CO2 Closed-Loop Power Cycle for Low-Loss Mechanical Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion systems, such as combustion engines and electric motors, suffer from low thermal and energy efficiency, leading to limited travel range and environmental emissions, while closed-loop systems with carbon dioxide as a working fluid are not effectively utilized for generating mechanical energy.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop piping network using carbon dioxide as a working fluid, where components transfer different total energies derived from the same mass-energy, utilizing a CO2 reciprocating piston compressor and centrifugal pump to generate rotational energy with minimal friction and heat loss, and a system that includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and accumulator to manage pressure and phase changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If combustion engines or electric motors are used for energy conversion, then mechanical energy can be generated, but thermal efficiency and energy utilization are limited (25-60% efficiency range)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the working fluid by using carbon dioxide in a supercritical state (above critical temperature of 31.1°C and critical pressure of 73.8 bar). This parameter change enables the fluid to exhibit both gas-like and liquid-like properties, allowing for highly efficient heat transfer and expansion processes that exceed conventional engine efficiencies. The supercritical state allows the working fluid to absorb and release energy more effectively, achieving efficiencies above 60%.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide between supercritical, gaseous, and liquid states to convert thermal energy to mechanical work. The CO2 undergoes phase changes in the expansion cylinder where supercritical CO2 expands and cools, then condenses to liquid, and is subsequently re-vaporized. These phase transitions enable efficient energy conversion cycles that overcome the limitations of conventional combustion and electric motor efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional open systems are used for energy conversion, then work can be produced, but environmental emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses carbon dioxide as an inert working fluid that circulates in a closed-loop system. CO2 is chemically inert under the operating conditions, preventing harmful emissions to the environment. The closed-loop design ensures that CO2 is continuously recycled between the pump, expansion cylinder, condenser, and evaporator, with no release to the atmosphere. This eliminates the harmful emissions problem while maintaining reliable system performance through the predictable thermodynamic properties of CO2.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is used as working fluid in closed-loop system, then environmental harm is reduced, but effective utilization for generating mechanical energy is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a centrifugal pump that rapidly pressurizes CO2 to supercritical states, enabling the fluid to quickly transition through pressure and temperature zones. This rapid compression and circulation through the closed-loop system allows for high-speed operation and efficient mechanical energy generation. The centrifugal force-driven pump creates high velocities that enhance heat transfer coefficients and enable the system to process large masses of CO2 per unit time, achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a centrifugal pump to create high-velocity CO2 flow and a reciprocating piston mechanism to convert pressure energy to mechanical work. The supercritical CO2 acts as a hydraulic fluid, transmitting energy efficiently through the system. The combination of centrifugal pumping and reciprocating expansion leverages fluid mechanics to convert thermal energy to mechanical energy with high effectiveness, proving that CO2 can be highly productive for mechanical energy generation.
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 high mechanical efficiency by converting electrical energy into kinetic energy with minimal loss, storing mass-energy as rest mass, and maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium, with efficiencies exceeding 95% and compact component design.
Implementation Method 1
compressor with crankshaft that rotates with pressurization of pistons compressing working fluid
Implementation Method 2
A condenser is operatively connected to the compressor and receives high pressure, high temperature carbon dioxide gas. Forced air passing over condenser coils cooling high-pressure carbon dioxide gas
Implementation Method 3
traveling downstream too high pressure differential orifice where high-pressure carbon dioxide gas is restricted causing a phase change to low temperature, medium pressure liquid carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 4
Liquid carbon dioxide enters a flash tank where flash gas occurs allowing flash gas to absorb heat which helps to cool the rest of the liquid carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 5
An evaporator is operatively connected to the centrifugal pump and receives liquid carbon dioxide. Hot forced air passing over evaporator coils creates phase change to low pressure gas carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 6
Centrifugal pump is configured to transfer momentum and mass-energy of working fluid specific energy to kinetic energy generating rotational energy
Implementation Method 7
CO2 reciprocating piston compressor engine type with crankshaft configured to transfer internal energy mechanical work to kinetic energy generating rotational energy
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a power system for generating mechanical energy from input electrical energy. The system includes a liquid tank configured to house fluid and communicate with a fluid compressor and an evaporator, a fluid compressor configured to compress the fluid to a higher-pressure state, a fluid pump configured to receive fluid from the condenser and convert kinetic energy from the fluid to mechanical energy, and a suction fan configured to blow air between the evaporator and condenser. The evaporator changes the fluid's state from a liquid to a gas. The condenser changes the fluid's state from a gas to a liquid. The system includes an accumulator tank to hold the fluid from the condenser, a piping network that communicates the fluid between the components, an enclosure that houses the components of the power system, and a power supply that delivers electricity to the fluid compressor and electric components.