Thermal energy system and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods to convert thermal energy from low-temperature sources, typically below 70°C, into commercially relevant mechanical power and electricity.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system that utilizes a phase transition protocol to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy by circulating a working fluid through a recipient, riser tube, and condenser, maintaining a pressure differential to lift vapor to a higher level for condensation and hydrostatic pressure head extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal energy conversion systems (e.g., ORC) are used, then operation with low temperature thermal sources (100°C-200°C) is achieved, but operation below 70°C does not deliver adequate commercially relevant performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of water (liquid-vapor-condensed liquid) as the working fluid to enable thermal energy conversion at low temperatures below 70°C. The system employs evaporation of water in the recipient, condensation in the condenser section, and utilizes the phase change energy to drive mechanical work through the pressure differential and hydrostatic head, achieving commercially relevant performance at temperatures where conventional ORC systems fail.
2Temperature
If a closed-loop system with phase change is used to enable low temperature operation, then thermal energy conversion below 70°C is achieved, but system complexity increases with multiple components (recipient, tube system, condenser, turbine)
Solution Approach 1:
The working fluid serves multiple functions within the system: it absorbs thermal energy through evaporation in the recipient, transports energy as vapor through the tube system, releases energy through condensation in the condenser section, and drives mechanical work through phase change. This multi-functionality of a single working fluid (water) simplifies the overall system design while enabling low temperature operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic principles by utilizing the hydrostatic pressure head generated by the condensed liquid column in the descending part to drive the turbine. The pressure differential created by the phase change and gravity-driven flow eliminates the need for complex pumping systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective low temperature thermal energy conversion.
3Power
If hydrostatic pressure head is used to drive turbine, then mechanical energy extraction is achieved, but recipient space must be regenerated in hydroelectric turbines for sustainable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop system ensures continuous operation by circulating the working fluid continuously through evaporation, vapor transport, condensation, and mechanical work extraction. The condensed liquid is continuously returned to the recipient to be re-vaporized, creating a sustainable cycle that regenerates the driving force (pressure differential and hydrostatic head) without interruption, enabling indefinite sustainable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers the working fluid after it has performed its function of driving the turbine. The condensed liquid phase working fluid is collected in the hydrostatic pressure section and returned to the recipient for reuse. This recovery and reuse of the working fluid eliminates the need for continuous replenishment and enables sustainable long-term operation.
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
The system efficiently converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, achieving efficiencies up to 10−3, providing a sustainable method for energy extraction from low-temperature sources.
Implementation Method 1
heating the working fluid in the recipient providing working vapor, i.e. vaporized working fluid
Implementation Method 2
circulating liquid and vapor phases of a working fluid in a closed loop
Implementation Method 3
condensing the working vapor in the condenser section providing condensed liquid phase working fluid, and exposing the working vapor to cooling surfaces in the condenser section, where the temperature of the cooling surfaces is below local dew point
Implementation Method 4
setting up a pressure differential contributing to lifting the working vapor in the rising part
Implementation Method 5
collecting the condensed working fluid in the hydrostatic pressure section providing a hydrostatic pressure head
Implementation Method 6
generating electrical energy by a turbine or a piston engine arranged to be driven by the hydrostatic pressure head
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy method for converting thermal to mechanical energy is disclosed. The method comprises circulating liquid and vapor phases of a working fluid in a closed loop comprising a recipient arranged at a lower part and a tube system comprising a rising part, a condenser section of a descending part and a hydrostatic pressure section of a descending part. A corresponding system is also disclosed.