 206.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1 and the second set of parallel flash chambers 402-2 have the same or different diameter.

[0145] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the series of at least two flash chambers 204 includes the first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1 and the series of at least two compressors 214 includes a first set of parallel compressors 404-1, and a longitudinal axis 302-1 of the first set of parallel flash chambers 402-1 is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel compressors 404-1. Moreover, in some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors includes the first set of compressors 404- 1 and a second set of compressors 404-2 are arranged in parallel, or a “U” shape. In some embodiments, the set of parallel flash chambers includes a vapor out for each of the set of compressors 404-2 or only one set of compressors 404-2.

[0146] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system having a compact configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 302-1 or 302-2 of the first set of parallel flash chambers is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel compressors by a first distance (e.g., first distance DI of Figure 3, first distance DI of Figure5, etc.), in which the distance DI is configurable based on a spatial requirement of a facility 102 associated with the system 100. For instance, in some embodiments, the distance DI is configured to provide a volume interposing between the flash vessel structure 202 and the series of at least two compressors 214 to allow for disposal of one or more utilities or subsystem, such as an electrical system, a lubrication system, a drain system, a lubrication system, a drain system, a hot water loop, a water reservoir, or a combination thereof.

[0147] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in accordance with some embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the liquid openings 608 of the series of at least two flash chambers aligns, or substantially aligns, with respect to a central axis of the flash vessel structure that is substantially parallel to a direction of the liquid media flow within the flash vessel structure.

[0148] In some embodiments, a bottom surface 610 of each flash chamber 206 in the flash vessel structure 202 includes a protrusion (e.g., first protrusion 604-1 of first flash chamber 206-1 of Figure 6, second protrusion 604-2 of second flash chamber 206-2 of Figure6, etc.). In some embodiments, the protrusion 604 includes a vertical surface that extends upwardly a height from the bottom surface 610 of the flash chamber 206. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the protrusion 604 is a baffle. In some embodiments, the vertical surface of the protrusion 604 is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to an opening of the liquid inlet 606 of the flash chamber 206, which allows for the protrusion to form a barrier or obstruction of the liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure 202. For instance, in some embodiments, the vertical surface is configured to guide the liquid media flow and / or imping the liquid media flow, causing turbulent flow within an interior of the flash chamber 206 and / or the liquid media towards the liquid surface 602, increasing evaporation within the flash chamber 206.

[0149] In some embodiments, a height of the vertical surface of the protrusion 604 and / or a distance between the vertical surface of the protrusion 604 and the separator structure 220 allows for flexibility in designing the system 104. For instance, in some embodiments, the height of the protrusion is an order of 0.67 to 1.33 of the height of the upper end portion of the separator structure. Moreover, in some embodiments, the distance between the protrusion 604 and the separator structure 220 is an order of 1 to 2 of the height of the separator structure 220.

[0150] In some embodiments, the protrusion 604 includes one or more through holes disposed on the vertical surface, such as to promote turbulence and / or prevent backflow at the protrusion 604.

[0151] In some embodiments, the protrusion 604 includes a surface 620 extending a height from the bottom surface of the flash chamber 206 at an acute or obtuse angle. By way of non-limiting example, referring briefly to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the second protrusion 604-2 extends from the bottom surface of the flash chamber 206 at an obtuse angle as measured from an upstream to a downstream direction of the liquid medium. In some embodiments, the surface 620 of the protrusion is configuration and / or adjustable, such as through one or more instructions from a controller (e.g., controller of Figure 14),

[0152] In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the separator structure 202 the protrusion 604, in which the surface 620 of the protrusion 604 extends from the surface of the separator structure 202 towards an interior of a respective flash chamber 206. By way example, the third separator structure 220-3 of Figure 6 includes the protrusion 604 having the surface 620 that extends at least in part, horizontally from the surface of the third separator structure 202-3 and / or vertically towards the vapor outlet 218 of the flash chamber 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0153] In the bottom surface is a planar surface. In some embodiments, a length (e.g., length L2 of Figure 6, etc.) of the bottom surface 610 of the flash chamber 206 is between 5’ and 30’. For instance, in some embodiments, the bottom surface is a planar surface, and the length L2 of the bottom surface of the flash chamber 206 is between 5’ and 30’, 5’ and 18 ', 6’ and 29 ', 6’ and 17 ', 7’ and 28 ', 7’ and 16 ', 8’ and 27 ', 8’ and 15 ', 9’ and 26 ', 9’ and 14 ', 10’ and 25 ', 10’ and 13 ', 11’ and 24 ', 11’ and 12 ', 12’ and 23 ', 13’ and 22 ', 14’ and 21 ', 15’ and 20 ', 16’ and 19 ', 17’ and 18 ', 18’ and 30 ', 19’ and 29 ', 20’ and 28 ', 21’ and 27 ', 22’ and 26 ', or 23’ and 25 '. In some embodiments, the length L2 of the bottom surface of the flash chamber 206 is at least 5 ', at least 6 ', at least 7 ', at least 8 ', at least 9 ', at least 10 ', at least 11 ', at least 12 ', at least 13 ', at least 14 ', at least 15 ', at least 16 ', at least 17 ', at least 18 ', at least 19 ', at least 20 ', at least 21 ', at least 22 ', at least 23 ', at least 24 ', at least 25 ', at least 26 ', at least 27 ', at least 28 ', at least 29 ', or at least 30 '. In some embodiments, the length L2 of the bottom surface of the flash chamber 206 is at most 5 ', at most 6 ', at most 7 ', at most 8 ', at most 9 ', at most 10 ', at most 11 ', at most 12 ', at most 13 ', at most 14 ', at most 15 ', at most 16 ', at most 17 ', at most 18 ', at most 19 ', at most 20 ', at most 21 ', at most 22 ', at most 23 ', at most 24 ', at most 25 ', at most 26 ', at most 27 ', at most 28 ', at most 29 ', or at most 30 '. In this way, each flash chamber 206 has sufficient length to provide sufficient residence time to evaporate the maximum amount of vapor from the liquid media. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the liquid outlet temperature of the flash chamber 206 is equal to the saturation temperature of the vapor generated by theflash chamber 206, which allows for all or substantially all heat to be extracted from the liquid media that is possible for the flash chamber at its operating parameters. In this way, having the length of the flash chamber 206 between 10 and 25’ allows for operating parameters of no more than 0.5 to 1.0 °C AT (e.g., exiting liquid to vapor of the flash vessel structure 202) remaining.

[0154] In some embodiments, the length of the flash chamber 206 is configured to provide a residence period of time for accommodating the liquid media 110 within the flash chamber in between 10 seconds (sec) and 360 sec. For instance, in some embodiments, the length of the flash chamber 206 is configured to provide a residence period of time for accommodating the liquid media 110 within the flash chamber of at least 10 sec, at least 30 sec, or at least 60 sec.

