Multi-Pass Recirculation in Fluid Working Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid working apparatuses, such as turbo-expanders and compressors, have limitations in maximizing work output due to single-pass fluid flow through rotors and stators, which restricts their capacity to convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-pass recirculation system where the working fluid passes through a housing with multiple return assemblies, allowing it to engage multiple subsets of rotor blades, thereby increasing the number of stages and enhancing work output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single-pass fluid flow system is used through rotors and stators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the work output and energy conversion efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is segmented into multiple passes through the rotor, with return assemblies directing fluid between different rotor blade subsets. This segmentation allows the fluid to engage multiple blade subsets sequentially, increasing work output without requiring multiple complete rotor stages
Solution Approach 2:
The return assemblies are nested within the housing structure, with fluid being returned from outlet regions back to inlet regions of the same rotor. This nested configuration allows multi-pass flow within a single rotor footprint, increasing work output while avoiding the need for additional rotor assemblies
2Power
If multiple rotor stages are added to increase work output, then the power increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single rotor assembly performs the work of multiple stages by having fluid pass through different blade subsets multiple times. The same rotor blades engage the fluid in sequential passes, eliminating the need for multiple precisely-manufactured rotor stages while achieving the same cumulative work output
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stage functions are merged into a single rotor assembly through the multi-pass flow path. The return assemblies combine the function of multiple stator-diffuser packages into a single integrated system, reducing the number of precision-manufactured components while maintaining work output
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 results in a significant increase in work output, achieving up to 50% more work compared to traditional single-stage turbo-expanders with equivalent flow rates, while also simplifying construction and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a turbo-expander is a machine which continuously converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy by harnessing the pressure and heat of pressurized fluid to rotate a shaft
Implementation Method 2
At least one return assembly is configured to return fluid flow from the outlet side of the working assembly to the inlet side of the working assembly
Implementation Method 3
As the fluid passes through a given stage, the fluid expands and exerts a force to rotate the rotor 12
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid working apparatus (100) including a housing structure (130) with an inlet (132) and an outlet (133). A working assembly positioned in the housing (130) has an inlet side and an outlet side with the at least one rotor (114) having a plurality of blades (115) positioned between the inlet and outlet sides. At least one return assembly (140, 142) is configured to return fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet side of the working assembly whereby a working fluid passes through the housing inlet (132), from the inlet side of the working assembly to the outlet side thereof while workingly engaging a first subset of the rotor blades (115), through the at least one return assembly (140, 142), from the inlet side of the working assembly to the outlet side thereof while workingly engaging a second subset of the rotor blades (115), and out of the housing outlet (133). A method of working a fluid is also provided.