Hybrid Imbedded Combined Cycle Thermal Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat engines face inefficiencies in converting thermal energy to mechanical work, especially with low-temperature heat sources, as they typically reject thermal energy that is not reused, limiting overall energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves directly transferring thermal energy from a first vapor to a second vapor within a mixing chamber, utilizing the latent heat of vaporization, and reusing the separated condensate and vapor in a hybrid imbedded combined cycle, which includes elements of both Rankine and Brayton cycles, to enhance thermal transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional heat engines are used to convert thermal energy to mechanical work, then the basic thermodynamic function is achieved, but thermal energy is rejected and not reused, limiting overall energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two thermodynamic cycles (Rankine and Brayton cycles) into a hybrid combined cycle system where the exhaust thermal energy from one cycle is reused as input for the other cycle, eliminating energy rejection and achieving continuous energy conversion with efficiencies exceeding 60%
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by recirculating thermal energy through multiple cycles without interruption or rejection, where the output of one cycle continuously feeds into the next cycle, ensuring no thermal energy is wasted
2Temperature
If low-temperature heat sources are used, then energy availability is improved, but conversion efficiency remains below 35% in conventional systems
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple thermodynamic cycles in series, the system achieves high conversion efficiency from low-temperature heat sources that would be insufficient in single-cycle systems, as each cycle builds upon the thermal energy output of the previous cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of multiple cycles working together, where each cycle operates at optimized temperature and pressure ranges suitable for low-temperature heat sources, achieving overall high efficiency through coordinated parameter management
3Power
If thermal energy is transferred through conventional heat exchangers, then heat transfer occurs, but transfer rates are limited by intervening structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes conventional heat exchanger structures from the thermal energy transfer path, allowing direct thermal energy transfer between working fluids through mixing chambers and heat recovery devices, significantly increasing thermal transfer rates without structural limitations
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 significantly increases thermal transfer rates and efficiency, allowing low-temperature heat sources to be competitive with hydrocarbon-based energy resources, achieving higher conversion efficiencies compared to conventional cycles.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion the heat transferred from the first vapor to the second vapor is comprised of a latent heat of vaporization of the first working fluid
Implementation Method 2
Heat engines use energy provided in the form of heat to perform mechanical work
Implementation Method 3
The vapor and condensation are then passed to a condenser 308 where the vapor is condensed or cooled to remove heat (Qout3) at a constant pressure to become a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400, 1100) and apparatus (500, 1200) for producing work from heat includes a boiler (510) which is configured for heating a pressurized flow of a first working fluid (F1) to form of a first vapor. A compressor (502) compresses a second working fluid (F2) in the form of a second vapor. A mixing chamber (504) receives the first and second vapor and transfers thermal energy directly from the first vapor to the second vapor. The thermal energy that is transferred from the first vapor to the second vapor will generally include at least a portion of a latent heat of vaporization of the first working fluid. An expander (506) is arranged to expand a mixture of the first and second vapor received from the mixing chamber, thereby performing useful work after or during the transferring operation. The process is closed and enables recirculation and therefore recycling of thermal energy that is normally unused in conventional cycle approaches.