System, method and apparatus for the regeneration of nitrogen energy within a closed loop cryogenic system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycles for nitrogen are inefficient due to the energy requirements for re-cooling refrigerants, leading to suboptimal utilization of nitrogen energy in closed loop cryogenic systems.
Innovation Solution
A system with a turbo expander and cryogenic cooling loops, including a surge tank and flow control valves, is used to regenerate nitrogen energy by pumping liquid nitrogen through a closed loop system, utilizing methane and ethane gases for improved energy transmission and preventing cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional refrigeration cycles are used for nitrogen, then the system can cool nitrogen, but the energy requirements for re-cooling refrigerants make the process inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of nitrogen from liquid to vapor in the turbo expander to achieve refrigeration. Liquid nitrogen expands through the turbo expander, undergoing phase change and absorbing heat, thereby cooling the refrigerant stream without requiring additional re-cooling energy
Solution Approach 2:
The nitrogen refrigerant cools itself through isentropic expansion in the turbo expander. The system recycles the nitrogen refrigerant continuously, where the expanded cold nitrogen cools the incoming liquid nitrogen stream, eliminating the need for external re-cooling energy input
2Temperature
If multiple or larger expanders are used to optimize heat capacity and temperature, then the cooling performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single turbo expander performs multiple functions: it expands liquid nitrogen, cools the refrigerant stream, and drives the compressor that circulates the nitrogen through the system. This multi-functionality achieves optimal cooling performance without requiring multiple separate expanders
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the expansion turbine and compressor into an integrated turbo expander unit. The expansion process and compression process are merged into a single device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining optimal temperature and heat capacity control
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 the efficiency of nitrogen energy regeneration by optimizing temperature and pressure control, allowing for isentropic expansion and reducing energy losses, thereby improving the overall performance of the cryogenic cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
A turbo expander that is used for re-cooling nitrogen that flows through the first flow line
Implementation Method 2
A pump is provided for pumping the liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen storage to the first flow line
Implementation Method 3
The cryogenic cooling loop has a heat exchanger positioned between the nitrogen intake and the nitrogen outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for using nitrogen within a closed loop cryogenic system is described. A cryochamber is provided that has a first nitrogen flow line with an inlet for connection to a nitrogen source and an outlet. At least one cryogenic cooling loop is provided that has a nitrogen inlet and a nitrogen outlet. The nitrogen inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the first nitrogen flow line. The nitrogen inlet is positioned upstream of the nitrogen outlet. A heat exchanger is provided on the at least one cryogenic cooling loops through which the nitrogen passes. The heat exchanger has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A turbo expander is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first nitrogen flow line and the nitrogen source. The turbo expander re-cools the nitrogen that passes through the first flow line and the at least one cryogenic cooling loop.