Thermomechanical Cycle Drives Compressor Using Waste Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combustible gas production sites face inefficiencies due to unutilized excess heat and fugitive gas losses, leading to reduced efficiency and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a thermomechanical cycle that converts excess heat from internal combustion engines into mechanical power to drive compressors, capturing and recompressing fugitive gases without electrical power, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If excess heat from internal combustion engines is not utilized, then the power cycle operates with excess heat loss, but the system complexity remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcess heat lossVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful excess heat loss from internal combustion engines into beneficial mechanical power by implementing a thermomechanical cycle. The excess heat is captured and transformed through a heat engine to drive compressors, turning an energy waste problem into a power generation solution that improves overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters of the system by introducing a thermomechanical cycle that operates at different temperature and pressure levels. The heat recovery system operates at high temperatures to generate mechanical power, which is then used to drive compression processes, thereby utilizing the temperature differential to improve energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If fugitive gases are not captured and recirculated, then gas losses occur to the atmosphere, but the ease of operation remains high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefugitive gas lossVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful fugitive gas emissions into a beneficial resource by capturing and recirculating them through the compression system. The fugitive gases that would otherwise be wasted are compressed and reintroduced into the production process, transforming an environmental problem into a resource recovery solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If a thermomechanical cycle is implemented to convert excess heat to mechanical power, then overall efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the thermomechanical cycle to serve multiple purposes: generating mechanical power from excess heat, driving compressors for gas recirculation, and improving overall system efficiency. This universal approach allows a single system to address multiple operational needs simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If compressors are driven by thermomechanical cycle mechanical power, then electrical power consumption is reduced, but reliability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power consumptionVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical power system with a mechanical power system by using the thermomechanical cycle to directly drive the compressors through mechanical coupling. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical power conversion and transmission, reducing energy losses and improving system efficiency while requiring robust mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 improves the overall efficiency of power cycles, reduces fugitive gas emissions, and lowers carbon dioxide equivalents by effectively utilizing waste heat to recompress gases for downstream applications.

Implementation Method 1

an internal combustion engine including a thermomechanical cycle. The thermomechanical cycle converts excess heat from the internal combustion engine to mechanical power to drive the compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermomechanical cycle: Heat Engine

Data Source

PatentUS12116908B2System for utilizing a thermomechanical cycle to drive a compressor

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 INNIO WAUKESHA GAS ENGINES INC

AI summary

A system includes a compressor that compresses a fluid. The system also includes an internal combustion engine including a thermomechanical cycle. The thermomechanical cycle converts excess heat from the internal combustion engine to mechanical power to drive the compressor.