Thermal Energy Conversion Device Superheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermodynamic cycle devices, such as those using the Clausius-Rankine cycle, face inefficiencies and reduced service life due to the presence of liquid working medium vapor, which contaminates lubricating oil and leads to increased friction and leakage, resulting in lower efficiency and additional heating requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that sets the exhaust steam temperature above the saturated steam temperature value associated with the lower pressure, ensuring the working medium remains gaseous after expansion, preventing condensation and maintaining lubricant purity, thereby enhancing the efficiency and service life of expansion devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the working medium is expanded from high pressure to low pressure in conventional expansion devices, then mechanical energy is generated, but liquid working medium vapor contaminates the lubricating oil, increasing friction and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the working medium by introducing superheated steam, raising the evaporation temperature above the saturation temperature at the lower pressure. This parameter change prevents condensation of the working medium during expansion, keeping it in gaseous form and preventing contamination of the lubricating oil, thereby maintaining reliable operation of the expansion device
Solution Approach 2:
Superheated steam is introduced as an intermediary substance to transfer thermal energy to the working medium. This intermediary enables temperature elevation without directly mixing with the working medium, achieving the goal of preventing condensation while maintaining system integrity and preventing oil contamination
2Ease of operation
If lubricating oil is used to minimize friction and seal leaks in the expansion device, then operational efficiency is improved, but liquid working medium vapor saturates the oil, reducing its lubricating and sealing properties
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter of the working medium through superheated steam injection, the invention ensures the working medium remains above its saturation temperature during expansion. This prevents phase change to liquid form, eliminating the mechanism by which the working medium could saturate and degrade the lubricating oil, thereby preserving its lubrication and sealing properties throughout operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working medium evaporates at lower temperatures in ORC processes, then thermal energy from low-temperature heat sources can be utilized, but liquid component in exhaust vapor reduces efficiency and requires additional heating energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by introducing superheated steam to the working medium before expansion occurs. This preliminary heating ensures the working medium maintains a temperature above saturation throughout the expansion process, preventing liquid formation in advance and eliminating the need for subsequent heating to remove liquid components, thereby avoiding energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of low-temperature evaporation (which causes liquid formation and energy loss) into a benefit by using the same low-temperature property to enable ORC operation while compensating with targeted superheating. The superheated steam injection transforms the problematic low-temperature exhaust into a beneficial state where the working medium remains gaseous without requiring additional energy input
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 results in a consistently condensate-free working medium vapor, reducing friction and leakage, and eliminating the need for additional heating, leading to improved efficiency and extended service life of expansion devices.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustment device (104) is provided for setting the evaporation temperature to a defined evaporation temperature value above the saturation temperature value corresponding to the lower pressure, wherein the adjustment device (104) includes a steam supply (108) for supplying superheated steam to the working medium
Implementation Method 2
an expansion device for expanding the working medium from an increased pressure to a lower pressure
Implementation Method 3
The water is heated to approximately 600 °C using high-temperature heat sources such as coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy
Implementation Method 4
the working fluid undergoes periodic changes in its thermodynamic state variables, such as temperature and pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a device for converting thermal energy from a heat source into mechanical energy by means of a thermodynamic cycle with a working medium that is guided in the cycle and thereby subjected to a changing pressure, wherein the respective pressure corresponds to a saturation temperature value of the working medium, and an expansion device for expanding the working medium from an increased pressure to a lower pressure, wherein the working medium has an evaporation temperature after expansion to the lower pressure, an adjustment device is provided for setting the evaporation temperature to a defined evaporation temperature value above the saturation temperature value corresponding to the lower pressure.