CA2202982A1 - A thermo-volumetric motor - Google Patents
A thermo-volumetric motorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2202982A1 CA2202982A1 CA002202982A CA2202982A CA2202982A1 CA 2202982 A1 CA2202982 A1 CA 2202982A1 CA 002202982 A CA002202982 A CA 002202982A CA 2202982 A CA2202982 A CA 2202982A CA 2202982 A1 CA2202982 A1 CA 2202982A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- heat
- phase change
- thermo
- fluid
- heat transfer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
- F03G7/061—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element
- F03G7/06112—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element using the thermal expansion or contraction of enclosed fluids
- F03G7/06113—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element using the thermal expansion or contraction of enclosed fluids the fluids subjected to phase change
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G6/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
- F03G6/003—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy having a Rankine cycle
- F03G6/005—Binary cycle plants where the fluid from the solar collector heats the working fluid via a heat exchanger
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G3/00—Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
- F03G7/064—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by its use
- F03G7/0646—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by its use for pumping or compressing fluids
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Engine Equipment That Uses Special Cycles (AREA)
Abstract
A thermo-volumetric motor (10) comprising a continuous fluid path in the form of a refrigerant path (12), and a solar collector (14). The continuous refrigerant path (12) includes a first heat exchanger (16), flow converting means (18), a pump (19), and a condenser (20). The flow converting means (18) may comprise a turbine or a resilient tube and a rotor. The first heat exchanger (16) comprises a shell and tube arrangement, the shell containing a first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion.
In use, heat from sunlight absorbed on the solar collector (14) fuses a portion of the first phase change substance. The refrigerant in the heat exchanger (16) cools the first phase change substance causing it to solidify and the refrigerant then absorbs the latent heat of the first phase change substance. The refrigerant thereby expands and flows from the heat exchanger (16) to the flow converting means (18) via the throttle valve (21) thus providing motive power.
In use, heat from sunlight absorbed on the solar collector (14) fuses a portion of the first phase change substance. The refrigerant in the heat exchanger (16) cools the first phase change substance causing it to solidify and the refrigerant then absorbs the latent heat of the first phase change substance. The refrigerant thereby expands and flows from the heat exchanger (16) to the flow converting means (18) via the throttle valve (21) thus providing motive power.
Description
~ n_~rOLllMET~Ic MO'TOR
FIELD OF THE lNV~ ON
~he present invention relates generally to a thermo-volumetric motor and relates particularly, though no~
exclusively, to a thermo-volumetric motor which is acti~ated by a phase change sub~tance ha~ing a relatively high latent heat o~ fusion Typically, the phase change ~ubstance is a hydrate salt which is heated from an exte~nal heat source, such as ~unlight. The present ~0 invention ~u~ther relates generally to a method ~or producing motive power..
R~C~OUND T0 ~HE lN~ OI~
Motive power can be produced in a variety of known way~.
For example, turbines in a hydro-electric plant are dri~en l'S by water and each turbine is operatively connected to a generator which produces electricit~. The motive power is produced by the 10w of water within a turbine. A steam engine produces motive power by boiling water to create steam which then drives a piston in a reciprocating motion 2~ within a cylinder. The reciprocating motion can then be adapted to produce ro~ary motion for driving a vehicle, or alternatively dri~ing a genera~or to produce electricity.
Hydro-electricity has en~ironmental drawback~. For example, the ~low o~ water from a lake can detrimentally a~fect the ecosystem in and around the lake. To this extent the water is a limited resource.
The production of steam from water re~uires heat and generally combus~ion. Combustion result~ in both combustion product~, such a~ carbon dioxide, and unbur~t ~uel which are harmful to the en~ironment . T~e trea~ment o~ tha~e harmful products can be expenSive and proces-des which scrub an exhau~t gas or promote complete combu~tion of unburnt fuel are rarely totally ef~icient, This is an ", . . .
. - ~ ., .
. ~; . i . , . ~ . . ..
. .
CA 02202982 lss7-04-l7 inherent problem with most combustion engines.
Another drawback with a large number of engines or motors is their e~iciency. The energy input relative to the power output is relatively large due to losses a~sociated S with ~riction, heat and pressure los~e-~, incomplete combustion, and other similar factors. Particularly with geared motors frictional losse~ can substantially detract from the overall efficiency of the motor. With combu~t~ on engines pressure losses which generally increase with the age o~ ~he motor are also a pro~lem and o~ten require complex and expensive mechanical sealing.
~UW~ARY OF THE ~v~llON
An in~en~ion of the present invention is to provide a thermo-~olumetric moto~ which can prod~ce motive power both 15 e~i~iciently and enviror~nentally sa~ely.
According ~o a first a~pect of ~he present invention ~h~re is provided a thermo-volumetric motor comprising:
a continuous ~luid path adapted to carry a substantially..compres~ible fluid, said continuous fluid 20 path having heat transfer mean6 arld flow converting means in f luid CO~unUnicatlon with each other, said ~low converting means being adapted to convert a flow o~ the compressible fluid in the f~luid path to a motive power and said heat transfer means cont~;~1 ng a first phaqe change sub~tance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and adapted to absorb heat from an external heat source whereby, in use, the ~irst phase change substance can absorb heat from the external heat source thus ~using a portion of said phase change substance, and thereafter said portion of the phase chan~e substance can 301idify thus releasing latent heat which i3 absorbed by the compressible fluid thereby e~n~i~ and thus effecting a ~low of the compresslble ~luid through the flow con~er~iny means to provide motive power.
.... .. ~ .
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::
Typically, the co~tinuous fluid path further compri~e.
cooling mean~ in ~luid communication with the heat transfer mea~ and the flow converting means so that the compre~sible fluid can ~e cooled by the cooli~g means 5 be~ore said compressible ~luid is heated by the heat ,;
transfer meanC.
':
Pre~erably, the continuoll~; f luid path further comprises a pump operatively coupled to the i~low convertin~ mean~ and in fluid co~ml~nication with the heat transfer means, the flow convertin~ means, and the cooling mean~ whereby, in use, movement of the ~low co~vertin~ means drives the pump thereby pumping the compressible fluid through the conkinuou~ fluid path.