[0155] Referring to Table 1, below, in some embodiments, the length L2 of the flash chamber is the same as a distance between inlets adjacent compressors 216 of the series of at least two compressors 214. For instance, in some embodiments, the distance between inlets adjacent compressors 216 of the series of at least two compressors 214 is based, at least in part, on a diameter of the impeller of the compressor 216.Table 1 : distance between inlets adjacent compressors 216 of the series of at least two compressors 214 against compressor diameter.

[0156] Moreover, the length of the flash chamber 206 allows for serial configurations for the series of at least two compressors 214, such as in order to maintain ratio of an internal diameter of a cross-section of a respective duct fluidly coupling a flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers and a respective compressor in the series of at least two compressors against a length of the respective duct is greater than or equal to 1 :2.5.However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0157] For instance, referring to Table 2, below, for a given diameter, the length of a flash vessel differs as well as the outlet vapor diameter.Table 2: Dimensions of a Vapor Duct 218

[0158] In some embodiments, the separator structure 220 is disposed between a liquid outlet 608 of one flash chamber 206 in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 and the liquid inlet 606 of the other flash chamber 206 of the series of at least two flash chambers. In this way, the separator structure 220 allows for controlling a flow of the liquid media between adjacent flash chambers 206 based on a shape, size, configuration, and / or the like of the separator structure 220. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the separator structure 220 is disposed at the liquid inlet of each flash chamber 206 in order to control a flow rate of the liquid media into the interior of the flash chamber 206, such as given a pressure drop between each flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the separator structure 220 is an interstage plate configured to interpose between two adjacent flash chambers 206, separating an interior of one flash chamber 206 from an interior of another flash chamber 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0159] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes a separator structure, in accordance with some embodiments, and Figure 7B is a front view of a separator structure, in accordance with some embodiments. For instance, referring to Figures 7A-7B. in some embodiments, a surface of the separator structure 220 includes an aperture (e.g., aperture 704) that allows for the liquid media to pass through an interior of the separator structure 220 via the aperture 704. In some embodiments, the aperture 704 is sized to allow a portion of the liquid media to flow from an upstream flash chamber 206 to an adjacent flash chamber 206, downstream from the upstream flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the aperture 704 of the separator structure 220 is disposed entirely below the liquid surface 602 of the liquid media 110, so only, or substantially, liquid and no, or minimal, vapor passes through the aperture 704. In some embodiments, the aperture 704 causes the liquid media 110 to flash when passing through the aperture 704, such that vapor is generated directly downstream of the separator structure 220, but no vapor from the upstream flash chamber is conveyed through to the downstream stage. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0160] Accordingly, in some embodiments, an upper end portion (e.g., upper end portion 706 of Figure 7A, upper end portion 706 of Figure 7B, etc.) of the aperture 704 of the separator structure is disposed below the liquid surface 602 of liquid media flow 110 accommodated by the adjacent flash chambers 206, which ensures that vapor does not traverse between the adjacent flash chambers 206 with the liquid media flow. Moreover, in some embodiments, the liquid surface 602 is a free-surface stream of the liquid media 110that flows through an interior of the flash chamber 206 and releases vapor as the liquid media traverses through the flash chamber 206.

[0161] In some embodiments, a height (e.g., height Hl of Figure 6) of the separator structure 220 that extends from a lower end portion of the separator structure 220 to the upper end portion 706 of the separator structure 220 is between 0.5 inches (”) and 6”. For instance, in some embodiments, the height Hl of the separator structure 220 is between 0.5” and 6”, 0.5” and 5”, 0.5” and 4”, 0.5” and 3”, 0.5” and 2”, 0.5” and 1”, 1.5” and 6”, 1.5” and 5”, 1.5” and 4”, 1.5” and 3”, 1.5” and 2”, 2.5” and 6”, 2.5” and 5”, 2.5” and 4”, 2.5” and 3”, 3.5” and 6”, 3.5” and 5”, 3.5” and 4”, 4.5” and 6”, and 4.5” and 5”. In some embodiments, the height Hl of the separator structure 220 is at least 0.5”, at least 1”, at least 1.5”, at least 2”, at least 2.5”, at least 3”, at least 3.5”, at least 4”, at least 4.5”, at least 5”, at least 5.5”, or at least 6”. In some embodiments, the height Hl of the separator structure 220 is at most 0.5”, at most 1”, at most 1.5”, at most 2”, at most 2.5”, at most 3”, at most 3.5”, at most 4”, at most 4.5”, at most 5”, at most 5.5”, or at most 6”. By way of example, in some embodiments, the height Hl of the separator structure 220 is configured to allow a threshold flow rate of the liquid media 110 through the aperture 704 given a known delta pressure between the upstream and downstream flash chambers 206. However, the present disclosure in not limited thereto.

[0162] In some embodiments, the lower end portion of the separator structure 220 and a lower end portion of the flash chamber 206 are at the same, or substantially the same, elevation. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the liquid surface 602 of liquid media flow 110 accommodated by the other one of the series of at least two flash chambers 206 is formed at a depth (e.g., D2 of Figure 6, etc.) that is between 6” and 18” from the lower end portion of the flash chamber 206. For instance, in some embodiments, the depth D2 of the liquid surface 602 is between 6” and 18”, 6” and 12, 7” and 17, 7” and 11, 8” and 16, 8” and 10, 9” and 15, 10” and 14, 11” and 13, 12” and 18, 13” and 17”, or 14” and 16”. In some embodiments, the depth D2 of the liquid surface 602 is at least 6”, at least 7", at least 8", at least 9", at least 10", at least 11", at least 12", at least 13", at least 14", at least 15", at least 16", at least 17", or at least 18”. In some embodiments, the depth D2 of the liquid surface 602 is at most 6”, at most 7", at most 8", at most 9", at most 10", at most 11", at most 12", at most 13", at most 14", at most 15", at most 16", at most 17", or at most 18”. In this way, the depth D2 of the liquid media is shallow, which provides less hydrostatic suppression to generate vapor.

[0163] Referring to Figure 7B, in some embodiments, the separator structure 220 includes one or more interface surfaces (e.g., first interface surface 710-1 of Figure 7B,second interface surface 710-2 of Figure 7B, etc.) that is configured for engaging with a corresponding surface of an adjacent flash chamber 206. For instance, in some embodiments, a respective interface surface 710 includes a through hole, which allows the separator structure 220 to engage with a corresponding surface of the adjacent flash chamber 206, such as a pin protruding from the corresponding surface. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0164] In some embodiments, the separator structure 220 includes a protrusion (e.g., protrusion 712 of Figure 7B, protrusion 712 of Figure 8, etc.) that extends from an edge portion of the separator structure 220, such that some or all of the protrusion extends past an exterior surface of an adjacent flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the protrusion 712 is configured to be grasped by an end-user, such as a human or articulated robot, which allows for manipulating a placement and / or orientation of the separator structure 220 through application of a force to the protrusion 712. However, the present disclosure is non limited thereto. In some embodiments, the protrusion 712 is a datum point (hat is associated with an orientation of the separator structure 220. For instance, in some embodiments, the protrusion 712 is fixed on a surface or portion of the separator structure 220, such that a change in a position of the separator structure 220 would be visible by a similar change in a position of the protrusion 712. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the protrusion represents an approximate of the overall orientation of the separation structure 220.

