Rankine Cycle Gas Extraction Using Pressure-Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of gases, such as air, in a closed Rankine cycle circuit degrades the performance and efficiency of the system by reducing the effectiveness of the work fluid and complicates the process of guiding air to the relaxation machine, leading to reduced overall yield.
Innovation Solution
A gas detection and extraction process that includes a gaseous fluid extraction equipment with a pump, valve control, and sensors to detect and extract air or other gases from the circuit, particularly at its highest point, ensuring the circuit operates without air and maintaining optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If air or other gases are present in the closed Rankine cycle circuit, then the circuit can be simpler to fill and operate, but the performance and efficiency of the work fluid is reduced and overall yield degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the presence of air or gases in the circuit before they can significantly degrade performance. The detection means monitor pressure and temperature to identify gas accumulation early, allowing extraction before the gas adversely affects the work fluid performance and overall yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful presence of air or gases into a beneficial detection opportunity. By using pressure and temperature measurements that would normally just monitor circuit conditions, the system identifies gas presence and triggers extraction, turning a potential performance-degrading condition into a controllable parameter.
2Reliability
If air is detected and directed to the relaxation machine as in prior art, then air presence is addressed, but the closed circuit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing air or gases from the closed Rankine cycle circuit through a dedicated extraction means. This separate extraction system allows for effective air removal without integrating complex guidance mechanisms into the main circuit, thereby maintaining circuit simplicity while achieving reliable air removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing detection means that monitor pressure and temperature to identify gas presence. This intermediary detection system triggers the extraction process without requiring direct complex integration between the main circuit and air removal mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If gas extraction equipment is activated during work fluid circulation, then gases can be removed dynamically, but the extraction equipment may not function properly at high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the extraction equipment activatable during work fluid circulation rather than requiring the circuit to be static. The system dynamically adjusts operation based on detected gas presence, allowing continuous monitoring and extraction capability while adapting to varying circulation conditions to maintain both productivity and reliability.
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 process effectively removes air from the circuit, allowing the Rankine cycle to function efficiently by eliminating gas interference, thus enhancing the system's performance and simplifying the operation by ensuring a gas-free environment at all times.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to compress the work fluid in liquid form
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger (or evaporator) which is swept by a hot fluid to carry out the vaporization
Implementation Method 3
This vapor is then relaxed, during another step, in an isentropic way in a relaxation machine
Implementation Method 4
this relaxed vapor is cooled and condensed in contact with a cold source
Implementation Method 5
to transform this steam into a liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for detecting and extracting gaseous fluid contained in a closed circuit (10) functioning according to a Rankine cycle, said circuit comprising a plurality of constituents with, successively, a pump (12) for circulating and compressing a working fluid, a heat exchanger (18) associated with a hot source (24), an expansion machine (30), a cooling exchanger (40), a tank (46) of working fluid and circulation pipes (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) linking these constituents. The invention involves: - measuring the temperature (Tréelle) and the pressure (Préelle) of the working fluid at a point in the circuit when said circuit is at rest, and - when the measured pressure (Préelle) exceeds a threshold value (Pliquide saturé) for a given ambient temperature (T), activating a device (62) for extracting the gaseous fluid in order to discharge it from the circuit.