Gas Generator Integrated Cyclone Separator for Stirling Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas generators in cogeneration systems, particularly Stirling systems, face efficiency reduction due to particle deposition on conduits and exchangers, requiring separate cleaning devices that cool gases, making them unsuitable for high-temperature applications.

Innovation Solution

An integrated particle cleaning system utilizing centrifugal forces to separate particles from combustion gases within the gas generator, ensuring clean gases at maximum temperature and reducing mechanical wear and noise by using a static, compact design with a helical discharge conduit and nozzle configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cleaning devices are used to remove particles from combustion gases, then particle deposition is prevented, but the gases cool down during cleaning and mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of particle depositionVSAvoidgas temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the particle separation function and gas cleaning function into a single integrated cyclone separator unit. The cyclone is directly connected to the gas generator outlet, allowing particles to be separated from combustion gases at high temperature without requiring separate cooling and cleaning stages. This merger maintains gas temperature while achieving effective particle removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the particle separation function from the gas cleaning system and places it at the outlet of the gas generator. By positioning the cyclone separator immediately at the generator outlet, particles are removed before the gases enter the cooling and cleaning stages, preventing deposition in downstream components while maintaining high temperature throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If mechanical cleaning devices with moving coils are used, then particles are removed from conduits, but mechanical wear increases and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle removal efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical cleaning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning devices with moving coils with a static cyclone separator system. The cyclone uses centrifugal force generated by the gas flow itself to separate particles, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, coils, and associated drive mechanisms. This substitution reduces mechanical wear, noise, and device complexity while maintaining effective particle removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cyclone separation is used to clean combustion gases, then particles are separated, but the system requires additional space and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle separationVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cyclone separator with the gas generator outlet structure, creating an integrated unit rather than a separate standalone component. The cyclone is positioned and connected such that it forms part of the overall gas generator assembly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the system structure while maintaining effective particle separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively cleans combustion gases at high temperatures, preventing particle deposition and maintaining efficiency while minimizing mechanical wear and noise, making it suitable for Stirling cogeneration systems.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated particle cleaning system utilizing centrifugal forces to separate particles from combustion gases within the gas generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal forces: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

separate particles from the combustion gases as a result of the centrifugal forces generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3153774B1Gas generator suitable for cogeneration systems, especially stirling cogeneration systems
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 IKERLAN
  • EP3153774B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3153774B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3153774B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Gas generator (1) adapted for cogeneration systems, particularly for Stirling cogeneration systems, comprising a main body (2) demarcating a combustion chamber (3), a fuel inlet (6) for the entry of fuel into said combustion chamber (3), a secondary body (4) surrounding the main body (2) demarcating a secondary chamber (5), and an outlet conduit (9) for the exit of combustion gases. The gas generator (1) comprises a discharge conduit (8) communicating the combustion chamber (3) with the secondary chamber (5), said discharge conduit (8) communicating tangentially with the combustion chamber (3).