Multi-Plate Vaporization Device for Cryogenic Fuel Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of cryogenically stored liquids as fuels for engines and power generation systems presents challenges such as inefficient heat exchange, temperature control issues, icing, and regulation of inter-related components.
Innovation Solution
A vaporization device comprising a liquid input, a gas output, and one or more plates arranged below the liquid input, which vaporizes the liquid and generates gas that exits through the gas output. The device includes a conduit carrying a heat source, such as engine coolant, and the plates are mounted on this conduit to receive heat for efficient vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If cryogenically stored liquid is used as fuel, then energy density is improved, but temperature control and heat exchange efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporization process is segmented into multiple stages using a multi-plate heat exchanger structure. Each plate provides a separate heating surface, allowing incremental vaporization and better temperature control of the cryogenic liquid as it passes through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transfer fluid (intermediary substance) is introduced as a mediator between the heat source and the cryogenic liquid. This intermediary carries thermal energy from the heat source to the plates, enabling efficient and controlled heat exchange without direct contact between the heat source and cryogenic fuel.
2Quantity of substance
If cryogenically stored liquid is vaporized, then fuel availability is improved, but icing and heat exchange efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the cryogenic liquid as it passes through the multi-plate heat exchanger before complete vaporization. This preliminary action gradually raises the temperature, preventing sudden phase changes that would cause icing in downstream components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cold temperature of the cryogenic liquid, which initially causes icing problems, is converted into a benefit by using it to pre-cool the heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger. This recovers cooling energy and reduces the overall thermal load, preventing icing while improving efficiency.
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 solution effectively vaporizes cryogenically stored liquids, providing efficient heat exchange and temperature control, thereby addressing the challenges associated with using cryogenic fuels, including minimizing the risk of icing and optimizing engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
the vaporization means are mounted on the central conduit and configured to receive heat from the central conduit
Implementation Method 2
generate gas by vaporizing the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for vaporization with a device comprising a liquid input, a gas output, and one or more plates arranged below the liquid input. The one or more plates are configured to receive liquid in droplet form from the liquid input and generate gas by vaporizing the droplets, and the generated gas exits the device via the gas output. The device may include a conduit, such as a pipe carrying a fluid such as engine coolant or other heat source, where the one or more plates are mounted on the conduit or heat source.