ORC Heat Coupling Subsystem for Anaerobic Digestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems face inefficiencies in converting waste heat into mechanical or electric power due to energy loss during the condensation process, and they often require additional energy for cooling, which detracts from overall system efficiency and increases operational costs.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a heat coupling subsystem that transfers heat energy from the ORC system to an anaerobic digestion process, optimizing biogas production and reducing the need for supplemental heating systems, while also providing cooling for the ORC system, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If waste heat is used to drive ORC systems for power generation, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but additional cooling energy is required which increases operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcooling energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ORC power generation system with an anaerobic digestion system by integrating a heat exchanger that transfers waste heat from the ORC condenser to the anaerobic digestion reactor. This merging allows the waste heat that would otherwise require active cooling to be reused for maintaining the digestion temperature, thereby reducing cooling energy consumption while preserving power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the ORC system into a beneficial resource by using it to thermally sustain the anaerobic digestion process. The heat exchanger captures thermal energy from the ORC condenser outlet and transfers it to the digestion reactor, transforming what was previously a cooling burden into a useful thermal input that reduces operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Productivity

If supplemental heating systems are installed to maintain anaerobic digestion temperatures, then biogas production efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiogas production efficiencyVSAvoidheating system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service heating solution where the ORC system's own waste heat is used to maintain the anaerobic digestion temperature. The heat exchanger creates a self-sustaining thermal loop where the ORC condenser outlet heat directly supports the digestion process, eliminating the need for external supplemental heating systems and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ORC system serves multiple functions: it generates power from waste heat while simultaneously providing thermal support for the anaerobic digestion process through the integrated heat exchanger. This multi-functionality allows a single system component to address both power generation and digestion temperature maintenance, reducing the need for separate heating equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 increases the efficiency of biogas production and reduces energy costs by utilizing waste heat from ORC systems to maintain anaerobic digestion temperatures, eliminating the need for additional heating systems and minimizing energy consumption for cooling, resulting in a more economical and environmentally friendly energy conversion process.

Implementation Method 1

a heat coupling subsystem that transfers heat energy from the ORC system to an anaerobic digestion process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

converting waste heat into mechanical or electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrganic Rankine cycle: Rankine Cycle

Implementation Method 3

an anaerobic digestion process which can utilize ORC heat energy to maintain the temperature for the anaerobic process to take place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnaerobic digestion: Anaerobic Digestion

Data Source

PatentUS10247045B2Heat utilization in ORC systems

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 BITZER US INC

AI summary

Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the improved use of waste heat recovery systems which utilize the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to generate mechanical and/or electric power from heat sources generating power from byproducts of water purification process(es). Waste heat energy obtained from heat source(s) is provided to one or more ORC system(s) which may be operatively coupled to electric generator(s). A heat coupling subsystem provides the requisite condensation of ORC working fluid by transferring heat from ORC working fluid to one or more other process(es) or system(s), such as anaerobic digester tank(s), to provide heat energy that enhances the production of fuel for the prime mover(s) without requiring the consumption of additional energy for that purpose.