Binary Power Generation System with Intermediate Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binary power generation systems using low-temperature heat sources, such as hot spring water, face inefficiencies in energy conversion and require large sizes and high manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple heat sources and complex systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact binary power generation system incorporating an intermediate heat exchanger, a closed-loop circulation pathway, and a medium flow-path switching device to optimize heat exchange and power generation efficiency, utilizing a scroll expander and a plate-type heat exchanger to enhance evaporation and condensation efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional binary power generation systems use low-temperature heat sources, then power generation is achieved, but energy efficiency is low and system size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of cooling expanded vapor and heating liquid medium into a single intermediate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger simultaneously cools the vaporous low-boiling medium discharged from the expander and heats the liquid low-boiling medium discharged from the pump, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers and reducing overall system size while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat from the expanded vapor (which would otherwise be wasted) to preheat the liquid medium before it enters the evaporator. This self-service heat recovery mechanism improves energy efficiency by utilizing the thermal energy already present in the system, reducing the need for additional external heat sources.
2Power
If conventional binary power generation systems require multiple heat sources, then power generation capability is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it cools the expanded vapor, heats the liquid medium, and enables the system to operate efficiently with a single low-temperature heat source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized heat sources and associated equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a single low-temperature heat source (100°C to 150°C) instead of requiring multiple heat sources at different temperatures. The intermediate heat exchanger enables this parameter change by efficiently recovering and redistributing heat within the system, allowing power generation with simplified and less expensive heat source requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional binary power generation systems use complex heat source requirements, then power generation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling and heating functions into a single intermediate heat exchanger, reducing the number of components and simplifying the system architecture. This merger maintains power generation output while reducing system complexity by eliminating redundant heat exchangers and simplifying the heat source requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate heat exchanger acts as an intermediary that facilitates heat transfer between the expanded vapor and the liquid medium. This intermediary component enables the system to operate with a single heat source by efficiently mediating the heat exchange process, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining power generation capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves power generation efficiency, reduces size, and lowers manufacturing costs by optimizing heat source use and integrating bypasses and temperature measurement for adaptive heat management.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator configured to heat a low-boiling medium and turn a liquid state into a vapor state
Implementation Method 2
heat a low-boiling medium and turn a liquid state into a vapor state
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the vaporous low-boiling medium which is discharged from the expander and is still not flown into the condenser, and a liquid low-boiling medium which is discharged from the pump and is still not flown into the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
exchange heat between the vaporous low-boiling medium and a liquid low-boiling medium
Implementation Method 5
a condenser configured to liquefy the vaporous low-boiling medium discharged from the expander
Implementation Method 6
an expander configured to be activated by expansion of a vaporous low-boiling medium discharged from the evaporator
Implementation Method 7
an expander configured to be activated by expansion of a vaporous low-boiling medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Provided is a compact binary power generation system with good power generation efficiency. The binary power generation system includes an evaporator configured to heat a low-boiling medium and turn a liquid state into a vapor state; an expander configured to be activated by expansion of a vaporous low-boiling medium discharged from the evaporator; a generator configured to generate power by the expander being activated; a condenser configured to liquefy the vaporous low-boiling medium discharged from the expander; a pump for circulating the low-boiling medium; a closed-loop circulation pathway including the evaporator, the expander, the condenser, and the pump; and an intermediate heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the vaporous low-boiling medium which is discharged from the expander and is still not flown into the condenser, and a liquid low-boiling medium which is discharged from the pump and is still not flown into the evaporator.