~ypically, the c~olin.~ means i~ a first accumulator containing a second phase change substance havi~g a relatively high latent heat of ~usion and a relati~ely low mel~ing-point whereby, in use, heat ~rom the compressible ~luid can be absorbed by the ~econd phase change substance thus ~using a portion of said phase change subs~ance which cools the compressi~le fluid pas~ing through the cooling mean~. -Txpically, the ~hermo-volumetric motor ~urther comprises a collector adapted to absorb heat ~rom the external heat source, the collector being in heat conductive communication with the heat transfer means so that, in use, heat absorbed by ~he collector can be transferred to the first phase change subs~ance contained in the heat trans~er means wherein a portion of the phase change subs~ance ~uses.
Typically, the flow converting means compri~es:
a chamber adapted to recei~e the compre~sible fluid and in 1uid co~l]n;cation with the heat trans~er means; and ; -- . ; 1 . ; _,, , b ~: i .,,, j ,. . .
'~
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 -a flow skructure mo~ably coupled to the chamber wherein the flow o~ compressible fluid in the chamber .
forces the ~low structure to move ~o a~ to provide motive power.
S Pre~erably, the flow structure comp~ises a pair o~ axially spaced apart rotors connec~ed to a ~haft wherein the ~low converting means comprises a turbine in ~luid communica~ion with the heat transfer means. Typically, the pair of spaced apart r~t~r~ de~ines a subqtantially sealed portion of the chamber therebetween such that, in u~e, the compressible fluid is injected into -~aid portion of the chamber, and said compressible ~luid f~ictionally engages and thu~ rotates the rotors~
Alternatively, the flow converting means comprises: !
a resilient tube adapted to ca~y the compressible fluid and in fluid communication with the heat ~ransfer means; and engaging means con~igured to operatively engage the ~lexible tube wherein the flow o~ compre~sible fluid through the~lexible tube moves the engaging means so as to provide moti~e power.
In one embodiment, ~he engaging means comprises a rotational ~tructure having at lea~t one roller coupled to a coaxial sha~ so that, in use, said at least one roller can enga~e the flexible tube and the $10w o$ compre~sible fluid throu~h the ~lexible tube causes ~aid at lea~t one roller to move and rotate the rotational ~tructure which can then provide motive power.
Pre~erably, -~aid rotational structure ha~ more than one roller rotationally coupled ~o and disposed about the coaxi~1 ~ha~t ~o t~at, in use, at least ono o~ said rollers engages the re~ilient tube at any one time wherein the flow o~ compressible fluid through the flexible tube ensures . ., ~ - . ... .
.
, .
. ~, , .
.
"
- 5 - :
rotation of ~he rotational struc~ure at all times.
In an alterna~ive embodiment, the en~aging means comprises a pair o~ rotational structures connected hy a common .-~
coaxial shaft, each rota~ional structure having at le~st 5 one roller used ~o engage a flexible tube of a pair of ,.
~lexlble tubes, respect:ively, wherein at least one o~ said rollers engages one of said flexible tubes at any one time.
Typically, the heat tr,~nsfer means comprises;
a ~irst ~ube adapted to carry the ~ompressible fluid through ~he heat transfer means; and a shell ~urrounding a portion o~ the ~irst tube, said shell containing the firs~ phase change substance which is in contact wi~h the first tube whereby, in use, latent heat can be transferred fxom the first pha~e chan~
!3ubstance to the compressible ~luid via the ~irs~: tube o~
the heat trans~er means.
Typically, the heat tran~er means further comp~ises a jacket surrounding the sh~ll and adapted to carry a heat transfer fluid whereby, in use, heat from the heat trans~er ~luid can be transferred to the ~irst phase change substance ~hereby meltin~ the first phase change substance and storing latent heat.
In one example, the jacket is in 1uid co~ml~n;cation with the collector wherein heat absorbed by the collector can be trans~erred to the fir~t phase change sub3tance via the heat tran~er fluid.
In another embodiment the heat transer mea~ ~urther comprises a second accumulator containin~ a thlrd phase change substance having a relatively hlgh latent heat o~
FIELD OF THE lNV~ ON
~he present invention relates generally to a thermo-volumetric motor and relates particularly, though no~
exclusively, to a thermo-volumetric motor which is acti~ated by a phase change sub~tance ha~ing a relatively high latent heat o~ fusion Typically, the phase change ~ubstance is a hydrate salt which is heated from an exte~nal heat source, such as ~unlight. The present ~0 invention ~u~ther relates generally to a method ~or producing motive power..
R~C~OUND T0 ~HE lN~ OI~
Motive power can be produced in a variety of known way~.
For example, turbines in a hydro-electric plant are dri~en l'S by water and each turbine is operatively connected to a generator which produces electricit~. The motive power is produced by the 10w of water within a turbine. A steam engine produces motive power by boiling water to create steam which then drives a piston in a reciprocating motion 2~ within a cylinder. The reciprocating motion can then be adapted to produce ro~ary motion for driving a vehicle, or alternatively dri~ing a genera~or to produce electricity.
Hydro-electricity has en~ironmental drawback~. For example, the ~low o~ water from a lake can detrimentally a~fect the ecosystem in and around the lake. To this extent the water is a limited resource.
The production of steam from water re~uires heat and generally combus~ion. Combustion result~ in both combustion product~, such a~ carbon dioxide, and unbur~t ~uel which are harmful to the en~ironment . T~e trea~ment o~ tha~e harmful products can be expenSive and proces-des which scrub an exhau~t gas or promote complete combu~tion of unburnt fuel are rarely totally ef~icient, This is an ", . . .
. - ~ ., .
. ~; . i . , . ~ . . ..
. .
CA 02202982 lss7-04-l7 inherent problem with most combustion engines.
Another drawback with a large number of engines or motors is their e~iciency. The energy input relative to the power output is relatively large due to losses a~sociated S with ~riction, heat and pressure los~e-~, incomplete combustion, and other similar factors. Particularly with geared motors frictional losse~ can substantially detract from the overall efficiency of the motor. With combu~t~ on engines pressure losses which generally increase with the age o~ ~he motor are also a pro~lem and o~ten require complex and expensive mechanical sealing.
~UW~ARY OF THE ~v~llON
An in~en~ion of the present invention is to provide a thermo-~olumetric moto~ which can prod~ce motive power both 15 e~i~iciently and enviror~nentally sa~ely.
