Split Recuperator for Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal power plants face challenges in efficiently converting high-value heat to useful work due to high stress levels and contamination risks caused by pressure differentials in heat transfer systems, particularly in supercritical CO2 power cycles, which limit the scalability of heat exchanger designs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an intermediate heat transfer loop (IHTL) with discreet heat transfer devices and an intermediate heat transfer fluid (IHTF) that circulates through these devices to transfer heat between power cycle fluid streams and a primary heat transfer fluid, allowing for the efficient heating and cooling of power cycle fluids, thereby reducing stress and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a large recuperator is used to transfer heat from expander exhaust to supercritical fluid, then cycle efficiency is improved, but device complexity and stress levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large recuperator into multiple smaller heat transfer devices arranged in series. Each device handles a portion of the heat transfer task, reducing the complexity and stress on any single component while collectively achieving the required cycle efficiency through cumulative heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple heat transfer devices within contained housings arranged in series, creating a modular configuration where smaller units are integrated within a larger system framework. This nesting approach allows efficient heat transfer while managing device complexity through organized modular architecture.
2Use of energy by moving object
If direct heat transfer between heat transfer fluid and power cycle fluid is implemented, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but stress levels and contamination risks increase due to pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate heat transfer fluid as a mediator between the primary heat transfer fluid and the power cycle fluid. This intermediary fluid enables efficient heat transfer while acting as a buffer that reduces the direct stress and contamination risks associated with large pressure differentials between the primary heat transfer fluid and power cycle fluid.
3Productivity
If supercritical power cycle fluids are used to improve efficiency, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the need for large recuperators increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat transfer function into multiple smaller devices that work in series, allowing supercritical power cycle fluids to operate efficiently while avoiding the need for a single large complex recuperator. Each smaller device contributes to the overall efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity.
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 approach enhances the efficiency and scalability of thermal power cycles by allowing for larger-scale power plant designs, improving cycle efficiency, and reducing operational costs by minimizing the need for large, complex heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
circulating an intermediate heat transfer fluid stream through the housing and about the two or more discreet heat transfer devices... circulating at least a portion of a hot exhaust power cycle fluid stream about the first of the two or more discreet heat transfer devices to cool the hot exhaust power cycle fluid stream... and to heat the intermediate heat transfer fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
circulating at least a portion of the heated primary heat transfer fluid to a heat transfer device to further heat the hot high-pressure power cycle fluid stream to form a very hot high-pressure power cycle fluid stream; circulating the very-hot high-pressure power cycle fluid stream to an expansion turbine device to form the said hot exhaust power cycle fluid stream and generate power
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transferring and converting heat to a power cycle using a plurality of heat transfer fluids, loops and heat exchange devices to convert heat to useful work and/or power. Power is generated using intermediate heat transfer loops (IHTL) and an intermediate heat transfer fluid (IHTF) to cool the hot exhaust power cycle fluid (PCF) stream that is at or above its critical conditions. The temperature of the IHTF can be increased by 100° C., 150° C., 200° C., 250° C., 300° C., 350° C., 400° C., 450° C., 500° C., 550° C. or more by exchanging heat with the PCF, either directly or indirectly.