Thermal Pump Turboexpander Integration for Rankine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power generation using Rankine systems, the pump consumes a significant portion of the electric power generated, reducing overall efficiency due to the energy required to feed pressurized liquid to a boiler or heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a thermal pump coupled with a turboexpander, where the thermal pump generates pressurized gas through heat exchange, and a buffer chamber and sensors control the flow to optimize energy usage, reducing the energy needed for pumping and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump is used to feed pressurized liquid to a boiler or heat exchanger in a Rankine system, then the liquid can be vaporized to generate power, but the pump consumes a significant portion of the electric power generated, reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump and turboexpander into a single integrated device. The pump portion compresses the liquid while the turboexpander portion expands vapor, and the two are mechanically coupled so that the work output of the turboexpander directly offsets the work input required by the pump, thereby eliminating the net energy consumption of the pumping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a pump to pressurize liquid and a turboexpander to generate power from vapor. This multi-functionality allows the single device to contribute positively to both liquid circulation and electricity generation, resolving the energy consumption issue.
2Loss of energy
If a thermal pump is used to generate pressurized gas through heat exchange, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional components like buffer chambers and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pump and turboexpander into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed in the system. Although the integrated device is complex internally, it eliminates the need for separate pump and turboexpander assemblies, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed to be self-regulating through internal sensors and control mechanisms that automatically adjust the operation of the pump and turboexpander portions based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for external complex control systems.
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 increases the efficiency of power generation by minimizing the energy required for pumping, allowing more electric power to be generated while reducing the need for large heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal pump having a first channel for receiving a first fluid and a second channel for circulating a second fluid in heat exchange relationship with the first fluid for heating the first fluid to generate a pressurized gas
Implementation Method 2
a turboexpander coupled to the thermal pump, for receiving a further portion of the pressurized gas from the thermal pump and driving a generator for generating electric power
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for generating electric power using a generator coupled to a turboexpander is disclosed. The system includes one or more thermal pumps (102) configured for heating a fluid to generate a pressurized gas. A portion of the pressurized gas is discharged to a buffer chamber (118) for further utilization in a Rankine system. A further portion of the pressurized gas is expanded in a turboexpander (130) for driving a generator (132) for generating electric power. Optionally, the system includes a pump (136) to pressurize a portion of the fluid depending on the systems operating condition. The system further includes one or more sensors (164,172) for sensing temperature and pressure and outputs one or more signals representative of the sensed state. The system includes a control unit (146) for receiving the signals and outputs one or more control signals for controlling the flow of gases and liquid in the valves and the check valve.