Closed Cycle Power Systems for High Temperature Heat Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for medium and small-scale plants using high or medium temperature heat sources are economically inefficient due to the need for large and expensive high-pressure intercoolers in prior art, which have low heat transfer coefficients for vapor streams.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a closed cycle with multiple heat exchange apparatuses, a heat recovery vapor generator, and turbines to efficiently convert thermal energy from high to medium temperature heat sources, including a multi-component working fluid and pumps, to extract electrical power, reducing the need for large heat exchangers by optimizing heat transfer across multiple streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If intercooling is performed in a high-pressure intercooler as in prior art, then thermodynamic reversibility and efficiency are improved, but the heat exchanger becomes very large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the working fluid stream entering the intercooler from high pressure to low pressure. This parameter change allows the use of a smaller, more economical heat exchanger while maintaining the thermodynamic benefits of intercooling, as the low-pressure vapor can be effectively cooled without requiring the large surface area needed for high-pressure heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure reduction stage before the intercooler, where the high-pressure vapor stream is converted to a low-pressure stream. This intermediary step enables the subsequent intercooling process to occur in a smaller heat exchanger by eliminating the need for high-pressure heat transfer equipment
2Use of energy by moving object
If high-pressure heat exchangers are used for intercooling, then heat transfer from vapor stream is achieved, but capital costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high to low for the intercooling process, which dramatically reduces the capital cost of the heat exchanger while maintaining heat transfer effectiveness. Low-pressure heat exchangers are smaller, less expensive to manufacture, and more economical for medium and small scale power plants
3Temperature
If vapor streams are cooled in high-pressure intercoolers, then intercooling function is achieved, but heat transfer coefficient remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the vapor stream from high to low before cooling. This parameter change improves the heat transfer coefficient because low-pressure vapor has better heat transfer characteristics, allowing more effective cooling in a smaller heat exchanger with lower capital costs
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 achieves cost-effective power extraction with improved thermodynamic efficiency by using a closed cycle and multiple heat exchange processes, reducing capital costs and enhancing power output, particularly suitable for small-scale plants.
Implementation Method 1
an external heat source stream is used to fully vaporize and superheat the at least one working fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
fully vaporize and superheat the at least one working fluid stream
Implementation Method 3
fully vaporize and superheat the at least one working fluid stream
Implementation Method 4
converting a portion of heat in at least one vaporized, superheated working fluid stream
Implementation Method 5
using the spent stream to heat a rich or basic working fluid stream and lean working fluid stream
Implementation Method 6
heat exchange processes
Implementation Method 7
an external coolant stream is used to condense the basic working fluid stream
Implementation Method 8
at least three working fluid pumps
Data Source
AI summary
Power generation systems and methods are disclosed for use with medium to high temperature heat source stream, gaseous or liquid, where the systems and methods permit efficient energy extraction for medium and small scale power plants.