Two-Phase Heat Transfer LNG Vaporizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vaporizer systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) are complex, energy-intensive, and environmentally impactful, requiring rotating equipment, fuel burning, and emitting pollutants, making them unsuitable for geographically isolated areas or small-scale use.
Innovation Solution
The use of two-phase heat transfer devices with a working fluid like propane, which circulates between a condensing side in thermal communication with LNG and an evaporation side exposed to waste heat sources, such as exhaust gases or warm air intake, to efficiently vaporize LNG without the need for rotating equipment or external heating sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional vaporizer systems (Open Rack, Submerged Combustion, Intermediate Fluid) are used to vaporize LNG, then vaporization function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of pumps, rotating equipment, and multiple auxiliary units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex rotating equipment (pumps, blowers) and auxiliary systems from the vaporizer design. Instead, it uses a passive two-phase heat transfer system where the working fluid naturally circulates between evaporation and condensation zones, achieving vaporization without mechanical moving parts that require maintenance and reduce reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vaporizer system is designed to be self-sufficient by using the LNG itself as the cooling medium in the condensation zone. The condensed working fluid naturally returns to the evaporation zone through gravity and pressure differential, eliminating the need for external pumps or power consumption, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If Intermediate Fluid Vaporizer with rotating equipment is used, then vaporization is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to maintenance requirements and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based intermediate fluid circulation system with a passive two-phase heat transfer mechanism. The working fluid circulates naturally through phase change (evaporation at the heat input zone, condensation at the LNG contact zone) and pressure-driven flow, eliminating mechanical components that consume energy and require operational intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously using the temperature differential between the heat source and LNG as the driving force. The working fluid automatically circulates through phase change and pressure equilibrium without external power input, making the system easy to operate with no energy consumption for fluid circulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Open Rack Vaporizer using seawater is used, then vaporization is achieved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to fouling, corrosion, and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closed-loop two-phase heat transfer system as an intermediary between the heat source and LNG. The working fluid circulates in a sealed system, preventing direct contact between seawater and equipment, thereby eliminating corrosion and fouling issues while maintaining efficient heat transfer. The condensed working fluid is returned to the evaporation zone, creating a sustainable closed loop.
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 simplifies the vaporization process, reduces energy consumption, minimizes environmental impact, and eliminates the need for costly maintenance, enabling efficient and environmentally responsible LNG vaporization in small-scale or isolated settings.
Implementation Method 1
the working fluid circulates between the first end and the second end as the working fluid transitions between a gas phase and a liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
the two-phase heat transfer device can be configured to couple to the evaporator such that the first end of the jacket is in thermal communication with the liquefied fuel in the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator. The evaporator can be configured for vaporization of a liquefied fuel
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to vaporizer systems including two-phase heat transfer devices for vaporizing liquids and methods of using the same.