According ~o a first a~pect of ~he present invention ~h~re is provided a thermo-volumetric motor comprising:
a continuous ~luid path adapted to carry a substantially..compres~ible fluid, said continuous fluid 20 path having heat transfer mean6 arld flow converting means in f luid CO~unUnicatlon with each other, said ~low converting means being adapted to convert a flow o~ the compressible fluid in the f~luid path to a motive power and said heat transfer means cont~;~1 ng a first phaqe change sub~tance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and adapted to absorb heat from an external heat source whereby, in use, the ~irst phase change substance can absorb heat from the external heat source thus ~using a portion of said phase change substance, and thereafter said portion of the phase chan~e substance can 301idify thus releasing latent heat which i3 absorbed by the compressible fluid thereby e~n~i~ and thus effecting a ~low of the compresslble ~luid through the flow con~er~iny means to provide motive power.
.... .. ~ .
'. ' :-."" ` ' ~ ' ,, ; .
::
Typically, the co~tinuous fluid path further compri~e.
cooling mean~ in ~luid communication with the heat transfer mea~ and the flow converting means so that the compre~sible fluid can ~e cooled by the cooli~g means 5 be~ore said compressible ~luid is heated by the heat ,;
transfer meanC.
':
Pre~erably, the continuoll~; f luid path further comprises a pump operatively coupled to the i~low convertin~ mean~ and in fluid co~ml~nication with the heat transfer means, the flow convertin~ means, and the cooling mean~ whereby, in use, movement of the ~low co~vertin~ means drives the pump thereby pumping the compressible fluid through the conkinuou~ fluid path.
~ypically, the c~olin.~ means i~ a first accumulator containing a second phase change substance havi~g a relatively high latent heat of ~usion and a relati~ely low mel~ing-point whereby, in use, heat ~rom the compressible ~luid can be absorbed by the ~econd phase change substance thus ~using a portion of said phase change subs~ance which cools the compressi~le fluid pas~ing through the cooling mean~. -Txpically, the ~hermo-volumetric motor ~urther comprises a collector adapted to absorb heat ~rom the external heat source, the collector being in heat conductive communication with the heat transfer means so that, in use, heat absorbed by ~he collector can be transferred to the first phase change subs~ance contained in the heat trans~er means wherein a portion of the phase change subs~ance ~uses.
Typically, the flow converting means compri~es:
a chamber adapted to recei~e the compre~sible fluid and in 1uid co~l]n;cation with the heat trans~er means; and ; -- . ; 1 . ; _,, , b ~: i .,,, j ,. . .
'~
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 -a flow skructure mo~ably coupled to the chamber wherein the flow o~ compressible fluid in the chamber .
forces the ~low structure to move ~o a~ to provide motive power.
S Pre~erably, the flow structure comp~ises a pair o~ axially spaced apart rotors connec~ed to a ~haft wherein the ~low converting means comprises a turbine in ~luid communica~ion with the heat transfer means. Typically, the pair of spaced apart r~t~r~ de~ines a subqtantially sealed portion of the chamber therebetween such that, in u~e, the compressible fluid is injected into -~aid portion of the chamber, and said compressible ~luid f~ictionally engages and thu~ rotates the rotors~
Alternatively, the flow converting means comprises: !
a resilient tube adapted to ca~y the compressible fluid and in fluid communication with the heat ~ransfer means; and engaging means con~igured to operatively engage the ~lexible tube wherein the flow o~ compre~sible fluid through the~lexible tube moves the engaging means so as to provide moti~e power.
In one embodiment, ~he engaging means comprises a rotational ~tructure having at lea~t one roller coupled to a coaxial sha~ so that, in use, said at least one roller can enga~e the flexible tube and the $10w o$ compre~sible fluid throu~h the ~lexible tube causes ~aid at lea~t one roller to move and rotate the rotational ~tructure which can then provide motive power.
Pre~erably, -~aid rotational structure ha~ more than one roller rotationally coupled ~o and disposed about the coaxi~1 ~ha~t ~o t~at, in use, at least ono o~ said rollers engages the re~ilient tube at any one time wherein the flow o~ compressible fluid through the flexible tube ensures . ., ~ - . ... .
.
, .
. ~, , .
.
"
- 5 - :
rotation of ~he rotational struc~ure at all times.
In an alterna~ive embodiment, the en~aging means comprises a pair o~ rotational structures connected hy a common .-~
coaxial shaft, each rota~ional structure having at le~st 5 one roller used ~o engage a flexible tube of a pair of ,.
~lexlble tubes, respect:ively, wherein at least one o~ said rollers engages one of said flexible tubes at any one time.
Typically, the heat tr,~nsfer means comprises;
a ~irst ~ube adapted to carry the ~ompressible fluid through ~he heat transfer means; and a shell ~urrounding a portion o~ the ~irst tube, said shell containing the firs~ phase change substance which is in contact wi~h the first tube whereby, in use, latent heat can be transferred fxom the first pha~e chan~
!3ubstance to the compressible ~luid via the ~irs~: tube o~
the heat trans~er means.
Typically, the heat tran~er means further comp~ises a jacket surrounding the sh~ll and adapted to carry a heat transfer fluid whereby, in use, heat from the heat trans~er ~luid can be transferred to the ~irst phase change substance ~hereby meltin~ the first phase change substance and storing latent heat.
In one example, the jacket is in 1uid co~ml~n;cation with the collector wherein heat absorbed by the collector can be trans~erred to the fir~t phase change sub3tance via the heat tran~er fluid.
In another embodiment the heat transer mea~ ~urther comprises a second accumulator containin~ a thlrd phase change substance having a relatively hlgh latent heat o~
3 o ~u~ion, said second accumul~tor in heat c~nduc~ive communication with the collector and in fluid communication with the jacket, so tha~, in ~se, the heat transfer fluid .' ' ' .'.
~ .. . . ~
.
,s can be preheated by the l~tent heat of the third p~ase change s~bstance be~or.e said heat trans~er ~luid ~lows to the j acket.
According to a second aspect of the present inven~ion there is provided a method ~or producing motive power comprisin~
the steps of:
absorbing heat, from an external heat ~ource, on a ~irst phase change substance contained in heat trans~er means wherein a portion o~ the first ph~se change substance fuses, said first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion;
transferring latent heat ~rom said portion o~ the first phase change substance, upon solidification thereo~, to a compressible ~lui~d provided in a continuous ~luid path thereby expanding the compressible ~luid and e~fecting a ~low o~ the compressi~le ~luid in the ~lui~ path; and converting the ~low o~ compressible fluid through the ~luid path so as to produce mo~ive power.
