Elliptical Combustion Chambers for Pulse-Driven Gas Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal-combustion engines require mechanical energy to compress gas, and accidental combustion events in pipe networks can lead to dangerous pressure spikes known as 'pressure piling,' which are not effectively managed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The use of combustion chambers based on conic sections, connected in series, where fuel combustion generates momentum that is directed to concentrate and compress the working fluid with minimal mechanical energy input, leveraging the Kadenacy Effect and conic geometry to amplify combustion pulses and redirect molecular motion for efficient compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional internal-combustion engines are used for gas compression, then mechanical energy input is required to compress the working fluid, but this increases energy consumption and reduces system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical compression system with a combustion-driven pulse system. Instead of using mechanical energy input to compress the working fluid, the invention uses controlled combustion events to generate pressure pulses that automatically compress the gas through the conic section chamber geometry, eliminating the need for separate mechanical compression components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermodynamic parameters of the working fluid through controlled combustion. By introducing fuel and igniting it at specific locations (foci) within the conic section chambers, the system transforms the working fluid from a cold, low-pressure state to a hot, high-pressure state, utilizing the combustion process itself for compression rather than mechanical work.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fuel combustion is used to generate compression pulses, then gas compression can be achieved with minimal mechanical energy input, but uncontrolled combustion events can lead to dangerous pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the combustion process into multiple discrete, controlled segments occurring in separate conic section chambers. Each chamber handles a portion of the total compression task, and combustion events are sequentially activated rather than simultaneously occurring throughout the system. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled pressure buildup while maintaining efficient compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The conic section chamber geometry acts as an intermediary between the combustion event and the working fluid. The specific geometric shape (conic sections) of each chamber controls and directs the pressure waves generated by combustion, transforming the potentially harmful explosive pressure into controlled compression pulses that move systematically through the chamber series.
3Productivity
If conic section combustion chambers are used to direct combustion pulses, then compression efficiency is enhanced through directional momentum, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conic section geometries (elliptical, parabolic, or hyperbolic cross-sections) for the combustion chambers. These curved geometric forms are inherently efficient at directing pressure waves and momentum in specific directions. The conic section shape naturally focuses combustion-generated pressure pulses along the chamber axis, enhancing compression efficiency without requiring additional mechanical directing components.
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 approach allows for efficient gas compression with little to no mechanical energy input, reducing the risk of pressure spikes by progressively amplifying combustion-driven pulses and maintaining directional momentum, enhancing the compression process while minimizing the need for mechanical energy.
Implementation Method 1
fuel combustion generates momentum that is directed to concentrate and compress the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
leveraging the Kadenacy Effect and conic geometry to amplify combustion pulses and redirect molecular motion for efficient compression
Implementation Method 3
progressively amplifying combustion-driven pulses and maintaining directional momentum
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor and method are provided, the compressor having elliptically-shaped combustion chambers including a first chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a last chamber having an inlet and outlet. The first inlet is in communication with a low pressure plenum, the first outlet is in communication with the inlet of the last chamber, and the outlet of the last chamber is in communication with a high pressure plenum to define a flow pathway. A volume of gas is introduced into the first chamber at a first pressure. A fuel is injected into the first chamber, alternately at the foci, and ignited to advance the volume of gas along the flow pathway. A fuel is injected into the last chamber, alternately at the foci, and ignited on a schedule synchronized with ignition in the first chamber to further advance the volume of gas along the flow pathway.