Systems and methods to integrate geothermal heat pumps and membrane separation units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature fluctuations affect membrane separation performance due to sorption, diffusion, and membrane property dependencies, leading to inefficiencies in gas separation processes.

Innovation Solution

Integration of geothermal heat pumps with membrane separation units to control temperature, using a heat conducting fluid loop for thermal management, which is efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, reducing temperature fluctuations and improving separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If membrane separation is used for gas separations, then separation capability is provided, but temperature fluctuations cause changes in permeability and selectivity, reducing separation performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidtemperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A geothermal heat pump system is introduced as an intermediary between the membrane separation unit and the ground thermal reservoir. The heat pump uses refrigerant cycles to transfer heat between the ground (via ground loops) and the membrane unit, buffering temperature fluctuations and maintaining stable operating conditions for the membrane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the thermal parameters of the membrane separation unit by actively controlling temperature through geothermal heat exchange. The heat pump adjusts the temperature parameter to remain within optimal ranges for membrane permeability and selectivity, counteracting external temperature variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If thermal management systems are added to control membrane temperature, then separation efficiency improves, but system complexity and capital costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The geothermal heat pump system serves multiple functions: it provides heating when ambient temperatures are low, cooling when temperatures are high, and maintains temperature stability throughout the year. This single system replaces what would otherwise require separate heating and cooling systems, reducing overall complexity despite the added thermal management capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the ground's natural thermal reservoir as a free heat source in winter and heat sink in summer. The ground loops continuously exchange heat with the earth, providing self-sustaining thermal management without requiring external fuel sources or complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If conventional heating or cooling systems are used for temperature control, then temperature stability is achieved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the typically wasted heat rejection from the membrane separation process into a useful resource. The heat pump captures this waste heat and transfers it to the ground for storage, while simultaneously using ground heat to warm the membrane unit during cold periods, turning a thermal burden into a beneficial exchange

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 a stable operation temperature, enhancing membrane separation performance and efficiency, reducing energy and capital costs, and achieving low carbon emissions, with a long operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat conducting fluid loop in thermal contact with the membrane separation unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an earth connection system configured to exchange heat with a subterranean zone and the geothermal heat pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeothermal heat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

the second gas permeates the membrane to enter the second region and exits the membrane separation unit via the second outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

Temperature fluctuations can affect the membrane separation performance as sorption, diffusion and membrane properties can be temperature dependent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSorption: Sorption

Implementation Method 5

Temperature fluctuations can affect the membrane separation performance as sorption, diffusion and membrane properties can be temperature dependent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 6

Joule-Thompson cooling effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule-Thompson cooling: Joule-Thomson Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240238720A1Systems and methods to integrate geothermal heat pumps and membrane separation units

Publication Date: 2024.07.18 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

The disclosure relates to systems and methods that integrate geothermal heat pumps and membrane separation units.