Systems and methods utilizing gas temperature as a power source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems lack a method to maintain the temperature of compressed gas within a specified range, leading to volatile condensation and equipment performance issues, such as corrosion and reduced compressor efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a bypass valve system and temperature sensors to adjust the gas flow through heat exchangers, ensuring the gas temperature remains within a selected operating range by diverting gas and adjusting the working fluid flow, thereby preventing volatile condensation and optimizing compressor performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If heat is transferred from compressed gas to working fluid in ORC system, then electrical power is generated, but gas temperature drops below threshold causing volatile condensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidgas temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate heat exchanger is introduced between the compressed gas and the ORC working fluid. This intermediate fluid acts as a mediator that absorbs heat from the gas and transfers it to the ORC system, allowing heat recovery while maintaining the gas temperature above the volatile condensation threshold.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat transfer process is segmented into two stages: first, the compressed gas transfers heat to an intermediate fluid in a dedicated heat exchanger; second, the intermediate fluid transfers heat to the ORC working fluid. This segmentation allows independent control of gas temperature and ORC power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If gas temperature is reduced to improve compressor performance, then compression efficiency increases, but volatiles condense causing corrosion and equipment damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor performanceVSAvoidequipment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Heat is recovered from the compressed gas before it enters the compressor or during compression, using the intermediate heat exchanger. This preliminary heat recovery maintains the gas temperature within the safe operating range, preventing volatile condensation and subsequent equipment damage while preserving compressor efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If bypass valve diverts gas flow to maintain temperature, then volatile condensation is prevented, but heat recovery efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolatile condensation preventionVSAvoidheat recovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate fluid serves as a mediator that can absorb heat from the gas without requiring the gas to be cooled below the volatile condensation threshold. This allows continuous heat recovery at optimal temperatures, preventing energy loss while maintaining gas integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the intermediate fluid to match the optimal heat transfer conditions. By controlling the intermediate fluid temperature, the system maximizes heat recovery efficiency while maintaining the gas temperature above the condensation point, eliminating the need for bypass valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively maintains the gas temperature within a desired range, preventing volatile condensation and ensuring efficient compressor operation, thereby generating consistent electrical power and extending equipment lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The heat exchanger positioned to transfer heat from the flow of compressed gas to a flow of working fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

adjusting a bypass valve to a position sufficient to maintain the temperature of the flow of compressed gas within a selected operating temperature range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 3

sensing, via an inlet temperature sensor, an inlet temperature of a flow of compressed gas from a source to a heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11486330B2Systems and methods utilizing gas temperature as a power source

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 ICE THERMAL HARVESTING LLC

AI summary

Systems and generating power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation to supply electrical power. In embodiments, an inlet temperature of a flow of gas from a source to an ORC unit may be determined. The source may connect to a main pipeline. The main pipeline may connect to a supply pipeline. The supply pipeline may connect to the ORC unit thereby to allow gas to flow from the source to the ORC unit. Heat from the flow of gas may cause the ORC unit to generate electrical power. The outlet temperature of the flow of the gas from the ORC unit to a return pipe may be determined. A bypass valve, positioned on a bypass pipeline connecting the supply pipeline to the return pipeline, may be adjusted to a position sufficient to maintain temperature of the flow of gas above a threshold based on the inlet and outlet temperature.