Closed Loop Steam Engine Feedback Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closed loop steam engine assemblies face inefficiencies due to energy loss in both open and closed systems, with existing technologies failing to optimize energy conversion and mechanical power generation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop steam engine assembly design that includes a steam generator, prime mover, compressor, liquid reservoir, feed pump, and oil separation device, where compressed heated liquid is reused to pre-condense exhausted steam and captured oil is recycled back to the prime mover, enhancing efficiency without external energy inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a closed loop system is used to recycle steam, then energy loss is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional components needed for condensation and feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condenser and compressor into a single integrated unit where the compressor serves dual functions: compressing the steam and acting as the condensing chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate condensation equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining the closed loop energy recovery benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it compresses the exhaust steam, serves as the condensation chamber, and the condensed liquid is directly reused as feedwater. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the closed loop system
2Productivity
If compressed heated liquid is returned to the compressor to pre-condense steam, then compressor efficiency increases, but device complexity increases due to feedback lines and liquid reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where condensed liquid from the compressor is pumped back through a feedback line to the steam generator, and a portion is returned to the compressor inlet to pre-condense incoming steam. This feedback loop improves compressor efficiency by utilizing the thermal energy of condensed liquid
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed heated liquid returned to the compressor performs preliminary condensation action on the incoming wet steam before it enters the main compression process. This pre-condensing reduces the moisture content of steam entering the compressor, improving its efficiency
3Loss of substance
If oil separation device is added to capture and recycle oil, then material loss is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oil separation device is integrated into the existing liquid feedback line, utilizing the same infrastructure to separate and recycle oil. The system automatically separates oil from the condensed liquid and returns it to the prime mover, making the oil recovery process self-contained without requiring separate external systems
Solution Approach 2:
The oil separation function is merged with the existing liquid feedback system, combining multiple functions (condensation, liquid feedback, and oil separation) into an integrated process that reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function
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 design significantly increases the efficiency of the steam engine system by pre-condensing wet steam within the compressor, reducing energy requirements and allowing for the reuse of oil, thereby improving mechanical power generation and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid, such as water, is heated above it boiling point to produce steam
Implementation Method 2
converting the potential energy from the pressurized steam into mechanical power
Implementation Method 3
receiving and compressing the exhausted steam into a heated liquid
Implementation Method 4
the portion of the compressed, heated liquid returned to the compressor flashes to mist when entering the compressor and aids in condensing the exhausted wet steam from the prime mover to liquid
Implementation Method 5
the feed pump having an outlet operatively coupled to an inlet of the steam generator for delivering at least a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the steam generator
Data Source
AI summary
A closed loop steam engine assembly includes a steam generator and a prime mover which is driven from steam produced by the generator. A compressor receives exhaust steam from the prime mover and compresses the steam to a liquid state which is stored in a reservoir downstream of the compressor. A feed pump delivers a portion of the compressed and heated liquid from the reservoir to the steam generator, while another portion of the liquid is delivered to an inlet of the compressor, where the liquid flashes to mist and combines with the incoming exhaust steam to help condense the exhaust steam to liquid with greater efficiency than the compressor alone. An oil/fluid separation device may segregate any oil contained in the exhaust stream and route the oil back to an oil inlet of the prime mover.