Induction Heating Coil for Working Fluid Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems fail to effectively utilize waste heat energy generated from renewable sources for mechanical or electrical energy conversion, leading to inefficiencies and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A working-fluid generator system utilizing induction heating with an induction coil and heat-transfer rods, coupled with solenoid and air-release valves, to rapidly convert liquid fluid to a working fluid for mechanical or electrical energy generation, leveraging renewable energy sources for preheating and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heating methods are used to convert liquid fluid to gaseous state, then energy conversion can occur, but the heating process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal conduction heating with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the electrically conductive vessel, converting electromagnetic energy directly into heat within the vessel walls, which then rapidly heats the fluid. This substitution of heating mechanism dramatically increases heating rate while reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to gas (steam) as the core working mechanism. By rapidly heating the liquid fluid to its boiling point and converting it to gaseous state, the system generates high-pressure steam that drives the steam engine. The phase transition enables efficient energy conversion and mechanical work extraction.
2Loss of energy
If waste heat is not utilized, then system complexity remains low, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat energy, which would normally be discarded, into a useful resource for preheating the liquid fluid before induction heating. The steam engine exhausts low-pressure steam that is redirected to preheat the water in the vessel, reducing the energy input required for the main heating process and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified system: the induction heating system converts electrical energy to thermal energy, the phase change system converts water to steam, the steam engine converts thermal energy to mechanical energy, and the waste heat recovery system feeds exhaust steam back into the process. This integration creates a closed-loop system that maximizes energy utilization.
3Productivity
If rapid heating is achieved through induction heating, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically conductive vessel as an intermediary between the induction coil and the liquid fluid. The vessel acts as a heat transfer medium that absorbs electromagnetic energy through eddy currents and efficiently distributes heat to the fluid through conduction and convection. This intermediary enables rapid and uniform heating while simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameters by using high-frequency alternating current in the induction coil, which generates a rapidly alternating magnetic field. This high-frequency operation enables rapid heating rates. Additionally, the system controls the heating process by adjusting electrical parameters (current, frequency) rather than mechanical parameters, enabling precise and rapid temperature control.
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 efficiently converts waste heat to mechanical or electrical energy by rapidly heating fluid to a gaseous state, enabling effective energy utilization and reducing waste heat, with the ability to power steam-driven motors and generators.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heater consists of an electromagnet and an electric oscillator that passes a high-frequency alternating current (AC) through the electromagnet, producing a rapidly alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The rapidly alternating magnetic field is directed through a working coil toward the electrically conducting object, penetrating the electrically conducting object. This generates the electric eddy currents inside the electrically conducting object
Implementation Method 3
The eddy currents flowing through the material encounter the material's resistance, resulting in joule heating of the material
Implementation Method 4
A working fluid is generated by rapidly heating a contained fluid to a gaseous state
Implementation Method 5
When the steam is expanded through at least one piston or turbine, the energy is transformed into mechanical work
Data Source
AI summary
A working-fluid generator comprising an electrically conductive vessel that is surrounded by an inductive coil and has conductive, longitudinal members that extend through the vessel. A fluid inlet passes through a one-way valve. Fluid heated by the interaction between the inductive coil and the combination of conductive vessel and conductive, longitudinal members is converted to working fluid in the form of a gas that builds pressure in the air-filled space inside the vessel. Air in the pressurized gas is released through a valve, leaving a working fluid. This fluid is controllably released through a solenoid valve and into a conduit leading to a working-fluid-driven machine. A renewable-energy resource may be used to preheat the fluid to be introduced to the working-fluid generator.