Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating a waste heat recovery system

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating a waste heat recovery system having a flash vessel structure and a compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure are provided. A request for the system is received that identifies parameters including a first set associated with a source of waste heat received by the system and a second set associated with an output of energy provided by the system, with some parameters obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat. Design criteria are obtained based on the request, each associated with a threshold limit of the system at the physical location. The system is configured by discretizing across one or more components based on the first and second set of parameters, the design criteria, and the flash vessel structure. A graphical representation of the system is communicated including an indication of utilizing the system.

Description

Attorney Docket No, : 136048-5004-WQSYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR GENERATING A WASTE HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No.: 63 / 735,603, entitled “Grid Responsive Multi-Stage Mechanical Vapor Recompression System Controls,” filed December 18, 2024, United States Provisional Patent Application No.: 63 / 735,615, entitled “Hybrid Energy Storage and Mechanical Vapor Recompression System,” filed December 18, 2024, and United States Provisional Patent Application No.: 63 / 735,623, entitled “Modular Multi-Stage Mechanical Vapor Recompression System Design,” filed December 18, 2024, and United States Provisional Patent Application No.: 63 / 735,625, entitled “Modular Multi-Stage Mechanical Vapor Recompression System Design,” filed December 18, 2024, each of 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 designing or configuring a waste heat recovery system (e.g., a heat pump system using 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 demandsAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO associated with steam production in industry. State-of-the-art industrial heat pumps are unable to reach the temperatures required to produce medium to 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 a manner 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 industrial facilities face technical problems of translating heterogeneous, site-specific waste heat sources into a constructible and efficient steam-generating architecture. Conventional workflows rely on iterative site surveys, bespoke engineering, and late-stage model reconciliation to align onsite thermodynamics with various output requirements. These workflows often fail to account for physical constraints and operational limits to prevent unnecessary redesigns, underutilized capacity, or surge-prone operating conditions. Moreover, the absence of an early, quantitative view of how effectively a proposed system utilizes the available waste heat further impedes decision-making and capital planning, as stakeholders lack a clear, data-driven indication of achievable steam output versus site constraints.

[0008] 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

[0009] Given the above background, what is needed in the art are systems and methods to produce high pressure steam, such as by utilizing 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 are directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for producing high-Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO pressure steam. For instance, in some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure are configured to utilize waste heat from one or more facility sources that would otherwise be lost.

[0010] Systems, methods, and apparatuses for producing high-pressure steam are provided. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses receive, in electronic form, a structured request that specifies parameter sets describing the waste heat source and the desired energy output, and by obtaining design criteria that encode threshold limits for fabrication and use at the physical location. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses discretize the coupled design problem across flash vessel and compressor train components to reconcile waste-heat supply conditions with target steam delivery, all within the retrieved thresholds. Discretize refers to allocating thermodynamic or geometric requirements across individual components of the system. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses, from these inputs including the received request and the obtained design parameters, a graphical representation is generated that includes an indication of utilization of the waste heat recovery system, such as a computed measure of how much of the available waste heat is converted into useful steam using the design. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses enable early-stage feasibility screening, objective comparison of alternatives, and rapid iteration while ensuring the proposed configuration remains within constructible, code-constrained bounds by providing this utilization indication without relying on field-installed instrumentation. As a result, in some embodiments, the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure accelerate deployment, reduce redesign and commissioning risk, and improve installed system that operate near or at its thermodynamic potential for the given site.

[0011] Turning to more specific aspects, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a method for generating a waste heat recovery system. The waste heat recovery system includes a flash vessel structure and a compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure. In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure includes a single flash chamber. In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure includes a plurality of flash chambers. The method includes receiving, in electronic form, a request to configure the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the request identifies a plurality of parameters including: a first set of parameters associated with a source of waste heat provided to the waste heat recovery system, and a second set of parameters associated with an output of energy provided by the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, at least two parameters are obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat. The methodAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO includes obtaining a plurality of design criteria based on the request to configure the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, each design criteria in the plurality of design criteria is associated with a threshold limit of fabricating or utilizing the waste heat recovery system at the physical location. The method includes configurating the waste heat recovery system by discretizing or distributing required temperature and pressure changes across components based on the first and second parameters and the design criteria. The method includes generating, in electronic form, a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system, the graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system includes an indication of a utilization of the waste heat recovery system.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a method for generating a waste heat recovery system. The waste heat recovery system includes a flash vessel structure and a compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure. The method includes receiving, in electronic form, a request to configure the waste heat recovery system. The request identifies a plurality of parameters including: a first set of parameters associated with one or more components of the waste heat recovery system, a second set of parameters associated with a source of waste heat provided to the waste heat recovery system, and a third set of parameters associated with an output of energy provided by the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, at least two parameters are obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat. The method includes obtaining a plurality of design criteria based on the request to configure the waste heat recovery system. Each design criteria in the plurality of design criteria is associated with a threshold limit of fabricating or utilizing the waste heat recovery system at the physical location. The method includes configuring the waste heat recovery system by discretizing across the one or more components a difference between the second and third parameters based on the first parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and a flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system. The method includes generating, in electronic form, a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system, the graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system includes indication of a utilization of the waste heat recovery system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure further includes a set of flash chambers including a first flash chamber located at a first end of the flash vessel structure and a nth flash chamber located at an opposite end of the flash vessel structure. In some embodiments, 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 theAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO first flash chamber. In some embodiments, the set of flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to a gravity direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system includes a set of compressors coupled to the flash vessel structure. In some embodiments, each pair of immediately adjacent compressors is fluidly respective interstage vapor channel. In some embodiments, 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.

[0015] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold surface area associated with the physical location and / or a threshold volume associated with the physical location.

[0016] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a distance between an inlet of the heat pump and the source of heat, a distance between the source of heat and a heat sink, a distance between two or more subsystems of the waste heat recovery system.

[0017] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold fan dimensionality, a threshold fan flow rate, a threshold fan resource consumption, a threshold fan temperature, a threshold fan pressure, a threshold fan lift, or a combination thereof.

[0018] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold motor dimensionality and / or threshold motor resource consumption.

[0019] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold pump dimensionality, a threshold pump flow rate, a threshold pump resource consumption, a threshold pump temperature, a threshold pump pressure, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold channel dimensionality, a threshold channel flow rate, a threshold pump temperature, a threshold pump pressure.

[0021] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by a flash chamber of the waste heat recovery system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the threshold liquid surface is between 6” and 18”.

[0023] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a planar surface of the waste heat recovery system.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0024] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold a pressure at an inlet of the waste heat recovery system, a threshold temperature at the liquid outlet the flash chamber, a threshold flow rate of the liquid media flow, or a combination thereof.

[0025] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold 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 threshold distance extending from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor.

[0026] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold 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.

[0027] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold diameter of the vapor channel of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure.

[0028] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold number of series flash chambers in parallel.

[0029] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis of a first of flash chambers and a set of compressors.

[0030] In some embodiments, the threshold parallel and / or longitudinal is offset from an axis of the first set of compressors by a distance.

[0031] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold relationship between each compressor in the at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure share a one-to-two relationship.

[0032] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes liquid openings of the flash vessel structure align, or substantially align, 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.

[0033] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold number of compressors m, in which m is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the set of compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0034] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold distance extending between a first end of the first compressor and a second end of the second compressor.

[0035] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold number of flash chambers n, in which n is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the set of compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

[0036] In some embodiments, m is equal to n.

[0037] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold 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.

[0038] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold ratio of an internal diameter of a cross-section of a respective duct fluidly coupling a flash chamber in the set of flash chambers and a respective compressor in the set of compressors against a length of the respective duct.

[0039] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold 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 set of compressors.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sets of parameters includes a physical location, a respective type of each component in the one or more components, a respective size of each component in the one or more components, or a combination thereof.

[0041] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold temperature associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold resource consumption associated with liquid media of the source of heat.

[0042] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold temperature associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold resource consumption associated with gas of the source of heat.

[0043] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold waste heat mass flow rate.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0044] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters a fluid mass flow rate outputted by waste heat recovery system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a steam output pressure of the waste heat recovery system.

[0046] In some embodiments, a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a first parameter associated with a hot media supply of the waste heat recovery system, a second parameter associated with a cool media return of the waste heat recovery system, and a third parameter associated with a media mass flow rate of the waste heat recovery system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters includes a parameter associated with an exhaust gas temperature, a parameter associated with an exhaust gas flowrate, and a parameter associated with an exhaust gas water content.

[0048] In some embodiments, a subset of the parameters in the plurality of parameters is includes an enumerated listing of predetermined threshold parameter.

[0049] In some embodiments, the configuring includes applying the plurality of design criteria and the design of the flash vessel structure to a model configured to determine a change in temperature and / or pressure between a first portion of the waste heat recovery system and a second portion of the waste heat recovery system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the model includes a deterministic model.

[0051] In some embodiments, the model includes a numerical solver.

[0052] In some embodiments, the model includes an optimization solver.

[0053] In some embodiments, the configuring includes: i) determining an inlet temperature the flash vessel structure, ii) determining a flow condition of the flash vessel structure based at least in part on the compressor train, iii) determining a saturation temperature associated with the compressor train and / or the flash vessel structure, and iv) determining a dimensionality of the flash vessel structure and the compressor train.

[0054] In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system includes a plan of the waste heat recovery system, a cost of waste heat recovery system, an output pressure of waste heat recovery system, an output temperature of waste heat recovery system, or a combination thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, prior to the generating, the method further includes evaluating, the waste heat recovery system against a threshold performance value. In some embodiments, when the waste heat recovery system against the threshold performance value,Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO based on the plurality of design criteria and the waste heat recovery system, a different waste heat recovery system including a different flash vessel structure.

[0056] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a computer system. The computer system includes one or more processors and a memory storing at least one program for execution by the one or more processors. The at least one program includes instructions for performing or causing performance of the method of the present disclosure.

[0057] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a device for performing or causing performance of the method of the present disclosure.

[0058] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a non- transitory computer readable storage medium, in which the non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores instructions, which when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the method of the present disclosure.

[0059] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing means for performing or causing performance of the method of the present disclosure.

[0060] 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

[0061] Figures 1 A-1B collectively provide a block diagram illustrating an example computer system that is applied in a process for generating a waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0062] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an example method for generating a waste heat recovery system, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements in the flow chart, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0063] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0064] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0065] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system having a flash vessel structure in parallel, or substantially parallel, to a compressor train, in accordance with some embodiments.Attomey Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0066] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system having a flash vessel structure with sets of flash chambers in parallel, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0067] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system having a compact configuration, in accordance with some embodiments, the several figures of the drawing.

[0068] Figure 8 is diagram illustrating an implementation of parameters of a process for generating a waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0069] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a process for generating a waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0070] Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 collectively illustrate user interfaces for generating a waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0071] Figure 14 illustrates a user interface for displaying a graphical representation of a waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0072] Figure 15 illustrate exemplary logical functions that are used implemented in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughoutDESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating a waste heat recovery system having a flash vessel structure and a compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure are provided, which enables end-to-end design of evaporation and compression subsystems to maximize steam yield from low-grade heat while minimizing parasitic power and integration complexity. A request to configure the system is received that identifies parameters including a first set associated with a source of waste heat received by the system and a second set associated with an output of energy provided by the system, with some parameters obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat, which ensures the design reflects true threshold (e.g., minimum and / or maximum boundary conditions) associated with operating parameters, utilities, distances, and / or space constraints. Design criteria are obtained based on the request, each associated with a threshold limit of the system at the physical location, which constrains a design space to manufacturable, inter-Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO compliant, and / or operable configurations and thus prevents infeasible selections while accelerating convergence to an optimal bill of materials. The system is designed by discretizing across one or more components based on the first and second set of parameters, the design criteria, and the flash vessel structure, which decomposes the coupled thermofluid design constraints into tractable stages that align flash vessel operating temperatures, vapor production, and compressor lift to increase steam production per unit of recovered heat and to stabilize compressor inlet conditions against surge. A graphical representation of the system is communicated including an indication of utilizing the system, which provides verifiable, layout-accurate visualization for installation planning, dynamic utilization assessment to reduce field rework, and / or de-risk commissioning. In some embodiments, the disclosed approach transforms uncertain, site-specific waste heat inputs into a constrained, optimized multi-stage flash and compression architecture in the form of the waste heat recovery system that is validated for constructability and performance. In some embodiments, by coupling parameterized inputs, enforceable design limits, and discretized component selection, the invention delivers higher steam output, better efficiency, and faster, lower-risk deployment across diverse industrial facilities. In some embodiments, the indication of utilization of the waste heat recovery system enables an end-user to quickly review a layout of the system, adjust operating setpoints, and / or redesign to maximize steam production from available waste heat while minimizing parasitic power and installation rework.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 subject could be termed a second subject, and, similarly, a second subject could be termed a first subject, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first subject and the second subject are both subjects, but they are not the same subject.

[0077] 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 inAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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.

[0078] The foregoing description included 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOSimilarly, 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.

[0082] 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 more than 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%.

[0083] As used herein, the term “hour” is an epoch of 3,600 seconds. Moreover, as used herein, the term “day,” is an epoch of 86,400 seconds.

[0084] As used herein, the term “epoch” means a predefined period of time.

[0085] Furthermore, the terms “compressor” and “blower” are used interchangeably herein unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0086] The terms “flash vessel” and “knockout drum” are used interchangeably herein unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0087] The terms “steam” and “water vapor” are used interchangeably herein unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0088] 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.

[0089] It is noted that in various embodiments of this application, “connect” broadly means “directly connect” or “indirectly connected” via an additional structure.

[0090] 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).Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0091] As used herein, the term “model” refers to a machine learning model, algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier.

[0092] In some embodiments, a model is an unsupervised model. One example of an unsupervised model is cluster analysis.

[0093] In some embodiments, a model is a supervised model. Nonlimiting examples of supervised learning models include, but are not limited to, logistic regression, neural networks, support vector machines, Naive Bayes algorithms, nearest neighbors, random forests, decision trees, boosted trees, multinomial logistic regression, linear models, linear regression, GradientBoosting, mixture models, hidden Markov models, Gaussian NB, linear discriminant analysis, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a model is a multinomial classifier or regressor. In some embodiments, a model is a 2-stage stochastic gradient descent (SGD) model. In some embodiments, a model is a deep neural network (e.g., a deep-and-wide sample-level classifier).

[0094] Neural networks. In some embodiments, the model is a neural network (e.g., a convolutional neural network and / or a residual neural network). Neural networks, also known as artificial neural networks (ANNs), include convolutional and / or residual neural networks (deep learning models). Neural networks can be machine learning models that may be trained to map an input data set to an output data set, where the neural network comprises an interconnected group of nodes organized into multiple layers of nodes. For example, the neural network architecture may comprise at least an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. The neural network may comprise any total number of layers, and any number of hidden layers, where the hidden layers function as trainable feature extractors that allow mapping of a set of input data to an output value or set of output values. In some embodiments, a deep learning model is a neural network comprising a plurality of hidden layers, e.g., two or more hidden layers. Each layer of the neural network can comprise a number of nodes (or “neurons”). A node can receive input that comes either directly from the input data or the output of nodes in previous layers, and perform a specific operation, e.g., a summation operation. In some embodiments, a connection from an input to a node is associated with a parameter (e.g., a weight and / or weighting factor). In some embodiments, the node sums up the products of all pairs of inputs, xi, and their associated parameters. In some embodiments, the weighted sum is offset with a bias, b. In some embodiments, the output of a node or neuron is gated using a threshold or activation function, f, which may be a linear or non-linear function. The activation function may be, for example, a rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function, a Leaky ReLU activation function, or other function such asAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO a saturating hyperbolic tangent, identity, binary step, logistic, arcTan, softsign, parametric rectified linear unit, exponential linear unit, softPlus, bent identity, softExponential, Sinusoid, Sine, Gaussian, or sigmoid function, or any combination thereof.

