Device for safe implementation of a left-switching thermodynamic clausius rankine process based on work fluid adsorption with inertgas displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems using flammable working fluids like propane face safety challenges due to the risk of leaks leading to explosive and toxic situations, with existing solutions failing to provide effective detection and containment methods that are also easy to install, maintain, and energy-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A device employing a closed, hermetically sealed system lined with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the working fluid, using an inert gas that displaces the working fluid in case of a leak, reducing explosion risk and incorporating adsorbent mats or shaped bodies for easy installation and maintenance, with activated carbon and carbon dioxide used specifically for propane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If flammable working fluids like propane are used in refrigeration systems, then energy efficiency and environmental compatibility are improved, but safety risks due to leakage and explosion potential worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is filled with an inert gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) that displaces air and creates an inert atmosphere. This prevents the formation of explosive mixtures in case of working fluid leakage, while allowing the system to operate with efficient flammable refrigerants like propane
Solution Approach 2:
An adsorbent material (such as activated carbon or molecular sieves) is introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively adsorbs the working fluid from the inert gas atmosphere. This mediator enables detection and containment of leaks without compromising the safety of the inert environment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hermetically sealed housings are used to contain working fluid, then safety is improved, but ease of maintenance and inspection worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple accessible sections or panels that can be opened independently. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific components for inspection or repair without compromising the overall hermetic seal of the containment structure
Solution Approach 2:
Access panels and maintenance ports are pre-positioned and designed with quick-release mechanisms that allow rapid access to critical components. This preliminary design consideration enables easy maintenance while maintaining the hermetic seal during normal operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adsorbent materials are used to detect and contain leaks, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Adsorbent materials with porous structures (such as activated carbon, zeolites, or molecular sieves) are used to line the housing interior or create filter elements. These materials passively adsorb leaked working fluid through their porous structure, providing leak detection and containment without requiring complex active sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbent materials automatically detect and contain leaks through their inherent adsorption properties without requiring external power sources, control systems, or complex processing. The materials self-regulate by adsorbing working fluid when leaks occur, simplifying the overall system architecture
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 solution effectively contains and adsorbs propane leaks, reducing explosion risk and preventing re-release of adsorbed fluid, while allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, and improving energy efficiency by minimizing heat-induced desorption effects.
Implementation Method 1
the housing (6) is lined with an adsorbent (11), capable of adsorbing the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
using an inert gas, the working fluid having higher adsorptive bonding to the adsorbent than the inert gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the safe execution of a left-hand thermodynamic Clausius-Rankine cycle using a flammable working fluid, which in the gaseous state is heavier than air under atmospheric conditions and is guided in a closed, hermetically sealed working fluid circuit, comprising at least one compressor for working fluid, at least one expansion device for working fluid, at least two heat exchangers for working fluid each with at least two connections for heat transfer fluids, a closed housing which includes all devices connected to the closed working fluid circuit, may include further devices, and is lined with an adsorbent capable of adsorbing working fluid, and an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the working fluid and an inert gas.wherein the working fluid exhibits a higher adsorptive bond to the adsorbent than the inert gas, and wherein the adsorbent with which the housing is lined is pre-loaded saturated with the inert gas.