Closed-Loop Hydropower Generator Using Gas-Lift Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydropower systems face ecological and efficiency challenges due to damming waterways and the inefficiency of pumping water to height, leading to net energy consumption exceeding generation.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop generator system utilizing a closed-loop gas structure with nitrogen and a multiphase riser column, incorporating a compressor, turbine generator, and vacuum pump to entrain gas in a working fluid, enhancing energy generation through drag forces and thermal energy injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If water is pumped to height in conventional hydropower systems, then water can be used to generate power through gravity flow, but the energy required to pump water exceeds the energy generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a gas-lift mechanism where compressed gas is injected into the bottom of the riser column to lift the working fluid to the separator. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach replaces traditional mechanical pumping, utilizing gas expansion and fluid dynamics to achieve fluid elevation with lower energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of the working fluid (water to steam) in the riser column. The phase change from liquid to vapor provides expansion force that assists in lifting the fluid, reducing the energy required by the compressor and improving overall system efficiency.
2Power
If conventional hydropower systems dam waterways to create head height, then gravity flow can generate electricity, but environmental damage and land use issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system is a closed-loop design where the working fluid circulates continuously through evaporation, condensation, and gravity flow. The same fluid serves multiple functions: working medium, heat transfer fluid, and power generator, eliminating the need for external water sources and preventing environmental discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a closed-loop inert environment with the working fluid contained entirely within the system boundaries. This prevents interaction with the external environment, avoiding ecological damage while maintaining continuous operation.
3Productivity
If gas is compressed to high pressure to entrain working fluid, then energy generation efficiency increases, but parasitic energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working fluid undergoes phase transition from liquid to steam in the riser column, utilizing the expansion energy from phase change to reduce the compression pressure required. This decreases the work input needed by the compressor while maintaining effective fluid lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes thermal expansion of the working fluid when heated to generate steam. The thermal energy input causes volume expansion that directly contributes to fluid lifting and turbine drive, reducing the mechanical work required by the compressor.
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 increases energy efficiency by reducing the energy required to lift the multiphase fluid, allowing for higher operating pressures and temperatures, thereby increasing net power output and reducing parasitic energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
provide the pressurized nitrogen to the shared multiphase riser column to entrain the pressurized nitrogen in the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum pump and turbine generator are disposed at a bottom of the closed-loop liquid structure
Implementation Method 3
a turbine generator disposed at a bottom of the closed-loop liquid structure such that the working fluid causes one or more blades of the turbine generator to turn and produce electricity
Implementation Method 4
The compressor may include at least one of a heat exchanger and an intercooler
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a closed loop electrical generator may include a multiphase riser column. The generator may also include a liquid return column. The generator may include a turbine generator disposed between the multiphase riser column and the liquid return column, such that a working fluid flows from the liquid return column to the turbine generator and then to the multiphase riser column. The generator may include a gas return column. The generator may include a compressor fluidly connected to the gas return column and the multiphase riser column, such that a gas from the gas return column is provided to the multiphase riser column and combined with the working fluid to produce a multiphase fluid. The generator may also include a separator fluidly connected to the multiphase riser column, the liquid return column, and the gas return column.