[0095] The weighting factors, bias values, and threshold values, or other computational parameters of the neural network, may be “taught” or “learned” in a training phase using one or more sets of training data. In one example, the parameters may be trained using the input data from a training data set and a gradient descent or backward propagation method so that the output value(s) that the ANN computes are consistent with the examples included in the training data set. The parameters may be obtained from a back propagation neural network training process.

[0096] Any of a variety of neural networks may be suitable for use in the present disclosure. Examples can include, but are not limited to, feedforward neural networks, radial basis function networks, recurrent neural networks, residual neural networks, convolutional neural networks, residual convolutional neural networks, and the like, or any combination thereof.

[0097] For instance, a deep neural network model comprises an input layer, a plurality of individually parameterized (e.g., weighted) convolutional layers, and an output scorer. The parameters (e.g., weights) of each of the convolutional layers as well as the input layer contribute to the plurality of parameters (e.g., weights) associated with the deep neural network model. In some embodiments, at least 100 parameters, at least 1000 parameters, at least 2000 parameters or at least 5000 parameters are associated with the deep neural network model. As such, deep neural network models require a computer to be used because they cannot be mentally solved. In other words, given an input to the model, the model output needs to be determined using a computer rather than mentally in such embodiments. See, for example, Krizhevsky et al., 2012, “Imagenet classification with deep convolutional neural networks,” in Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems 2, Pereira, Burges, Bottou, Weinberger, eds., pp. 1097-1105, Curran Associates, Inc.; Zeiler, 2012 “ADADELTA: an adaptive learning rate method,” CoRR, vol. abs / 1212.5701; and Rumelhart et al., 1988, “Neurocomputing: Foundations of research,” ch. Learning Representations by Back- propagating Errors, pp. 696-699, Cambridge, MA, USA: MIT Press, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0098] Neural networks, including convolutional neural networks, suitable for use as models are disclosed in, for example, Vincent et al., 2010, “Stacked denoising autoencoders: Learning useful representations in a deep network with a local denoising criterion,” J MachAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOLearn Res 11, pp. 3371-3408; Larochelle et al., 2009, “Exploring strategies for training deep neural networks,” J Mach Learn Res 10, pp. 1-40; and Hassoun, 1995, Fundamentals of Artificial Neural Networks, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional example neural networks suitable for use as models are disclosed n Duda et al., 2001, Pattern Classification, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York; and Hastie et al., 2001, The Elements of Statistical Learning, Springer- Verlag, New York, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Additional example neural networks suitable for use as models are also described in Draghici, 2003, Data Analysis Tools for DN A Microarrays, Chapman & Hall / CRC; and Mount, 2001, Bioinformatics: sequence and genome analysis, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0099] Support vector machines. In some embodiments, the model is a support vector machine (SVM). SVMs suitable for use as models of the present disclosure are described in, for example, Cristianini and Shawe-Taylor, 2000, “An Introduction to Support Vector Machines,” Cambridge University Press, Cambridge; Boser c / a / ., 1992, “A training algorithm for optimal margin classifiers,” in Proceedings of the 5th Annual ACM Workshop on Computational Learning Theory, ACM Press, Pittsburgh, Pa., pp. 142-152; Vapnik, 1998, Statistical Learning Theory, Wiley, New York; Mount, 2001, Bioinformatics: sequence and genome analysis, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Duda, Pattern Classification, Second Edition, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 259, 262-265; and Hastie, 2001, The Elements of Statistical Learning, Springer, New York; and Furey et al., 2000, Bioinformatics 16, 906-914, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. When used for classification, SVMs separate a given set of binary labeled data with a hyper-plane that is maximally distant from the labeled data. For cases in which no linear separation is possible, SVMs can work in combination with the technique of 'kernels', which automatically realizes a non-linear mapping to a feature space. The hyper-plane found by the SVM in feature space can correspond to a non-linear decision boundary in the input space. In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters (e.g., weights) associated with the SVM define the hyper-plane. In some embodiments, the hyper-plane is defined by at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, or at least 100 parameters and the SVM model requires a computer to calculate because it cannot be mentally solved.

[0100] Naive Bayes algorithms. In some embodiments, the model is a Naive Bayes model. Naive Bayes models suitable for use as models are disclosed, for example, in Ng et al., 2002, “On discriminative vs. generative classifiers: A comparison of logistic regressionAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO and naive Bayes,” Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 14, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A Naive Bayes model is any model in a family of “probabilistic models” based on applying Bayes’ theorem with strong (naive) independence assumptions between the features. In some embodiments, they are coupled with Kernel density estimation. See, for example, Hastie et al., 2001, The elements of statistical learning : data mining, inference, and prediction, eds. Tibshirani and Friedman, Springer, New York, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0101] Nearest neighbor algorithms. In some embodiments, a model is a nearest neighbor model. Nearest neighbor models can be memory-based and include no model to be fit. For nearest neighbors, given a query point xo (a test subject), the k training points X(r), r, ... , k (here the training subjects) closest in distance to xo are identified and then the point xo is classified using the k nearest neighbors. Here, the distance to these neighbors is a function of the abundance values of the discriminating gene set. In some embodiments, Euclidean distance in feature space is used to determine distance asTypically, when the nearest neighbor algorithm is used, the abundance data used to compute the linear discriminant is standardized to have mean zero and variance 1. The nearest neighbor rule can be refined to address issues of unequal class priors, differential misclassification costs, and feature selection. Many of these refinements involve some form of weighted voting for the neighbors. For more information on nearest neighbor analysis, see Duda, Pattern Classification, Second Edition, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Inc; and Hastie, 2001, The Elements of Statistical Learning, Springer, New York, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0102] A k-nearest neighbor model is a non-parametric machine learning method in which the input consists of the k closest training examples in feature space. The output is a class membership. An object is classified by a plurality vote of its neighbors, with the object being assigned to the class most common among its k nearest neighbors (k is a positive integer, typically small). If k = 1, then the object is simply assigned to the class of that single nearest neighbor. See, Duda et al., 2001, Pattern Classification, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the number of distance calculations needed to solve the k-nearest neighbor model is such that a computer is used to solve the model for a given input because it cannot be mentally performed.

[0103] Random forest, decision tree, and boosted tree algorithms. In some embodiments, the model is a decision tree. Decision trees suitable for use as models are described generally by Duda, 2001, Pattern Classification, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NewAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOYork, pp. 395-396, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Tree-based methods partition the feature space into a set of rectangles, and then fit a model (like a constant) in each one. In some embodiments, the decision tree is random forest regression. One specific algorithm that can be used is a classification and regression tree (CART). Other specific decision tree algorithms include, but are not limited to, ID3, C4.5, MART, and Random Forests. CART, ID3, and C4.5 are described in Duda, 2001, Pattern Classification, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, pp. 396-408 and pp. 411-412, which is hereby incorporated by reference. CART, MART, and C4.5 are described in Hastie et al, 2001, The Elements of Statistical Learning, Springer-Verlag, New York, Chapter 9, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Random Forests are described in Breiman, 1999, “Random Forests— Random Features,” Technical Report 567, Statistics Department, U.C. Berkeley, September 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the decision tree model includes at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, or at least 100 parameters (e.g., weights and / or decisions) and requires a computer to calculate because it cannot be mentally solved.

[0104] Regression. In some embodiments, the model uses any type of regression. For example, in some embodiments, the regression is logistic regression. In some embodiments, the regression is logistic regression with lasso, L2 or elastic net regularization. In some embodiments, those extracted features that have a corresponding regression coefficient that fails to satisfy a threshold value are pruned (removed from) consideration. In some embodiments, a generalization of the logistic regression model that handles multicategory responses is used as the model. Logistic regression algorithms are disclosed in Agresti, An Introduction to Categorical Data Analysis, 1996, Chapter 5, pp. 103-144, John Wiley & Son, New York, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the model makes use of a regression model disclosed in Hastie et al., 2001, The Elements of Statistical Learning, Springer-Verlag, New York. In some embodiments, the logistic regression model includes at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, at least 100, or at least 1000 parameters (e.g., weights) and requires a computer to calculate because it cannot be mentally solved.

[0105] Linear discriminant analysis algorithms. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), normal discriminant analysis (ND A), or discriminant function analysis can be a generalization of Fisher’s linear discriminant, a method used in statistics, pattern recognition, and machine learning to find a linear combination of features that characterizes or separates two or more classes of objects or events. The resulting combination can be used as the model (linear model) in some embodiments of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0106] Mixture model and Hidden Markov model. In some embodiments, the model is a mixture model, such as that described in McLachlan et al., Bioinformatics 18(3):413-422, 2002. In some embodiments, in particular, those embodiments including a temporal component, the model is a hidden Markov model such as described by Schliep et al., 2003, Bioinformatics 19(l):i255-i263.

[0107] Clustering. In some embodiments, the model is an unsupervised clustering model. In some embodiments, the model is a supervised clustering model. Clustering suitable for use as models are described, for example, at pages 211-256 of Duda and Hart, Pattern Classification and Scene Analysis, 1973, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, (hereinafter "Duda 1973") which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The clustering problem can be described as one of finding natural groupings in a dataset. To identify natural groupings, two issues can be addressed. First, a way to measure similarity (or dissimilarity) between two samples can be determined. This metric (e.g., similarity measure) can be used to ensure that the samples in one cluster are more like one another than they are to samples in other clusters. Second, a mechanism for partitioning the data into clusters using the similarity measure can be determined. One way to begin a clustering investigation can be to define a distance function and to compute the matrix of distances between all pairs of samples in the training set. If distance is a good measure of similarity, then the distance between reference entities in the same cluster can be significantly less than the distance between the reference entities in different clusters. However, clustering may not use a distance metric. For example, a nonmetric similarity function s(x, x') can be used to compare two vectors x and x'. s(x, x') can be a symmetric function whose value is large when x and x' are somehow “similar.” Once a method for measuring “similarity” or “dissimilarity” between points in a dataset has been selected, clustering can use a criterion function that measures the clustering quality of any partition of the data. Partitions of the data set that extremize the criterion function can be used to cluster the data. Particular exemplary clustering techniques that can be used in the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, hierarchical clustering (agglomerative clustering using a nearest-neighbor algorithm, farthest-neighbor algorithm, the average linkage algorithm, the centroid algorithm, or the sum-of-squares algorithm), k-means clustering, fuzzy k-means clustering algorithm, and Jarvis-Patrick clustering. In some embodiments, the clustering comprises unsupervised clustering (e.g., with no preconceived number of clusters and / or no predetermination of cluster assignments).

[0108] Ensembles of models and boosting. In some embodiments, an ensemble (two or more) of models is used. In some embodiments, a boosting technique such as AdaBoost isAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO used in conjunction with many other types of learning algorithms to improve model performance. In this approach, the output of any of the models disclosed herein, or their equivalents, is combined into a weighted sum that represents the final output of the boosted model. In some embodiments, the plurality of outputs from the models is combined using any measure of central tendency known in the art, including but not limited to a mean, median, mode, a weighted mean, weighted median, weighted mode, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of outputs is combined using a voting method. In some embodiments, a respective model in the ensemble of models is weighted or unweighted.

[0109] In some embodiments, the model is a reinforcement learning model. In some embodiments, the reinforcement learning model comprises four main elements - an agent, a policy, a reward signal, and a value function, where the behavior of the agent is defined in terms of the policy. In some embodiments, the reinforcement learning model comprises a learning algorithm. In some implementations, the learning algorithm is an on-policy learning algorithm or an off-policy learning algorithms. On-Policy learning algorithms evaluate and improve the same policy which is being used to select the agent’s actions. Off-Policy learning algorithms evaluate and improve policies that are different from the policy being used for action selection. Reinforcement learning is further described, for example, in Sutton RS, Barto AG, “Reinforcement learning: an introduction,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks. 1998;9(5): 1054-1054, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the reinforcement learning model includes at least 10, at least 100, at least 1000, at least 10,000, at least 100,000, at least 1 x 106, at least 1 x 107, or more parameters. In some embodiments, the reinforcement learning model includes no more than 1 x 108, no more than 1 x 107, no more than 1 x 106, no more than 100,000, no more than 10,000, no more than 1000, or no more than 100 parameters. In some embodiments, the reinforcement learning model consists of from 10 to 1000, from 100 to 100,000, from 10,000 to 1 x 107, or from 1 x 106to 1 x 108parameters. In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters for the reinforcement learning model falls within another range starting no lower than 10 parameters and ending no higher than 1 x 108parameters.

[0110] As used herein, the term “parameter” refers to any coefficient or, similarly, any value of an internal or external element (e.g., a weight and / or a hyperparameter) in an algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier that affects (e.g., modify, tailor, and / or adjust) one or more inputs, outputs, and / or functions in the algorithm, model, regressor and / or classifier. For example, in some embodiments, a parameter refers to any coefficient, weight, and / or hyperparameter that is used to control, modify, tailor, and / or adjust the behavior,Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO learning and / or performance of an algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier. In some instances, a parameter is used to increase or decrease the influence of an input (e.g., a feature) to an algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier. As a nonlimiting example, in some instances, a parameter is used to increase or decrease the influence of a node (e.g., of a neural network), where the node includes one or more activation functions. Assignment of parameters to specific inputs, outputs, and / or functions is not limited to any one paradigm for a given algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier but can be used in any suitable an algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier architecture for a desired performance. In some embodiments, a parameter has a fixed value. In some embodiments, a value of a parameter is manually and / or automatically adjustable. In some embodiments, a value of a parameter is modified by a validation and / or training process for an algorithm, model, regressor, and / or classifier (e.g., by error minimization and / or backpropagation methods, as described elsewhere herein). In some embodiments, the algorithms, models, regressors, and / or classifier of the present disclosure operate in a k-dimensional space, where k is a positive integer of 5 or greater (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. . As such, the algorithms, models, regressors, and / or classifiers of the present disclosure cannot be mentally performed. In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters is at least 1000 parameters, at least 5000 parameters, at least 10,000 parameters is at least 50,000 parameters, at least 100,000 parameters, at least 250,000 parameters, at least 500,000 parameters, at least 1 million parameters, at least 5 million parameters, at least 10 million parameters, at least 25 million parameters, at least 50 million parameters, at least 100 million parameters, at least 250 million parameters, at least 500 million parameters, at least 1 billion parameters, or more parameters.

[0111] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions is at least 1000 instructions, at least 5000 instructions, at least 10,000 instructions is at least 50,000 instructions, at least 100,000 instructions, at least 250,000 instructions, at least 500,000 instructions, at least 1 million instructions, at least 5 million instructions, at least 10 million instructions, at least 25 million instructions, at least 50 million instructions, at least 100 million instructions, at least 250 million instructions, at least 500 million instructions, at least 1 billion instructions, or more instructions.