[0165] Figure 8 is a view of a separator structure 220 disposed between flanges of two adjacent flash chambers 206, in accordance with some embodiments. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more gaskets 702 is disposed interposing between a surface of an adjacent flash chamber 206 and a surface of the separator structure 220. In some embodiments, a first gasket 702-1 is disposed interposing between a first surface of the first flash chamber 206-1 and a first surface of the separator structure 220, and a second gasket 702-2 is disposed interposing between a second surface of the second flash chamber 206-2 and a second surface of the separator structure 220 opposite the first surface of the separator structure 200, which allows for forming a seal through the separator structure 220 against both the first flash chamber 206-1 and the second flash chamber 206-2, allowing for the liquid media to traverse therebetween without pressure loss and / or contamination from an environment. More particularly, in some embodiments, the first gasket 702-1 is disposed interposing between a first flange 802-1 of the first flash chamber 206 in the series of at least two flash chambers 204 and the first surface of the separator structure 220, and the second gasket 702-2 is disposed interposing between the second flange 802-2 of the other one of theseries of at least two flash chambers 206 and the second surface of the separator structure 220, allowing for the coupling force between the flanges 802 to cause sealing of the separator structure 220 between the gaskets 702. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0166] Moreover, in some embodiments, the flanges 802 allow for bolting adjacent flash chambers 206 together in series. For instance, in some such embodiments, this is desirable to reduce the cost of any additional interstage piping where no flashing occurs. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For instance, in some embodiments, the adjacent flash chambers 206 are connected via a duct, which carries the liquid media to the downstream flash chamber 206.

[0167] In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure one or more ports (e.g., first port 810-1, second port 810-2, port v 81-V of Figure 8). In some embodiments, each flash chamber 206 includes at least one port 810. In some embodiments, a flash chamber includes a port 206. In some embodiments, the flash chamber 206 includes a plurality of ports 810 (e.g., three or more ports, four or more ports, ten or more ports, etc.). In some embodiments, each port 810 in the one or more ports in configured to accommodate a respective sensor 982, which allows the sensor to evaluate an interior of the flash chamber 206, such a temperature of the liquid medium, a pressure of the vapor, a level of the liquid medium, a flow rate of the liquid medium, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the port includes an opening that forms a channel for accommodating the sensor. In some embodiments, the port 810 is configured to allow the sensor to interface with the liquid medium and / or the vapor. In some embodiments, the port is configured to separate the sensor from the liquid medium and / or the vapor. In some embodiments, the port includes the opening and / or a gate that allows a user to maintain and / or configure the sensor.

[0168] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes an orifice plate, in accordance with some embodiments, in accordance with some embodiments. The flash chamber 206 includes a groove (e.g., groove 902 of Figure 9, etc.) configured to accommodate a gasket 702. For instance, in some embodiments, the groove 902 is formed circumferentially and / or about a perimeter of the flange 802 of the flash chamber 206, which allows for the gasket to be accommodated by and deform by an exterior surface of the groove 902. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For instance, in some embodiments, the groove 902 is formed circumferentially and / or about a perimeter of the surface of the separator structure 220. In some embodiments, the groove 902 is formed about some of the circumference and / or perimeter of the flange 802 or the separator structure 220.

[0169] In some embodiments, an internal diameter (e.g., internal diameter D3 of Figure 10 and 10B, etc.) of the cross-section of a flash chamber 206 is between 1’ and 6’. For instance, in some embodiments, the internal diameter D3 of the flash chamber 206 is between 1’ and 12’, between 1’ and 10’, between 1’ and 8’, 1’ and 6’, 1’ and 5’, 1’ and 4’, 1’ and 3’, 1’ and 2’, 1.5’ and 6’, 1.5’ and 5’, 1.5’ and 4’, 1.5’ and 3’, 1.5’ and 2’, 2.5’ and 6’, 2.5’ and 5’, 2.5’ and 4’, 2.5’ and 3’, 3.5’ and 6’, 3.5’ and 5’, 3.5’ and 4’, 4.5’ and 6’, and 4.5’ and 5’, 4’ and 12’, 4’ and 8’, 5’ and 12’, 5’ and 10’ 6’ and 12’, 6’ and 10’, or 8’ and 12’. In some embodiments, the internal diameter D3 of the flash chamber 206 is at least 1’, at least 1.5’, at least 2’, at least 2.5’, at least 3’, at least 3.5’, at least 4’, at least 4.5’, at least 5’, at least 5.5’, at least 6’, at least 7’, at least 8’, at least 9’, at least 10’, at least 11’, or at least 12’. In some embodiments, the internal diameter D3 of the flash chamber 206 is at most 1’, at most 1.5’, at most 2’, at most 2.5’, at most 3’, at most 3.5’, at most 4’, at most 4.5’, at most 5’, at most 5.5’, at most 6’, at most 7’, at most 8’, at most 9’, at most 10’, at most 11 ’, or at most 12’.

[0170] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flash chamber 206 and / or the separator structure 220 includes a plate 904 disposed at a lower end thereof. For instance, in some embodiments, the plate 904 is configured to reduce or arrest the flow of the liquid media through the lower end of the aperture 704 of the separator structure 220. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the plate 904 is configured to elevate the liquid media from the lower end of the flash chamber 206, which provides a wider flow path for a given diameter at a reduced depth of the liquid media. However, in some embodiments, the liquid media flows along the lower end of the flash chamber. In some embodiments, the plate 904 causes a region beneath the plate to be blocked off from the liquid media flow, so the liquid media flows through the separator structure across the upper end portion of the plate 904. In some such embodiments, the plate allows for a decrease in both the depth D2 of the liquid media and the velocity (e.g., due to the wider cross section of the flash vessel), which improves evaporation within the flash chamber 206.