Pre~erably, the method further comprises the step of cooling the compressible fluid and returning said compre~sible ~luid to the heat transfer means.
Typically, the step o~ cooling the compressible ~luid involves absorbing heat ~rom the compressible ~luid by exchanging heat with a second phase change substance, having a relatively high laten~ heat o~ fusion and a relatively low melting-point, wherein the compress~ble ~luid is cooled.
Typically, the me~hod further comprises the ~tep of driving a pump operatively coupled to the flow converting means whe~ein compres~i~le ~luid is pumped to the heat trans~er mean.~ u~in~ the pump.
.... ~ .. . . ...... ...... .
. ,' ,' ' , .
.. . .
- . , . _ ., :,. . . . .
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 Pre~erably, the method further comprixe~ the skep of absorbing heat from the external heat ~ource onto a collector which is in. heat conduc~ive communication with the heat transfer means, wherein absorbed heat can be ~rans~erred ~rom the collec~or to ~he ~irst phase change substance of the heat ~rans~er means.
In one example the me~hod further compri~es the s~ep of preheating a heat tra~er ~luid circulating ~etween the heat transfer means and an accumula~or cont~;n;ng a third phase chan~e substance ha~ing a relatively high latent heat o~ usion, wherein the preheated heat transfer fluid can trans~er heat to the ~irst phase change substance o~ ~he heat trans~er means.
Typically the first, second and/or third phase change substance~ are first, second and~or third hydrate salts respectively, each having a high latent heat of fusion.
Pref~rably the fir~t hydrate ~alt and ~he third hydrate salt each have a melting-point of between OQC to 100C.
Pre~erably the first hydrate salt and ~he third hydrate salt each have a latent heat of fusion of greater than 50 kilocalories/litre (kcal/l).
In o~e example the ~îr~t hydrate sal~ and the third hydrate salt compri~es sodiUm ~cetate trih~drate or a derivative thereof.
Preferably, the ~econd hydrate salt ha~ a meltin~-point o~
less than 0C.
In one example the ~econd hydrate salt comprise~ o~ a stoichiometric mixture o~ sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and demineralised w~ter or a derivati~e thereo~.
., .,, ,, ~, .
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CA 02202982 lsg7-04-l7 ;
Typically, the compressible ~luid compri~e~ a refrigerant such as methane, chloro-difluoro or a derivative thereof.
Typically, the collec~or is a solar collector adapted to absorb sunlight.
Preferably, the refrigerant does not contain a halogen element.
BRIEF D~SCR~PTION OF T~ DRAWING8 In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature o~ , the present invention a pre~erred embodime~t of a thermo- i volumetric motor according ~o the present invention will now be described in some detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawi~gs in which:
Figure 1 is a schema~ic of an embodiment of a ~hermo-volumetric motor 15Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken axially t~rough one embodiment of ~low converting mean~;
Figure 3 i~ a detailed plan ~iew o~ an al~ernative embodiment of flow converting means; and Figure 4 is a detailed perspective ~iew of some of the components of the ~low con~er~ing means shown in Figure 3.
DETATr~n n~g~TPTION OF ~-~KK~D EMBODI~NTS
As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment o~ a thermo-volumetriC motor 10 comprise~ a continuous ~luid path i~l the ~orm of a re~rigerant path 1~, and a solar collector 14. The refri~erant path 12 i~ adapted ~ carry a refrigerant fluid in this example methane, chloro-di~l~ouro or a deriva~ive thereGf. However, it i~ preferable ~or environmental reasons th~t the refrigeran~ is not a halogenated hydrocarbon.
The con~inuous re~rigerant path 12 includes heat trans~er means, in this example a first heat exchanger 16, ~low : '' ` ` . . .: -, ." ' . '' ' ' ' , .
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 , -_ g _ ' conver~ing means shown ~enerally as 18, a pump 19, and cooling means, in this example a ~irs~ accumulator or condenser 20 In a downstream direction the re~rigerant can f~low through the i~low converting meani~ 18, the conden~er ~0, the pump 19 and the first hea~ exchan~er 16.
A throttle valve 21 is located upstrea~ o~ the flow convertin~ means 18 to control flow thereto.
The ~ir~t heat exchan.ger 16 comprises a shell and tube arrange~ent (not shown) w~erein the re~rigerant is passed through a ~irst tu~e ~ormed in the shape of a triple-helix.
The shell contains a ~irst phase change -~ubstance, in this example a first hydrate salt sodi~m acetate trihydrate, having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and a melting-poin~ o~ approximately 58c. The first heat ex~i~er 16 is housed in a sealed ; acket 22 surrounding the shell and adapted to carry a heat trans~er fluid, in ~his example water. The jacket 22 has an inlet 24 for receiving water, and an outlet 26 for discharging water.
The ~irst heat exchanger 16 further includes a second accumulator 28 containing a third phase change substance.
In thi~ example the third phase cha~ge ~u~stance is a third hydrate salt, sodium acetake trihydrate. The third hydrate salt i~ con~ained within a vessel 30, the vessel 30 boing coupled to the jacket 22 o~ the first heat exchAn~er 16 via 25 a ~irst recirculation tube 32 adapted to circulate the heat transfer 1uid, in this example water. The vessel 30 is similarly coupled to the ~olar collector 14 via ~ second recirculation tube 34 adapted to circul~te water.
In thi6 embodiment the solar collector 14 has an upper surface (not Qhown) expo~ed to sunlight, the upper surface co~struc~ed of a material having relatively low re~lec~ivity and radiation. The upper sur~ace i~ coated with a composite bitumen/la~ex product marke~ed and sold under a trade mark IMPERSPRAY. The collector 14 has a base ' i ,` ' ~ ' ' ~ ~: .,, layer constructed o~ a high density pol~styrene material having relatively high thermal insulation. The coating of IMPERSP~AY covers an upper s~rface of the base layer~ A
corrugated sheet, constructed o~ a polycarbonate material being substantially transparent to sunlight, rests on the coa~ing of IMPERSPRAY.. A series of adjacent channels are thus de~ined between a lower sur~ace o~ the corru~ated sheet and the coating o~ XMPERSPRAY. It is believed that a ~reenhouse heating e~ect occurs in the ad;acent channels such that the ef~iciency of ~he collector 14 is increased.