[0112] As used herein, the term “untrained model” (e.g., “untrained classifier” and / or “untrained neural network”) refers to a machine learning model or algorithm, such as a classifier or a neural network, that has not been trained on a target dataset. In some embodiments, “training a model” (e.g., “training a neural network”) refers to the process of training an untrained or partially trained model (e.g., “an untrained or partially trained neuralAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO network”). Moreover, it will be appreciated that the term “untrained model” does not exclude the possibility that transfer learning techniques are used in such training of the untrained or partially trained model. For instance, Fernandes et al., 2017, “Transfer Learning with Partial Observability Applied to Cervical Cancer Screening,” Pattern Recognition and Image Analysis: 8thIberian Conference Proceedings, 243-250, which is hereby incorporated by reference, provides non-limiting examples of such transfer learning. In instances where transfer learning is used, the untrained model described above is provided with additional data over and beyond that of the primary training dataset. Typically, this additional data is in the form of parameters (e.g., coefficients, weights, and / or hyperparameters) that were learned from another, auxiliary training dataset. Moreover, while a description of a single auxiliary training dataset has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that there is no limit on the number of auxiliary training datasets that can be used to complement the primary training dataset in training the untrained model in the present disclosure. For instance, in some embodiments, two or more auxiliary training datasets, three or more auxiliary training datasets, four or more auxiliary training datasets or five or more auxiliary training datasets are used to complement the primary training dataset through transfer learning, where each such auxiliary dataset is different than the primary training dataset. Any manner of transfer learning is used, in some such embodiments. For instance, consider the case where there is a first auxiliary training dataset and a second auxiliary training dataset in addition to the primary training dataset. In such a case, the parameters learned from the first auxiliary training dataset (by application of a first model to the first auxiliary training dataset) are applied to the second auxiliary training dataset using transfer learning techniques (e.g., a second model that is the same or different from the first model), which in turn results in a trained intermediate model whose parameters are then applied to the primary training dataset and this, in conjunction with the primary training dataset itself, is applied to the untrained model. Alternatively, in another example embodiment, a first set of parameters learned from the first auxiliary training dataset (by application of a first model to the first auxiliary training dataset) and a second set of parameters learned from the second auxiliary training dataset (by application of a second model that is the same or different from the first model to the second auxiliary training dataset) are each individually applied to a separate instance of the primary training dataset (e.g., by separate independent matrix multiplications) and both such applications of the parameters to separate instances of the primary training dataset in conjunction with the primary training dataset itself (or some reduced form of the primary training dataset such asAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO principal components or regression coefficients learned from the primary training set) are then applied to the untrained model in order to train the untrained model.

[0113] In some embodiments, the methods described herein include inputting information into a model comprising a plurality of parameters, where the model applies the plurality parameters to the information through a plurality of instructions to generate an output from the model.

[0114] In some embodiments, the model comprises a language model, a transformer model, a large language model (LLM), an encoder, a decoder, an encoder-decoder hybrid model, a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) model, a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model, or a multiple sequence alignment (MSA) transformer model.

[0115] In some embodiments, the attention mechanism is selected from the group consisting of dot product attention, query-key-value attention, Luong attention, and Bahdanau attention.

[0116] In some embodiments, the attention mechanism is applied directly to all or a portion of the data structure input into the model. In some embodiments, the attention mechanism is applied to an embedding of all or a portion of the data structure input into the model. In some embodiments, an attention mechanism is a mapping of a query (e.g., the data structure or embedding thereof) and a set of key -value pairs to an output where the query, keys, values, and output are all vectors. In some such embodiments, the output is computed as a weighted sum of the values, where the weight assigned to each value is computed by a compatibility function of the query with the corresponding key. Example attention mechanisms are described in Chaudhari et al., July 12, 2021 “An Attentive Survey of Attention Models,” arXiv: 1904-02874v3, and Vaswani et al., “Attention is All You Need,” 31st Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NIPS 2017), Long Beach, California, USA, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0117] Advantageously, transformer-based models can handle inputs with variable lengths, making such models generalizable to different micro-footprints or macro-footprints for in-cell experiments. Additionally, transformers are less prone to overfitting, allowing for easy integration of historical or future datasets to further enhance the model performance.

[0118] As used herein, the term “instruction” refers to an order given to a computer processor by a computer program. On a digital computer, in some embodiments, each instruction is a sequence of 0s and Is that describes a physical operation the computer is to perform. Such instructions can include data transfer instructions and data manipulationAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO instructions. In some embodiments, each instruction is a type of instruction in an instruction set that is recognized by a particular processor type used to carry out the instructions. Examples of instruction sets include, but are not limited to, Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC), Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC), Minimal instruction set computers (MISC), Very long instruction word (VLIW), Explicitly parallel instruction computing (EPIC), and One instruction set computer (OISC).

[0119] In the present disclosure, unless expressly stated otherwise, descriptions of devices and systems will include implementations of one or more computers, such as one or more processing units (e.g., one or more central processing units, or more graphics processing units, one or more neural processing units, one or more tensor processing units, a combination thereof, etc.).

[0120] Figures 1 A-1B are a block diagram illustrating an example computer system 900 that is applied in a process for generating a waste heat recovery system 104, 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 Figures 1A-1B, 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 Figures 1 A-1B merely serves to describe the features of some embodiments in a manner that will be readily understood to one of skill in the art.

[0121] Referring to Figures 1 A-1B, in some embodiments, the computer system 900 is applied in a process for generating a waste heat recovery system 104. The computer system 900 is configured to control generating a waste heat recovery system 104 (e.g., heat pump system 104 of Figures 3-9). In some embodiments, the computer system 900 is associated with a facility (e.g., first facility 102-1 of Figure 3). In some embodiments, the computerAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO system 900 is associated with two or more facilities 102. In some embodiments, the computer system 900 is associated with one facility or multiple facilities 102.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 1A, a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system of Figure 3, user interface 1000 Figure 10, user interface 1100 Figure 11, user interface 1200 Figure 12, user interface 1300 Figure 13, user interface 1400 Figure 14, user interface 1500 Figure 15, etc.). 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). InAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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).

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] In some embodiments, the memory 992 of the computer system 900 for generating a waste heat recovery system 104 stores:• an operating system 903 (e. , 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;Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO• 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, c / c. );• a component library 906 that 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 1 A) 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 waste heat recovery system in accordance with one or more parameters 916 associated with a respective task 914;• 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; and• a model library 920 including one or more models 922 for controlling one or more processes (e.g., one or more blocks of method 200 of Figure 2) associated with the computer system 900.

[0128] 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 generating a waste heat recovery system at the first facility 102-2 or a second facility 102-2 using the computer system 900. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0129] In some embodiments, the computer system includes a controller 926 configured to control operations conducted when generating a waste heat recovery system 104 that produces steam using a flash vessel structure and a compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure. In some embodiments, the controller 926 executes a plurality of heuristic instructions to command one or more client applications 918 and / or models 922, such responsive to receiving a request in electronic form, obtaining design criteria, configuring the waste heat recovery system, and / or generating a graphical representation. InAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO some embodiments, the plurality of heuristic instructions includes anti-surge control logic for one or more compressors based on recirculation steam branches.

[0130] In some embodiments, an instrument is an apparatus, device, mechanism, or a combination thereof that conducts a function in a waste heat recovery. In some embodiments, a respective instrument is configured to conduct a task within a method for generating a heat pump including receiving liquid media from a source of heat, transferring heat from a gas or liquid source to a circulating liquid media, generating flash steam in one or more flash vessels, compressing vapor in a series of at least two compressors, desuperheating compressed vapor with injected liquid water, recirculating steam for surge avoidance and commissioning, draining condensate from compressor casings to a flash vessel, returning cooled liquid to the source of heat, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, instruments include a blower, a compressor, a pump, a motor, a variable frequency drive, a gearbox, a valve, a duct, a pipe, a heat exchanger, a reservoir, a drum, a vessel, a flash chamber, a demister, a separator structure, a stilling well, a sensor, a controller, a steam header, a recirculation header, a condensate drain header, a lube oil supply header, a lube oil return header, a desuperheat water header, an electrical enclosure, a piping rack module, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the instruments include a series of at least two compressors fluidly coupled in series and configured to increase the pressure of vapor received from respective flash chambers and supply steam to an existing steam header of a facility. In some embodiments, the instruments further include a circulation pump sized according to head losses in long-run piping between the physical location and the source of heat, a desuperheat pump configured to deliver liquid water at a pressure higher than a final compressor suction pressure, a controller configured to operate variable frequency drives of one or more compressors, and one or more sensors configured to detect a pressure, a temperature, a flow rate, and a liquid surface level within the flash vessel structure.

[0131] In some embodiments, a task is a function, step, or process performed in generating steam using the flash vessel structure and the compressor train, and the task is performed by a set of instruments. In some embodiments, each task includes a set of parameters used in performance of the task by a respective instrument, including a flow rate parameter, a pressure parameter, a temperature parameter, an electrical load parameter, a rotational speed parameter, a valve position parameter, a duty cycle parameter, a resource consumption parameter, a distance parameter, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tasks are logically dependent operations that define the order and control of instruments, including a first operation to run a first instrument with a first set of parametersAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO and a second operation to run a second instrument with a second set of parameters, where the second operation depends on at least one outcome of the first operation. In some embodiments, the computer system configures one or more parameters by determining an inlet temperature of the flash vessel structure, determining a flow condition of the flash vessel structure based at least in part on the compressor train, determining a saturation temperature associated with the compressor train and the flash vessel structure, determining a dimensionality of the flash vessel structure and the compressor train, and evaluating the waste heat recovery system against a threshold performance value. In some embodiments, one or more computational models, which may include deterministic solvers or machine-learning models, are used to evaluate thermodynamic or geometric relationships

[0132] Referring to Figure IB, the computer system 900 includes a model library 920 that stores one or more models 922 (e.g., classifiers, regressors, clustering, efc.). In some embodiments, the model library 920 stores two more models, three or more models, four or more models, ten or more models, 50 or more models, or 100 or more models. In some embodiments, a model 922 is implemented as an artificial intelligence engine. For instance, in some embodiments, the model 922 includes one or more feature extraction models including one or more segmentation models 922, one or more classification models 922, one or more gradient boosting models 922, one or more random forest models 922, one or more neural network (NN) models 922, one or more regression models, one or more Naive Bayes models 922, one or more machine learning algorithms (MLA) 922, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, an MLA or a NN is trained from a training data set that includes one or more features identified from a data set. MLAs include supervised algorithms (such as algorithms where the features / classifications in the data set are annotated) using linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, classification and regression trees, Naive Bayes, nearest neighbor clustering; unsupervised algorithms (such as algorithms where no features / classification in the data set are annotated a priori), such as means clustering, principal component analysis, random forest, adaptive boosting; and semi-supervised algorithms (such as algorithms where an incomplete number of features / classifications in the data set are annotated) using generative approach (such as a mixture of Gaussian distributions, mixture of multinomial distributions, hidden Markov models), low density separation, graph-based approaches (such as minimum cut, harmonic function, manifold regularization, etc.), heuristic approaches, or support vector machines.

[0133] One of skill in the art will readily appreciate other models 922 that are applicable to the systems and methods of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, theAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO systems and methods of the present disclosure utilize more than one model 922 to provide an evaluation (e.g., arrive at an evaluation given one or more inputs with an increased accuracy and computational efficiency. For instance, in some embodiments, each respective model 922 arrives at a corresponding evaluation when provided a respective data set as input. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each respective model 922 independently arrives at a result and then the result of each respective model 922 is collectively verified through a comparison or amalgamation of the models 922. From this, a cumulative result is provided by the models 922. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0134] In some embodiments, a respective model 922 is tasked with performing a corresponding activity.

[0135] In some embodiments, each respective model 922 of the present disclosure makes use of 10 or more parameters, 100 or more parameters, 1000 or more parameters, 10,000 or more parameters, or 100,000 or more parameters. In some embodiments, each respective model 2930 of the present disclosure cannot be mentally performed.

[0136] In some embodiments, a client application 2936 is a group of instructions that, when executed by the processor 2902, generates content for presentation to the user, such as a result provided by one or more models 2930. In some embodiments, the client application 2936 generates content in response to one or more inputs received from the user through the imaging device 300 and / or the inputs 980 of the computer system 900.

[0137] 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.

[0138] It should be appreciated that the computer system 900 of Figures 1 A-1B 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 Figures 1A-1B are implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or aAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO combination thereof, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0139] Now that a general topology of a system 100 has been described in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosures, details regarding some processes and methods of the present disclosure will be described.

[0140] Various modules in a memory of a computer system and / or a memory of a client device perform certain processes of the methods of the present disclosure, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the processes of a method of the present disclosure can be encoded in a single module or any combination of modules.

[0141] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for generating a waste heat recovery system (e.g., method 200 of Figure 2).

[0142] Block 202. Referring to block 202 of Figure 2, in some embodiments, the method 200 includes receiving a request to configure the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the request is received via a communication network (e.g., network 984 of Figure 1 A). In some embodiments, the request is associated with an end-user of a facility 102. However, the present disclosure in not limited thereto.

[0143] In some embodiments, the request identifies a plurality of parameters e.g., one or more parameters 916 of Figure 1 A, etc.).

[0144] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a first set of parameters. In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a first set of parameters and a second set of parameters. In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a first set of parameters, a second set of parameters, and a third set of parameters. In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes at least four sets of parameters.

[0145] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes at least 2 parameters, at least 5 parameters, at least 10 parameters, at least 16 parameters, at least 20 parameters, at least 28 parameters, at least 34 parameters, at least 38 parameters, at least 44 parameters, at least 48 parameters, at least 54 parameters, at least 58 parameters, at least 64 parameters, at least 68 parameters, at least 74 parameters, at least 80 parameters, at least 85 parameters, at least 90 parameters, at least 95 parameters, or at least 100 parameters.

[0146] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes at most 2 parameters, at most 5 parameters, at most 10 parameters, at most 16 parameters, at most 20 parameters, at most 28 parameters, at most 34 parameters, at most 38 parameters, at most 44 parameters, at most 48 parameters, at most 54 parameters, at most 58 parameters, at most 64Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO parameters, at most 68 parameters, at most 74 parameters, at most 80 parameters, at most 85 parameters, at most 90 parameters, at most 95 parameters, or at most 100 parameters.

[0147] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters is in a range that contains between 2 parameters and 5 parameters, between 2 parameters and 28 parameters, between 2 parameters and 48 parameters, between 2 parameters and 74 parameters, between 2 parameters and 95 parameters, between 2 parameters and 100 parameters, between 5 parameters and 28 parameters, between 5 parameters and 54 parameters, between 5 parameters and 74 parameters, between 5 parameters and 95 parameters, between 5 parameters and 100 parameters, between 10 parameters and 34 parameters, between 10 parameters and 54 parameters, between 10 parameters and 80 parameters, between 10 parameters and 100 parameters, between 16 parameters and 20 parameters, between 16 parameters and 44 parameters, between 16 parameters and 68 parameters, between 16 parameters and 90 parameters, between 16 parameters and 100 parameters, between 20 parameters and 38 parameters, between 20 parameters and 58 parameters, between 20 parameters and 80 parameters, between 20 parameters and 100 parameters, between 28 parameters and 38 parameters, between 28 parameters and 58 parameters, between 28 parameters and 80 parameters, between 28 parameters and 100 parameters, between 34 parameters and 44 parameters, between 34 parameters and 64 parameters, between 34 parameters and 85 parameters, between 34 parameters and 100 parameters, between 38 parameters and 48 parameters, between 38 parameters and 68 parameters, between 38 parameters and 95 parameters, between 38 parameters and 100 parameters, between 44 parameters and 64 parameters, between 44 parameters and 85 parameters, between 44 parameters and 100 parameters, between 48 parameters and 64 parameters, between 48 parameters and 85 parameters, between 48 parameters and 100 parameters, between 54 parameters and 64 parameters, between 54 parameters and 85 parameters, between 54 parameters and 100 parameters, between 58 parameters and 68 parameters, between 58 parameters and 95 parameters, between 58 parameters and 100 parameters, between 64 parameters and 85 parameters, between 64 parameters and 100 parameters, between 68 parameters and 80 parameters, between 68 parameters and 100 parameters, between 74 parameters and 85 parameters, between 74 parameters and 100 parameters, between 80 parameters and 90 parameters, between 80 parameters and 100 parameters, between 85 parameters and 100 parameters, between 90 parameters and 95 parameters, between 90 parameters and 100 parameters, or between 95 parameters and 100 parameters, inclusive.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0148] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a steam output pressure of the waste heat recovery system.

[0149] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a first set of parameters associated with a source of waste heat provided to the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the first set of parameters defines various input conditions of the source of waste heat that the waste heat recovery system 104 utilizes to produce high pressure steam. In some embodiments, the first set of parameters includes one parameter. In some embodiments, the first set of parameters includes multiple parameters. In some embodiments, the first set of parameters defines one or more liquid-only input parameters, one or more gas-only input parameters, and / or one or more mixed-phase waste heat input parameters to the waste heat recovery system 104.