[0171] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes a demister and a channel, in accordance with some embodiments. Referring to Figure 10A, a cross-sectional view of a flash chamber that includes a demister (e.g., first demister 612-1 of Figure 6, second demister 612-2 of Figure 6, third demister 612-3 of Figure 6, demister 612 of Figure 7A, demister 612 of Figure 10A, demister 612 of Figure 10B, etc.) and a channel (e.g., channel 1002 of Figure 10A, channel 1002 of Figure 10B, etc.) is provided in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0172] More particularly, in some embodiments, at least one flash chamber 206 in the flash vessel structure 202 the demister 612 that is accommodated by an interior of the flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the demister 615 is configured to reduce liquid droplet carryover into the vapor outlet of the flash chamber 206. For instance, in some embodiments, the compressor 216 is configured to receive particles having a size of less than 500 pm in size and up to 3% of a total mass flow rate received by the compressor 216. Therefore, in some embodiments, the demister 612 is configured to prevent or inhibit particles sizes greater than 500 pm from traversing through the vapor outlet of the flash chamber 206.

[0173] In some such embodiments, the demister 612 is configured to extend from a first side portion to a second side portion of the flash chamber 206, such that the demister extends across a span of the flash chamber 206. For instance, in some embodiments, the demister 612 is configured to separate an upper end portion from a lower end portion of an interior of the flash chamber 206. In this way, in some such embodiments, a cross-section of the demister 612 is the same, or substantially the same, as the cross-section of the flash chamber 206, preventing any gaps from forming between a surface of the demister of an interior surface of the flash chamber 206.

[0174] In some embodiments, a portion of the demister 612 is disposed at a centroid, or a substantially centroid, of the cross-section of the flash chamber 206. For instance, in some embodiments, the demister 612 is disposed at least in part at a center of the flash chamber 206, such that a width of the demister is the same or substantially the same as the inner diameter of the flash chamber 206, which maximizes the surface area of the demister 612 within the interior of the flash chamber 206 and minimizes a velocity of the vapor traversing towards the compressor 216, further resulting in lower pressure drops. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the demister 612 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to a longitudinal axis 300-2 of the flash chamber 206.

[0175] In some embodiments, the demister 612 is configured to provide a downstream flow of media comprising a particle size of less than 250 pm and 1 mm. In some embodiments, the particle size of the downstream flow of media is less than between 250 and 1,000 pm, 250 and 625 pm, 274 and 976 pm, 274 and 601 pm, 298 and 952 pm, 298 and 577 pm, 323 and 927 pm, 323 and 552 pm, 347 and 903 pm, 347 and 528 pm, 371 and 879 pm, 371 and 504 pm, 395 and 855 pm, 395 and 480 pm, 419 and 831 pm, 419 and 456 pm, 444 and 806 pm, 468 and 782 pm, 492 and 758 pm, 516 and 734 pm, 540 and 710 pm, 565 and 685 pm, 589 and 661 pm, 613 and 637 pm, 625 and 1,000 pm, 649 and 976 pm, 673 and 952 pm, 698 and 927 pm, 722 and 903 pm, 746 and 879 pm, 770 and 855 pm, or 794 and 831pm. In some embodiments, the particle size of the downstream flow of media is less than at least 250 pm, at least 274 pm, at least 298 pm, at least 323 pm, at least 347 pm, at least 371 pm, at least 395 pm, at least 419 pm, at least 444 pm, at least 456 pm, at least 468 pm, at least 480 pm, at least 492 pm, at least 504 pm, at least 516 pm, at least 528 pm, at least 540 pm, at least 552 pm, at least 565 pm, at least 577 pm, at least 589 pm, at least 601 pm, at least 613 pm, at least 625 pm, at least 637 pm, at least 649 pm, at least 661 pm, at least 673 pm, at least 685 pm, at least 698 pm, at least 710 pm, at least 722 pm, at least 734 pm, at least 746 pm, at least 758 pm, at least 770 pm, at least 782 pm, at least 794 pm, at least 806 pm, at least 831 pm, at least 855 pm, at least 879 pm, at least 903 pm, at least 927 pm, at least 952 pm, at least 976 pm, or at least 1,000 pm. In some embodiments, the particle size of the downstream flow of media is less than at most 250 pm, at most 274 pm, at most 298 pm, at most 323 pm, at most 347 pm, at most 371 pm, at most 395 pm, at most 419 pm, at most 444 pm, at most 456 pm, at most 468 pm, at most 480 pm, at most 492 pm, at most 504 pm, at most 516 pm, at most 528 pm, at most 540 pm, at most 552 pm, at most 565 pm, at most 577 pm, at most 589 pm, at most 601 pm, at most 613 pm, at most 625 pm, at most 637 pm, at most 649 pm, at most 661 pm, at most 673 pm, at most 685 pm, at most 698 pm, at most 710 pm, at most 722 pm, at most 734 pm, at most 746 pm, at most 758 pm, at most 770 pm, at most 782 pm, at most 794 pm, at most 806 pm, at most 831 pm, at most 855 pm, at most 879 pm, at most 903 pm, at most 927 pm, at most 952 pm, at most 976 pm, or at most 1,000 pm.

[0176] Figure 10B is a square cross-sectional view of a flash chamber, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, in some embodiments, a cross-section of each flash chamber 206 in the flash vessel structure 202 is rectangular, substantially rectangular, circular, substantially circular, ellipse, substantially ellipse, trapezoidal, substantially trapezoidal, curvilinear trapezoidal, or a combination thereof. For instance, in some embodiments, each flash chamber 206 in the flash vessel structure 202 has a uniform cross section across a length of the flash chamber 206, such as a first length from a first end to a second end of the flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the rectangular cross-section allows for a short length flash chamber 206 that results in lower depth D2 of the liquid media. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0177] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the flash chamber 206 includes the channel 1002 that is accommodated within an interior of the at least one flash chamber 206. In some embodiments, the channel 1002 is configured to accommodate a portion of the liquid media flow. For instance, in some embodiments, the channel 1002 allows for multiple liquidflow paths in the flash chamber 206 without have a substantial depth D2 for the liquid media, which would suppress evaporation. In some embodiments, a diameter of the channel 1003 is less than or equal to the diameter of the flash chamber 206.

[0178] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a demister, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the demister 612 includes a plurality of vanes (e.g., vanes 1100 of Figure 11, etc.}. In some embodiments, the plurality of vanes 1110 is configured to change a direction of the vapor, such as turning the vapor generated at the flash chamber based on a vane angle associated with adjacent vanes 1100 in the plurality of vanes 1100. For instance, in some embodiments, liquid droplets have more momentum than vapor and turn slower, so the droplets of relatively large diameter strike one or more vanes 1100, collect, and fall back into the liquid media 110 below the demister 612. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0179] In some embodiments, a vane angle associated with each vane in the plurality of vanes is between 25 degrees (°) and 35 °. In some embodiments, the vane angle associated with each vane 1100 is between 25 °and 35 °, 25 °and 30 °, 26 ° and 34 °, 26 ° and 29 °, 27 ° and 33 °, 27 ° and 28 °, 28 ° and 32 °, 29 ° and 31 °, 30 ° and 35 °, 31 ° and 34 °, or 32 ° and 33 °. In some embodiments, the vane angle associated with each vane 1100 is at least 25 °, at least 26 °, at least 27 °, at least 28 °, at least 29 °, at least 30 °, at least 31 °, at least 32 °, at least 33 °, at least 34 °, or at least 35 °. In some embodiments, the vane angle associated with each vane 1100 is at most 25 °, at most 26 °, at most 27 °, at most 28 °, at most 29 °, at most 30 °, at most 31 °, at most 32 °, at most 33 °, at most 34 °, or at most 35 °.

