Heat-of-compression recycle system, and sub-systems thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic energy storage (CES) systems face inefficiencies in round trip efficiency due to the lack of effective utilization of heat of compression during the liquefaction and power recovery phases, particularly when multiple compressors with different grades and amounts of heat are involved.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic energy storage system with a thermal energy recycle system that separates and optimally stores heat of compression from multiple compressors in distinct thermal energy storage devices, applying it to specific expansion stages of the power recovery unit to enhance power output and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heat of compression from multiple compressors is stored in a single thermal energy storage device, then device complexity is reduced, but the round trip efficiency and power output are compromised due to inability to optimally match different grades and amounts of heat to specific expansion stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal energy storage system into multiple distinct storage devices, each optimized for specific grades and amounts of heat from different compressors. This segmentation allows optimal matching of heat characteristics to specific expansion stages, thereby maximizing power output while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal energy storage device is configured with specific local qualities (temperature ranges, heat capacity) matched to the characteristics of heat from particular compressors and the requirements of specific expansion stages. This local optimization ensures that each part of the system operates at peak efficiency, improving overall productivity without requiring excessive complexity throughout the entire system.
2Ease of operation
If heat of compression is not effectively utilized during liquefaction and power recovery phases, then system operation is simplified, but round trip efficiency deteriorates due to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted heat of compression from compressors into a beneficial resource by storing it in thermal energy storage devices and utilizing it during expansion phases. This transforms energy loss into energy gain, improving round trip efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated heat recovery and storage processes that require minimal additional operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the heat of compression generated during compression phases, the system recovers and stores this thermal energy for later use during power recovery. This recovery mechanism significantly reduces energy loss and improves round trip efficiency without complicating system operation, as the heat recovery process is integrated into the existing compression and expansion cycles.
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 improves the round trip efficiency of CES systems by optimizing the use of heat of compression from different compressors, enhancing power output and reducing energy input requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal energy storage device configured to capture, store, and apply heat of compression from said compressor at a temperature different to that of heat of compression from another compressor
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger configured to transfer the heat of compression from the thermal energy storage device to the working fluid upstream of an expansion stage
Implementation Method 3
the working fluid upstream of an expansion stage... to enhance power output and efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1~3D
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
Power recovery sub-systems, cryogenic energy storage systems, and methods of capturing, storing, and re-using thermal energy are disclosed.