Multi-Pass Recirculation Rotor for Turbo-Expander Work Output
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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 design introduces 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 by re-circulating the fluid multiple times through the rotor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If single-pass fluid flow through rotor and stator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but work output and energy conversion capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is segmented into multiple passes through the rotor assembly. The return assembly divides the flow into different subsets of rotor blades, allowing the fluid to engage with multiple blade subsets sequentially. This segmentation enables increased work output by utilizing more rotor blades across multiple passes rather than a single pass through all blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The return assembly is nested within the housing structure, creating a compact multi-pass flow path. The return assembly returns fluid from the outlet side to the inlet side of the working assembly, nesting the return path within the overall device structure. This allows multiple stages of work extraction without proportionally increasing external device dimensions.
2Power
If fluid passes through each stage a single time, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but capacity to convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid performs continuous useful work by passing through the rotor assembly multiple times. Instead of a single brief interaction, the fluid continuously engages with different subsets of rotor blades across multiple passes, maximizing the conversion of kinetic energy into mechanical energy. The return assembly ensures continuous circulation and repeated work extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically utilizes different subsets of rotor blades across multiple passes. The return assembly directs fluid to engage with specific blade subsets in sequence, creating a dynamic multi-stage work extraction process. This dynamic approach allows flexible utilization of rotor blade resources to maximize energy conversion.
3Productivity
If multi-pass recirculation system is implemented, then work output increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return assembly merges the outlet flow with the inlet flow path, creating a unified multi-pass circulation system. By combining the forward pass through the rotor with the return path, the system achieves multi-stage work extraction in a integrated structure rather than separate sequential stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The return assembly serves multiple functions: it returns fluid from outlet to inlet, directs fluid to specific rotor blade subsets, and enables multi-pass circulation. This multi-functional component achieves increased productivity without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 configuration results in a significant increase in work output, achieving up to 50% more mechanical energy conversion compared to traditional single-stage systems, with simpler and less costly construction, while accommodating larger blade areas for efficient low-pressure fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
a working assembly positioned in the housing with a rotor thereof rotatably supported in the housing structure. The working assembly has an inlet side and an opposite outlet side with the at least one rotor having a plurality of blades positioned between the inlet and outlet sides
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
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid working apparatus (100) having an inlet side and an outlet side with the at least one rotor (114) having a plurality of blades (115) positioned in the housing. A circumferential inlet area is defined on the inlet side of the rotor (114) and a circumferential outlet area is defined on the outlet side of the rotor (116). At least one return assembly (140, 142) is configured to return fluid flow from the outlet side of the rotor (114) to a circumferentially offset portion of the circumferential inlet area on the inlet side of the rotor (114) whereby a working fluid workingly engages a second subset of the rotor blades (115) before exiting the housing outlet (133). A method of working a fluid is also provided.