[0150] In some embodiments, the plurality of parameters includes a second set of parameters associated with an output of energy provided by the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the second set of parameters outputs from the waste heat recovery system 104, including a range of pressure demanded by the system 104 and other output conditions. In some embodiments, the second set of parameters includes one parameter. In some embodiments, the second set of parameters includes a plurality of parameters. In some embodiments, any combination of second-set parameters defines one or more pressure-only output parameters, temperature-only output parameters, mass-flow-only output parameters, or joint output parameters of the system 104.

[0151] In some embodiments, a first parameter in the second set of parameters includes a threshold temperature associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold resource consumption associated with liquid media of the source of heat, or a combination thereof.

[0152] In some embodiments, the threshold temperature associated with liquid media corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum heating water supply temperature, a maximum and / or minimum heating water return temperature, an average of supply and return temperatures over a defined period of time, a minimum low supply temperature for design sizing, a maximum allowable return temperature to protect upstream equipment at the source of heat, or a combination thereof.

[0153] In some embodiments, the threshold pressure associated with liquid media corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum static pressure at a supply header upstream of a flash vessel structure, a maximum and / or minimum pressure at a return header downstream ofAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO the flash vessel structure, a maximum and / or minimum differential pressure attributable to head losses between the source of heat and the flash vessel structure, a maximum and / or minimum maximum allowable pressure at the liquid outlet of the flash vessel structure, or a combination thereof.

[0154] In some embodiments, the threshold flow rate associated with liquid media corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum mass flow rate (e.g., in pounds per hour or kilograms per second), a maximum and / or minimum volumetric flow rate, a maximum and / or minimum turndown minimum flow rate for stable operation, a maximum and / or minimum peak flow rate for steam generation.

[0155] In some embodiments, the threshold resource consumption associated with liquid media corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum pump shaft power required to circulate the liquid media, a maximum and / or minimum electrical power associated with variable frequency drives driving heating water pumps, a maximum and / or minimum water make-up associated with blowdown and losses in the circulating loop, a maximum and / or minimum chemical treatment consumption associated with water quality management, a maximum and / or minimum parasitic loss associated with pressure drops through one or more heat exchangers and channels between the source of heat and the flash vessel structure, or a combination thereof.

[0156] In some embodiments, the threshold temperature, threshold pressure, threshold flow rate, and threshold resource consumption are each specified at one or more measurement locations including at a heat exchanger associated with the source of heat, at an inlet to the flash vessel structure, at a return connection from the flash vessel structure to the source of heat, or at intermediate points along a circulating loop.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first parameter comprises any combination of the threshold temperature, threshold pressure, threshold flow rate, and threshold resource consumption, including all four together, any three together, any two together, or any single one alone as deemed by the computer system 900 sufficient to characterize liquid media of the source of heat for configuring the waste heat recovery system 104. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0158] In some embodiments, a second parameter in the second set of parameters includes a threshold temperature associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with gas of the source of heat, and a threshold resource consumption associated with gas of the source of heat.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0159] In some embodiments, the threshold temperature associated with gas corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum exhaust gas temperature upstream or downstream of a heat exchanger coupled to the waste heat recovery system, a dew point temperature inferred from exhaust gas water content, a maximum and / or minimum inlet gas temperature required to achieve a target heating water supply temperature, a maximum and / or minimum allowable gas temperature at equipment interfaces, or a combination thereof.

[0160] In some embodiments, the threshold pressure associated with gas corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum static pressure at the exhaust source, a maximum and / or minimum draft pressure, a maximum and / or minimum backpressure limit imposed on a process exhaust, or a maximum and / or minimum differential pressure across a gas-side heat exchanger to bound fan or blower duty.

[0161] In some embodiments, the threshold flow rate associated with gas corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum mass flow rate, a maximum and / or minimum volumetric flow rate, a standard volumetric flow rate, a maximum and / or minimum turndown flow for stable heat transfer, a maximum and / or minimum peak flow for heat recovery, or a combination thereof.

[0162] In some embodiments, the threshold resource consumption associated with gas corresponds to a maximum and / or minimum electrical power for induced draft or forced draft fans moving the gas, a maximum and / or minimum compressed air consumption for actuated dampers or controls on a fluid flow path, a maximum and / or minimum parasitic losses attributable to added pressure drop in the gas ducting, a maximum and / or minimum maintenance-related consumables associated with gas filtration, or a combination thereof.

[0163] In some embodiments, the threshold temperature, threshold pressure, threshold flow rate, and threshold resource consumption for gas are each specified at one or more locations including at an exhaust plenum, at an inlet to a gas-side heat exchanger, at an outlet of a gas-side heat exchanger, a tie-in to a common header, or a combination thereof.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second parameter includes any combination of the threshold temperature, threshold pressure, threshold flow rate, and threshold resource consumption, including all four together, any three together, any two together, or any single one alone as sufficient to characterize gas of the source of heat for configuring the waste heat recovery system.

[0165] In some embodiments, where the source of heat is gas, the second parameter in the second set of parameters is used alone to determine a heating water supply temperature and flow feeding the flash vessel structure; in other embodiments, the second parameter inAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO the second set of parameters is used in combination with the first parameter in the second set of parameters when both liquid and gas sources are present at the physical location to coordinate mixed-media heat recovery. In some embodiments, the threshold temperature, threshold pressure, threshold flow rate, and threshold resource consumption associated with gas are obtained from sensors at the physical location, are uploaded from a plant historian, are enumerated as predetermined threshold parameters, or are setpoints derived by a numerical solver or optimization solver used during configuring.

[0166] In some embodiments, a third parameter in the second set of parameters includes a threshold waste heat mass flow rate, such as a maximum and / or minimum waste heat mass flow rate. In some embodiments, the threshold waste heat mass flow rate is expressed as a gas mass flow rate, a liquid mass flow rate, and / or a mixed-phase equivalent mass flow rate. In some embodiments, the threshold waste heat mass flow rate is defined at one or more measurement locations including at an exhaust plenum upstream of a gas-side heat exchanger, at an outlet of the gas-side heat exchanger, at a supply header feeding a heating water loop, at a return header from the flash vessel structure, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the threshold waste heat mass flow rate is determined as a minimum turndown mass flow rate to maintain stable heat transfer, a nominal mass flow rate for design sizing, a peak mass flow rate for maximum heat recovery, or a combination thereof.

[0167] In some embodiments, the third parameter is used to size a heat exchanger surface area and / or a heating water mass flow to achieve a desired heating water supply temperature. In some embodiments, the third parameter is used in combination with a threshold temperature associated with gas of the source of heat and a threshold pressure associated with gas of the source of heat to bound a pressure drop. In some embodiments, the threshold waste heat mass flow rate is time-varying and represented as a profile or distribution.

[0168] In some embodiments, a first parameter in the third set of parameters includes a fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system is a steam mass flow rate delivered to a facility steam header, a condensate mass flow rate returned from the waste heat recovery system, or a combined net steam plus recirculated steam mass flow rate used during commissioning and anti-surge control. In some embodiments, the fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system is defined at one or more locations including at a discharge of a final compressor stage, at a main isolation valve to the facility steam header, atAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO a steam recirculation header branch, or at a condensate drain system outlet to a flash vessel. In some embodiments, the fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system is specified as a minimum turndown mass flow rate during low demand, a nominal mass flow rate for steady operation, and a peak mass flow rate during high demand, and is used by the controller 926 to assign compressor speed setpoints via variable frequency drives and to assign valve positions for recirculation steam branches. In some embodiments, the fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system is determined by a deterministic model, a numerical solver, or an optimization solver that evaluates the plurality of design criteria, including a steam output pressure, a desired superheat at each stage, and allowable duct velocities. In some embodiments, the first parameter in the third set of parameters is used in combination with the third parameter in the second set of parameters to modulate the liquid media flow rate supplied to the flash vessel structure and select a fan train that meets a target discharge pressure with a compressor count m and a flash chamber count n, where m equals n or differs according to performance requirements. In some embodiments, the fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system is paired with a threshold ratio of internal diameter to duct length for interstage ducts, a threshold angle between a vapor outlet port of a flash chamber and a compressor inlet, and a threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis relationship between a flash chamber and a set of compressors to maintain allowable pressure drops and surge margins across operating ranges.

[0169] In some embodiments, a fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters includes a first parameter associated with a hot media supply of the waste heat recovery system, a second parameter associated with a cool media return of the waste heat recovery system, and a third parameter associated with a media mass flow rate of the waste heat recovery system.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first parameter associated with the hot media supply includes a heating water supply temperature delivered to a flash vessel structure, a supply header pressure upstream of a liquid input of a first flash chamber, a supply pipe diameter selected to bound velocity and frictional loss, a supply elevation used to determine static head, a supply quality metric associated with dissolved gas content or solids loading, or a combination thereof.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second parameter associated with the cool media return includes a heating water return temperature exiting the flash vessel structure after flashing has occurred, a return header pressure downstream of a liquid outlet of a second flash chamber, a return pipe diameter and length used to compute head loss back to a heatAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO source, a return temperature limit set to protect upstream equipment coupled to the heat source, or a combination thereof.

[0172] In some embodiments, the third parameter associated with the media mass flow rate includes a circulating water mass flow rate, a volumetric flow rate, a turndown minimum flow for stable flashing and heat transfer, a nominal design flow for steady operation, a peak flow for maximum steam generation, or a combination thereof.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third parameters are defined at one or more locations of the system including at an outlet of a heat exchanger that transfers heat from a source of heat to the circulating loop, at an inlet of the flash vessel structure, at a return connection from the flash vessel structure to the heat source, at one or more intermediate points along a horizontally oriented modular pipe rack, or a combination thereof.

[0174] In some embodiments, the fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters includes a fourth parameter associated with an exhaust gas temperature, a fifth parameter associated with an exhaust gas flowrate, and a sixth parameter associated with an exhaust gas water content. In some embodiments, the fourth parameter associated with the exhaust gas temperature includes a temperature at an exhaust plenum upstream of a gas-side heat exchanger, a temperature at an outlet of the gas-side heat exchanger, a minimum temperature required to reach a target heating water supply temperature, or a maximum temperature at tie-in points to bound material limits. In some embodiments, the fifth parameter associated with the exhaust gas flowrate includes a mass flow in kilograms per second, an actual volumetric flow in cubic feet per minute, a standard volumetric flow rate, a turndown minimum flow for stable heat transfer, and a peak flow corresponding to process upset or batch operation. In some embodiments, the sixth parameter associated with the exhaust gas water content includes a water fraction by volume or by mass, a dew point temperature inferred from composition, a condensable load that influences fouling and heat exchanger selection, or a time-varying humidity profile. In some embodiments, the exhaust gas temperature, exhaust gas flowrate, and exhaust gas water content are used to determine heating water supply and return temperatures, to set the circulating media mass flow rate, and to size heat transfer surface area while bounding gas-side pressure drop. In some embodiments, the exhaust gas parameters are measured with sensors at the physical location, uploaded from a plant historian, enumerated as predetermined threshold parameters, or derived by a numerical solver using observed temperatures and pressures. In some embodiments, the fourth, fifth, and sixth parameters are combined with the hot media supply, cool media return, and media mass flow rate to coordinate mixed-media heat recovery, setAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO compressor inlet conditions for the flash vessel structure, and select fan sizes and speeds from a library to meet a desired steam output pressure with allowable interstage duct velocities and surge margins.

[0175] In some embodiments, at least two parameters are obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat. In some embodiments, the at least two parameters are obtained using a first sensor 982-1 or a plurality of sensors 982. In some embodiments, the at least two parameters are obtained from data in electronic form associated with the physical location and / or the source of waste heat. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0176] In some embodiments, a subset of the parameters in the plurality of parameters includes an enumerated listing of predetermined threshold parameters. Referring to Figures 10-13, in some embodiments, the enumerated listing provides a user-selectable entry presented as a dropdown, picklist, radio-button group, or matrix selector in a client application 918. In some embodiments, each entry corresponds to a predetermined threshold parameter used during configuring of a waste heat recovery system. By way of example, in some embodiments, the enumerated listing includes compressor fan sizes selected from the component module 906 with associated threshold volumetric flow ranges, maximum allowable pressure ratios, maximum inlet and discharge temperatures, and nominal variable frequency drive speed ranges. As another non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the enumerated listing includes a matrix of flash vessel configurations including threshold vessel diameters, threshold vessel lengths aligned to standard spacing between compressors, threshold nozzle sizes for liquid inputs and vapor outlets, threshold wall thickness associated with temperature and pressure ratings, and threshold liquid surface ranges. As yet another non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the enumerated listing includes pipe and duct diameters for interstage vapor channels selected from threshold internal diameters that bound a ratio of diameter to duct length and a threshold maximum vapor velocity, and heating water pipe diameters selected to bound a threshold head loss per unit length and a threshold maximum liquid velocity.

[0177] In some embodiments, the enumerated listing includes subsystem skids and rack modules with threshold branch locations. For instance, in some embodiments, the threshold branch locations define fixed distances from a common axis, threshold header elevations, and threshold module lengths equal to spacing between adjacent compressors 212. In some embodiments, the enumerated listing includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold compressor count m, a minimum and / or maximum threshold flash chamber count n,Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO and a minimum and / or maximum threshold relationship where m equals n, m differs from n by one or more. In some embodiments, m is selected from an allowable range based on a target steam output pressure and surge margin.

[0178] In some embodiments, the enumerated listing includes one or more threshold angles between a vapor outlet port of a flash chamber and an inlet of a compressor, one or more threshold distances between paired vapor outlet ports, one or more threshold offsets between parallel and / or longitudinal axes of a flash vessel structure and a set of compressors, or a combination thereof.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first set of parameters comprises spatial, mechanical, hydraulic, and geometric constraints that guide configuring of the waste heat recovery system, including a minimum and / or maximum threshold surface area and a minimum and / or maximum threshold volume associated with a physical location; distances such as a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between an inlet of the heat pump and a source of heat, a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between the source of heat and a heat sink, and a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between two or more subsystems; fan-related bounds including a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan dimensionality, a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan flow rate, a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan resource consumption, a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan temperature, a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan pressure, and a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan lift; motor-related bounds including a minimum and / or maximum threshold motor dimensionality and a minimum and / or maximum threshold motor resource consumption; pump-related bounds including a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump dimensionality, a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump flow rate, a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump resource consumption, a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump temperature, and a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump pressure; channel- related bounds including a minimum and / or maximum threshold channel dimensionality and a minimum and / or maximum threshold channel flow rate; a minimum and / or maximum threshold liquid surface depth of liquid media accommodated by a flash chamber, for example between 6 inches and 18 inches; a planar surface constraint for pad, rack, or vessel bottoms; process limits including a minimum and / or maximum threshold pressure at an inlet of the waste heat recovery system, a minimum and / or maximum threshold temperature at a liquid outlet of a flash chamber, and a minimum and / or maximum threshold flow rate of the liquid media; geometric alignments including a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance from a vapor channel of a second flash chamber to an inlet of a first flash chamberAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO that equals or substantially equals a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor, and a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between two vapor outlet ports that equals or substantially equals the distance between corresponding compressors; a minimum and / or maximum threshold diameter of the vapor channel of each flash chamber; a minimum and / or maximum threshold number of series flash chambers in parallel; axis rules including a minimum and / or maximum threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis relationship between flash chambers and a set of compressors with a minimum and / or maximum threshold offset distance; a minimum and / or maximum threshold relationship where each compressor in at least two compressors and each flash chamber in a flash vessel structure share a one-to-two relationship; alignment rules where liquid openings of the flash vessel structure align, or substantially align, with respect to a central axis substantially parallel to a direction of liquid media flow; count selections including a minimum and / or maximum threshold number of compressors m, where m is an integer greater than two selected in accordance with temperatures of vapor and liquid media, and a minimum and / or maximum threshold number of flash chambers n, where n is an integer greater than two selected in accordance with temperatures of vapor and liquid media, in some embodiments m equals n; angular constraints including a minimum and / or maximum threshold angle between a first vapor outlet port of a first flash chamber and an inlet of a first compressor that is right or substantially right; duct rules including a minimum and / or maximum threshold ratio of an internal diameter of a duct cross-section to a duct length for a connection between a flash chamber and a compressor; flow orientation including a minimum and / or maximum threshold flow angle where liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a vapor media flow exiting to the compressors; and descriptive entries of a physical location, a respective type of each component, and a respective size of each component, or a combination thereof, all of which are discretized and combined to yield valid configurations for the flash vessel structure and the compressor train.

