Gas Compressor Branch-Valve Control for No-Load Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust heat recovery systems experience a decrease in the temperature of the exhaust heat recovery fluid during no-load operation due to the temperature drop of compressed gas when the gas compressor switches from load to no-load operation.
Innovation Solution
A gas compressor system with branch paths and release valves that allow controlled release of compressed gas during no-load operation, maintaining heat exchange with the exhaust heat recovery fluid through interstage and aftercooling stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the gas compressor switches from load operation to no-load operation, then the power consumption is reduced, but the temperature of the compressed gas decreases, causing the temperature of the exhaust heat recovery fluid to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control device opens the gas release valve in advance when switching from load operation to no-load operation, ensuring that compressed gas continues to flow through the heat exchanger during the transition period. This preliminary action maintains the temperature of the exhaust heat recovery fluid by preventing sudden temperature drop that would occur if gas flow were stopped immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous flow of compressed gas through the heat exchanger during no-load operation by releasing gas through the branch path. This continuity ensures that the exhaust heat recovery fluid continues to be heated, preserving the useful heat recovery function even when the compressor is not delivering compressed gas to the main system.
2Productivity
If compressed gas is released through the blow-off piping downstream of the aftercooler, then the heat exchange with the exhaust heat recovery fluid is reduced, but the gas temperature for release is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The gas path is segmented into multiple paths: the main path through the aftercooler and the branch path through the heat exchanger. The control device directs compressed gas through the branch path during no-load operation, separating the heat recovery function from the gas release function. This segmentation allows optimized heat recovery while still achieving gas release.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary between the compressed gas and the exhaust heat recovery fluid during no-load operation. By routing gas through this intermediate heat exchange path rather than directly to the atmosphere, the system maximizes heat transfer efficiency while still achieving the necessary gas release function.
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 system maintains higher temperatures of the exhaust heat recovery fluid during no-load operation, enhancing heat recovery efficiency by preventing a decrease in compressed gas temperature and optimizing compression ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for low pressure stage exhaust heat recovery that effects heat exchange between the compressed gas delivered from the low pressure stage compressor body and a fluid for exhaust heat recovery
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger for high pressure stage exhaust heat recovery that effects heat exchange between the compressed gas delivered from the high pressure stage compressor body and the fluid for exhaust heat recovery
Implementation Method 3
an intercooler that cools compressed gas delivered from the low pressure stage compressor body
Implementation Method 4
an aftercooler that cools the compressed gas delivered from the high pressure stage compressor body
Data Source
AI summary
A gas compressor includes: a low pressure gas path that introduces compressed gas delivered from a low pressure stage compressor body into a high pressure stage compressor body; a first low pressure gas release valve disposed on a first low pressure branch path branched from the low pressure gas path; a high pressure gas path that introduces the compressed gas delivered from the high pressure stage compressor body to a demand destination; a first high pressure gas release valve disposed on a first high pressure branch path branched from the high pressure gas path; and a control device. The first low pressure branch path is disposed on a downstream side of a heat exchanger for low pressure stage exhaust heat recovery. The first high pressure branch path is disposed on a downstream side of a heat exchanger for high pressure stage exhaust heat recovery. The control device opens the first low pressure gas release valve and the first high pressure gas release valve at a time of switching from load operation to no-load operation.