Liquid Separator for Turbine Protection in Rankine Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of liquid slugs in the working fluid reduces the efficiency of turbine systems used to generate electrical energy from gaseous fluid expansion, as they can cause erosion and damage to the turbine generator apparatus.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid separator upstream of the turbine generator apparatus in a Rankine cycle to separate and remove a substantial portion of liquid state droplets or slugs from the gaseous state working fluid, protecting the apparatus and improving system stability during transient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid separator is added upstream of turbine generator apparatus, then turbine protection from liquid damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid separator is positioned upstream of the turbine generator apparatus to perform liquid removal before the fluid reaches the turbine. This preliminary action prevents liquid slugs from entering the turbine, protecting it from damage while maintaining system reliability without requiring complex protective mechanisms downstream.
2Productivity
If liquid separator is added to remove liquid slugs, then turbine efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid separator performs the necessary liquid removal operation before the fluid enters the turbine generator apparatus. By taking this action in advance, the system ensures that only gas-phase fluid reaches the turbine, maximizing turbine efficiency without requiring complex liquid management systems within the turbine itself.
3Loss of energy
If liquid separator is installed in Rankine cycle, then conversion efficiency of waste heat to electrical energy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid separator is integrated into the Rankine cycle system upstream of the turbine generator apparatus to remove liquid slugs before the working fluid enters the turbine. This preliminary separation ensures that the expansion process in the turbine occurs with predominantly gas-phase fluid, improving the efficiency of waste heat to electrical energy conversion while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 liquid separator effectively protects the turbine generator apparatus from damage, enhances system stability, and maintains efficiency by ensuring only the gaseous state fluid is used for energy generation, thereby improving power output and extending the system's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid separator may separate the liquid state portion of the working fluid from the gaseous state portion of the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a turbine wheel that is rotatable in response to expansion of the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of a fluid expansion system can be used with the working fluid in a Rankine cycle. For example, the fluid expansion system can be used in a Rankine cycle to recover heat from one of a number of commercial applications and to convert that heat energy into electrical energy. In particular embodiments, the fluid expansion system may include a turbine generator apparatus to generate electrical energy and a liquid separator arranged upstream of the turbine generator apparatus.