[0180] Figure 12 is a side view of an end portion of a flash structure, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first end of the flash vessel structure 202 an end cap (e.g., end cap 1202 of Figure 12, etc. . In some embodiments, the end cap 1202 includes an interior surface having a variable cross-sectional area. For instance, in some embodiments, the end cap 1202 includes a first cross-sectional area associated with the crosssection of the first flash chamber, and further includes a second cross-sectional area associated with a cross-section of the outlet of the system, in which the first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the end cap 1202 transition from the first diameter associated with a cross-section of a flash chamber 206 to the second diameter associated with a cross-section of a duct. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the liquid outlet 210 of the end cap 1202 is disposed at a lower end portion of the end cap1202, which ensures that the liquid media flows through the liquid outlet 210 from the final terminal flash chamber 206.

[0181] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a liquid pump (e.g., pump 250 of Figure 2, pump 250 of Figure 4, pump 250 of Figure 5, pump 250 of Figure 13, etc.), in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the pump 250 is fluidly coupled to a liquid outlet 608 of the second flash chamber 206-2, which allows the pump to be configured to control, at least in part, the liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure 202. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0182] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system 900 that is applied in a high-pressure steam production heat pump system, in accordance with some embodiments. In the present disclosure, unless expressly stated otherwise, descriptions of devices and systems will include implementations of one or more computers. For instance, and for purposes of illustration in Figure 14, a computer system 900 is represented as single device that includes all the functionality of the computer system 900. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For instance, the functionality of the computer system 900 may be spread across any number of networked computers and / or reside on each of several networked computers and / or by hosted on one or more virtual machines and / or containers at a remote location accessible across a communication network (e.g., communication network 984). One of skill in the art will appreciate that a wide array of different computer topologies is possible for the computer system 900, and other devices and systems of the preset disclosure, and that all such topologies are within the scope of the present disclosure.Moreover, rather than relying on a physical communications network 984, the illustrated devices and systems may wirelessly transmit information between each other. As such, the exemplary topology shown in Figure 14 merely serves to describe the features of some embodiments in a manner that will be readily understood to one of skill in the art.

[0183] Referring to Figure 14, in some embodiments, the computer system 900 is applied in a high-pressure steam production heat pump system. The computer system 900 is configured to control production of high-pressure steam at a heat pump system (e.g., heat pump system 104 of Figures 1-6). In some embodiments, the computer system 900 is associated with a facility (e.g., first facility 102-1 of Figure 1). In some embodiments, the computer system 900 is associated with two or more facilities 102. In some embodiments, the computer system 900 is associated with at most one facility or at most two or more facilities 102.

[0184] In some embodiments, the communication network 984 optionally includes the Internet, one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), other types of networks, or a combination of such networks. Examples of communication networks 984 include the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and / or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and / or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication optionally uses any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Evolution, Data-Only (EV-DO), HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long term evolution (LTE), near field communication (NFC), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802. I la, IEEE 802.1 lac, IEEE 802.1 lax, IEEE 802.1 lb, IEEE 802.11g and / or IEEE 802.1 In), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and / or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and / or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

[0185] In various embodiments, the computer system 900 includes one or more processing units (CPUs) 972, a network or other communications interface 974, and memory 992.

[0186] In some embodiments, the computer system 900 includes a user interface 976. The user interface 976 typically includes a display 978 for presenting media, such as a status of a respective instrument (e.g., first instrument 910-1, second instrument 910-2, . . ., instrument Q 912-Q of Figure 14). In some embodiments, the display 978 is integrated within the computer systems (e.g., housed in the same chassis as the CPU 972 and memory 992). In some embodiments, the computer system 900 includes one or more input device(s) 980, which allow a subject to interact with the computer system 900. In some embodiments, input devices 980 include a keyboard, a mouse, and / or other input mechanisms. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the display 978 includes a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., where display 978 is a touch-sensitive display or computer system 900 includes a touch pad).

[0187] In some embodiments, the computer system 900 presents media to a user through the display 978. Examples of media presented by the display 978 include one or more images, a video, audio (e.g., waveforms of an audio sample), or a combination thereof. In typical embodiments, the one or more images, the video, the audio, or the combination thereof is presented by the display 978 through a client application stored in the memory 992. In some embodiments, the audio is presented through an external device (e.g., speakers, headphones, input / output (I / O) subsystem, etc.) that receives audio information from the computer system 900 and presents audio data based on this audio information. In some embodiments, the user interface 976 also includes an audio output device, such as speakers or an audio output for connecting with speakers, earphones, or headphones.

[0188] The memory 992 includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid state memory devices, and optionally also includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 992 may optionally include one or more storage devices remotely located from the CPU(s) 972. The memory 992, or alternatively the non-volatile memory device(s) within memory 992, includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Access to memory 992 by other components of the computer system 900, such as the CPU(s) 972, is, optionally, controlled by a controller. In some embodiments, the memory 992 can include mass storage that is remotely located with respect to the CPU(s) 972. In other words, some data stored in the memory 992 may in fact be hosted on devices that are external to the computer system 900, but that can be electronically accessed by the computer system 900 over an Internet, intranet, or other form of network 984 or electronic cable using communication interface 974.

[0189] In some embodiments, the memory 992 of the computer system 900 for producing high-pressure steam stores:• an operating system 903 (e.g., ANDROID, iOS, DARWIN, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) that includes procedures for handling various basic system services;• optionally, an electronic address 905 associated with the computer system 900 that identifies the computer system 900 (e.g., within the communication network 984, within a network of facilities, etc.);• a control module 906 that facilitates controlling one or more operations conducted when producing high-pressure steam in accordance with a plurality of heuristic instructions, in which the control module 906 includes an instrument module 908 storing a record of a plurality of instruments 910 (e.g., first instrument 910-1, second instrument 910-2, . . ., instrument 910-Q of Figure 14) utilized for producing a high- pressure steam, and further includes a task module 912 that stores a plurality of tasks 914, each task 914 defines an operation for producing high-pressure steam at a heat pump system in accordance with one or more parameters 916 associated with a respective task 914; and• optionally, a client application 918 for presenting information (e.g., media) using a display 978 of the computer system 900, such as a status of a step and / or process of a method (e.g., method 800 of Figure 8) for producing high-pressure steam.

