Rankine Loop Energy Recovery Bypass Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Rankine loop energy recovery devices face challenges in situations where the power available at the exhaust line is insufficient, such as when starting a cold engine, and require a compact solution to effectively recover energy.
Innovation Solution
A Rankine loop energy recovery device with a bypass circuit and a passive non-return valve that controls fluid flow based on available power, allowing the fluid to bypass the expansion member when power is low and preventing bypass when power exceeds a threshold, utilizing an electric generator to manage the transmission and fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric control is fixed to the casing of the expansion device, then the control function is achieved, but space problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control means are integrated directly into the expansion member rather than being fixed to the casing, merging the control function with the expansion mechanism to reduce overall device volume and eliminate space problems
2Loss of energy
If the Rankine loop device is used to recover energy from exhaust gases, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the device becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control means are merged with the expansion member, and the bypass circuit is integrated into the expansion device, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining energy recovery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion member serves multiple functions: it expands the working fluid to generate mechanical energy and simultaneously houses the control means, making the component multi-functional and reducing system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bypass circuit is separate from the expansion device, then the fluid can bypass during low power, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass circuit is integrated into the expansion device housing, with the internal passage formed within the expansion member structure itself, combining the bypass function with the expansion device to maintain compact volume while enabling fluid bypass capability
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 efficient energy recovery by allowing fluid to bypass the expansion member during low power conditions, preventing energy loss and maintaining a compact device design.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure of the fluid in the loop increases until it exerts a force on the valve higher than the determined calibration force, the valve then opening to allow passage of the fluid into the bypass circuit
Implementation Method 2
an expansion member arranged in the loop capable of transforming energy originating from the expansion of the fluid into mechanical energy
Implementation Method 3
an electric generator cooperating with the transmission means to convert the mechanical energy produced by the expansion member into electric energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy recovery device comprising: - a heat exchange loop (6) in which a working fluid (7) circulates, - an expansion member (9) disposed in the loop (6), - a bypass circuit (15) of the expansion member (9), - means for transmitting the energy produced by the expansion member (9), - means for blocking the transmission means, - control means (17) of the blocking means, - a valve (16) disposed in the bypass circuit (15), - The control means and the valve (16) being designed to cooperate so that: when the control means do not block the transmission means, the valve (16) is closed to prevent the passage of the fluid (7) in the circuit (15), when the control means block the transmission means, the valve (16) is open to allow the passage of the fluid (7) in the circuit (15).