Hybrid DC Link Power Supply for ORC-Driven Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermodynamic cycle devices, such as Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) processes, face challenges in providing a stable electrical supply to fans used for cooling, leading to inefficiencies and compliance issues with grid feed-in requirements, as the power consumption of these fans is not always matched by the energy generated by the ORC process.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that incorporate a thermodynamic cycle device connected to an electric generator, a voltage converter, and a control system allowing the use of DC voltage from the generator to power electromechanical energy converters like fans, with the option to draw additional power from the public grid when needed, and to avoid feeding excess energy back into the grid by reducing heat flow or efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the fan is supplied with electrical energy via a thermodynamic cycle (ORC process), then energy consumption is minimized, but the electrical supply stability deteriorates because the power consumption of fans is not always matched by the energy generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ORC power generation system with the fan drive system into a unified power supply architecture. The DC link serves as a common energy interface where both the ORC generator and fan motor connect, allowing direct coupling of power generation and consumption while enabling auxiliary power supply integration for stability assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a DC link as an intermediary energy interface between the ORC generator and the fan motor. This DC link acts as a buffer and coordination point, allowing the system to manage power flow dynamically and integrate auxiliary power supplies when needed, thus resolving the mismatch between generated and consumed power.
2Loss of energy
If excess energy from the ORC process is fed back into the public grid, then energy utilization is improved, but compliance requirements increase due to feed-in regulations and system certification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess energy management function from the public grid feed-in system and redirects it to local consumption. Instead of feeding excess power into the grid and dealing with compliance requirements, the system draws additional power from the auxiliary supply to cover any deficit, thereby eliminating the need for grid feed-in compliance while maintaining energy balance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fan speed is controlled solely by the ORC process power availability, then energy efficiency is maximized, but operational reliability deteriorates because additional power must be available from the public grid to ensure continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply architecture where the fan speed control transitions from being solely ORC-dependent to a hybrid control mode. The system dynamically switches between ORC power and auxiliary power supply based on availability, allowing the fan to maintain operational reliability while preserving energy efficiency through intelligent power management.
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 solution ensures reliable operation of fans independent of the ORC process, reduces energy consumption, and avoids grid injection requirements, thereby enhancing system reliability and efficiency while adhering to regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator (20), which is connected to a shaft (35) of an expansion machine (30) of a thermodynamic cycle device and is rotatable together with the shaft (35)
Implementation Method 2
a thermodynamic cycle device; an electric generator which is connected to a shaft of an expansion machine of the thermodynamic cycle device
Implementation Method 3
in which the working fluid is preheated, evaporated, and optionally superheated by the addition of heat
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 1B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention discloses a device for operating an electromechanical energy converter, for example a fan or a pump; wherein the device comprises: a thermodynamic cycle device; an electric generator connected to a shaft of an expansion machine of the thermodynamic cycle device and rotatable together with the shaft; wherein the generator is electrically connected to a first voltage converter, the first voltage converter is electrically connected to a DC link, and the DC link is electrically connectable to the electromechanical energy converter for operating it; wherein the first voltage converter is configured to convert a first AC voltage of the electric generator into a DC voltage;and wherein the DC link can be connected to an auxiliary electrical power supply, in particular a public power grid. The device further comprises a control device (60) for regulating the electrical energy supplied to the electromechanical energy converter, so that the electromechanical energy converter can be operated at a predetermined speed, wherein the control device is configured to regulate the electrical energy supplied to the electromechanical energy converter from the generator and, if the electrical energy provided by the generator is insufficient, to regulate the electrical energy supplied to the electromechanical energy converter from the auxiliary power supply. The invention further discloses a corresponding method for operating an electromechanical energy converter.