[0180] In some embodiments, a first parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold surface area or a minimum and / or maximum threshold volume associated with a physical location, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these thresholds define the available footprint for a flash vessel structure, a compressor train, pipe racks, and auxiliary skids, and guide layout choices such as standardized spacing, axis offsets, and module lengths.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0181] In some embodiments, a second parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between an inlet of the heat pump and a source of heat, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between the source of heat and a heat sink, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between subsystems, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these distances determine head and friction losses, inform pipe and duct diameters, and influence the placement of pumps, valves, and headers to maintain allowable velocities and stable control.

[0182] In some embodiments, a third parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan dimensionality, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan flow rate, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan resource consumption, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan temperature, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan pressure, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold fan lift, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these bounds constrain selection from enumerated fan sizes and speeds so stage lift matches flash vessel delta-T and operation remains within thermal, mechanical, and electrical limits.

[0183] In some embodiments, a fourth parameter in the plurality of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold motor dimensionality or a minimum and / or maximum threshold motor resource consumption, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these thresholds align motor frame sizes and power draw with shaft requirements and variable frequency drive classes to support soft-start behavior, short-cycling limits, and electrical load planning.

[0184] In some embodiments, a fifth parameter in the plurality of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump dimensionality, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump flow rate, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump resource consumption, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump temperature, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold pump pressure, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these bounds govern circulating and desuperheat pump selection, head margins, and motor / VFD ratings so the heating-water loop delivers target flow while maintaining net positive suction head and temperature limits.

[0185] In some embodiments, a sixth parameter in the plurality of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold channel dimensionality or a minimum and / or maximum threshold channel flow rate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these thresholds size interstage vapor ducts and liquid piping to meet velocity targets andAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO diameter-to-length rules, limiting pressure drop, erosion, and noise while preserving surge margin.

[0186] In some embodiments, a seventh parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold liquid surface depth accommodated by a flash chamber, and in some embodiments the threshold liquid surface is between 6 inches and 18 inches. In some embodiments, this range reduces hydrostatic suppression, sets residence time for evaporation, and supports stable flashing and carryover control with demisters and nozzle elevations.

[0187] In some embodiments, an eighth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a planar surface of the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, a planar surface supports horizontally oriented rack modules and headers, enabling repeatable branch locations and modular assembly while relying on pressure differentials and shear to move liquids in non-pitched drain and return lines.

[0188] In some embodiments, a ninth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold pressure at an inlet of the waste heat recovery system, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold temperature at a liquid outlet of a flash chamber, or a minimum and / or maximum threshold flow rate of the liquid media, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these limits define model boundary conditions and control setpoints, ensuring safe operation and accurate sizing of vessels, pumps, and valves.

[0189] In some embodiments, a tenth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance from a vapor channel of a second flash chamber to an inlet of a first flash chamber that equals or substantially equals a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, an eleventh parameter includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between two vapor outlet ports that equals or substantially equals the distance between corresponding compressors, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these geometric relationships standardize duct runs and nozzle locations, reduce variation, and streamline modular fabrication and installation.

[0190] In some embodiments, a twelfth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold diameter of a vapor channel of each flash chamber. In some embodiments, a thirteenth parameter includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold number of series flash chambers in parallel. In some embodiments, these selectionsAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO balance volumetric capacity and velocity control, match fan inlet requirements, and support parallel operation for larger flows while keeping header sizing consistent.

[0191] In some embodiments, a fourteenth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis relationship between flash chambers and a set of compressors, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the axis is offset from the compressor axis by a distance, or a combination thereof, to create repeatable alignment and clearance envelopes for spacing bands, rack placement, and service aisles.

[0192] In some embodiments, a fifteenth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold relationship where each compressor and each flash chamber share a one-to-two relationship, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, this relationship supports cascaded flashing and proper stage pairing to achieve lift and flow continuity with a standardized fan and vessel matrix.

[0193] In some embodiments, a sixteenth parameter in the first set of parameters includes liquid openings of the flash vessel structure that align, or substantially align, with a central axis substantially parallel to a direction of liquid media flow. In some embodiments, this alignment enables direct under-surface transfer between stages, minimizes interstage piping, and limits vapor carryover.

[0194] In some embodiments, a seventeenth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold number of compressors m, where m is an integer greater than two and is selected in accordance with temperatures of vapor and / or liquid media, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, an eighteenth parameter includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold distance between ends of adjacent compressors. In some embodiments, these bounds set train length and stage count for target discharge pressure and surge margin, and determine vessel lengths and rack modules that match center-to-center spacing.

[0195] In some embodiments, a nineteenth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold number of flash chambers n, where n is an integer greater than two and is selected in accordance with temperatures of vapor and / or liquid media, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, m is equal to n to align flashing and compression stages so delta-T and lift are matched, simplifying thermodynamic balance and geometry standardization.

[0196] In some embodiments, a twentieth parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold angle between a first vapor outlet port of aAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO first flash chamber and an inlet of a first compressor that is right or substantially right. In some embodiments, a right-angle connection provides adequate straight inlet length, reduces dynamic losses, and supports compact, repeatable routing.

[0197] In some embodiments, a twenty -first parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold ratio of an internal diameter of a duct cross-section to a duct length for a connection between a flash chamber and a compressor, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, this ratio preserves fan inlet straight length, controls friction losses, and keeps velocities within allowable limits.

[0198] In some embodiments, a twenty-second parameter in the first set of parameters includes a minimum and / or maximum threshold flow angle where liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to vapor media flow exiting to the compressors, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, orthogonal flows simplify layout, reduce interference between streams, and improve control at the flash-to-compression interface.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first set of parameters includes a physical location, or a respective type of each component, or a respective size of each component, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, these descriptive entries connect model selections to site context and enumerated listings so the configuration is buildable and operable within installation and performance criteria.

[0200] Block 204. Referring to block 204, in some embodiments, the method 200 includes obtaining a plurality of design criteria based on the request to configure the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, each design criteria in the plurality of design criteria is associated with a threshold limit of fabricating or utilizing the waste heat recovery system at the physical location.

[0201] In some embodiments, the computer system 900 obtains the plurality of design criteria based on the request to configure a waste heat recovery system 104. In some embodiments, the computer system 900, upon receiving the request through a client application 918 and / or a network interface 974, accesses the task module 912 and / or the instrument module 908 to obtain the plurality of parameters 916 that define the plurality of design criteria. In some embodiments, the computer system 900 obtains the plurality of design criteria by identifying parameters 916 associated with one or more tasks 914 stored in the task modules 912, such as one or more threshold limits, one or more enumerated selections, one or more operating ranges, and / or one or more logics that govern fabricating or utilizing the waste heat recovery system 104 at a physical location.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0202] In some embodiments, the design criteria are based on the parameters 916 stored within the task modules 912 that correspond to the waste heat recovery system’s flash vessel structure and compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure. In some embodiments, the control module 906 queries the instrument module 908 for parameters 916 associated with instruments 910-1, 910-2, and 910-0, and the instrument module 908 responds with parameters 916 that represent available component configurations and performance boundaries. In some embodiments, the obtained plurality of design criteria includes entries derived from parameters 916 that enumerate available flash vessel sizes and lengths in inches and millimeters, compressor sizes and speed ranges in revolutions per minute and radians per second, maximum heats in British thermal units per hour and kilowatts, allowable pressures in pounds per square inch and bar, and allowable temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the obtained plurality of design criteria includes entries derived from parameters 916 that represent duct and pipe diameters in inches and millimeters, minimum inlet straight lengths as multiples of internal diameter, layout offsets in feet and meters, and allowable flow angles between liquid media flow and vapor media flow. In some embodiments, the obtained plurality of design criteria includes entries derived from parameters 916 that represent material costs in electronic form for flash vessels, compressors, motors, pumps, variable frequency drives, valves, piping, and structural elements, expressed in unit price per item and / or per mass in dollars per pound and dollars per kilogram.

[0203] In some embodiments, the computer system 900 robtains the plurality of design criteria by selecting, from parameters 916 of task modules 912 and / or the instrument module 908, a listing of component libraries and operational limits that correspond to the request. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the request includes a indication of the waste heat system 104 including a drain subsystem and so the computer system 900 obtain a subset of the plurality of design criteria associated with generating the drain subsystem. By way of another non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the computer system 900 obtains a listing of available flash vessel sizes, corresponding inlet and outlet port diameters, a listing of compressor sizes with associated volumetric flow ranges, a listing of motors and variable frequency drives matched to compressor shaft power, a listing of pumps and pipe sizes matched to flow and head targets, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, each listing is defined by one or more parameters 916, which form one or more corresponding design criteria in the plurality of design criteria. In some embodiments, a single listing is obtained. In some embodiments, a plurality of listings are obtained. In someAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO embodiments, all listings are obtained and filtered by parameters 916 obtained from the request.

[0204] In some embodiments, the design criteria are defined by parameters 916 that encode threshold limits for pressure drop, velocity, surge margin, maximum vessel wall thickness, maximum compressor discharge temperature, minimum liquid surface within a flash vessel. In some embodiments, the design criteria encode layout rules for spacing between one or more compressors 214 and spacing between one or more flash vessels 206. In some embodiments, the design criteria are the parameters 916 themselves, where the parameters 916 are stored in the task modules 912 and referenced by the component module 906 during configuring and generating operations. In some embodiments, the design criteria are derived from parameters 916 received from the instrument module 908 to reflect current vendor catalogs, performance curves, and / or cost tables stored in electronic form. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the plurality of design criteria includes any combination of parameters 916 from the task modules 912 and the instrument module 908 including combinations directed to flash vessel geometry, compressor selection, motor and VFD sizing, pump and piping selection, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of design criteria is obtained once per request. In some embodiments, the plurality of design criteria is obtained repeatedly during iterative configuring steps to update selections as the request is refined.

[0206] Block 206. Referring to block 206, in some embodiments, the method 200 includes configuring the waste heat recovery system 104.

[0207] In some embodiments, configuring the waste heat recovery system includes discretizing across one or more components a difference between parameters associated with a source of heat and parameters associated with an output of energy, applying a plurality of design criteria and an enumerated listing of predetermined threshold parameters, selecting component instances from libraries of compressors, flash vessels, pumps, valves, motors, variable frequency drives, pipes, and ducts, solving thermodynamic and hydraulic operating points for the flash vessel structure and the compressor train, or a combination thereof.

[0208] In some embodiments, the method includes applying the plurality of design criteria and the design of the flash vessel structure to a model 922. In some embodiments, the model 922 is configured to determine a change in temperature and / or pressure between a first portion of the waste heat recovery system and a second portion of the waste heat recovery system, such as being trained to determined a temperature different between terminal flashAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO vessels of the flash vessel structure of a respective waste heat recovery system 104. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0209] In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system is designed by discretizing a different between the second and third sets of parameters across the one or more components based on the first parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and a flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system is designed by discretizing the one or more components based on the first set of parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and the flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system is designed by discretizing the one or more components based on the first set of parameters, the second set of parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and a flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system is designed by discretizing the one or more components based on the first set of parameters, the second set of parameters, the third set of parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and the flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system.

[0210] In some embodiments, the threshold temperature for gas is compared against a calculated dew point to constrain condensation in upstream ductwork, the threshold pressure for gas is used to maintain process backpressure limits, the threshold flow rate for gas is used to size heat transfer surface area and circulating water flow, and the threshold resource consumption for gas is used to bound the net parasitic load attributable to handling the gas.

[0211] In some embodiments, the design applies discretization across one or more components to accommodate that variability by selecting pump sizes, pipe diameters, and fan train counts m and flash chamber counts n. In some embodiments, the threshold waste heat mass flow rate is mapped to a steam production target by the design generator, which modulates a circulating water flow rate and selects fan sizes from a library to meet a desired output pressure while maintaining allowable velocities in interstage ducting.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third parameters are used jointly by a model 928 to size the flash vessel geometry, select pump head and motor size for heating water pumps, select pipe diameters to maintain velocities below a threshold, determine the compressor count m and flash chamber count n to achieve a desired steam output pressure and flow. In some embodiments, the fourth set of parameters is represented as fixed setpoints, allowable ranges with upper and lower thresholds, or time-varying profiles used to evaluate off-design operation in a deterministic model, a numerical solver, or an optimization solver.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0213] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the model 922 includes a deterministic model (e.g., first model 922-1 of Figure IB), a numerical solver (second model 922-2 of Figure IB, model T 922-T of Figure IB, etc.), an optimization solver or a combination thereof.

[0214] In some embodiments, the deterministic model implements closed-form and rule-based logic that maps inputs in the plurality of parameters and the plurality of design criteria to unique, repeatable outputs, such as without stochastic variation. In some embodiments, the deterministic model applies thermodynamic relationships between water and steam to determine a saturation temperature, an enthalpy, a quality at the flash vessel structure, enforce steady-state heat and mass balances across each flash chamber, propagates flow through the compressor train 212, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the deterministic model applies hydraulic functions to determine head loss in heating water piping as a function of pipe diameter, length, and fittings. In some embodiments, the deterministic model evaluates interstage duct pressure drops using threshold ratios of internal diameter to duct length and allowable velocity limits. In some embodiments, the deterministic model allows direct selection from enumerated listings of predetermined threshold parameters for flash vessel geometry, compressor sizes, pump head ratings, or a combination thereof in order to provide consistent stage-by-stage operating points and a complete build for the waste heart recovery system 104. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, by producing unambiguous outputs for a given input set, the deterministic model enables fast feasibility checks, traceable design decisions, and reliable generation of CAD geometry, tables, charts, and data sets that represent the entirety of the waste heat recovery system (e.g., graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system, user interface 1400 of Figure 14, etc.).

[0215] In some embodiments, the numerical solver iteratively resolves coupled unknowns that arise when flash vessel delta-T, compressor temperature lift, steam production rate, pressure ratios, and allowable velocities are interdependent across stages. In some embodiments, the numerical solver adjusts guess values for variables such as flash vessel temperature differences, compressor speeds via variable frequency drives, recirculation valve positions, and circulating water mass flow to converge on residuals below thresholds for energy balance closure, lift matching between a flash vessel and its associated compressor, target steam output pressure, and surge margin constraints. In some embodiments, the numerical solver accommodates time-varying or profile-based inputs, applies bounds from the plurality of design criteria, and respects discrete selections from enumerated listings (forAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO example, discrete fan sizes or nozzle diameters) by combining continuous variable updates with discrete candidate evaluation. In some embodiments, the numerical solver resolves multi-stage cascading behavior at design and off-design points, improving accuracy over purely closed-form sequences and enabling robust solutions for mixed gas / liquid sources, long piping runs, and horizontally oriented drain and header configurations.