The water circulating through the second recirculation tube 3~ flows through a corrugated tube (not shown) connected at each end thereo~ ~o the recirculation ~ube 34~ The corrugated tube is laid in a serpentine arrangement immediately adjacant the upper sur~ace o~ the solar collector 1~.
Heat from sunligh~ a~sorbed on the ~olar collector 1~ i~
transferxed to the third hydrate salt contained in the second accumulator 28 via the water circulating through the second recirculation tuhe 34. The firs~ hydrate salt contained in th~ shell i~ ~hen heated ~ia the wate~
circulating between the second accumulator 28 and the jacket 22 of the fir~t heat exchanger lG.
The condenser 20 can take a variety of ~orms. In this embodiment the condenser 20 comprises a refrigerant tube (not s~own) formed in the ~hape o~ a helix, the tube housed in a shell 36 o~ the condenser 20. The shell 36 contains a second phase change substance, in thi~ embodiment a second ~ydrate salt being a stoichiometric mixture o~ sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and demineralised wa~er or a derivative o such a mixture. The second hydrate salt has a relatively hi~h latent heat of fusion and a relatively low melting-point, in this example approximately -21C.
'- . ' The pump 19 is operatively coupled to the flow con~erting means 18 via an endles~ belt (not shown). Alternatively, the pump 19 can be driven by electricity produced from an electrical ~enerator operatively coupled to the ~low converting means 18. Rotation o~ the ~low converting means 18 thus causes ~he p~np 19 to rotate and pump refrigera~it t~rough the refrigerant path 12. The pump 19, in this example, is o~ a positi~e displacemen~ tXpe. A~vantageously refrigerant can only flow in one direction through the positive displacement pump 19.
The throttle valve 21 is used to control flow of refrigerant to the flow conver~ing means ~8. The ~al~e 21 is manually con~rolled such that there is an ups~ream pressure o~ approximately 15 sa~ and a downstream pressure . 15 o~ ~pproximately 8 Ba~, depe~ largely on the rotational or linear ~peed reguired of the flow converting means 18.
This pressure differe~itial will also depend on the compressible fluid used, the ~irst phase change substance used, and other related factor~. i The flow converting me~ns 18 can take a variety o~
con~igurations.
In one preferred embodiment, as showni in Figure 2, the flow conver~ing mean~ comprise~ a sealed turbine shown generally as 40. The sealed turbine 40 has a coaxial shaft 42 rotationally mounted within a ~ha~t housing 44 via a pair of bearings 46. At o~ie end the shaft 42 is axially fixed to a pair o~ rotors 48A, 48B . A nut 50 threFIrl; ngly engages the end o the shaft 42 and ~ixes the pair o~ rotors 48A, 48B to the sha~t 42 with a spacer 50 located therebetween.
The rotor~3 48a, 48~3 are hou~ed in a turbine ca5ing 54 which i8 connected to ~he shaft housing 44.
An opposing pair o~ seals 56A, 56B is located within the turbine casing 54, di~posed about the ~ha~t 42 to pre~ent i-: ; - . . . , A
.' : ''' ' ~ :..
.
.. , , . . . i i ~he i~gress of re~rigerant into and egress o~ lubricant ~rom the sha~t ho~sin~ 44. A pair o~ 5eal retainers 58A, 58B also locate~ within the turbine ~asing 54 about the sha~t 42 so as to hold each of the ~eals 56A, 56B in place.
5 A similar seal arrangement is used at the oppo~ite end o~ j the sha~t 42 to pr~vent the egre~s o~ lubricant from the sha~t housing 44.
A turbine casing cover 60 connects to the turbine casin~ 54 and seals the pair o~ rotors 48A, 48B withi~ the ca~ing 54.
A housing end plate 62 connects to ~he shaft housing 44 and re~ains the seal arrangement at the opposite end of the sha~t 42. A no~zle (not æhown) is co~nected to ~he turbine casing 5~ and is designed to i~jec~ refrigerant in~o a substantially sealed chambe~ 61 defined betw~en the rotors 48A, 48B.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4 an al~ernative embodiment of the flow converting means 18 comprises a resilie~t tube 138 and engaging means, in thi~ example a rotational structure or rotor 140. The resilient tube 138 i~ coupled at each end to a housing 142. T~e housing 142 is s~bstantially cylindrica~ in shape. The ~ube 138 is adapted to carry the re~rigerant and i~ in fluid communicatio~ with the first hea~ exchanger 16.
The rotor 140 comprises a coaxial shaft 144 connected to a pair of axially ~paced triangular-~haped plate~ 146. A
roller 148 is rotationally coupled between oppo~ing apexes of the pair of plates 146. Three rollers 148A, 148B, 1~8C
are thus disposed about the pair of plates 146 with an angle o~ approximately 120 between adjacent rollers 148.
The axis of rotation o~ each roller 148 is substantially parallel to the axis o~ the coaxial sha~t 144 The rotor 140 is rotationally supported in the hou~ing 142 so that at least one of the rollers 148 contacts and ." ~ ., ! . ' ~';; ' ' ' . . = , -- . . ' . '. . . ;j ., . ' I . , : _ . ' ' ' . . .
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 resiliently de~orms the resilient tube 138. A flow of refrigerant through the ~ube 138 forces the r~ller 148 to mo~e relative to the housing 142 and hence a motive ~orce is applied to the rotor 140. The coaxial sha~t 144 can be 5 connected to a pulley (not shown), the pulley operatively coupled to the pump 19 ~ia the endles~ belt. The rotor 140 can be used to provide motive power, ~or exam~le, to drive r a generator (not shown) and produce electricity~
t operation of the thermo-volumetric mo~or 10 exemplified 10 above will now be described in detail.
The solar collec~or 14 is exposed to sunlight and the upper IMPERSPRAY surface absorbs heat from the sunlight. Water in the corrugated tube, connected to the second recircu7ation tube 34f is thus heated and heat there~rom 15 transferred to the third hydrate salt ~odium acetate trihydrate, contained ~ithin the vessel 30 of the second accumulator 28. When the third h~drate salt fu~e~ latent heat is stored in the second accumulator 28.
