Nozzle Module Pressure Gradient for Fluid Jet Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Energy converters, such as thermal power plants, face inefficiencies due to the energy required for separating and combining fluids to generate high-energy fluid jets, which reduces the overall efficiency of the power plant.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle module design with a first nozzle for propellant fluid and an inlet opening for suction fluid, utilizing a pressure gradient to accelerate the suction fluid and transfer energy to the propellant fluid, enhancing the energy and flow rate of the motive fluid, while also simplifying the device structure and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex devices and technologies are used for separating and combining fluids, then the reliability of fluid separation and combination is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of fluid separation and combinationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the separation and combination of fluids into a single integrated mixing chamber design, eliminating the need for separate complex devices. The mixing chamber geometry itself performs both functions through its specific structural configuration, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing chamber is designed to automatically separate and combine fluids based on pressure gradients and flow dynamics without requiring additional control mechanisms or complex auxiliary devices. The system uses the inherent properties of the fluids and the chamber geometry to achieve reliable separation and combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If energy is consumed for pumping fluids to generate high-energy jets, then the flow rate and temperature of the fluid jet are improved, but the energy efficiency of the power plant decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate of fluid jetVSAvoidenergy efficiency of power plant
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the pressure difference, which would normally represent energy loss, into a beneficial force that accelerates the suction fluid. The pressure gradient that exists after fluid combination is utilized to drive the mixing process and accelerate the jet, transforming what would be waste energy into useful kinetic energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameters within the mixing chamber to create a favorable pressure gradient. By designing the chamber geometry to produce higher pressure in the suction fluid introduction area compared to the propellant fluid area, the system achieves automatic acceleration of the suction fluid without additional pumping energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If energy is consumed for pumping fluids to generate high-energy jets, then the temperature of the fluid jet is improved, but the energy efficiency of the power plant decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of fluid jetVSAvoidenergy efficiency of power plant
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the suction fluid as it accelerates through the pressure gradient. The fluid undergoes adiabatic expansion and cooling as it moves from high to low pressure regions, which can induce phase changes that contribute to the thermal characteristics of the final jet while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 nozzle module increases the efficiency of the power plant by energically enriching the propellant fluid, leading to improved temperature and flow rate of the fluid jet, thus enhancing energy production with minimal energy input and reducing material fatigue.

Implementation Method 1

a gas pressure in the mixing chamber in an area after the first nozzle is lower than a gas pressure in the mixing chamber in an area after the introduction opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Due to the higher vapor pressure of the suction fluid, this evaporates more easily than the propellant fluid and can be present in gaseous form after flowing through the inlet opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor pressure: Vapour Pressure

Implementation Method 3

the propellant fluid and the suction fluid are combined, with energy from the suction fluid being transferred to the propellant fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy transfer through fluid mixing:

Data Source

PatentEP2978940B1Nozzle module for an energy converter
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 BOSCHER MATTHIAS
  • EP2978940B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2978940B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a nozzle module (1) for an energy converter, in particular for a power plant, comprising a first nozzle (2) for introducing a propellant fluid into a mixing chamber (3) and an introduction opening (4) for introducing a suction fluid into the mixing chamber (3), wherein the mixing chamber (3) has a geometry for the flow-intensifying combination of the propellant fluid and the suction fluid in the mixing chamber (3). In order to specify a nozzle module (1) which effects an increase in the efficiency of the power plant, a vapor pressure of the propellant fluid before the first nozzle (2) according to the invention is lower than a vapor pressure of the suction fluid before the introduction opening (4), and a gas pressure in the mixing chamber (3) in a region (6) after the first nozzle (2) is lower than a gas pressure in the mixing chamber (3) in a region (7) after the introduction opening (4).