[0216] In some embodiments, the optimization solver formulates the design and operation of the waste heat recovery system as an objective function subject to constraints, where the objective includes one or more goals such as minimizing total input power, maximizing coefficient of performance, minimizing project cost from a cost database, or maximizing steam production within site limits. In some embodiments, the decision variables include compressor count m, flash chamber count n, selections from enumerated listings (fan sizes, flash vessel configurations, duct and pipe diameters, valve Cv classes, motor / VFD ratings), and continuous operating variables such as compressor speeds, pump speeds, recirculation split, and desuperheat water flow. In some embodiments, the constraints include steam output pressure targets, allowable temperature and pressure limits per component, maximum velocities in ducts and pipes, surge margin requirements, head limitations in long-run piping, electrical load limits, and spatial layout rules such as axis offsets and standard spacing. In some embodiments, the optimization solver evaluates feasible combinations, using deterministic evaluations as inner models and numerical solvers for coupled constraints, to identify configurations and setpoints that deliver improved performance while conforming to threshold limits associated with fabricating or utilizing the system at a physical location. In some embodiments, the optimized solver yields technically justified selections and operating recipes that are output as CAD geometry, bills of materials, control setpoints, and performance charts for the user associated with the request.

[0217] In some embodiments, generating the design includes determining an inlet temperature of the flash vessel structure by mapping waste-heat source conditions to a heating-water supply temperature at the liquid input of a first flash chamber. In some embodiments, generating the design includes determining head losses, elevation changes, and heat exchanger effectiveness to set a threshold approach between waste-heat in and water out. In some embodiments, generating the design includes determining a flow condition of the flash vessel structure based at least in part on the compressor train by matching a flash vessel delta-T to a compressor temperature lift, selecting a circulating media mass flow to achieve target steam production, and establishing interstage vapor flow aligned to allowable duct velocities and surge margins. In some embodiments, generating the design includesAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO determining a saturation temperature associated with the compressor train and / or the flash vessel structure by computing saturation at each suction and discharge using water / steam properties, setting interstage superheat and train discharge superheat within design limits, and identifying desuperheat water injection requirements. In some embodiments, generating the design includes determining a dimensionality of the flash vessel structure and the compressor train by selecting vessel diameter, vessel length, nozzle sizes, spacing to align with standard compressor center-to-center distances, compressor count m, flash chamber count n, duct diameters, pump head, motor sizes, rack module lengths, or a combination thereof that satisfy threshold limits at the physical location.

[0218] In some embodiments, the waste heat recovery system includes a plan of the waste heat recovery system, a cost of the waste heat recovery system, an output pressure of the waste heat recovery system, an output temperature of the waste heat recovery system, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plan includes a computer-aided layout with parallel and / or longitudinal axis relationships, spacing between compressors, flash vessel placements, header routing, and subsystem rack locations; the cost includes an itemized bill of materials linked to a cost database with component prices and installation allowances; the output pressure includes a final discharge pressure at a main isolation valve or shared header; and the output temperature includes a train discharge superheat and a heating-water supply and return temperature pair, each rendered as tables, charts, and data sets for user review.

[0219] In some embodiments, prior to the generating, the method further includes evaluating the waste heat recovery system against a threshold performance value such as required steam output pressure, allowable electrical load, maximum duct and pipe velocities, pump NPSHa, surge margin, and site fit constraints. In some embodiments, when the waste heat recovery system does not meet a threshold performance value, forming, based on the plurality of design criteria and the waste heat recovery system, a different waste heat recovery system comprising a different flash vessel structure, including selecting alternative vessel lengths to match different compressor spacing, adjusting vessel diameter to maintain liquid velocity bounds, modifying nozzle sizes and vapor outlet locations, or changing the number n of flash chambers and the number m of compressors, with updated CAD geometry, tables, charts, and data sets reflecting the revised configuration.

[0220] Block 208. Referring to block 208, in some embodiments, the method 200 includes generating, in electronic form, a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0221] In some embodiments, the graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system includes an indication of a utilization of the waste heat recovery system.

[0222] In some embodiments, configuring the waste heat recovery system 104 includes producing an output in electronic form that represents the entirety of the waste heat recovery system in the form of the graphical representation. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the model 922 generates a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system by translating the plurality of parameters and the plurality of design criteria into electronic geometry, topology, and / or performance data sets that define the flash vessel structure and the compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure. In some embodiments, the graphical representation includes a computer-aided design model that defines component footprints, axis alignments, standardized center-to-center spacing, nozzle locations, duct diameters and lengths, header routing, rack module geometry, clearances, or a combination thereof and further includes data sets that associate each geometric element with operating values such as pressures, temperatures, mass flow rates, velocities, electrical loads, pump head speed setpoints, compressor speed setpoints, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the graphical representation includes a visual indication of utilization rendered as overlays or heat-maps showing stage-by-stage loading, duty cycles, surge margin bands, velocity bands in ducts and pipes, and electrical utilization at variable frequency drives, enabling the end user associated with the request to consider operation of the system across design and off-design points without fabrication.

[0223] In some embodiments, the graphical representation is structured for fabrication by exporting machine-readable drawings and models for vessels, ducts, racks, skids, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the graphical representation includes a bill-of-materials tables, cut lists for pipe and duct segments, nozzle schedules, weld maps, and hole patterns for plinths and racks, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the graphical representation includes layout views and coordinate files suitable for surveying and setting equipment at the physical location.

[0224] In some embodiments, the graphical representation further includes control configuration files and interstage instrumentation layouts that the controller 926 and client applications use to populate setpoints and logic for commissioning and anti-surge control, such that the same electronic artifacts that support operational evaluation also support procurement, detailing, and construction.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0225] In some embodiments, the graphical representation includes a defined layouts of the flash vessel structure and the compressor train with axis offsets, spacing, nozzle locations, pipe rack modules, or a combination thereof.

[0226] In some embodiments, the graphical representation includes a machine-readable configuration file that the controller 926 and client applications use to generate the graphical representation for the user associated with the request to configure the waste heat recovery system.

[0227] In some embodiments, the system 104 is ultimately fabricated according to the graphical representation, and the as-built configuration is reconciled back to the data sets to validate performance, update utilization indications, and preserve traceability between the designed instance, the fabricated instance, and the operating instance.

[0228] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, a user interface 1000 allows a user to submit a request to design a waste heat recovery system. In some embodiments, the interface provides selectable inputs for heating-water temperatures and mass flow, actions to obtain performance data, qualified runs, and sweep analyses, and a control to execute the design generator that produces electronic outputs such as CAD layouts, bills of materials, and performance charts.

[0229] Referring to Figure 11, in some embodiments, a user interface 1100 interface captures parameters that describe heat sources and sinks. Entries include makeup water temperature, waste-heat type, distances and elevations, mass flow and temperature bands, humidity or dew point, sink pressure and target steam flow, and maximum allowed flow, which together define the second and third sets of parameters used in subsequent design steps.

[0230] Referring to Figure 12, in some embodiments, a user interface 1200 records component selections and enumerated options used to instantiate a design. Fields include fan and motor models, pump and motor models, supply and return pipe sizes and distances, counts of elbows, pressure-control valve selection, and flash geometry (presence, diameter, length, vapor diameter), with placeholders for subsystems such as lube oil, desuperheat water, compressed air, condensate, and steam.

[0231] Referring to Figure 13, in some embodiments, a user interface 1300 exposes model tunables and limits that govern the compressor train, flash vessel structure, pipe network, and heat exchanger. Inputs include fan design speed and loss coefficients, interstage and train discharge superheat, cp / cp opt bounds and surge margin, stage power and speed limits, motor oversizing, cascading lift stages, pipe schedule, pressure and temperatureAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO bounds, and heating-water constraints including pump NPSHa, recoverable heat, return temperature, boiling margin, and flow.

[0232] Referring to Figure 14, in some embodiments, a modular system layout illustrates a coordinated arrangement of a flash vessel structure, a series of compressors, an electrical enclosure, one or more subsystem pipe racks, and auxiliary skids such as desuperheat water and pumping.

[0233] Figure 3 represents a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements, in accordance with some embodiments. Figures 3-7 are block diagrams of detailed example waste heat recovery system, in which dashed boxes represent optional elements, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0234] Referring to Figure 3, 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., waste heat recovery system 140-1 or 140-2 of Figure 3, waste heat recovery system 104 of any of Figure 4, etc.).

[0235] In some embodiments, the system 104 is coupled to one or more facilities e.g., first facility 102-1 of Figure 3, second facility 102 of Figure 3, 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.

[0236] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example waste heat recovery system, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system includes a flash vessel structure 202 and a series of at least two compressors (e.g., series of at least two compressors 214 of any of Figures 3-7, etc.) and a flash vessel structure (e.g., flash vessel structure 202 of any of Figures 3-7, etc.), which collectively are utilized by the system 104 to produce the high-pressure steam 140 for a facility 102.

[0237] 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, International Patent ApplicationAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOPublication No. : WO 2024 / 039878 Al, entitled “Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Utilizing Heat,” filed August 12, 2024, and International Patent Application Publication No.: WO 2025 / 184595 Al, entitled “Cascading Flash vessel Structures,” filed February 28, 2025, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0238] In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure includes a single flash chamber. In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure includes a plurality of flash chambers. In some embodiments, the flash vessel structure 202 includes a series of at least two flash chambers (e.g., series 204 of Figure 4, series 204 of Figure 5, first series 204-1 of Figure 5, second series 204-2 of Figure 5, series 204 of Figure 7, 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.

[0239] In some embodiments, each flash chamber 206 is configured to be maintained (e.g., by control module 906 of Figure 5) 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 is configured to expand the liquid media that is received by the liquid inlet of the flash chamber 206 to produce low-pressure steam.

[0240] 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 chambersAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO206, 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 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 flash vessel structure includes a single flash chamber.

[0241] 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 brieflyAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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.}.

[0242] 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 of the series of at least two flash chambers 204 or an adjacent flash chamber 206. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0243] 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. In some 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.

[0244] 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 60Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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), atAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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.

[0245] 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 (c.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 (c.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.

[0246] 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 flow rate of the first compressor 216-1. Moreover, in some such embodiments, the first compressorAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO216-1 is coupled upstream of the second compressor 216-2 in the series of at least two compressors 214.

[0247] 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 5) and / or a corresponding variable frequency drive (VFD) controller (e.g., controller 906 of Figure 5), which allows for a respective compressor 216 to be individually operated distinctly from the remainder of the series of at least two compressors 214.

[0248] For instance, in some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes between two and twenty compressors 214 (e.g., two compressors 214, three compressors 214, . . twenty compressors 214, efc.), between two and seventeen compressors 214, between two and fifteen compressors 214, between two and twelve compressors 214, between two and nine compressors 214, between two and six compressors 214, between two and three compressors 214, between three and twenty compressors 214, between three and seventeen compressors 214, between three and fifteen compressors 214, between three and twelve compressors 214, between three and nine compressors 214, between three and six compressors 214, between five and twenty compressors 214, between five and seventeen compressors 214, between five and fifteen compressors 214, between five and twelve compressors 214, between five and nine compressors 214, between five and six compressors 214, between seven and twenty compressors 214, between seven and seventeen compressors 214, between seven and fifteen compressors 214, between seven and twelve compressors 214, between seven and nine compressors 214, between nine and twenty compressors 214, between nine and seventeen compressors 214, between nine and fifteen compressors 214, between nine and twelve compressors 214, between eleven and twenty compressors 214, between eleven and seventeen compressors 214, between eleven and fifteen compressors 214, between eleven and twelve compressors 214, between thirteen and twenty compressors 214, between thirteen and seventeen compressors 214, between thirteen and fifteen compressors 214, between fifteen and twenty compressors 214, between fifteen and seventeen compressors 214, or between seventeen and twenty compressors 214, inclusive. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes at least two compressors 214, at least three compressors 214, at least four compressors 214, at least five compressors 214, at least six compressors 214, at least seven compressors 214, at least eight compressors 214, at least nine compressors 214, at least ten compressors 214, at least elevenAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO compressors 214, at least twelve compressors 214, at least thirteen compressors 214, at least fourteen compressors 214, at least fifteen compressors 214, at least sixteen compressors 214, at least seventeen compressors 214, at least eighteen compressors 214, at least nineteen compressors 214, or at least twenty compressors 214. In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes at most two compressors 214, at most three compressors 214, at most four compressors 214, at most five compressors 214, at most six compressors 214, at most seven compressors 214, at most eight compressors 214, at most nine compressors 214, at most ten compressors 214, at most eleven compressors 214, at most twelve compressors 214, at most thirteen compressors 214, at most fourteen compressors 214, at most fifteen compressors 214, at most sixteen compressors 214, at most seventeen compressors 214, at most eighteen compressors 214, at most nineteen compressors 214, or at most twenty compressors 214.

[0249] 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 214 and the series of at least two flash chambers 204 similarly has two flash chambers 206. In some embodiments, the compressors 214 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 214 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.

[0250] In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 includes m compressors 214, 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 1 A) 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 the system 104. In some embodiments, m is selected in accordance with a lift (e.g., difference)Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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 250Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO°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 at least 392 °F (200 °C).Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0251] In some embodiments, the series of at least two compressors 214 is configured such that the at least two compressors 214 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 214 into a second compressor 216-2 in the series of at least two compressors 214, 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.

[0252] 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 of the compressor train 212 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.

[0253] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the mechanical and schematic views of the modular vapor-recompression system 104, emphasizing the shared platform and the alignment of the fan orientation axis 22. The fan modules 214-1, 214-2, and 214-U are arranged along a common axis, with the primary flow paths defined by the interstage ductwork 218-1, 218-2, and 218-U. The inlet and outlet connections are supported by the structural base 110 and the piping system 120, while the exhaust flow is directed through the outlet 140-1. These figures collectively highlight the modularity and repeatability of the system design, ensuring efficient integration and operation.

[0254] The compressor modules 214-1, 214-2, and 214-U, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, are connected via interstage ductwork 218-1, 218-2, and 218-U, which feature standardized spacing and elbow geometry to optimize flow transitions. The inlet-to-outlet transitions are designed to maintain a minimum straight duct length of 2.5 diameters, ensuring smooth flow and minimizing pressure losses. The spacing between the modules 22 is consistent, facilitating modular assembly and alignment with the system's overall design. The outlet 140- 1 ensures proper exhaust flow, while the ductwork connections 220-1 and 220-2 provide seamless integration between stages.

[0255] Figures 4 and 5 also depict the flash-vessel train, including components 204-1 and 206-1, which are connected to subsequent vessels 204-2 and 206-2. The flash vessels are equipped with liquid and vapor connections 210 and 208, respectively, and are supported byAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO instrumentation ports 212-1 and 212-2 for monitoring and control. The support skids 250 provide structural stability, while the service equipment, including the piping system 120 and the main inlet, is positioned beneath the fan axis to optimize space utilization. Additional components, such as 302-1 and 302-2, facilitate the integration of the flash vessels into the modular system.

[0256] Figures 6 and 7 provide an overview of the system-level layout and footprint of the modular vapor-recompression system 104. The primary pipe-rack boundaries 404-1 and 404-2 are clearly defined, with equipment skids 250 and service aisles 900 strategically positioned for accessibility and maintenance. The system layout accommodates alternative plant-floor configurations, with the flash vessels 206-1, 206-2, 206-3, and 206-4 aligned along the fan axis. The recirculation and drain lines 402-1 and 402-2 are integrated into the pipe-rack headers, ensuring efficient fluid management and system operation.

[0257] Figures 6 and 7 also highlight the horizontally oriented pipe-rack headers 404- 1 and 404-2, which house the recirculation and drain lines 402-1 and 402-2. These headers are modular and interface seamlessly with the equipment skids 250, ensuring consistent spacing and alignment. The condensate drain lines and recirculation headers are positioned in close spatial relationship to the process equipment, including the flash vessels 206-1, 206-2, 206-3, and 206-4, to minimize pressure losses and optimize system performance. The modular skid interfaces and the spatial arrangement of the components contribute to the system's compact and efficient design.

[0258] Figure 8 presents a temperature-profile graph for a representative stage, illustrating the variation of thermal parameters along the stage length. The temperature axis and the distance x along the stage axis define the graph's framework, with the liquid inlet temperature T_liq,in and outlet temperature T_liq,out shown as distinct points. The vapor temperature T vapor is also plotted, highlighting the thermal gradient across the stage. The temperature differences A'_x and A'(outlet) are marked to indicate the thermal performance at specific points, while the stage length L provides a reference for the overall system design. This graph effectively demonstrates the thermal behavior of the modular vapor- recompression system.

