Closed-Cycle Power Plant with Automated Fluid Inventory Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground transportation vehicle power plants face challenges such as high carbon dioxide emissions, limited fuel flexibility, high costs, and environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel combustion and battery-based electric vehicles, which necessitate a more efficient and sustainable power solution that balances performance, emissions, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A closed-cycle, single-shaft power plant using a turbine with an Automated Fluid Inventory Management System (AFIMS) and heat exchangers, capable of using any form of heat source, including fossil fuels or renewable energy, with carbon dioxide as the working fluid, allowing for efficient energy exchange and low emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If internal combustion engines burn fossil fuels to generate power, then vehicle propulsion is achieved, but carbon dioxide emissions increase and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by switching from direct combustion to external combustion with a closed-cycle turbine system. This allows the same propulsion function to be achieved while fundamentally altering how energy conversion occurs, thereby reducing harmful emissions while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a working fluid (such as steam or organic fluid) as an intermediary between the heat source and the turbine. This intermediary enables energy transfer without direct combustion of fossil fuels in the atmosphere, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining the ability to generate mechanical power for vehicle propulsion
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery electric vehicles use large lithium-ion battery packs for extended range, then driving range is improved, but vehicle cost and mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a regenerative braking system that periodically recovers energy during deceleration and stores it in a small energy storage device. This periodic energy recovery extends the effective driving range without requiring a large battery pack, thereby reducing vehicle mass while maintaining extended range capability
Solution Approach 2:
The external combustion turbine system performs preliminary energy conversion before the vehicle needs to operate, generating power independently of large onboard battery storage. This preliminary power generation approach enables extended range without the mass penalty of large lithium-ion battery packs
3Use of energy by moving object
If hybrid vehicles combine battery power and internal combustion engine power, then fuel efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external combustion turbine system serves multiple functions: it can operate in power generation mode to drive the vehicle, in regenerative mode to charge the energy storage device during braking, and can accept various fuel types. This multi-functionality achieves improved fuel efficiency without the complexity of coordinating multiple independent power sources
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 solution provides high efficiency, flexibility in fuel use, reduced emissions, and lower costs by managing working fluid mass and flow rate, enabling efficient power generation with minimal environmental impact and compatibility with various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
heat source heat exchanger within the path moving from the compressor to the turbine
Implementation Method 2
turbine with an Automated Fluid Inventory Management System (AFIMS) and heat exchangers, capable of using any form of heat source
Implementation Method 3
heat sink and heat exchanger within the path from the turbine to the compressor
Implementation Method 4
single-shaft, compressor and turbine connected together along the path
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational power plant using a working fluid in a closed-cycle path. The power plant has a single-shaft, compressor and turbine connected together along the path. There is heat source heat exchanger within the path moving from the compressor to the turbine. There is a heat sink and heat exchanger within the path from the turbine to the compressor. There is an Automated Fluid Inventory Management System (AFIMS). The AFIMS includes sensors to measure temperature and pressure of the working fluid at different locations within the path. There is an electronic control unit connected to the AFIMS.