System, method and apparatus for the regeneration of nitrogen energy within a closed loop cryogenic system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycles are inefficient due to the lack of reuse of refrigerants in heat exchangers, as the energy required to re-cool them exceeds the benefits, leading to suboptimal heat capacity and temperature optimization.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop cryogenic system utilizing a turbo expander connected to a power source, with cryogenic cooling loops and heat exchangers, where liquid nitrogen is pumped through a flow line with a surge tank and optional addition of methane or ethane to enhance gas density and energy transmission, allowing for efficient re-cooling and regeneration of nitrogen energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If refrigerants are not reused in heat exchangers, then the system is simpler to operate, but the energy requirements increase and heat capacity optimization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers refrigerant from the heat exchanger outlet and reuses it in the evaporator after appropriate treatment. The refrigerant that would otherwise be discarded is captured and fed back into the system, improving energy efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where refrigerant flow is continuously monitored and regulated. The control system adjusts the refrigerant flow rate based on temperature and pressure sensors, ensuring optimal heat capacity utilization while minimizing energy requirements. This automated feedback mechanism manages system complexity by reducing manual intervention needs.
2Productivity
If multiple or larger expanders are used to optimize heat capacity and temperature, then the refrigeration performance improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable geometry expander that dynamically adjusts its internal parameters based on operating conditions. This single dynamic expander replaces the need for multiple fixed expanders, achieving optimal refrigeration performance across varying loads while reducing device complexity. The dynamic adjustment is controlled by sensors that monitor temperature and pressure differentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes refrigeration performance by dynamically changing operational parameters such as expander speed, refrigerant flow rate, and pressure differential rather than adding multiple expanders. This approach maintains high productivity while avoiding the complexity and cost of multiple expander units.
3Quantity of substance
If refrigerant is continuously re-cooled, then the heat capacity is optimized, but the energy requirements to re-cool exceed the benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous refrigerant circulation through the heat exchanger and evaporator without complete re-cooling cycles. The refrigerant flows continuously, absorbing heat along its path, which optimizes heat capacity utilization while avoiding the energy waste associated with periodic re-cooling to saturation temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the refrigerant progressively along the heat exchanger length rather than applying uniform re-cooling. Temperature and pressure gradients are optimized to maximize heat capacity transfer while minimizing the energy required for temperature adjustment, thereby reducing energy loss.
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 efficient regeneration and reuse of nitrogen energy, optimizing heat capacity and temperature, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle and reducing energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is provided for pumping the liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen storage to the first flow line
Implementation Method 2
A turbo expander that is used for re-cooling nitrogen that flows through the first flow line
Implementation Method 3
The cryogenic cooling loop has a heat exchanger positioned between the nitrogen intake and the nitrogen outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the regeneration of nitrogen energy within a closed loop cryogenic system is described. A liquid nitrogen storage is provided in fluid communication with a first flow line. A pump pumps liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen storage to the first flow line. At least one cryogenic cooling loop is provided in fluid communication with the first flow line. The cryogenic cooling loop has an nitrogen intake and a nitrogen outlet with the nitrogen outlet being positioned downstream of the nitrogen intake. The cryogenic cooling loop has a heat exchanger between the nitrogen intake and the nitrogen outlet. A turbo expander used for re-cooling the nitrogen flowing through the first flow line and the at least one cryogenic cooling loop has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is provided in fluid communication with the first flow line. The turbo expander is connected to a power source. A second flow line connects the outlet of the turbo expander to the liquid nitrogen storage.