Turbine Driving Method Using Solid Carbon Dioxide Phase Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power generation methods relying on steam-driven turbines are inefficient in utilizing low-quality heat sources and require higher energy inputs for carbon dioxide conversion, limiting the effectiveness of waste heat utilization and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing solid carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure, where it is heated to produce high-pressure carbon dioxide fluid, which is then passed over a turbine blade to generate power, with the carbon dioxide solidifying upon expansion, allowing for efficient energy conversion and reduced heat energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If steam is used to drive the turbine, then the turbine can generate power, but high energy input is required and low-quality heat sources cannot be efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid from steam to carbon dioxide and operates at different pressure regimes (supercritical in heating vessel, atmospheric in expansion vessel) to improve efficiency with low-quality heat sources. This parameter change allows the system to utilize lower temperature heat sources that cannot efficiently generate steam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide (solid to supercritical fluid to gas to solid) to enable efficient energy conversion. The solid carbon dioxide is heated to supercritical fluid, then expanded to gas to drive the turbine, and finally condensed back to solid for recycling, creating a closed cycle that efficiently utilizes low-quality heat.
2Power
If carbon dioxide is converted using higher energy inputs, then power generation is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by operating carbon dioxide in supercritical state during heating and atmospheric pressure during expansion, allowing efficient power generation with lower energy inputs and reduced operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed circulation system where carbon dioxide continuously cycles between solid, supercritical, gaseous, and solid states, maintaining continuous useful action without requiring repeated material input or high energy regeneration, thus reducing operational energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If solid carbon dioxide is stored and transported, then easy handling is achieved, but pressurized containers are required unless at atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the unique property of carbon dioxide to exist as a solid at atmospheric pressure at temperatures below -78.5°C, eliminating the need for pressurized storage containers and simplifying handling and transport operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the inherent properties of solid carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure, where the material's own phase behavior enables easy storage and transport without requiring complex pressurized containment 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
This approach enables efficient power generation with lower heat energy inputs, effectively utilizing low-quality heat sources and reducing energy consumption, while also allowing for the use of waste carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, enhancing overall system efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
heating the solid carbon dioxide to produce a high pressure carbon dioxide fluid
Implementation Method 2
As the carbon dioxide flows over the turbine blade it expands and cools significantly. This expansion and cooling causes the carbon dioxide to solidify.
Implementation Method 3
The property of carbon dioxide that is advantageously used in the present invention is the fact that it sublimes at atmospheric pressure. The sublimation point at atmospheric pressure is -78.5°C.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method of driving a turbine, the method comprising: (a) providing solid carbon dioxide; (b) heating the solid carbon dioxide to produce a high pressure carbon dioxide fluid; (c) passing the carbon dioxide over a blade of the turbine; and (d) collecting the carbon dioxide that has passed over the turbine blade; wherein carbon dioxide collected in step (d) is in solid form.