Modular Brayton Generator and Heat Pump Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy conversion systems suffer from low overall efficiency due to cumulative energy losses at each step, making them inefficient for sustainable energy solutions, especially in distributed power generation and end-user energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
An energy conversion device with a modular design featuring a Brayton generator and a heat pump module, sharing heat exchangers and utilizing screw-type positive displacement machines, along with a communication and control system to optimize energy flow and meet end-user demands dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additive pieces of several technologies are used to convert energy, then the system can provide multiple energy outputs, but cumulative energy losses occur at each step leading to very low overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Brayton generator and heat pump into a single integrated device where the heat exchanger serves both functions simultaneously. The Brayton generator converts thermal energy to mechanical/electrical energy while the heat pump provides heating or cooling, both utilizing the same heat exchanger infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate additive systems and reduces cumulative energy losses by coordinating their operations within a unified thermodynamic cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the primary heat transfer component for the Brayton generator while simultaneously serving as the evaporator or condenser for the heat pump. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide multiple energy outputs (electricity/mechanical power from Brayton, heating/cooling from heat pump) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall energy losses.
2Loss of energy
If screw-type positive displacement machines are used for compression and expansion, then the system achieves high efficiency and compact design, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor and expander into a single screw-type positive displacement machine assembly where the compressor and expander are mechanically integrated. This merging approach allows both compression and expansion functions to be performed by closely coupled components that share mechanical infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the high efficiency benefits of screw-type positive displacement machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-type positive displacement machine is segmented into distinct compressor and expander sections that can operate independently yet are mechanically coupled. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each function while maintaining compact integration, reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate machines for compression and expansion.
3Loss of energy
If a modular design with shared heat exchangers is implemented, then the system reduces energy losses and increases efficiency, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger systems of the Brayton generator and heat pump into a single shared heat exchanger assembly. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty despite the increased complexity of the integrated design. The shared heat exchanger eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
4Loss of energy
If the expander module supplies motive power to the second modular part, then the system improves energy efficiency by utilizing waste energy, but the reliability and stability of power supply may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste energy from the Brayton generator into useful motive power by driving the heat pump through mechanical coupling. The expander module, which would otherwise discharge waste energy, is instead used to drive the compressor of the heat pump, transforming a harmful waste stream into a beneficial energy source. This improves overall energy efficiency while the integrated control system ensures stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor the power output of the expander module and adjust the operation of the heat pump accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the motive power supplied by the expander is optimized for stable and reliable operation, preventing potential instability that could arise from variable waste energy input.
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 design significantly reduces energy losses, increases efficiency, and allows for the flexible use of various energy sources, enabling high-efficiency point-of-use energy generation for multiple energy streams, including electricity, heat, and mechanical power, while adapting to changing user requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The second modular part comprises at least a heat pump and at least a heat exchanger; and wherein said heat pump is integrated in the first modular part in order to share at least one heat exchanger between the first and the second modular parts
Implementation Method 2
the Brayton generator comprises an expander module and a compressor module configured to be positive displacement machines of the screw type with the expander module supplying motive power to the second modular part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
AI summary
An energy conversion device comprising at least one thermal energy input, a plurality of energy outputs, a first modular part (100) and a second modular part (200), wherein: • i. The first modular part (100) comprises at least a core Brayton generator; • ii. The second modular part (200) comprises at least a heat pump module comprising at least one heat exchanger (2010); And wherein said heat pump is integrated with the first modular part (100) in order to share at least one heat exchanger (1060, 2010) between the first (100) and the second (200) modular parts, as well as set of valves and variable speed mechanical coupling and gear box; And wherein the core Brayton generator comprises an expander module and a compressor module configured to be positive displacement machines of the screw type with the expander module supplying motive power to the second modular part (200).