Turbine Expander Nozzle Assembly for Variable Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waste heat recovery systems have a narrow operating window for working fluid pressure and mass flow rate, leading to inefficiencies and manufacturing challenges due to identical nozzle configurations, which limits their performance and increases manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A waste heat recovery system with a turbine expander featuring multiple nozzle components with distinct geometrical configurations and a flow control device, allowing for variable working fluid pressures and mass flow rates, and removably coupled nozzle components to reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nozzle assemblies with identical nozzle configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but the operating range is narrow and manufacturing precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is segmented into multiple independent nozzle components (first nozzle component, second nozzle component, third nozzle component) with different geometrical configurations. Each nozzle component can be independently coupled to or removed from the nozzle block, allowing the system to handle a broader range of working fluid conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are defined in integral nozzle components, then the structure is robust, but manufacturing time and cost increase due to extensive precise machining
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is divided into a reusable nozzle block and interchangeable nozzle components. The nozzle components, which require precise machining, can be manufactured separately and independently, allowing for specialized precision manufacturing of only the critical nozzle passages rather than the entire large nozzle block. This reduces overall manufacturing time and cost while maintaining the robust integral structure where needed.
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
Expands the operating range and controllability of the system, maintaining efficiency and power output across varying engine states while reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first nozzle component coupled to the nozzle block for accelerating the working fluid, and a second nozzle component coupled to the nozzle block for accelerating the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a turbine blade rotatable by the working fluid, a shaft coupled to and rotatable by the turbine blade
Implementation Method 3
a flow control device in fluid communication with the turbine expander for directing the working fluid to at least one of the first and second nozzles or to bypass the turbine expander
Data Source
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AI summary
A waste heat recovery system for recovering waste heat of in internal combustion engine includes a turbine expander. The turbine expander includes a turbine blade, a shaft coupled to and rotatable by the turbine blade, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle block disposed about the shaft and adjacent the turbine blade, a first nozzle component coupled to the nozzle block, and a second nozzle component coupled to the nozzle block. The first nozzle component defines a first nozzle having a first geometrical configuration. The second nozzle component defines a second nozzle having a second geometrical configuration that is different from the first geometrical configuration. The waste heat recovery system also includes a flow control device in fluid communication with the turbine expander. The waste heat recovery system further includes a controller in communication with the flow control device.