Water recirculating throu~h the ~irst recirculation tube 32 20 cool~ the ~hird hydrate salt a~d, upon solidi$icatio~ of the hydra~e salt, abscrbs heat in the ~orm of latent heat.
The heated water then exchanges heat with the f irst hydrate ~alt contained in the shell of the ~irst heat exchanger 16.
A portion of the firs~ hydrate salt then fuses and stores 25 latent heat.
The re~rigerant path 12 has been charged with the refrigerant 1uid, in this example methane, chloro-dlfluoro. The re~rigera~t in the fir~t tube ~f the heat exchanger 16 cools the first hydrate salt causing it to 30 solidi~y and the re~rigerant then absorbs the latent heat o~ the ~ir~t hydrate salt. The refrigerant thereky expands and a ~low of rerigerant through the refrigerant path 12 is e~fected. The pump 19 upstream o~ ~he heat exchanger 16 . , S . . - . ', ' . !
"" ' ': " ' ' ' ' ' ''. ' `' i ' CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 is unidirectional, as ~escri~ed ~bove, and therefore the refrigerant ~lows from the he~ e~oh~nger 16 to the flow conYerting means 18.
In the preferred form of the flow converting mean~
illustrated in figure 2 th~ re~rigerant is injected into the sealed chamber 61 between the rotors 48A, 48B via the nozzle (not shown). The refrigerant frictionally engages the rotor~ 48A, 48B and thus effec~s ro~atlon of the rotors 48A, 48B and the coaxial shaft 42.
In the alternative form of the flow converting means depicted in figure~ 3 and 4 the re~rigeran~ is injected into the re~ilient tube 138. The flow of re~rigerant through ~he resilient tube 138 ~orces one of the rollers 148 to move relative to the housing 142. ~he shaft 14~ of the rotor 140 i9 thus rotated. As best shown in Figu~e 3 t~e rollers 148 and tube 138 are arranged ,~uch that at least one roller 148 presses against or engages the tube 138 at any o~e time. Hence, ths trAnsfer of motive power to rotor 140 i9 maintained substantially conti~uously during rotation o~ ~he rotor 140.
The pump 19 i~ operatively coupled to the shaft 42 or 144 and also rot~tes thereby pumping refrigerant throu~h the re~rigerant path 12.
The throttle ~al~e 21 is adjusted so tha~ a selected ~low o~ refrigerant passes through the flow converting means 18.
This will vary depending on the ~actors described above.
Refrigerant then flow~ to the condenser 20 ~hrough an enlarged diameter tube wherein the refrigerant expands and cools. The re~rigerant i8 at this stage at a temperature 30 greater ~han the melti~g-point of the second hydrate salt.
Consequently the refrigerant transfers heat to ~he second hydrate salt fusing the sal~, and there~ore the re~rigerant ., .: , - . ............................... . .
.
... ' :,' ' ' . . .. ; ~;, ' ' c~ols and preferably changes phase from a gas to a li~uid.
The li~uid refrigerant is then pump~sd via the pump ~9 to the ~ir~t heat exchanger 16. The li~uid refrigerant absorb~ heat from the first hydrate salt and upon solidi~ication o~ the salt is heated, changing phase back to a ga, a~d expands. The expanded ~e~rigerant gas therea~ter ~lows to t he f low converting means 18 via the throttle valve 21 thus providing motive power.
Now that pre~Serred embodiments o~ the present ~nvention have been described it will be apparent to per~on~ skilled i~ the relevant arts that the thermo-volumetric mo~or has l:he following ad~rantages over the admitted prior art:
(1) the thermo-volumetric mo~or has no environmentally unsa~e combucStion products;
1~ (2) ~he ~hermo-volumetric motor can be adapted to utilise heat from sunlight absorbed on a solar collector, ( 3 ) the thermo-volumetric motor uses phase change subistances to store energy in the form o~ latent heat which can then be used to provide motive power;
~ .. . . ~
.
,s can be preheated by the l~tent heat of the third p~ase change s~bstance be~or.e said heat trans~er ~luid ~lows to the j acket.
According to a second aspect of the present inven~ion there is provided a method ~or producing motive power comprisin~
the steps of:
absorbing heat, from an external heat ~ource, on a ~irst phase change substance contained in heat trans~er means wherein a portion o~ the first ph~se change substance fuses, said first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion;
transferring latent heat ~rom said portion o~ the first phase change substance, upon solidification thereo~, to a compressible ~lui~d provided in a continuous ~luid path thereby expanding the compressible ~luid and e~fecting a ~low o~ the compressi~le ~luid in the ~lui~ path; and converting the ~low o~ compressible fluid through the ~luid path so as to produce mo~ive power.
Pre~erably, the method further comprises the step of cooling the compressible fluid and returning said compre~sible ~luid to the heat transfer means.
Typically, the step o~ cooling the compressible ~luid involves absorbing heat ~rom the compressible ~luid by exchanging heat with a second phase change substance, having a relatively high laten~ heat o~ fusion and a relatively low melting-point, wherein the compress~ble ~luid is cooled.
Typically, the me~hod further comprises the ~tep of driving a pump operatively coupled to the flow converting means whe~ein compres~i~le ~luid is pumped to the heat trans~er mean.~ u~in~ the pump.
.... ~ .. . . ...... ...... .
. ,' ,' ' , .
.. . .
- . , . _ ., :,. . . . .
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 Pre~erably, the method further comprixe~ the skep of absorbing heat from the external heat ~ource onto a collector which is in. heat conduc~ive communication with the heat transfer means, wherein absorbed heat can be ~rans~erred ~rom the collec~or to ~he ~irst phase change substance of the heat ~rans~er means.
In one example the me~hod further compri~es the s~ep of preheating a heat tra~er ~luid circulating ~etween the heat transfer means and an accumula~or cont~;n;ng a third phase chan~e substance ha~ing a relatively high latent heat o~ usion, wherein the preheated heat transfer fluid can trans~er heat to the ~irst phase change substance o~ ~he heat trans~er means.
Typically the first, second and/or third phase change substance~ are first, second and~or third hydrate salts respectively, each having a high latent heat of fusion.
Pref~rably the fir~t hydrate ~alt and ~he third hydrate salt each have a melting-point of between OQC to 100C.
Pre~erably the first hydrate salt and ~he third hydrate salt each have a latent heat of fusion of greater than 50 kilocalories/litre (kcal/l).
