Rankine Cycle Receiver Positioning for Compact Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Rankine cycle waste heat recovery systems, the limited space in engine compartments poses a challenge for the optimal positioning of the receiver, which is typically higher than the sub-cooler, making it difficult to achieve efficient fluid management and energy recovery.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system is implemented where the receiver is positioned with a lower liquid working fluid level than the sub-cooler, utilizing a conversion device bypass valve to control fluid flow and maintain optimal fluid levels, allowing for efficient energy conversion and waste heat recovery while addressing packaging constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the receiver is positioned higher than the sub-cooler to enable gravity feeding, then fluid management is simplified, but the system cannot be integrated into engine compartments with limited vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional receiver-subcooler vertical arrangement. Instead of positioning the receiver above the subcooler for gravity feeding, the receiver is positioned at the same level or below the subcooler. This inversion resolves the space constraint while maintaining fluid management through alternative means (pump systems and level control valves).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical feeding system with an electrically-controlled pump system. The pump actively manages fluid transfer between the receiver and subcooler, eliminating the need for vertical positioning and enabling flexible integration into compact engine compartments.
2Volume of moving object
If the receiver is positioned lower than the sub-cooler to fit engine compartment space, then packaging constraints are satisfied, but gravity feeding of the sub-cooler is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive gravity feeding with an active electric pump system that can operate effectively regardless of vertical positioning. The pump maintains reliable fluid transfer from the receiver to the subcooler even when the receiver is positioned at the same level or below, enabling compact integration without compromising fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates fluid level sensors and control systems that monitor and regulate fluid levels in the receiver and subcooler. This feedback mechanism ensures proper fluid management by controlling pump operation and level control valves, maintaining system reliability independent of vertical arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional receiver-subcooler arrangement is used, then gravity feeding works effectively, but the system lacks adaptability to different engine compartment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static gravity-dependent arrangement into a dynamic system with controllable pump and valve operations. This dynamic configuration can adapt to various engine compartment layouts, allowing flexible positioning of components while maintaining efficient fluid management through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from gravity-driven flow to pump-driven flow. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different vertical configurations and engine compartment designs, providing versatility in integration while maintaining fluid feeding efficiency through controlled pump operation.
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 configuration ensures efficient fluid management and energy conversion by maintaining optimal fluid levels in the system, enhancing the thermal efficiency of internal combustion engines and facilitating easier integration into engine compartments.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a pump to receive the liquid working fluid and operable to transfer heat from a heat source to the liquid working fluid to convert the liquid working fluid to the vaporized working fluid
Implementation Method 2
The vaporized working fluid flowing from the heat exchanger forces the liquid working fluid to flow from the receiver to the sub-cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system uses a receiver with a maximum liquid working fluid level lower than the minimum liquid working fluid level of a sub-cooler of the waste heat recovery system. The receiver may have a position that is physically lower than the sub-cooler's position. A valve controls transfer of fluid between several of the components in the waste heat recovery system, especially from the receiver to the sub-cooler. The system may also have an associated control module.