Compressor Coolant Circuit Layout for Higher Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors with parallel coolant inlet configurations in heat exchangers do not optimize heat recovery efficiency due to uniform coolant temperature across stages, leading to suboptimal energy usage in each stage.
Innovation Solution
A method and compressor design where the coolant circuitry is arranged to flow through heat exchangers in a sequence that differs from the gas flow sequence, allowing for partial bypassing and adjustment of heat exchanger, optimizing coolant temperature and compression stages, with the coolant efficacy, the sequence of the coolant circuitry is selected based on compression parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coolant is fed in parallel to each heat exchanger, then the coolant temperature is the same at each input, but the heat recovery efficiency is suboptimal because it does not align with varying compression stage parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coolant flow arrangement adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically reconfigure the coolant flow paths through valves to match the varying thermal requirements of different compression stages, transitioning from a static parallel configuration to a dynamic adjustable system that optimizes heat recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different coolant flow conditions to different heat exchangers based on their specific requirements. Each compression stage can receive coolant with appropriate temperature and flow characteristics tailored to its local thermal load, rather than receiving uniform coolant conditions throughout.
2Device complexity
If the order of heat recovery is the same as the order of compression stages, then the system is simple, but the heat recovery efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible reconfiguration of the heat exchanger connections through controllable valves. The system can change the sequence in which coolant flows through heat exchangers to match the thermal characteristics of different compression stages, optimizing heat recovery without being constrained by the fixed mechanical arrangement of the compression stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple valve positions and connection paths that allow the optimal heat recovery sequence to be established before operation begins or adjusted in advance based on operating conditions, rather than requiring real-time complex control during operation.
3Productivity
If coolant flow arrangement is changed to optimize heat recovery, then heat recovery efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the coolant circuitry to serve multiple functions through a single integrated system. The same coolant loop can be configured to provide cooling to different compression stages in different sequences, and the system can also provide heating functions by reversing the flow direction, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the intermediary principle by using controllable valves as mediators between the coolant sources and heat exchangers. These valves act as flexible intermediaries that can direct coolant flow to optimize heat recovery efficiency without requiring complex piping arrangements or multiple dedicated coolant circuits, thereby managing system complexity while achieving improved performance.
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
Improves heat recovery efficiency and coolant temperature management, enhancing overall compressor efficiency and enabling better utilization of waste energy.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the heat of the compressed gas is transferred from the compressed gas to the coolant when the temperature of the compressed gas is higher than the temperature of the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
The compressor comprises a plurality of compression stages for compressing gas and two or more compressed gas heat exchangers for cooling compressed gas. Each heat exchanger comprises a primary part for transferring the compressed gas through the heat exchanger and secondary parts for transferring coolant through the heat exchanger for recovering heat from the compressed gas. The compressor further comprises liquid to liquid heat exchangers for cooling of internal components of the compressor. A coolant circuitry conducts the coolant via the liquid to liquid heat exchanger and the compressed gas heat exchangers; and a gas flow circuitry conducts gas via the compression stages and the compressed gas heat exchangers. The coolant circuitry is at least partly coupled in series so that the liquid to liquid heat exchanger is the first or the second in the series connection and at least two compressed gas heat exchangers are in series connection.