In o~e example the ~îr~t hydrate sal~ and the third hydrate salt compri~es sodiUm ~cetate trih~drate or a derivative thereof.
Preferably, the ~econd hydrate salt ha~ a meltin~-point o~
less than 0C.
In one example the ~econd hydrate salt comprise~ o~ a stoichiometric mixture o~ sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and demineralised w~ter or a derivati~e thereo~.
., .,, ,, ~, .
~, , . - .
. ' '!, ; - . `
'.' "~' .' .~ '; . ' .. i .
CA 02202982 lsg7-04-l7 ;
Typically, the compressible ~luid compri~e~ a refrigerant such as methane, chloro-difluoro or a derivative thereof.
Typically, the collec~or is a solar collector adapted to absorb sunlight.
Preferably, the refrigerant does not contain a halogen element.
BRIEF D~SCR~PTION OF T~ DRAWING8 In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature o~ , the present invention a pre~erred embodime~t of a thermo- i volumetric motor according ~o the present invention will now be described in some detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawi~gs in which:
Figure 1 is a schema~ic of an embodiment of a ~hermo-volumetric motor 15Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken axially t~rough one embodiment of ~low converting mean~;
Figure 3 i~ a detailed plan ~iew o~ an al~ernative embodiment of flow converting means; and Figure 4 is a detailed perspective ~iew of some of the components of the ~low con~er~ing means shown in Figure 3.
DETATr~n n~g~TPTION OF ~-~KK~D EMBODI~NTS
As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment o~ a thermo-volumetriC motor 10 comprise~ a continuous ~luid path i~l the ~orm of a re~rigerant path 1~, and a solar collector 14. The refri~erant path 12 i~ adapted ~ carry a refrigerant fluid in this example methane, chloro-di~l~ouro or a deriva~ive thereGf. However, it i~ preferable ~or environmental reasons th~t the refrigeran~ is not a halogenated hydrocarbon.
The con~inuous re~rigerant path 12 includes heat trans~er means, in this example a first heat exchanger 16, ~low : '' ` ` . . .: -, ." ' . '' ' ' ' , .
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 , -_ g _ ' conver~ing means shown ~enerally as 18, a pump 19, and cooling means, in this example a ~irs~ accumulator or condenser 20 In a downstream direction the re~rigerant can f~low through the i~low converting meani~ 18, the conden~er ~0, the pump 19 and the first hea~ exchan~er 16.
A throttle valve 21 is located upstrea~ o~ the flow convertin~ means 18 to control flow thereto.
The ~ir~t heat exchan.ger 16 comprises a shell and tube arrange~ent (not shown) w~erein the re~rigerant is passed through a ~irst tu~e ~ormed in the shape of a triple-helix.
The shell contains a ~irst phase change -~ubstance, in this example a first hydrate salt sodi~m acetate trihydrate, having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and a melting-poin~ o~ approximately 58c. The first heat ex~i~er 16 is housed in a sealed ; acket 22 surrounding the shell and adapted to carry a heat trans~er fluid, in ~his example water. The jacket 22 has an inlet 24 for receiving water, and an outlet 26 for discharging water.
The ~irst heat exchanger 16 further includes a second accumulator 28 containing a third phase change substance.
In thi~ example the third phase cha~ge ~u~stance is a third hydrate salt, sodium acetake trihydrate. The third hydrate salt i~ con~ained within a vessel 30, the vessel 30 boing coupled to the jacket 22 o~ the first heat exchAn~er 16 via 25 a ~irst recirculation tube 32 adapted to circulate the heat transfer 1uid, in this example water. The vessel 30 is similarly coupled to the ~olar collector 14 via ~ second recirculation tube 34 adapted to circul~te water.
In thi6 embodiment the solar collector 14 has an upper surface (not Qhown) expo~ed to sunlight, the upper surface co~struc~ed of a material having relatively low re~lec~ivity and radiation. The upper sur~ace i~ coated with a composite bitumen/la~ex product marke~ed and sold under a trade mark IMPERSPRAY. The collector 14 has a base ' i ,` ' ~ ' ' ~ ~: .,, layer constructed o~ a high density pol~styrene material having relatively high thermal insulation. The coating of IMPERSP~AY covers an upper s~rface of the base layer~ A
corrugated sheet, constructed o~ a polycarbonate material being substantially transparent to sunlight, rests on the coa~ing of IMPERSPRAY.. A series of adjacent channels are thus de~ined between a lower sur~ace o~ the corru~ated sheet and the coating o~ XMPERSPRAY. It is believed that a ~reenhouse heating e~ect occurs in the ad;acent channels such that the ef~iciency of ~he collector 14 is increased.
The water circulating through the second recirculation tube 3~ flows through a corrugated tube (not shown) connected at each end thereo~ ~o the recirculation ~ube 34~ The corrugated tube is laid in a serpentine arrangement immediately adjacant the upper sur~ace o~ the solar collector 1~.
Heat from sunligh~ a~sorbed on the ~olar collector 1~ i~
transferxed to the third hydrate salt contained in the second accumulator 28 via the water circulating through the second recirculation tuhe 34. The firs~ hydrate salt contained in th~ shell i~ ~hen heated ~ia the wate~
circulating between the second accumulator 28 and the jacket 22 of the fir~t heat exchanger lG.
The condenser 20 can take a variety of ~orms. In this embodiment the condenser 20 comprises a refrigerant tube (not s~own) formed in the ~hape o~ a helix, the tube housed in a shell 36 o~ the condenser 20. The shell 36 contains a second phase change substance, in thi~ embodiment a second ~ydrate salt being a stoichiometric mixture o~ sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and demineralised wa~er or a derivative o such a mixture. The second hydrate salt has a relatively hi~h latent heat of fusion and a relatively low melting-point, in this example approximately -21C.
'- . ' The pump 19 is operatively coupled to the flow con~erting means 18 via an endles~ belt (not shown). Alternatively, the pump 19 can be driven by electricity produced from an electrical ~enerator operatively coupled to the ~low converting means 18. Rotation o~ the ~low converting means 18 thus causes ~he p~np 19 to rotate and pump refrigera~it t~rough the refrigerant path 12. The pump 19, in this example, is o~ a positi~e displacemen~ tXpe. A~vantageously refrigerant can only flow in one direction through the positive displacement pump 19.
