Brayton Cycle Adsorption Desalination Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal-based desalination systems, such as multi-effect distillation (MED), face challenges including high energy consumption, infeasibility with low-temperature heat sources, scaling issues, and performance penalties in power cycle efficiency, making them unsuitable for decentralized co-generation applications, especially in tropical climates.
Innovation Solution
A Brayton cycle adsorption desalination system that integrates a closed loop supercritical carbon dioxide recuperative Brayton cycle with a low temperature adsorption desalination system, where the Brayton cycle provides a heat source for desalination and the adsorption desalination system provides cooling for the Brayton cycle, optimizing energy usage and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermal-based desalination systems (MED, MSF) are used, then desalination function is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a Brayton cycle power generation system with an adsorption desalination system into an integrated co-generation plant. The Brayton cycle provides both electricity generation and thermal energy for desalination, while the adsorption desalination system produces freshwater and utilizes the Brayton cycle's waste heat for cooling, creating a synergistic system that reduces overall energy consumption compared to separate conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The Brayton cycle system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electricity through the turbine, provides process heat for the adsorption desalination through the PHE, and its waste heat from the cooler is utilized for cooling the adsorption beds. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, improving overall energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermal-based desalination systems are used, then desalination function is achieved, but compatibility with low-temperature heat sources is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adsorption desalination technology which operates effectively at lower temperatures compared to conventional thermal desalination. The adsorption process using silica gel or zeolite beds can function with heat sources in the range of 80-150°C, making it compatible with low-temperature heat sources from the Brayton cycle, whereas conventional MED and MSF systems require much higher temperatures.
3Productivity
If conventional thermal-based desalination systems are used, then desalination function is achieved, but thermal efficiency of power cycle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat from the Brayton cycle's cooler, which would otherwise be discarded and reduce power cycle efficiency, into a useful resource for cooling the adsorption beds during the adsorption process. This utilization of waste heat transforms an energy loss into a beneficial contribution to the desalination process, maintaining power cycle efficiency while enabling desalination.
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
This integration results in a more energy-efficient and cost-effective desalination process, capable of operating effectively in tropical climates with lower specific electrical energy consumption and improved thermal efficiency, suitable for cogeneration or trigeneration applications.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbent bed for adsorbing and desorbing the water vapor
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator for evaporating saline water to obtain water vapor
Implementation Method 3
a condenser for condensing the water vapor to obtain distilled water
Implementation Method 4
The Brayton cycle system and the adsorption desalination system are connected at the PHE so that the PHE is configured to function as a heat source for the adsorbent bed
Implementation Method 5
a cooler configured to cool an exhaust from the PHE... the evaporator is configured to absorb heat rejected from the cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A Brayton cycle adsorption desalination system includes an adsorption desalination system including an evaporator for evaporating saline water to obtain water vapor, an adsorbent bed for adsorbing and desorbing the water vapor, and a condenser for condensing the water vapor to obtain distilled water. The Brayton cycle adsorption desalination system further includes a Brayton cycle system including a primary heat exchanger (PHE) and a cooler configured to cool an exhaust from the PHE. The Brayton cycle system and the adsorption desalination system are connected at the PHE so that the PHE is configured to function as a heat source for the adsorbent bed. The Brayton cycle system and the adsorption desalination system are connected at the cooler so that the evaporator is configured to absorb heat rejected from the cooler.