WHR Cooling Arrangement with Three Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WHR systems face challenges in maintaining high thermal efficiency due to varying cooling effects in the condenser, which are difficult to continuously manage under different operating conditions caused by fluctuating heat input from exhaust gases.
Innovation Solution
A cooling arrangement with three distinct cooling circuits and a control unit that adjusts coolant temperature and flow to the condenser using a heat exchanger and control valves, allowing for real-time adjustments based on sensor feedback to maintain optimal condensation pressure and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cooling circuit is used in the condenser, then the structure is simple, but the cooling effect cannot be continuously adjusted to maintain high thermal efficiency under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is divided into three separate cooling circuits (first, second, and third cooling circuits), each with its own coolant flow path. This segmentation allows independent control of coolant flow to the condenser, enabling continuous adjustment of the cooling effect to match varying heat input conditions while maintaining high thermal efficiency.
2Productivity
If the coolant temperature is lowered to increase cooling effect, then the thermal efficiency improves, but the risk of over-cooling increases under low heat input conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit continuously monitors the operating conditions and adjusts the coolant flow rates in the three cooling circuits accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the cooling effect is continuously adapted to the actual heat input, maintaining high thermal efficiency while preventing over-cooling when heat input is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant flow rates in the three cooling circuits are made dynamically adjustable through control valves and pumps. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the cooling effect in real-time based on varying operating conditions, ensuring both high thermal efficiency and reliable operation.
3Productivity
If the coolant flow rate is increased to enhance cooling, then the cooling effect improves, but the energy consumption of the pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single high-flow cooling circuit, the system uses three cooling circuits with independently adjustable flow rates. This allows the total coolant flow to be optimized for each operating condition, providing sufficient cooling effect while minimizing pump energy consumption by avoiding excessively high flow rates when not 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
This solution enables continuous high thermal efficiency of the WHR system by dynamically adjusting the cooling effect, ensuring the working medium is cooled to a suitable temperature and pressure range, thereby optimizing energy recovery and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
said cooling adjusting means comprises a heat exchanger to be in contact with the coolant in the second cooling circuit and a control valve configured to direct an adjustable part of the coolant in the first cooling circuit or the coolant in the third cooling circuit to a heat transmitting contact with the coolant in the second cooling line in heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The coolant in the third cooling circuit having the lowest coolant temperature is configured to cool at least one medium in a cooler
Implementation Method 3
The working medium is cooled down in the condenser to a temperature where it condenses
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling arrangement. The cooling system comprises a first cooling circuit including a first radiator (9) in which a circulating coolant is cooled to a first temperature (T1), a second cooling circuit including a second radiator (14) in which a circulating coolant is cooled to a second temperature (T2 ) which is lower than the first temperature (T1), and a third cooling circuit including a third radiator (25) in which the coolant is cooled to a third temperature (T3) which is lower than the second temperature (T2). The cooling arrangement comprises a condenser inlet line (17) directing coolant from the second radiator (14) to a condenser (19) of the WHR-system where the coolant cools a working medium of the WHR-system and cooling adjusting means (13, 16, 24, 38) by which it is possible to adjust the temperature and/or the flow of the coolant in the second cooling circuit to the condenser (19) by means of coolant in the first cooling circuit with the higher temperature (T1) and/or coolant in the third cooling circuit with the lower temperature (T2).