[0259] Referring briefly to Figure 10, a chart 1000 of some exemplary logical expressions that can be used in one or more steps and / or blocks of a method of the present disclosure (e.g., method 200 of Figure 2).Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0260] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the system 104 provides flexible controls to accommodates changing temperatures and flow rates without operating in an unstable condition.

[0261] Example 1: Implementation of Methods for Generating a Waste Heat Recovery System

[0262] Clause 1. A method for configuring a waste heat recovery system including a compressor train fluidly coupled to a flash vessel structure, the method including: (A) receiving, in electronic form, a request to configure the waste heat recovery system, wherein the request identifies a plurality of parameters including: a first set of parameters associated with one or more components of the waste heat recovery system, a second set of parameters associated with a source of waste heat provided to the waste heat recovery system, and a third set of parameters associated with an output of energy provided by the waste heat recovery system, wherein at least two parameters of the first set of parameters and / or the second set of parameters are obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat; (B) obtaining a plurality of design criteria based on the request to configure the waste heat recovery system, wherein each design criteria of the plurality of design criteria is associated with a threshold limit of fabricating or utilizing the waste heat recovery system at the physical location; (C) configuring the waste heat recovery system by discretizing across the one or more components a difference between the second and third parameters based on the first parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and a flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system; and (D) generating, in electronic form, a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system, the graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system including an indication of a utilization of the waste heat recovery system.

[0263] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the flash vessel structure further includes a set of flash chambers including 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 first flash chamber; and the set of flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to a gravity direction.

[0264] Clause 3. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the waste heat recovery system includes a set of compressors coupled to the flash vessel structure, whereinAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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.

[0265] Clause 4. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter of the sets of parameters includes a threshold surface area associated with the physical location and / or a threshold volume associated with the physical location.

[0266] Clause 5. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a distance between an inlet of the heat pump and the source of waste heat, a distance between the source of heat and a heat sink, or a distance between two or more subsystems of the waste heat recovery system.

[0267] Clause 6. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold fan dimensionality, a threshold fan flow rate, a threshold fan resource consumption, a threshold fan temperature, a threshold fan pressure, a threshold fan lift, or a combination thereof.

[0268] Clause 7. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold motor dimensionality and / or threshold motor resource consumption.

[0269] Clause 8. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold pump dimensionality, a threshold pump flow rate, a threshold pump resource consumption, a threshold pump temperature, a threshold pump pressure, or a combination thereof.

[0270] Clause 9. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold channel dimensionality, a threshold channel flow rate, a threshold pump temperature, or a threshold pump pressure.

[0271] Clause 10. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by a flash chamber of the waste heat recovery system.

[0272] Clause 11. The method of Clause 10, wherein the threshold liquid surface is between 6 inches and 18 inches.

[0273] Clause 12. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a planar surface of the waste heat recovery system.

[0274] Clause 13. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold pressure at an inlet of the waste heat recovery system,Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO a threshold temperature at the liquid outlet of the flash chamber, a threshold flow rate of the liquid media flow, or a combination thereof.

[0275] Clause 14. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold distance extending from the vapor channel of a second flash chamber to the inlet of the first flash chamber that is the same, or substantially the same, as a threshold distance extending from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor.

[0276] Clause 15. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold 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.

[0277] Clause 16. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold diameter of the vapor channel of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure.

[0278] Clause 17. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold number of series flash chambers in parallel.

[0279] Clause 18. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis of a first of flash chambers and a set of compressors.

[0280] Clause 19. The method of Clause 18, wherein the threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis is offset from an axis of the first set of compressors by a distance.

[0281] Clause 20. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold relationship between each compressor in the at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure such that they share a one-to-two relationship.

[0282] Clause 21. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes liquid openings of the flash vessel structure that align, or substantially align, 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.

[0283] Clause 22. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold number of compressors m, wherein m is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the set of compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0284] Clause 23. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold distance extending between a first end of the first compressor and a second end of the second compressor.

[0285] Clause 24. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold number of flash chambers n, wherein n is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the set of compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

[0286] Clause 25. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein m is equal to n.

[0287] Clause 26. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold angle between (i) a first vapor outlet port of a first flash chamber that feeds a first compressor and (ii) an inlet of the first compressor that is a right angle or substantially a right angle.

[0288] Clause 27. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold ratio of an internal diameter of a cross-section of a respective duct fluidly coupling a flash chamber in the set of flash chambers and a respective compressor in the set of compressors against a length of the respective duct.

[0289] Clause 28. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold flow angle associated with the liquid media flow through the flash vessel structure that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a flow angle associated with a vapor media flow exiting the flash vessel structure to the set of compressors.

[0290] Clause 29. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the first set of parameters includes a physical location, a respective type of each component in the one or more components, a respective size of each component in the one or more components, or a combination thereof.

[0291] Clause 30. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold temperature associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with liquid media of the source of heat, or a threshold resource consumption associated with liquid media of the source of heat.

[0292] Clause 31. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold temperature associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associatedAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO with gas of the source of heat, or a threshold resource consumption associated with gas of the source of heat.

[0293] Clause 32. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a threshold waste heat mass flow rate.

[0294] Clause 33. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters includes a fluid mass flow rate outputted by the waste heat recovery system.

[0295] Clause 34. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the plurality of parameters includes a steam output pressure of the waste heat recovery system.

[0296] Clause 35. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters includes a parameter associated with a hot media supply of the waste heat recovery system, a parameter associated with a cool media return of the waste heat recovery system, and a parameter associated with a media mass flow rate of the waste heat recovery system.

[0297] Clause 36. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters includes a parameter associated with an exhaust gas temperature, a parameter associated with an exhaust gas flowrate, and a parameter associated with an exhaust gas water content.

[0298] Clause 37. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein a subset of the parameters in the plurality of parameters includes an enumerated listing of predetermined threshold parameters.

[0299] Clause 38. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the configuring includes applying the plurality of design criteria and the design of the flash vessel structure to a model configured to determine a change in temperature and / or pressure between a first portion of the waste heat recovery system and a second portion of the waste heat recovery system.

[0300] Clause 39. The method of Clause 38, wherein the model includes a deterministic model.

[0301] Clause 40. The method of either of Clauses 38 or 39, wherein the model includes a numerical solver.

[0302] Clause 41. The method of Clause 40, wherein the model includes an optimization solver.

[0303] Clause 42. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the configuring includes: i) determining an inlet temperature of the flash vessel structure, ii) determining aAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO flow condition of the flash vessel structure based at least in part on the compressor train, iii) determining a saturation temperature associated with the compressor train and / or the flash vessel structure, and iv) determining a dimensionality of the flash vessel structure and the compressor train.

[0304] Clause 43. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein the waste heat recovery system includes a plan of the waste heat recovery system, a cost of the waste heat recovery system, an output pressure of the waste heat recovery system, an output temperature of the waste heat recovery system, or a combination thereof.

[0305] Clause 44. The method of any preceding Clause, wherein, prior to the generating (D), the method further includes evaluating the waste heat recovery system against a threshold performance value, wherein when the waste heat recovery system is evaluated against the threshold performance value, configuring, based on the plurality of design criteria and the waste heat recovery system, a different waste heat recovery system including a different flash vessel structure.

[0306] Clause 45. A computer system including one or more processors, and a memory storing at least one program for execution by the one or more processors, the at least one program including instructions for performing or causing performance of the method of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0307] Clause 46. A device for performing or causing performance of the method of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0308] Clause 47. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, wherein the non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores instructions, which when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the method of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0309] Clause 48. Means for performing or causing performance of the method of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0310] Example 2: A Method for Generating A Waste Heat Recovery System

[0311] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for generating a heat pump having a flash vessel structure and a compressor train fluidly coupled to the flash vessel structure. A request to configure a waste heat recovery system was received. The request identified a plurality of parameters including a first set of parameters associated with a source of waste heat provided to the waste heat recovery system and a second set of parameters associated with an output of energy provided by the waste heat recovery system,Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO and in some embodiments a third set of parameters associated with one or more components of the waste heat recovery system. At least two parameters are obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat.

[0312] Example 3: A Computer System and Method for Generating a Waste Heat Recovery System

[0313] 3.1 Executive Summary

[0314] This Example created its own proprietary software to rapidly and accurately generate designs for the waste heat recovery system Steam Generating Heat Pump (SGHP) product line. The design generator tool was built in the MATLAB environment and utilized a combination of thermodynamic calculations, vendor data, and customized sizing logic to generate a fully described waste heat recovery system system. This output included the required components and their model numbers as well as a performance assessment that evaluated the amount of steam production, power consumption, efficiency, and other key metrics.

[0315] 3.2 Design Generator Description

[0316] 3.2.1 Waste Heat Recovery System Overview

[0317] This Example waste heat recovery system line of industrial steam-generating heat pumps captured low temperature heat rejected from industrial processes, increased the temperature of that heat (as high as 420°F), and used it to generate steam at the same temperature, pressure, and quality of existing boilers. Existing boilers remained in place as backup to provide system redundancy.

[0318] The waste heat recovery system utilized an open cycle mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) architecture to generate steam. By generating only steam as a product, the waste heat recovery system avoided the formidable task of integrating with a wide variety of processes and types of gases. Instead, the waste heat recovery system always tied into a facility’s existing steam system. It simply served as another steam generator, like adding another boiler in parallel.

[0319] On the heat source side, the waste heat recovery system again did not tie in directly with an existing process. Instead, the waste heat recovery system system transferred waste heat, whether that was heat from an exhaust stack, cooling tower loop, or any other liquid or gaseous phase heat source, into a circulating water loop. The water was heated by the waste heat and brought to a series of flash vessels. The pressure of the water was reduced, generating flash steam and cooling the water. The water was then returned to the heat source.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOThe steam was sent to the MVR fans for compression. This highly repeatable architecture did not vary considerably regardless of the type, quality, and size of the heat source and heat sink.

[0320] 3.2.2 Waste Heat Recovery System Design Generator

[0321] This Example created a proprietary software to rapidly and accurately generate designs for the waste heat recovery system Steam Generating Heat Pump (SGHP) product line. The design generator tool was built in the MATLAB environment and utilized a combination of thermodynamic calculations, vendor data, and customized sizing logic to generate a fully described waste heat recovery system .

[0322] There were four main inputs required to generate an entire waste heat recovery system design: The pressure of steam to be generated, the temperature of water supplied to the waste heat recovery system to generate flash steam, the temperature of water returned from the waste heat recovery system after generating flash steam, and the mass flow rate of the water supplied to the waste heat recovery system

[0323] Additionally, in some implementations, other information was required for a complete assessment of the system such as distance from the waste heat recovery system to its waste heat source, desired level of superheat for the steam exiting each state, limitations on desired sizes of MVR fans, data on pipes and pipe fittings, etc.

[0324] From this input data, the design generator rapidly (within seconds) produced an optimized waste heat recovery system system design. The key outputs included a full buildup of the fan train, including number of fans and their model numbers as well as motor sizes, pump sizes, and definitions of other required equipment. The software also produced a highly accurate assessment of performance which included flow rate, temperature, and pressures at all points throughout the system as well as power consumption, efficiency, and makeup water requirements. Finally, the software designed and sized subsystems such as water piping and pumps, condensate piping, and the steam recirculation / anti-surge system.

[0325] 3.2.3 Key Components

[0326] In this Example, the software was built in the MATLAB programming language. This language had been developed for decades by the MathWorks corporation and was commonly used by researchers, students, and engineers for physical modeling efforts.

[0327] The waste heat recovery system design generator had been constructed with specific vendor data for mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) fans, motors, pumps, and other equipment. The heart of the waste heat recovery system system was the fan train, whichAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO was a series of MVR fans that compressed low pressure (often vacuum) steam generated in flash vessels up to the desired steam header pressure.

[0328] This Example had acquired sufficient vendor data to fully describe the operation of 21 different fan sizes. These 21 fans constituted a library of available components that the design generator had to select from in configuring the train. These fans comprised a wide range of sizes, ranging from relatively small volumetric steam flow capacity to very large. Included in this data were the ideal volumetric flow range for each fan, so the appropriately sized fan was automatically selected by software considering the amount of steam required to move through each fan. There were also operational limits that This Example had to consider, such as the maximum allowable pressure and temperature per fan. The library contained thermodynamic data for each fan that enabled the software to quickly and accurately estimate performance across a huge range of potential operating conditions.

[0329] In addition to the fans, This Example had constructed a library of pump, motor, variable frequency drive (VFD), valve and other data to allow for selection of those components in the train.

[0330] Thermodynamic data for the waste heat recovery system working fluid, water / steam, was obtained from the XSteam function available in MATLAB.

[0331] 3.3 Design Generator

[0332] 3.3.1 Inputs

[0333] In this Example, user inputs defined the waste heat characteristics and desired steam pressure. The user selected from different options on how to specify the waste heat supply. For instance, if the hot water supply and return temperature and mass flow were known (to / from the waste heat recovery system), that was sufficient to fully describe a heat source. The user also specified the heating water supply temperature, flow rate, and desired heat recovered. Or the user specified the heat source itself: for example, an exhaust gas stream of known mass flow, temperature, and water content (dew point). These were a few of the multiple options that were available to fully describe the heat source.

[0334] If a desired output steam flow rate was required, the mass flow of the waste heat input stream was modulated to achieve the desired steam flow.

[0335] Additional inputs were required to describe the physical location of some of the equipment as well as other minor factors in the design or performance of the system. Examples included distances between the waste heat recovery system and the heat source and sink, maximum allowable steam output, pressure drops in components, fan design speed, and others.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0336] 3.3.2 Flash Vessel Thermodynamics & Front of MVR Train

[0337] In this Example, the software began by assessing the generation of flash steam in the flash vessels.

[0338] All waste heat recovery system designs had at least one flash vessel. The flash vessel received warm water from a waste heat source and forced the water through a pressure drop to bring the pressure lower than the liquid’s saturation pressure. This caused some amount of liquid to vaporize, creating low pressure steam. This steam was then passed through a series of fans (MVRs) to increase its pressure to the desired target value.

[0339] In the case of multistage flash, the software ran a solver that guessed the vessel’s delta T (water inlet minus water outlet temperature) and solved the flash vessel thermodynamics to determine the amount of steam generated. It then selected an appropriate fan size based on the volumetric flow of steam (as close to ideal volume flow as possible from the given list of fans) and then solved for the fan’s discharge conditions. Finally, it checked if the fan lift was equal to the flash vessel delta T and continued to adjust the guess value until it converged. This was an iterative process as flash vessel delta T affected the steam production rate, and the amount of steam moving through the fan impacted the fan temperature lift. Temperature lift and vessel delta T matched for a thermodynamically accurate solution. For single stage flash or for the last (hottest and highest pressure) vessel in a multistage architecture, the vessel delta T and fan lift did not need to match. This was because there was no hotter flash vessel feeding steam into the next fan in the series, so the fan pulling from the final flash vessel compressed as much or as little as desired because there was no “next vessel” delta T to match.

[0340] At the conclusion of this portion of the code, the thermodynamic operating conditions of the flash vessels and the MVR fans that they provided steam to were known.

[0341] 3.3.3 Flash Vessel Sizing

[0342] In this Example, upon completion of selection of the flash vessel and its operating conditions, flash vessel physical geometry was determined by assessing the liquid and vapor flows into and out of the vessel. Additionally, the characteristics of the fan the flash steam was being fed to were considered as well. Like with other components in the waste heat recovery system system, the best matching design was selected from a library of pre-existing parts.