[0190] As indicated above, an optional electronic address 905 is associated with the computer system 900. The optional electronic address 905 is utilized to at least uniquely identify the computer system 900 from other devices and components of the distributed system 900, such as other devices having access to the communication network 984 (e.g., facility 102). For instance, in some embodiments, the electronic address 905 is utilized to receive a request from a remote device associated with a first facility 102-1 to initiate producing high-pressure steam for utilization by a second facility 102-2 using the computer system 900. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the electronic address 905 is utilized to receive the request from the remote device associated with the first facility 102-1 to initiate producing high-pressure steam for utilization by the first facility 102-1 using the computer system 900.

[0191] In some embodiments, the computer system 900 includes a control module 906, hereinafter “controller,” that is configured to control one or more operations conducted when producing high-pressure steam. Specifically, the controller 906 is configured to control the one or more operations conducted when producing the high-pressure steam in accordance with a plurality of heuristic instructions. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the plurality of heuristic instructions includes one or more proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) loop instructions and / or one or more variable frequency drive (VFD) instructions. For instance, in some embodiments, the controller 906 is in electronic communication with one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 982 of Figure 14), in which each sensor 982 in one or more sensors 982 is configured to determine a status associated with a respective instrument 910. In some embodiments, the controller 906 is in electroniccommunication with the one or more sensors 982 that includes a first set of sensors 982 configured to determine one or more temperatures associated with a system (e.g., a temperature of hot water received by the system 104, a temperature of low-pressure steam produced by a flash vessel train of the system 104, a temperature of high-pressure steam produced by a compressor train of the system 104, a temperature of steam condensate source received by the system 104, a temperature of condensate produced by the system 104, a temperature loss at some or all of the system 104, etc.), a second set of sensors 982 configured to determine or more pressures associated with the system 104 (e.g., an interior pressure of the flash chamber, a pressure ratio of the compressor, a pressure loss at some or all of the system 104, etc.), a third set of sensors 982 configured to determine one or more flow rates (e.g., a mass flow rate of hot water received by the system 104, a mass flow rate of low-pressure steam produced by a flash chamber, a mass flow rate of high-pressure steam produced by a compressor, etc.} associated with the system 104, a fourth set of sensors 982 configured to determine one or more velocities associated with the system 104 (e.g., a velocity of hot water received by the system 104, a velocity of low-pressure steam produced by a flash chamber, a velocity of high-pressure steam produced by a compressor, a velocity of steam condensate source received by the system 104, etc.}, a fifth set of sensors 982 configured to determine one or more electrical states associated with the system 104 (e.g., one or more electrical loads, one or more voltage drops across some or all of the system 104, one or more arc flashes, one or more groundings, etc.}, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, by communicating electronically with the one or more sensors 982, the controller 906 allows for the computer system 900 to control a flow rate of the high-pressure steam produced by the system 104 that is received by the facility 102. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0192] An instrument 910 is an apparatus, device, mechanism, or a combination thereof that conducts a specific function or functions in the system 104 for producing high- pressure steam, such as for producing a high-pressure steam or a cooling water product associated with the system 104. For instance, in some embodiments, each respective instrument 910 in the plurality of instruments 910 is configured to conduct a specific task 914 or tasks 914 in the system 104 for producing high-pressure steam 140. Examples of instruments 910 include, but are not limited to, a blower, a boiler, a burner, a compressor, a conduit, a desuperheater, a drum, a heat exchanger, a fluid pump, a pipe, a reservoir, a valve, a vessel, or the like. For instance, in some embodiments, the one or more instruments 910 includes a series of at least two compressors 214 that is configured to supply the high-pressure steam 140 to an existing steam header of the facility (e.g., facility 102-1 of Figure 1). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0193] In some embodiments, each task 914 is associated with a function, step, or process in the production of high-pressure steam 140, which is performed by a set of instruments 910. Moreover, each task 914 includes a set of parameters 916 used in the performance of a function by a respective instrument 910. In some embodiments, each task 914 is a logical dependency of operations that defines the function performed by the respective instrument 910. For instance, in some embodiments, the task 914 is a first operation to run a first instrument 910-1 with a first set of parameters 916 and a second task 914-2 is a second operation to run a second instrument 910-2. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the computer system 900 configures one or more parameters 916 including configuring a flow rate parameter 916 associated with a respective instrument 910 (e.g., mass flow rate), a pressure parameter 916, a temperature parameter 916, a directional parameter 916, or the like in order to optimize production of the high-pressure steam 140 at the system 104. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0194] Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more functions described above and the methods described in the present disclosure. These modules (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules are, optionally, combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the memory 992 optionally stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the memory 992 stores additional modules and data structures not described above.

[0195] It should be appreciated that the computer system 900 of Figure 14 is only one example of a computer system 900, and that the computer system 900 optionally has more or fewer components than shown, optionally combines two or more components, or optionally has a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in Figure 14 are implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0196] In some embodiments, the system 104 further includes a controller (e.g., control module 906 of Figure 9, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller 906 is configured to maintain a temperature range of the series of at least two flash chambers 204, such asmaintaining a temperature of the high-pressure steam 140 that is produced by the system 104 and / or a temperature of the outlet of the system 104, such as of the cooling water source 120 associated with the facility 102.

[0197] In some embodiments, the controller 906 is configured to modify a rotational velocity of a respective compressor 216 in the series of at least two compressors 214. For instance, in some embodiments, the controller 906 is configured to modify the rotational velocity of each respective compressor 216 in order to maintain a pressure of the series of at least two compressors 214, such as in order to maintain an outlet pressure of the high- pressure steam 140 at a pressure of at least 80 PSI. However, the present disclosure is not limited there. For instance, in some embodiments, the controller 906 is configured to increase a rotational velocity of the first compressor 216-1, decrease the rotational velocity of the first compressor 26-1, increase the rotational velocity of the second compressor 216-2, decrease the rotational velocity of the second compressor 216-2, or a combination thereof (e.g., both decrease the rotational velocity of the first compressor 216-1 and increase the rotational velocity of the second compressor 216-2, etc. . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, an impeller velocity (e.g., rotational speed) is controlled by the controller 906, which controls the impeller velocity via the variable- frequency-drive associated with the corresponding motor. For instance, in some embodiments, the impeller velocity of each compressor 216 of the series of at least two compressors 214 is individually controlled (e.g., by controller 906 of Figure 9), in order to maintain a constant pressure for supplying the high-pressure steam 140 to the facility.However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0198] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a system for utilizing heat, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 15 illustrate a diagram depicting a driving temperature difference for generating flash steam at a flash vessel structure 202, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a driving force between liquid temperature and saturated vapor temperature is required to drive the flashing process of the flash chamber 206, and therefore the length of the flash chamber 206 is configured to have the liquid outlet temperature of the flash chamber 206 at equilibrium or substantially at equilibrium.

