Variable Volume Device for ORC Pressure Equilibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
ORC systems are prone to contamination due to changes in internal pressure, allowing ingress of contaminants like air, which reduces efficiency and damages components, and existing purge systems are costly and do not address the source of contamination effectively.
Innovation Solution
An ORC system with a pressure equilibrating unit comprising a condenser, a variable volume device, and a valve unit that adjusts fluid flow based on pressure changes to maintain stable pressure and prevent contamination, without requiring additional infrastructure or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purge systems are used to remove contaminants from the working fluid, then contamination is reduced, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional infrastructure and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the purge system infrastructure from the ORC system, eliminating the need for additional equipment while maintaining contamination control through pressure management alone
Solution Approach 2:
The ORC system maintains its own pressure balance through the variable volume condenser, enabling self-protection against contamination without requiring external purge systems or additional control infrastructure
2Reliability
If purge systems are implemented to address contamination, then working fluid purity is improved, but maintenance time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable volume condenser maintains positive pressure in advance to prevent contaminant ingress, eliminating the need for subsequent purge operations and reducing maintenance requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure changes occur in the ORC system, then system operation is flexible, but contaminant ingress increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser volume dynamically adjusts in response to pressure changes, automatically maintaining positive pressure to prevent contamination while accommodating operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure feedback through the variable volume condenser that responds to pressure changes by adjusting volume, maintaining positive pressure to prevent contaminant ingress while allowing operational flexibility
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 system effectively reduces contamination by maintaining stable pressure within the ORC system, preventing ingress of contaminants and maintaining operation without the need for costly purge systems or additional equipment, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the volume changes from a first volume to a second volume in response to a change in the pressure of the integrated system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an ORC system can be configured to reduce ingress of contaminants from the ambient environment. In one embodiment, the ORC system can comprise a pressure equilibrating unit that comprises a variable volume device for holding a working fluid. The variable volume device can be fluidly coupled to a condenser so that working fluid can move amongst the condenser and the variable volume device. This movement can occur in response to changes in the pressure of the working fluid in the ORC system, and in one example the working fluid is allowed to move when the pressure deviates from atmospheric pressure.