Two-Pitch Air Condenser Layout for ORC Gas Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air condensers in organic Rankine cycle plants face issues with under-cooling of condensed liquid and complex extraction of incondensable gases, leading to reduced thermodynamic efficiency and increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A two-pitch tube bundle design where the first pitch condenses the working fluid with a non-zero steam content, and the second pitch condenses residual steam with an upward inclination and gas extraction, minimizing under-cooling and simplifying gas removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-pitch tube bundle is used for condensation, then the structure is simpler, but under-cooling of condensed liquid occurs and incondensable gases are difficult to extract
Solution Approach 1:
The tube bundle is divided into two distinct pitches: a first pitch for condensing the working fluid while maintaining steam content, and a second pitch for condensing residual steam and extracting incondensable gases. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating functions that were previously combined, thereby improving thermodynamic efficiency without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pitch is positioned above the first pitch in a vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to facilitate natural convection of incondensable gases toward the gas extraction point. This spatial arrangement improves gas extraction efficiency while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the second pitch is positioned above the first pitch, then gas extraction is simplified, but the condenser height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the second pitch above the first pitch, enabling effective gas extraction through natural convection. This vertical arrangement is compact compared to horizontal extensions, minimizing the increase in overall condenser footprint while achieving the desired gas extraction functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If condensation occurs to zero steam content, then complete condensation is achieved, but under-cooling increases and thermodynamic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation process is segmented into two stages: the first pitch condenses vapor while maintaining a minimum steam content to prevent excessive under-cooling, and the second pitch handles residual steam condensation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete condensation while minimizing energy losses from under-cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of steam content from zero (complete condensation) to a non-zero minimum value in the first pitch. This parameter change prevents excessive under-cooling and maintains thermodynamic efficiency while still achieving effective condensation through the two-pitch configuration.
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 design effectively reduces under-cooling and simplifies gas extraction, maintaining efficiency while reducing the condenser's size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
in the first pitch the condensation of the working fluid takes place up to a steam content in any case greater than zero
Implementation Method 2
the cooling air, moved by fans, which is transversally in contact with the condensing tubes
Implementation Method 3
in the second pitch only the residual steam flow rate of the working fluid not condensed in the first pitch is condensed
Implementation Method 4
the cooling air, moved by fans, which is transversally in contact with the condensing tubes
Implementation Method 5
The second pitch is inclined upwards and is provided with an opening for the extraction of incondensable gases
Implementation Method 6
the cooling air, moved by fans, which is transversally in contact with the condensing tubes
Data Source
AI summary
An air condenser for an organic Rankine cycle plants which includes a two-pitch tube bundle in which in the first pitch the condensation of the working fluid takes place up to a steam content in any case greater than zero and in the second pitch only the residual steam flow rate of the working fluid not condensed in the first pitch is condensed. The second pitch is inclined upwards and is provided with an opening for the extraction of incondensable gases. Preferably, the second pitch is located in a position above the first pitch on a position parallel to that of the first pitch. The innovative air condenser is particularly suitable for non-cogenerative organic Rankine cycle plants.