Method of operating a heat cycle system, heat cycle system and method of modifying a heat cycle system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat cycle systems suffer from inefficiencies in terms of energy conversion and production of electric energy, with a need to improve the coefficient of performance (COP) and enhance the generation of electric power.
Innovation Solution
The system replaces the expansion valve with a rotatable expander, operating closer to isentropic conditions, and increases the capacity and efficiency of the evaporator, while using the expander to power the compressor and generate electricity, thereby optimizing the heat cycle process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an expansion valve is used for isenthalpic expansion, then the system structure is simple, but energy is lost and electric energy cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional expansion valve with an expander unit that converts the expansion process into useful mechanical work. The expander unit includes an expansion chamber where the working fluid expands and drives a rotor, which is mechanically coupled to the compressor to provide drive power. This substitution transforms the previously wasteful isenthalpic expansion into an isentropic expansion process that generates mechanical energy, reducing energy loss while adding functional complexity to the system.
2Power
If the evaporator capacity is increased to improve COP, then the coefficient of performance increases, but the system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the expansion function and power generation function into a single expander unit. The expander unit combines the expansion chamber, rotor, and mechanical coupling to the compressor into an integrated assembly. This merging allows the system to achieve improved COP through isentropic expansion while avoiding the need for separate additional components that would increase overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If an expander unit is added to generate electric energy, then electric power output increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expander unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an expansion device for the refrigeration cycle, a power generation device that produces mechanical work, and a driver for the compressor. This multi-functionality allows the system to generate electric energy while using the same component to maintain the refrigeration cycle, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enhances the COP and allows for the generation of electric energy without loss, achieving a higher COP and additional electric power output compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable expander is configured to allow the working fluid to expand from a third state P3, T3, H3 to a fourth state P4, T4, H4 in an essentially isentropic manner
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator 14, which may be configured to exchange heat with a heat supplying circuit 15, such that the working fluid undergoes evaporation, wherein heat is received by the evaporator 14, whereby the enthalpy of the working fluid will increase
Implementation Method 3
The condenser 11 may be configured to exchange heat with a heat delivery circuit 12, wherein heat is delivered from the condenser 11, whereby the temperature of the working fluid may be reduced
Implementation Method 4
The compressor 10 is configured to increase the pressure of the working fluid, such that P2>P1
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of operating a heat cycle system, wherein the heat cycle system comprises a working fluid, which is cycled through a circuit comprising a compressor (10), a condenser (11), an expander unit (130), and an evaporator (140) and wherein the expander unit (130) is configured to generate a rotating mechanical motion, comprises operating the evaporator at an evaporator working fluid evaporation capacity that is at least about 110 % of the nominal evaporator working fluid evaporation capacity. There is also disclosed a heat cycle system as well as a method of modifying a heat cycle system.