Cogeneration system for a boiler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cogeneration systems for boilers are not optimized for civil and domestic applications, being cumbersome, expensive, and inflexible in adjusting the ratio of electrical to thermal energy production, with overall yield fixed and unable to vary energy conversion efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cogeneration system for a boiler that includes a compressor, heat exchanger, gas turbine, generator, and by-pass valve, controlled by an electronic unit to adjust energy conversion ratios, using a variable-geometry turbine and heat exchanger to recover thermal energy from combustion fumes, allowing flexible adjustment of electrical and thermal energy production while maintaining maximum overall yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a known cogeneration system is used, then electrical energy and thermal energy are produced, but the ratio between electrical and thermal energy cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the turbine geometry variable through movable blades. The turbine can operate in different configurations (first configuration for electrical energy production, second configuration for thermal energy production) by changing the blade angles. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the energy output ratio according to demand while using a single integrated device, avoiding the need for multiple separate systems.
2Productivity
If the thermal energy production is increased in known systems, then more thermal energy is produced, but the electrical energy production also increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine's variable geometry allows independent control of energy output ratios. When thermal energy production needs to be increased, the turbine blades are adjusted to the second configuration that optimizes for thermal energy extraction from the combustion gases, while maintaining appropriate electrical generation. This dynamic reconfiguration breaks the fixed proportionality constraint of known systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the turbine blade angles between two distinct configurations. This parameter change allows the same turbine to operate under different conditions - one optimized for electrical energy and another for thermal energy - enabling independent control of the energy production mix without changing the overall system architecture.
3Loss of energy
If a cogeneration system is added to a boiler, then energy recovery is improved, but the system becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cogeneration system with the existing boiler by integrating the turbine directly into the boiler's combustion chamber. The turbine is positioned to receive hot combustion gases directly from the combustor, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers and complex heat recovery systems. This consolidation recovers energy from combustion fumes while keeping the overall system compact and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy, recovers thermal energy from combustion gases, and can be reconfigured between different operational modes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing system bulk and cost while maintaining effective energy recovery.
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
Enables efficient, economical, and compact energy conversion with adjustable energy ratios, achieving high thermal energy recovery and electrical energy production, suitable for both small and large boilers, with reduced emissions and quicker water heating, maintaining overall efficiency similar to classic boilers.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (202) for the exchange of thermal energy between the combustion fumes produced by the combustor (201a) and a fluid coming out of the compressor (204)
Implementation Method 2
a gas turbine (203) working on a fluid compressed and heated by the heat exchanger (202)
Implementation Method 3
a current generator (205) and a current converter (206) connected to the gas turbine (203) able to produce electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
a main fumes/water exchanger (207), placed after the heat exchanger (202) able to recover the remaining part of the thermal energy produced by the combustion in the combustor (201a), contained in the combustion fumes and not absorbed by the heat exchanger (202)
Data Source
AI summary
Cogeneration system (200, 300) comprising: a boiler (201, 301) able to heat water for domestic use; a combustor (201a, 301a) placed into the boiler; a compressor (204, 304); a heat exchanger (202, 302) for the exchange of thermal energy between the combustion fumes generated in the combustor (201a, 301a) and a fluid coming from the compressor (204, 304); a gas turbine (203, 303); a current generator (205, 305) and a current converter (206, 306) able to produce electrical energy; a main fumes/water exchanger (207, 307) able to recover thermal energy.The cogeneration system (200, 300) comprises also a by-pass valve (210, 310) configured to adjust the flow of fluid entering the gas turbine (203, 303).