Thermal Energy Recovery Piston Assembly with Integrated Pressure Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy recovery systems are inefficient in maximizing the utilization of thermal energy for various applications due to limitations in pressure amplification and fluid friction losses.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy recovery system incorporating a piston assembly with a primary and secondary cylinder, where a double-acting secondary piston amplifies pressure applied to a primary piston, and a working fluid system with integrated pressure tanks and conduits to minimize fluid friction, enabling efficient energy conversion and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a single-stage piston system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the pressure amplification capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a primary piston and a secondary piston operating in separate but connected chambers. The primary piston receives vapor pressure directly, while the secondary piston amplifies this pressure through a larger area ratio. This segmentation allows progressive pressure amplification without requiring a single overly complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary piston system is nested within the overall thermal energy recovery system, with the primary piston driving the secondary piston through a shared fluid connection. The secondary chamber is positioned to receive pressure from the primary chamber, creating a nested arrangement where the output of one stage becomes the input for the next stage of amplification.
2Loss of energy
If separate pressure tanks and conduits are used, then the system is easier to manufacture and maintain, but fluid friction losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure tank and transfer conduits are merged into a single integrated component rather than being separate parts. This integration eliminates additional connection points and reduces the total length of fluid pathways, thereby minimizing fluid friction losses while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of a single molded or fabricated piece.
3Productivity
If vapor flow is not uniformly controlled, then the device complexity is low, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Vapor metering valves are positioned at multiple locations around the primary chamber to provide localized flow control. This ensures uniform vapor distribution across different areas of the chamber, optimizing pressure application on the primary piston while maintaining relatively simple valve mechanisms that do not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 achieves increased operational efficiency by maximizing pressure differential and reducing fluid friction, allowing for effective energy conversion and utilization in applications such as vehicle propulsion and power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a primary displacement volume chamber containing a double-action piston in communication with the vapor delivery conduit, the primary displacement volume chamber adapted to receive the vapor or the liquid in such a state so as to become vapor from the vapor source
Implementation Method 2
The pressure ratio amplifying a pressure exerted on the primary piston
Implementation Method 3
a condenser disposed in fluid communication with the primary displacement volume chamber through one or more spent vapor exhaust valves, the condenser being in fluid communication with the vapor source, the condenser, in some applications, condenses the vapor for return to the vapor source
Implementation Method 4
a working fluid pressure tank disposed in fluid communication with the secondary displacement volume chamber, the working fluid pressure tank regulating pressure of the working fluid and also serving as the working fluid transfer conduit attached to the pressure tank working fluid transfer conduit transferring the working fluid from the secondary displacement volume chamber to the turbine/motor, whereby the integration of the working fluid pressure tank with the working fluid transfer conduit helps reduce fluid friction loss for the flowing working fluid
Implementation Method 5
a turbine/motor disposed in fluid communication with the working fluid pressure tank, the turbine/motor powered by the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal energy recovery systems include a piston assembly including a primary cylinder adapted to receive vapor; a single-acting secondary cylinder/piston assembly extending from opposite ends of the primary cylinder; a primary piston disposed for displacement in the primary cylinder; first and second secondary pistons disposed for displacement in the secondary cylinder/piston; and a piston connecting member connecting the first and second secondary pistons to the primary piston. Alternatively, a secondary piston is of the type of a double-acting piston for a more compact reciprocating function to reduce piston friction losses. Metering valves regulate the vapor pressure being introduced into displacement volume chambers at a constant pressure. A working fluid pressure-tank/accumulator/transfer-conduit is in communication with the displacement volume chambers to help regulate pressure of the working fluid. A working fluid transfer conduit forms integrally with the working fluid pressure-tank/accumulator to reduce fluid friction losses.