Vapor Powered Engine Using Low-Boiling Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rankine cycle systems face inefficiencies due to steam condensation on turbine blades, requiring additional heat for superheating and large heat sources, and are limited by operational temperatures that pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A vapor powered apparatus using a working fluid with a boiling point less than 160° F, driven by a pressure motor coupled to a generator, where the fluid is vaporized, converted into mechanical motion, and then condensed back into liquid for reuse, utilizing low heat sources and a hermetically sealed casing for safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is used as working fluid in Rankine cycle system, then power generation is achieved, but steam condensation on turbine blades occurs causing efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid from water to an engineered liquid with specific properties (low vaporization temperature, appropriate boiling point). This parameter change prevents steam condensation on turbine blades while maintaining power generation capability, thereby resolving the efficiency loss issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses engineered liquids (such as C-6 Fluoroketone compositions) as working fluids instead of pure water. These composite or engineered materials provide optimized vaporization and condensation characteristics that prevent harmful condensation on turbine blades while maintaining efficient power generation.
2Reliability
If steam is superheated to prevent condensation, then condensation on turbine blades is minimized, but additional heat demand increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid properties to achieve reliable operation without superheating. The engineered liquid's specific vaporization temperature and boiling point characteristics allow the system to operate reliably at lower temperatures, eliminating the need for additional superheating energy input.
3Stress or pressure
If large heat sources are used to vaporize water, then sufficient working pressure is achieved to drive turbine, but system complexity and heat source requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid to an engineered liquid with lower vaporization temperature and higher vapor pressure characteristics. This allows the system to achieve sufficient working pressure to drive the turbine using smaller, less complex heat sources, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining necessary pressure levels.
4Productivity
If Rankine cycle system operates at high temperatures, then power generation efficiency is maintained, but safety risks to humans and environment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid to an engineered liquid with low vaporization temperature (e.g., boiling point around 160°F or lower). This parameter change enables the system to operate at lower temperatures while maintaining power generation efficiency, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with high-temperature operation and protecting humans and the environment.
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 system efficiently generates electric power from low heat sources, reduces operational temperature risks, and operates with reduced energy expenditure, utilizing engineered working fluids like C-6 Fluoroketones, which vaporize and condense quickly, enhancing power generation efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A vaporization chamber receives the working fluid and vaporizes the working fluid to provide pressurized vapor
Implementation Method 2
The pressurized vapor is directed into a pressure motor that converts the working pressure into mechanical motion
Implementation Method 3
A condensation chamber receives the working fluid vapor exiting the pressure motor and condenses the working fluid vapor back into liquid form
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a vapor powered apparatus for generating electric power. Embodiments of the present invention include a storage tank containing a working fluid having a boiling point less than 160° F., a heating source that vaporizes at least a portion of the working fluid to provide a working pressure of the vaporized working fluid, and a pressure motor that converts the working pressure of the vaporized working fluid into mechanical motion. The vaporized working fluid exiting the pressure motor is captured, condensed and returned to the storage tank. Preferably, at least some of the components of the apparatus are hermetically sealed by an outer casing.