[0199] In some embodiments, a size, such as a length of the flash chamber 206, is a function of evaporation in the flash chamber. For instance, in some embodiments, steam does not flash instantaneously through the separator structure 220. Rather, the steam generates as a rate process during a period of time. Moreover, in some embodiments, a non-equilibrium driving force establishes the temperature gradients between liquid media and the forming bubbles, driving vapor formation.

[0200] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a depth D2 of the liquid media, in that increasing depth D2 reduces flash rate from higher hydrostatic pressure and the liquid media flowing towards the liquid outlet 608 stage has temperature higher than the saturation temperature, causing a gradient from floor to surface of the flash chamber 206.

[0201] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a flow rate, which determines residence time of the liquid media within the flash chamber.

[0202] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a stage temperature, in that saturation temperature and pressure have a non-linear relationship, such that less AT is at higher temperatures to drive flashing within the flash chamber.

[0203] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a temperature drop between the liquid inlet 606 and the liquid outlet 608 of the flash chamber, in that temperature difference is driving force affecting bubble nucleation and evaporation rates within the flash chamber 206.

[0204] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a flow pattern, in that flashing enhanced by directing incoming flow towards the liquid surface 602 (e.g., less hydrostatic suppression) or increasing turbulent mixing of the liquid media.

[0205] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a size and / or a shape of the separator structure 220.

[0206] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the flash chamber that impact evaporation include a chemical composition of the liquid media, such as salts present (e.g., dissolved species that increase boiling point of the liquid media, etc. .

[0207] In short, the vessel must be long enough for a given liquid flow rate and desired vapor production rate. As the liquid enters the stage, it rapidly cools as flash steam is generated. The rate of evaporation (and rate of liquid cooling) declines as the liquid gets closer to the stage’s saturation temperature.

[0208] Figure 16A, 16B, and 16C are chart diagrams depicting various parameters associated with a variety of high-pressure steam production heat pump systems, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, Figures 16A-16-C collectively depictdiagrams of outlet non-equilibrium driving force against the length L2 of the flash chamber 206, temperature of the liquid inlet 606, and flow rate of the liquid media at the flash chamber 206.

[0209] In Figures 16A-16C, the diagrams assume the depth D2 is 1’ of the liquid media, and AT is the same as the temperature lift for a corresponding compressor of 6 to 10 °C. As such, Figures 16A-16C illustrate that the non-equilibrium driving force, AT, at the vessel outlet, which equals the liquid outlet temperature less the vapor outlet temperature of the flash chamber 206, and represents how much energy remains. As such, in some embodiments, the length L2 is required to provide sufficient residence time to evaporate the maximum amount of vapor from the liquid media.

[0210] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a system for utilizing heat, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, for flash chambers 206 with a relatively large diameter with lower volume flow operating at lower pressures, no mist eliminator may be necessary as gravity settling eliminates the carryover of droplets having a particle size exceeding 500 pm.

[0211] In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure determine a temperature, a pressure, and a liquid level (e.g., depth) associated with the system 104. In some embodiments, the flow rate is determined prior to the first flash chamber 206-1 of the flash vessel structure. For instance, in some embodiments, in accordance with a determination the heating water supply temperature falls considerably and a low to zero temperature difference across the first flash chamber 206 occurs, the controller 906 generates a signal to increase fan speed to increase the vapor production in the first flash chamber 206.

[0212] In some embodiments, the level sensor is utilized to control the makeup water flow into the system 104. In some embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure determine the minimum water level in each flash chamber 206 to maintain a height, for instance 1’, of water depth. In some embodiments, the controller 906 generates a signal to avoid a liquid overflow scenario.

[0213] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the system 104 provides flexible controls to accommodates changing temperatures and flow rates without operating in an unstable condition.

[0214] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent orpatent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0215] Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for utilizing heat, the system comprising: a flash vessel structure comprising a series of at least two flash chambers, wherein: the series of at least two flash chambers further includes a first flash chamber located at a first end of the flash vessel structure and a second flash chamber located at a second end opposite the first end of the flash vessel structure; the flash vessel structure is configured to receive a liquid media flow via a liquid input formed on the first flash chamber, flash evaporate a portion of the liquid media flow to generate a vapor, and drain the liquid media flow via a liquid outlet formed on the second flash chamber; every two immediately adjacent flash chambers are separated by a separator structure including a liquid opening configured to stay submerged or fully submerged within the liquid media flow; each flash chamber includes a vapor orifice configured to stay above the liquid media flow; and the series of at least two flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to a gravity direction; and a series of at least two compressors coupled to the flash vessel structure, wherein every two immediately adjacent compressors are coupled via a vapor channel, and each compressor has a vapor inlet coupled to a respective flash chamber and configured to compress at least the vapor received from the respective flash chamber.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a pump fluidly coupled to a liquid outlet of the second flash chamber and configured to control, at least in part, the liquid media flow.

3. The system of either of claim 1 or 2, wherein the separator structure is disposed between a liquid outlet of one flash chamber in the series of flash chambers and the liquid inlet of a second flash chamber of the at least two flash chambers.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein an upper end portion of an aperture of the separator structure is disposed below a liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by the second flash chamber of the series of at least two flash chambers.

5. The system of either of claim 3 or 4, wherein a height of an aperture of the separator structure extending from a lower end portion of the separator structure to the upper end portion of the separator structure is between 0.5 inches (”) and 6”.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lower end portion of the separator structure and a lower end portion of the flash chamber are at the same, or substantially the same, elevation.

7. The system of either of claim 5 or 6, wherein the system further comprises: a first sensor configured to detect a pressure at the flash vessel structure; and a controller electrically coupled to the first sensor and the separator structure, wherein the controller is configured to control the height of separator structure.

8. The system of any one of claims 3-7, wherein the separator structure comprises one or more interface surfaces configured for engaging with a corresponding surface of an adjacent flash chamber.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein an interface surface in the one or more interface surfaces comprises a through hole.

10. The system of any one of claims 3-9, wherein the separator structure comprises a protrusion extending from an edge portion of the separator structure.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the protrusion is a datum point associated with an orientation of the separator structure.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the separator structure is disposed between a first flange of the first chamber in the series of flash chambers and a second flange of the second flash chamber of the series of at least two flash chambers.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by the second flash chamber of the series of at least two flash chambers is formed at a depth between 6” and 18”.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a gasket disposed interposing between (i) the first flange of the first chamber in the series of flash chambers and a first surface of the separator structure or (i) the second flange of second flash chamber of the series of at least two flash chambers and a second surface of the separator structure.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a first gasket disposed interposing between the first flange of the first chamber in the series of flash chambers and a first surface of the separator structure, and a second gasket disposed interposing between the second flange of the second flash chamber of the series of at least two flash chambers and a second surface of the separator structure.

