Reactive Working Fluids Using Reversible Monomer-Dimer Equilibrium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermodynamic machines face inefficiencies due to irreversible side reactions of organic working fluids outside their thermal stability range, leading to decreased performance and increased operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A reactive working fluid comprising a monomer/dimer couple that reversibly associates and dissociates through covalent bond formation and breakage during thermodynamic cycles, optimizing energy conversion processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If organic working fluids are used outside their thermal stability range, then the thermodynamic machine can operate in broader temperature conditions, but irreversible side reactions occur leading to decreased efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the reversible association-dissociation equilibrium of monomer/dimer couples. The equilibrium position shifts with temperature changes, allowing the working fluid to adapt to different temperature ranges. At higher temperatures, dissociation dominates enabling operation above traditional stability limits, while at lower temperatures association provides stability, thus expanding the operating temperature range without incurring irreversible side reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by employing a working fluid whose chemical composition dynamically adjusts during the thermodynamic cycle. The monomer/dimer equilibrium constantly shifts in response to temperature and pressure changes throughout the cycle, allowing the fluid to optimize its properties for each phase of operation. This dynamic adaptation enables efficient operation across broader temperature conditions while preventing irreversible degradation.
2Reliability
If traditional organic working fluids are used, then the system operates with established fluid properties, but irreversible side reactions form new compounds decreasing machine efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a working fluid that automatically maintains its own chemical stability through the reversible monomer/dimer equilibrium. The system self-regulates to prevent irreversible side reactions: when conditions favor dissociation, the equilibrium shifts to prevent degradation products, and when conditions favor association, the equilibrium maintains stable dimer forms. This self-regulating mechanism ensures both chemical stability and sustained high efficiency without external intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working fluid undergoes irreversible side reactions, then new compounds are formed, but the efficiency of the thermodynamic machine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by utilizing the cyclic association-dissociation behavior of the monomer/dimer couple that synchronizes with the thermodynamic cycle. The working fluid periodically associates during compression and condensation phases, and periodically dissociates during expansion and evaporation phases. This periodic chemical transformation is reversible and synchronized with mechanical cycles, enabling adaptable operation while maintaining energy efficiency through controlled, reversible chemistry rather than irreversible side reactions.
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
Enhances thermodynamic machine efficiency by reducing energy requirements and increasing performance through reversible chemical reactions during compression, cooling, expansion, and heating phases.
Implementation Method 1
The monomer/dimer couple is capable of reversibly associating/dissociating, during each thermodynamic cycle, by covalent bond(s) formation/breakage
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Reactive working fluid for cyclic thermodynamic conversion machines, said working fluid, comprising a monomer/dimer couple capable of reversibly associating/dissociating, during each thermodynamic cycle, by covalent bond(s) formation/breakage; said monomer/dimer couple being of formula 2(Ri-X•) / Ri-X-X-Ri, wherein Ri is/are substituent(s) bonded to each atom X, i being equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, each Ri is different from X, j is the number of substituent(s) Ri bonded to each atom X, j being comprised between 1 and 6, each Ri and X are selected from F, Cl, Br, I, O, S, B, N, P and C, each Ri is an atom at its lowest valence state; and for j equal to 1: X is O, and R1 is F, Cl, Br or I, or X is S, and R1 is F, Br or I, or X is B, P, N, Cl, Br or I, and R1 is O, or X is B, P, N, Br or I, and R1 is S; and for j equal to 2: X is selected from B, P, N, Cl, Br or I, and R1 and R2 are selected from F, Cl, Br, 5 or I, or X is selected from B, P, Cl, Br or I, and R1 and R2 are selected from F, Cl, Br, S, O or I.