[0343] The overall vessel diameter was selected based on the volumetric flow rate of water. Vessels were sized to maintain a specific range of water velocity in the vessel, so with the water flow rate known, the diameter was calculated. There were pre-engineered vessels ofAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO differing diameter that were selected from to best match the flow. Length of the vessel was based on the associated MVR fan, with larger fans paired with longer vessels. This was done to match the length of the vessel with the spacing between fans in the train to simplify the overall system layout. It was also based on thermodynamics, with the smaller fans typically operating at higher temperatures. Higher operating temperatures led to improved flashing performance, so the lengths of the vessels were shorter. Custom sizes were used if required, however, and the vessel length was not required to match distance between fans. It generally matched for convenience of the layout.

[0344] Inlet and outlet port sizes were based on the volumetric flow into or out of the port. Steam, being far lower density than water, required much bigger port sizes, up to and exceeding 48” diameter. Liquid water ports were at or below 30”, and often much smaller. Vessels were pre-engineered with a wide selection of nozzle sizes.

[0345] Vessel wall thickness was selected based on the operating temperature / pressure. Higher pressure vessels required a thicker wall to operate safely. Additional vessel details were pre-designed including ports and sensor locations.

[0346] 3.3.4 Post-Flash MVR Train

[0347] In this Example, the fan train was designed and thermodynamically defined through the first few MVR stages and their associated flash vessels. In nearly all cases, the pressure at the end of these MVR stages was still lower than the desired steam output pressure so additional fan stages were needed to boost the pressure to the desired output conditions.

[0348] The model then added additional fan stages, one at a time, and evaluated the discharge pressure of the added stage. Again, the fans were selected from a library of known machines (with known fan performance). The selection was based on the fan closest to the ideal volume flow at the given steam mass flow and pressure. This selection continued until the desired system discharge pressure was met or exceeded. Now, the entire fan train was built up with enough fans to achieve the desired pressure, so the train was complete. Note that the model selected fans from different manufacturers as needed. Ultimately this was guided by cost and performance. This Example continued to characterize additional compressor types (centrifugal, screw) that the model selected from in addition to turbofans.

[0349] 3.3.5 Motor and VFD Sizing

[0350] In this Example with the train designed, other components were selected. First, motors were selected that met the required shaft power per fan. Motors were sized to accommodate the required shaft power with a user specified adder (design margin). MotorsAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO were also selected to the nearest standard NEMA motor size. For example, if a fan required a shaft power of 440 kW and an 8% oversizing margin was specified, a motor was able to provide 475 kW of output. 475 kW was equivalent to 637 HP. The next largest NEMA motor size was 700 HP, so a 700 HP motor was selected. The motor was selected from a library of pre-selected components, so once the motor speed and horsepower were defined, the software selected a specific model of motor and had data for motor efficiency and other metrics.

[0351] With the motors selected, a variable frequency drive (VFD) was also selected to accommodate the selected motor. VFDs were selected in voltages to match the motors: 480V for lower power motors, and 4160V for motors above 1000 HP. The VFDs also had a user-selectable design margin and selected a VFD that was sufficiently sized for the motor, including motor losses.

[0352] Some compressor / motor combinations also required gearboxes (very high speed impellers). Once the compressor and motor were selected, if there was a speed mismatch these gearboxes were automatically defined from a list of available gear ratios and power limits.

[0353] 3.3.6 Pump Sizing

[0354] In addition to the motors and VFDs, other major equipment such as pumps (and their required motors & VFDs) were also calculated in the software. The software selected pumps based on the flow and head requirements that were estimated in the software.

[0355] There were two main sets of pumps selected by the software: one was the circulation pump that moved water from the flash vessels to the heat exchanger to recover heat, and back to the flash vessels. These pumps were called the heating water pumps. Flow for these pumps was specified by the user (input #4 in the inputs section) or fell out from the waste heat source definition and required amount of heat recovered or steam produced. Head loss was calculated by the software. It was based on picking the correct pipe size as a function of velocity (low enough to avoid pipe erosion and excessive pressure drop) and utilized other user-specified inputs such as the height of certain equipment (such as the main heat exchanger), pressure drops through known components, and an estimate of the number of fittings and their associated pressure drops. With flow and head determined, a pump, or set of pumps in parallel, was selected to meet the requirements. Motors and VFDs for those pumps were sized based on the required pump power and losses.

[0356] Additionally, a desuperheat pump or pumps were sized. The desuperheat pumps delivered liquid water to the fans to avoid overheating the compressed steam and to keep it close to saturation conditions. The thermodynamic calculations in the fan selectionAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO portion of the software calculated the required amount of desuperheating water. These values were summed, and that was the requirement for pump flow. Head pressure was fixed at a few bar higher than the final fan stage’s suction pressure, such that the water was always higher pressure than the steam and therefore was injected into the steam flow at the fan inlet.

[0357] Again, with flow and head determined, the pumps and their associated motors and VFDs were sized from a list of components.

[0358] 3.3.7 Other Pipe and Equipment Sizing

[0359] With all major equipment selected, subsystems and pipes were sized. Piping for desuperheat water, condensate, steam, lube oil (if present), compressed air, were sized based on certain rules governing allowable pressure drops and velocities. The subsystems were typically designed with main headers and branches. Headers were sized separately from the branches, and each branch was individually sized as the flow rates going to Stage 1 vs. Stage N for a various fluid (ex: desuperheat water) varied widely.

[0360] Valves were sized and selected at this point as well. Based on required flow rates and pressure drops through valves, valve Cv’s were determined. These values of Cv were compared to a library of valves and a valve was selected that matched the required Cv and pipe sizes.

[0361] 3.3.8 Costing

[0362] With all the components identified, the model accessed a cost database to pull the known purchase cost of each component. Costs were updated in the database as items were quoted, or data was added for general construction items such as concrete or steel. It summed them and output both an itemized list as well as a total cost.

[0363] 3.4 Performance Analyzer

[0364] 3.4.1 Final Performance Estimate

[0365] After all components were sized and selected, the performance was evaluated at one or more operating points. The parameters used for sizing (waste heat conditions, steam pressures) were the defaults for running an operating point, but the user also selected off- design conditions by varying any parameter. For instance, the user saw what happened to the selected system if the required steam pressure was higher or the waste heat temperature fell.

[0366] The user also skipped all or part of the design portion of the software by uploading a previous design or any design that followed the input template. That skipped the user ahead to this portion of the software.

[0367] The software used thermodynamic calculations and vendor supplied performance curves to find flow rates, pressures, and temperatures throughout the system.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOThis included the steam and water systems and all subsystems. While many individual points were calculated and were examined (for example, pressures at each branch tee in the desuperheat system), the software also output a high level performance summary, including power consumption of components, steam output pressure and flow, and heating water supply and return temperatures.

[0368] With all major equipment selected and power inputs calculated, the power requirements were totaled.

[0369] The amount of steam delivered had been previously calculated in the fan thermodynamics section. The amount of heat provided by that steam was calculated as

[0370] Q=m(hss-hrw)

[0371] Where Q was the heat rate, m was the mass flow, hsswas the enthalpy of the steam supply and hrw was the enthalpy of the return water to the heat exchanger.

[0372] Performance was defined by the Coefficient of Performance (COP) which was

[0373] COP=Q / P

[0374] Where P was the total input power.

[0375] In addition to the total power and the COP, other important values such as the amount of required makeup water and the percentage of the Carnot COP (thermodynamically ideal efficiency) were determined.

[0376] Example 4: Systems and Methods for Configuring a Waste Heat Recovery System

[0377] In this Example, to accommodate the pre-engineered, modular design of the MVR SGHP, a software package was created to size, design, and analyze systems.

[0378] A software package was created within the MATLAB environment to quickly select system designs based on a project’s heat source and steam system requirements, a series of design rules, and drawing from an established library of existing components such as MVR fans, motors, flash vessels, and pumps. The software will automatically select the fans to place in series to create the fan train along with a series of flash vessels. Other components such as pumps are then selected and pipe diameters defined. Ultimately the software will generate a complete bill of materials for the MVR SGHP system, including minor parts such as valves and fittings down to their part number. This complete BOM can then reference known equipment and labor costs to come up with a highly accurate estimate of project cost.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO

[0379] The software required four main inputs: heating water supply temperature, heating water return temperature, heating water mass flow rate, and desired steam pressure. Other minor inputs include distances and locations between the MVR SGHP and the heat source, superheat temperatures at the discharge of each stage, fan design speed, and more. Systems that have a small delta temperature between supply and return water are noncascading systems, i.e. systems with a single flash vessel. Here, the software will run a heat and mass balance calculation on a flash vessel to determine the production of steam and select the fan best sized to achieve optimal performance (lift and efficiency) for the steam.

[0380] For cascading systems, the software ran a numerical solver to determine the optimal first fan in the train. The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the flash vessel must equal the temperature lift of the fan. Based on initial guess values, the solver simultaneously determined the ideal incoming water temperature, the fan discharge saturation temperature, and the ideal fan to select. This process repeated for additional flash vessels. Once the fans associated with flash vessels are selected, the remainder of the train is selected based on optimal performance for each stage. More stages were added until the desired discharge pressure is achieved or exceeded. If exceeded, then the fan speeds were reduced (through another numerical solver) until the discharge pressure is reached exactly.

[0381] At this point, the flash and fan trains were determined and other components such as the heating water pumps may be selected based on the required flow rate and head. Lube oil system size is determined based on the total flow requirements, which is a function of the number, size, and power of the fans in the train. Pipe and duct sizes were selected according to predefined parameters or based on allowable velocities or pressure drops. Valves were selected from a library according to pipe size, required Cv, and other factors such as operating temperatures.

[0382] 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 or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0383] 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 useAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO 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

Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WOWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for configuring a waste heat recovery system a compressor train fluidly coupled to a flash vessel structure, the method comprising:(A) receiving, in electronic form, a request to configure the waste heat recovery system, wherein the request identifies a plurality of parameters including: a first set of parameters associated with one or more components of the waste heat recovery system, a second set of parameters associated with a source of waste heat provided to the waste heat recovery system, and a third set of parameters associated with an output of energy provided by the waste heat recovery system, wherein at least two parameters of the first set of parameters and / or the second set of parameters are obtained from a physical location and / or the source of waste heat;(B) obtaining a plurality of design criteria based on the request to configure the waste heat recovery system, wherein each design criteria of the plurality of design criteria is associated with a threshold limit of fabricating or utilizing the waste heat recovery system at the physical location;(C) configuring the waste heat recovery system by discretizing across the one or more components a difference between the second and third parameters based on the first parameters, the plurality of design criteria, and a flash vessel structure of the waste heat recovery system; and(D) generating, in electronic form, a graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system, the graphical representation of the waste heat recovery system comprising an indication of a utilization of the waste heat recovery system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the flash vessel structure further comprises a set of flash chambers comprising a first flash chamber located at a 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 first flash chamber; andAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO the set of flash chambers are arranged along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to a gravity direction.

3. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the waste heat recovery system comprises a set of 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.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter of the sets of parameters comprises a threshold surface area associated with the physical location and / or a threshold volume associated with the physical location.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a distance between an inlet of the heat pump and the source of waste heat, a distance between the source of heat and a heat sink, a distance between two or more subsystems of the waste heat recovery system.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold fan dimensionality, a threshold fan flow rate, a threshold fan resource consumption, a threshold fan temperature, a threshold fan pressure, a threshold fan lift, or a combination thereof.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold motor dimensionality and / or threshold motor resource consumption.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold pump dimensionality, a threshold pump flow rate, a threshold pump resource consumption, a threshold pump temperature, a threshold pump pressure, or a combination thereof.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold channel dimensionality, a threshold channel flow rate, a threshold pump temperature, a threshold pump pressure.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold liquid surface of liquid media flow accommodated by a flash chamber of the waste heat recovery system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the threshold liquid surface is between 6” and 18”.

12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a planar surface of the waste heat recovery system.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold pressure at an inlet of the waste heat recovery system, a threshold temperature at the liquid outlet the flash chamber, a threshold flow rate of the liquid media flow, or a combination thereof.

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold distance extending from the vapor channel of a second flash chamber to the inlet of the first flash chamber is the same, or substantially the same, as a threshold distance extending from an outlet of a first compressor to an inlet of a second compressor.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold 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.

16. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold diameter of the vapor channel of each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure.

17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold number of series flash chambers in parallel.

18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis of a first of flash chambers and a set of compressors.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the threshold parallel and / or longitudinal axis is offset from an axis of the first set of compressors by a distance.Attorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO20. The method of any of preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold relationship between each compressor in the at least two compressors and each flash chamber in the flash vessel structure share a one-to-two relationship.

21. The method of any of preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises liquid openings of the flash vessel structure align, or substantially align, 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.

22. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold number of compressors m, wherein m is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the set of compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

23. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold distance extending between a first end of the first compressor and a second end of the second compressor.

24. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold number of flash chambers n, wherein n is an integer greater than two and selected in accordance with a temperature of the vapor compressed by the set of compressors and a temperature of the liquid media flow.

25. The method of any preceding claim, wherein m is equal to n.

26. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold 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.

27. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold ratio of an internal diameter of a cross-section of a respective duct fluidly coupling a flash chamber in the set of flash chambers and a respective compressor in the set of compressors against a length of the respective duct.

28. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold flow angle associated with the liquid media flow through the flashAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO vessel structure is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a flow angle associated with a vapor media flow exiting the flash vessel structure to the set of compressors.

29. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first set of parameters comprises a physical location, a respective type of each component in the one or more components, a respective size of each component in the one or more components, or a combination thereof.

30. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold temperature associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with liquid media of the source of heat, a threshold resource consumption associated with liquid media of the source of heat.

31. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold temperature associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold pressure associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold flow rate associated with gas of the source of heat, a threshold resource consumption associated with gas of the source of heat.

32. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters comprises a threshold waste heat mass flow rate.

33. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a parameter in the sets of parameters a fluid mass flow rate outputted by waste heat recovery system.

34. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of parameters comprises a steam output pressure of the waste heat recovery system.

35. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters comprises a parameter associated with a hot media supply of the waste heat recovery system, a parameter associated with a cool media return of the waste heat recovery system, and a parameter associated with a media mass flow rate of the waste heat recovery system.

36. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the fourth set of parameters in the plurality of parameters comprisesAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO a parameter associated with an exhaust gas temperature, a parameter associated with an exhaust gas flowrate, and a parameter associated with an exhaust gas water content.

37. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a subset of the parameters in the plurality of parameters is comprises an enumerated listing of predetermined threshold parameter.

38. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the configuring comprises applying the plurality of design criteria and the design of the flash vessel structure to a model configured to determine a change in temperature and / or pressure between a first portion of the waste heat recovery system and a second portion of the waste heat recovery system.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the model comprises a deterministic model.

40. The method of either of claims 38 or 39, wherein the model comprises a numerical solver.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the model comprises an optimization solver.

42. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the configuring comprising i) determining an inlet temperature the flash vessel structure, ii) determining a flow condition of the flash vessel structure based at least in part on the compressor train, iii) determining a saturation temperature associated with the compressor train and / or the flash vessel structure, and iv) determining a dimensionality of the flash vessel structure and the compressor train.

43. The method any preceding claim, wherein the waste heat recovery system comprises a plan of the waste heat recovery system, a cost of the waste heat recovery system, an output pressure of the waste heat recovery system, an output temperature of the waste heat recovery system, or a combination thereof.

44. The method of any preceding claim, wherein, prior to the generating (D), the method further comprisesAttorney Docket No. : 136048-5004-WO evaluating, the waste heat recovery system against a threshold performance value, wherein when the waste heat recovery system is evaluated against the threshold performance value, configuring, based on the plurality of design criteria and the waste heat recovery system, a different waste heat recovery system comprising a different flash vessel structure.

45. A computer system comprising one or more processors, and a memory storing at least one program for execution by the one or more processors, the at least one program comprising instructions for performing or causing performance of the method of any of the preceding claims.

46. A device for performing or causing performance of the method of any of the preceding claims.

47. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, wherein the non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores instructions, which when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform the method of any of the preceding claims.

48. Means for performing or causing performance of the method of any of the preceding claims.

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