16. The system of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the first flange and / or the second flange comprises a groove formed on an exterior surface of the first flange and / or the second flange and an o-ring accommodated by the groove.

17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid outlet of each flash chamber in the remainder of the series of at least two flash chambers is fluidly coupled directly to the liquid inlet of the second flash chamber of the series of at least two flash chambers.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a cross-section of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure is rectangular, substantially rectangular, circular, substantially circular, ellipse, substantially ellipse, trapezoidal, substantially trapezoidal, curvilinear trapezoidal, or a combination thereof.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein an internal diameter of the cross-section is between 1 foot (’) and 12’.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a bottom surface of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure comprises a protrusion comprising a vertical surface extending a height from the bottom surface of the flash chamber.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the vertical surface of the protrusion is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to an opening of the inlet of the flash chamber.

22. The system of either of claim 20 or 21, wherein the protrusion comprises one or more through holes disposed on the vertical surface.

23. The system of any one of claims 20-22, wherein a length of the bottom surface is between 5’ and 30’.

24. The system of any one of claim 20-23, wherein the bottom surface is a planar surface.

25. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a bottom surface of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure comprises a protrusion comprising a surface extending a height from the bottom surface of the flash chamber at an acute or obtuse angle.

26. The system of any preceding claim, wherein an exterior surface of the separator structure comprises a protrusion comprising a surface extending from the surface of the separate structure towards an interior of a respective flash chamber.

27. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one flash chamber in the flash vessel structure comprises a demister accommodated by an interior of the flash chamber, the demister is configured to extend from a first side portion to a second side portion of the flash chamber, and a cross-section of the demister is the same, or substantially the same, as the crosssection of the flash chamber.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the demister comprises a plurality of vanes.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein a vane angle associated with each vane in the plurality of vanes is between 25 degrees (°) and 35 °.

30. The system of any one of claims 27-29, wherein the demister is configured to provide a downstream flow of media comprising a particles size of less than between 250 pm and 1 mm.

31. The system of any one of claims 27-30, wherein a portion of the demister is disposed at a centroid, or a substantially centroid, of the cross-section of the flash chamber.

32. The system of any one of claims 27-31, wherein a longitudinal axis of the demister is parallel, or substantially parallel, to a longitudinal axis of the flash chamber.

33. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises: a second sensor configured to detect a pressure at an inlet of the demister; and a controller electrically coupled to the second sensor and configured to control a flow rate of the liquid media flow.

34. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises:a third sensor configured to detect a temperature at the liquid outlet the flash chamber; and a controller electrically coupled to the third sensor and configured to control a flow rate of the liquid media flow.

35. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises: a fourth sensor configured to detect a liquid surface level within the flash chamber; and a controller electrically coupled to the fourth sensor and configured to control a flow rate of the liquid media flow.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the fourth sensor is accommodated by a stilling well disposed within the interior of the flash chamber.

37. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises: a fifth sensor that is configured to detect a pressure the system; a sixth sensor that is configured to detect a temperature of the system; and a controller that is electrically coupled to the fifth sensor, the sixth sensor, and a valve that is configured to be fluidly coupled to liquid media flow and is further configured to maintain the pressure of the system.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the valve is disposed at or upstream of the liquid input formed on the first flash chamber.

39. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is a proportional-integral- derivative (PID) controller.

40. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the flash vessel structure further comprises a first end cap comprising an interior surface comprising: a first cross-sectional area associated with the cross-section of the first flash chamber, and a second cross-sectional area associated with a cross-section of the outlet of the system.

41. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the second end of the flash vessel structure further comprises a second end cap comprising an interior surface comprising:a first cross-sectional area associated with the cross-section of the first flash chamber, and a second cross-sectional area associated with a cross-section of the outlet of the system.

42. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a distance extending from the vapor channel of the second flash chamber to the inlet of the first flash chamber is the same, or substantially the same, as a distance extending from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor.

43. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a distance between two vapor outlet ports that feed two compressors, and the distance between those vapor outlet ports equals or substantially equals or substantially equals the distance between the compressors.

44. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a diameter of the vapor channel of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure is between 4” and 72”.

45. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the series of at least two flash chambers comprises at least two flash chambers in parallel.

46. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the series of at least two flash chambers comprises a first set of parallel flash chambers and a second set of parallel flash chambers different from the first set of parallel flash chambers.

47. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the series of at least two flash chambers comprises the first set of parallel flash chambers and the series of at least two compressors comprises a first set of parallel compressors, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel flash chambers is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel compressors.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel flash chambers is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first set of parallel compressors by a distance.

49. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers comprises a channel accommodated within an interior of the at least one flash chamber, wherein the channel is configured to accommodate a portion of the liquid media flow.

50. The system of any of preceding claim, wherein each compressor in the series of at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure share a one-to-one relationship.

51. The system of any of claims 1-49, wherein each compressor in the at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure share a one-to-two relationship.

52. The system of any of preceding claim, wherein each flash chamber of the at least two flash chambers comprises a cross section that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and the cross section keeps substantially identical across the at least two flash chambers.

53. The system of any of preceding claim, wherein liquid openings of the series of at least two flash chambers aligns, or substantially aligns, with respect to a central axis of the flash vessel structure that is substantially parallel to a direction of the liquid media flow within the flash vessel structure.

54. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid media flow is configured to be in fluidic communication with a first stream of makeup water.

55. The system of any preceding claim, a flow rate of the liquid media flow through some or all of the flash structure is between 0.5 meters per second (m / s) and 2 m / s.

56. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the series of at least two compressors comprises m compressors; m is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the series of at least two compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein a distance extending between a first end of the first compressor and a second end of the second compressor is between 10’ and 25’.

58. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the series of at least two flash chambers comprises n flash chambers; n is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the series of at least two compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein m is equal to n.

60. The system of any preceding claim, wherein each flash chamber of the at least two flash chambers comprises a uniform or substantially uniform length, a uniform or substantially uniform width, a uniform or substantially uniform height, or a combination thereof.

61. The system of any preceding claim, wherein an angle between (i) a first vapor outlet port of a first flash chamber that feeds a first compressor and (i) an inlet of the first compressor is a right angle or substantially right angle.

62. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a ratio of an internal diameter of a crosssection of a respective duct fluidly coupling a flash chamber in the series of at least two flash chambers and a respective compressor in the series of at least two compressors against a length of the respective duct is greater than or equal to 1 :2.5.

63. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a flow angle associated with the liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a flow angle associated with a vapor media flow exiting the flash vessel structure to the series of at least two compressors.

64. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the flash vessel structure comprises one or more ports, wherein each port in the one or more ports in configured to accommodate a respective sensor.

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