Rotary device for inputting thermal energy into fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary turbomachines are inefficient in delivering thermal energy to fluids at high and extremely high temperatures, particularly in industrial processes, leading to high energy consumption and environmental concerns due to reliance on fossil fuels.
Innovation Solution
A rotary apparatus with a rotor and stationary vanes configured to impart thermal energy through a series of energy transformations, including nozzle guide vanes, rotor blades, and diffuser vanes, allowing for variable energy input and efficient heating of fluids to temperatures exceeding 500°C, using a combination of kinetic energy conversion and shock wave generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional rotary turbomachines are used to deliver thermal energy to fluids, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the work input is relatively low and cannot achieve high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional blade rows (nozzle guide vanes, rotor blades, diffuser vanes) arranged in sequence, where each segment performs a specific energy transformation function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high work input through cumulative energy transformations while maintaining modular design that simplifies manufacturing and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes dynamic energy transformations through rotating rotor blades that interact with fluid flow. The rotor blades convert kinetic energy to thermal energy through controlled turbulence and shock waves, enabling high temperature achievement. The dynamic operation allows continuous energy input while the modular structure maintains ease of manufacture.
2Temperature
If fossil fuels are used in fired heaters to produce high temperature heat, then the thermal energy demand is met, but greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical combustion system (fossil fuel burning) with a mechanical energy conversion system. Rotating blades impart kinetic energy to the fluid, which is then transformed into thermal energy through controlled turbulence and shock waves. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for fossil fuel combustion, achieving high temperatures without greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the fundamental parameter of energy input from chemical energy (combustion) to mechanical energy (kinetic work). By controlling blade geometry, rotation speed, and flow parameters, the system achieves the required temperature levels through purely physical means, eliminating harmful emissions associated with chemical combustion processes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electric arc furnaces are used to melt steel, then the environmental friendliness is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electrical energy input system (electric arc furnaces) with a mechanical work input system. Rotating blades directly impart kinetic energy to the fluid, which is converted to thermal energy through fluid dynamics. This mechanical substitution reduces energy consumption by eliminating the inefficiencies of electrical resistance heating and arc formation, while maintaining environmental friendliness.
4Power
If the space between diffuser vanes and nozzle guide vanes is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the thermal energy input cannot be regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The space between diffuser vanes and nozzle guide vanes is made variable through mechanical adjustment mechanisms, allowing dynamic control of the gap size. This enables regulation of thermal energy input by controlling the interaction between fluid streams. The variable geometry is implemented through simple mechanical means (adjustable supports or movable vanes) that maintain overall device simplicity while providing necessary control 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
The apparatus achieves significant work input, capable of heating fluids to 1700-2000°C, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and offering a scalable, cost-effective solution for industrial applications, replacing conventional fired heaters and furnaces.
Implementation Method 1
Disclosed technology is based on friction
Implementation Method 2
the presented design is not suitable for conditions involving extreme turbulence of gas aerodynamics
Implementation Method 3
The rotor is configured to generate shock waves, thereby converting a portion of the kinetic energy into thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary apparatus for inputting thermal energy into fluidic medium is provided, the apparatus is being configured to impart an amount of thermal energy to a stream of fluidic medium directed along a flow path formed inside the casing between the inlet and the outlet by virtue of a series of energy transformations occurring when said stream of fluidic medium successively passes through the blade/vane rows formed by the nozzle guide vanes, the rotor blades and the diffuser vanes, respectively. A space formed between an exit from the at least one row of diffuser vanes and an entrance to the at least one row of nozzle guide vanes in a direction of the flow path formed inside the casing between the inlet and the outlet is made variable to regulate the amount of thermal energy input to the stream of fluidic medium propagating through the apparatus.