Closed-Loop Gas Engine With Self-Powered Compressor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engines face challenges in achieving high efficiency, controllable output, minimal maintenance, and reduced environmental impact while minimizing energy consumption and emissions.
Innovation Solution
The engine employs a closed fluid circuit with a compressor, turbine, condenser, and generator, where compressed gas drives a turbine connected to a rotating shaft, and feedback electricity from the generator powers the compressor for control, with optional check valves and energy recovery to optimize efficiency and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional internal combustion engines are used to provide energy output, then power generation is achieved, but energy consumption and harmful emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to power itself by feeding generated electricity back to the compressor through the battery and controller, creating a self-sustaining cycle that reduces external energy input requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers waste heat from the condenser and uses it to pre-heat water or provide space heating, converting previously wasted thermal energy into useful output that reduces overall energy consumption
2Power
If conventional engines operate at high power output, then energy generation is improved, but harmful emissions to the environment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the combustion process (chemical reaction) with a physical phase-change cycle, eliminating CO2, NOx, and other combustion-related emissions while maintaining power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses carbon dioxide as the working fluid in a closed loop, creating an inert environmental system where the working fluid is non-toxic, non-flammable, and already present in the atmosphere, thus eliminating harmful emissions
3Power
If engine components undergo extensive wear and tear to maintain performance, then power output is maintained, but maintenance requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic bearing system automatically compensates for wear and maintains optimal clearance through active control, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical contacts with magnetic fields for bearing support, eliminating physical wear between moving parts and dramatically reducing maintenance requirements
4Stress or pressure
If the compressor is powered by external electricity to compress gas, then compression is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a controller to monitor system state and feed generated electricity back to power the compressor, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy usage and reduces external power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers electrical energy from the generator and stores it in the battery to power the compressor, recovering what would otherwise be wasted energy and reducing net external energy consumption
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 configuration results in a highly efficient, controllable, and low-maintenance engine with minimal environmental impact, capable of long-term operation with minimal gas loss and noise, and adaptable power output through careful control of compressor output and energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor is provided which, in use, compresses gas in the circuit and drives it from a compressor outlet towards a turbine component
Implementation Method 2
As gas passes from the compressor outlet into the turbine component it passes over sets of blades, expanding as it does so and driving the series of blades and a central shaft to which the sets of blades are attached
Implementation Method 3
The output shaft is connected to an electrical generator
Implementation Method 4
a condenser acting as a heat exchanger for receiving fluid in the circuit that has passed through the turbine component and arranged to reduce the temperature and pressure of the compressed gas
Implementation Method 5
A check valve may be located at the input to compressor to control flow of expanded circulating gas to the input of the compressor to improve its efficiency and optimise performance of the engine
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An engine comprises a compressor and a closed fluid circuit connected to the input and output of the compressor such that compressed gas can be driven through the circuit by the compressor. The output of the compressor is connected, through the fluid circuit, to a turbine component comprising at least one set of turbine blades connected to a rotating shaft that acts as the output of the engine in use. A condenser receives fluid in the circuit that has passed through the turbine component and is arranged to reduce the temperature and pressure of the compressed gas, the outlet of the condenser being connected to the inlet of the compressor.