Membrane-Based Non-Condensable Gas Removal in Closed Loop Power Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing non-condensable gases from closed-loop power generation processes, especially those operating under vacuum, often result in the unacceptably high removal of volatile working fluids and solvents, and require costly vacuum pumps, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a vessel with a membrane or diaphragm that separates non-condensable gases from volatile working fluids, allowing selective absorption and venting of gases at higher pressures, reducing the loss of volatile materials and eliminating the need for vacuum pumps by using a pressure increase to facilitate gas removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum pumps are used to remove non-condensable gases from processes operating under vacuum, then non-condensable gases can be removed effectively, but volatile working fluids are also removed at unacceptably high rates and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane separates the condensation chamber into a first chamber (exposed to process fluid) and a second chamber (exposed to vacuum). The membrane is permeable to non-condensable gases but impermeable to volatile working fluids, enabling selective removal of non-condensable gases without losing volatile components to the vacuum environment
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation chamber is divided into multiple chambers by the membrane - a first chamber for condensation of volatile working fluid and a second chamber under vacuum for collecting non-condensable gases. This segmentation allows independent control of each chamber's function and prevents mixing of volatile fluids with the vacuum environment
2Reliability
If vacuum pumps are used to remove non-condensable gases, then gas removal is achieved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure enables the system to self-regulate gas removal without requiring external vacuum pumps. Non-condensable gases automatically permeate through the membrane to the second chamber where they are collected and removed via a simple valve, eliminating the need for complex vacuum pumping equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic vacuum pump is extracted from the system and replaced with a passive membrane-based separation mechanism. Only a simple valve for gas removal from the second chamber is needed, dramatically simplifying the equipment while maintaining effective non-condensable gas removal
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 method effectively removes non-condensable gases while minimizing the loss of volatile working fluids and solvents, operating economically and without the need for vacuum pumps, enhancing the efficiency of power generation processes by maintaining the integrity of the working fluids within the cycle.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a vessel with a membrane or diaphragm that separates non-condensable gases from volatile working fluids
Implementation Method 2
residual gas comprising CO2, non-condensable gas, water and alkaline materials including amines may be compressed by raising the liquid level in said vessel. The concurrent pressure increase leads to the selective absorption of CO2 by alkaline materials
Implementation Method 3
residual gas comprising CO2, non-condensable gas, water and alkaline materials including amines may be compressed by raising the liquid level in said vessel
Implementation Method 4
This in order to increase the condensation of volatile working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method which allows the ejection of non-condensable gases, notably air, from a closed loop power generation process or heat pump system, is disclosed. A vessel in which a working fluid is absorbed or condensed can be separated from the power generation processes by valves. Residual gas comprising C02, non-condensable gas such as air, water and alkaline materials including amines may be compressed by raising the liquid level in said vessel. The concurrent pressure increase leads to the selective absorption of C02 by alkaline materials. In simpler embodiments, mainly air is removed from one- or two-component processes. Following the compression, non-condensable gas may be vented, optionally through a filter. The method is simple and economic as vacuum pumps may be omitted. The method is useful for any power generation and Rankine cycle, and particularly useful for the power generation process known as C3 or Carbon Carrier Cycle.