Device and method for converting thermal energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pumps and heat engines face inefficiencies due to discontinuous heat exchange during radial passage through compression or expansion channels, leading to high energy losses and unnecessary space usage, which hinders efficient conversion of mechanical energy into thermal energy and vice versa.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchange channels are arranged adjacent to the compression or expansion channels, running essentially in parallel, allowing for continuous heat exchange within the heat exchange portions of these channels, reducing the need for axial connection channels and enabling a more compact, stable design that can withstand high centrifugal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat exchange channels are arranged radially with transverse heat exchanger lines, then heat exchange occurs during radial passage, but discontinuous heat exchange results in high energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange channels are configured to enable continuous heat exchange between the working medium and heat exchange medium throughout the compression and expansion processes. The channels extend axially through the rotor, allowing heat transfer to occur continuously as the media flow through, eliminating the discontinuous heat exchange that occurs in radial arrangements where heat exchanger lines are perpendicular to flow direction.
2Volume of moving object
If axial connection channels are used to connect compression and expansion channels, then flow continuity is maintained, but unnecessary space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange channels serve dual functions: they enable heat exchange between the working medium and heat exchange medium, and simultaneously serve as the connection channels that maintain flow continuity between compression and expansion sections. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate axial connection channels, reducing rotor space while maintaining flow continuity.
3Productivity
If heat exchangers are arranged to co-rotate with compression and expansion channels, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange channels are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously perform heat exchange, fluid transport, and structural connection functions. The channels extend axially through the rotor and provide both heat transfer pathways and flow connection between compression and expansion sections, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining high heat exchange efficiency.
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 enhances efficiency by minimizing flow losses and allowing for high circumferential speeds, resulting in a space-saving, stable device capable of efficient conversion of thermal energy, with improved performance and stability under high centrifugal forces.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure increase or a pressure decrease in the working medium is generated by the centrifugal acceleration acting on the working medium
Implementation Method 2
heat exchangers are provided for a heat exchange between the working medium and a heat exchange medium
Implementation Method 3
the working medium dissipates heat to a heat exchange medium or receives heat from a heat exchange medium, the heat exchange taking place via a heat exchange medium co-rotating with the working medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for converting thermal energy of low temperature to thermal energy of high temperature by means of mechanical energy and vice versa, said device comprising a rotor (2) that is rotatably supported about a rotational axis (3), a flow channel for a working medium that runs through a closed cycle being provided in the rotor, wherein the flow channel has a compression channel (8), a relaxation channel (10), and two connection channels (9, 11) extending substantially parallel to the rotational axis (3), and furthermore heat exchangers (13, 14) for exchanging heat between the working medium and a heat-exchange medium are provided, wherein the compression channel (8) and the relaxation channel (10) have a heat-exchange segment (8′, 10′), each of which has a heat exchanger (13, 14) that rotates together with the compression channel (8) or the relaxation channel (10) associated therewith, said heat exchanger being formed by at least one heat-exchange channel (15, 18) that conducts the heat-exchange medium.