The throttle valve 21 is used to control flow of refrigerant to the flow conver~ing means ~8. The ~al~e 21 is manually con~rolled such that there is an ups~ream pressure o~ approximately 15 sa~ and a downstream pressure . 15 o~ ~pproximately 8 Ba~, depe~ largely on the rotational or linear ~peed reguired of the flow converting means 18.
This pressure differe~itial will also depend on the compressible fluid used, the ~irst phase change substance used, and other related factor~. i The flow converting me~ns 18 can take a variety o~
con~igurations.
In one preferred embodiment, as showni in Figure 2, the flow conver~ing mean~ comprise~ a sealed turbine shown generally as 40. The sealed turbine 40 has a coaxial shaft 42 rotationally mounted within a ~ha~t housing 44 via a pair of bearings 46. At o~ie end the shaft 42 is axially fixed to a pair o~ rotors 48A, 48B . A nut 50 threFIrl; ngly engages the end o the shaft 42 and ~ixes the pair o~ rotors 48A, 48B to the sha~t 42 with a spacer 50 located therebetween.
The rotor~3 48a, 48~3 are hou~ed in a turbine ca5ing 54 which i8 connected to ~he shaft housing 44.
An opposing pair o~ seals 56A, 56B is located within the turbine casing 54, di~posed about the ~ha~t 42 to pre~ent i-: ; - . . . , A
.' : ''' ' ~ :..
.
.. , , . . . i i ~he i~gress of re~rigerant into and egress o~ lubricant ~rom the sha~t ho~sin~ 44. A pair o~ 5eal retainers 58A, 58B also locate~ within the turbine ~asing 54 about the sha~t 42 so as to hold each of the ~eals 56A, 56B in place.
5 A similar seal arrangement is used at the oppo~ite end o~ j the sha~t 42 to pr~vent the egre~s o~ lubricant from the sha~t housing 44.
A turbine casing cover 60 connects to the turbine casin~ 54 and seals the pair o~ rotors 48A, 48B withi~ the ca~ing 54.
A housing end plate 62 connects to ~he shaft housing 44 and re~ains the seal arrangement at the opposite end of the sha~t 42. A no~zle (not æhown) is co~nected to ~he turbine casing 5~ and is designed to i~jec~ refrigerant in~o a substantially sealed chambe~ 61 defined betw~en the rotors 48A, 48B.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4 an al~ernative embodiment of the flow converting means 18 comprises a resilie~t tube 138 and engaging means, in thi~ example a rotational structure or rotor 140. The resilient tube 138 i~ coupled at each end to a housing 142. T~e housing 142 is s~bstantially cylindrica~ in shape. The ~ube 138 is adapted to carry the re~rigerant and i~ in fluid communicatio~ with the first hea~ exchanger 16.
The rotor 140 comprises a coaxial shaft 144 connected to a pair of axially ~paced triangular-~haped plate~ 146. A
roller 148 is rotationally coupled between oppo~ing apexes of the pair of plates 146. Three rollers 148A, 148B, 1~8C
are thus disposed about the pair of plates 146 with an angle o~ approximately 120 between adjacent rollers 148.
The axis of rotation o~ each roller 148 is substantially parallel to the axis o~ the coaxial sha~t 144 The rotor 140 is rotationally supported in the hou~ing 142 so that at least one of the rollers 148 contacts and ." ~ ., ! . ' ~';; ' ' ' . . = , -- . . ' . '. . . ;j ., . ' I . , : _ . ' ' ' . . .
CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 resiliently de~orms the resilient tube 138. A flow of refrigerant through the ~ube 138 forces the r~ller 148 to mo~e relative to the housing 142 and hence a motive ~orce is applied to the rotor 140. The coaxial sha~t 144 can be 5 connected to a pulley (not shown), the pulley operatively coupled to the pump 19 ~ia the endles~ belt. The rotor 140 can be used to provide motive power, ~or exam~le, to drive r a generator (not shown) and produce electricity~
t operation of the thermo-volumetric mo~or 10 exemplified 10 above will now be described in detail.
The solar collec~or 14 is exposed to sunlight and the upper IMPERSPRAY surface absorbs heat from the sunlight. Water in the corrugated tube, connected to the second recircu7ation tube 34f is thus heated and heat there~rom 15 transferred to the third hydrate salt ~odium acetate trihydrate, contained ~ithin the vessel 30 of the second accumulator 28. When the third h~drate salt fu~e~ latent heat is stored in the second accumulator 28.
Water recirculating throu~h the ~irst recirculation tube 32 20 cool~ the ~hird hydrate salt a~d, upon solidi$icatio~ of the hydra~e salt, abscrbs heat in the ~orm of latent heat.
The heated water then exchanges heat with the f irst hydrate ~alt contained in the shell of the ~irst heat exchanger 16.
A portion of the firs~ hydrate salt then fuses and stores 25 latent heat.
The re~rigerant path 12 has been charged with the refrigerant 1uid, in this example methane, chloro-dlfluoro. The re~rigera~t in the fir~t tube ~f the heat exchanger 16 cools the first hydrate salt causing it to 30 solidi~y and the re~rigerant then absorbs the latent heat o~ the ~ir~t hydrate salt. The refrigerant thereky expands and a ~low of rerigerant through the refrigerant path 12 is e~fected. The pump 19 upstream o~ ~he heat exchanger 16 . , S . . - . ', ' . !
"" ' ': " ' ' ' ' ' ''. ' `' i ' CA 02202982 l997-04-l7 is unidirectional, as ~escri~ed ~bove, and therefore the refrigerant ~lows from the he~ e~oh~nger 16 to the flow conYerting means 18.
In the preferred form of the flow converting mean~
illustrated in figure 2 th~ re~rigerant is injected into the sealed chamber 61 between the rotors 48A, 48B via the nozzle (not shown). The refrigerant frictionally engages the rotor~ 48A, 48B and thus effec~s ro~atlon of the rotors 48A, 48B and the coaxial shaft 42.
In the alternative form of the flow converting means depicted in figure~ 3 and 4 the re~rigeran~ is injected into the re~ilient tube 138. The flow of re~rigerant through ~he resilient tube 138 ~orces one of the rollers 148 to move relative to the housing 142. ~he shaft 14~ of the rotor 140 i9 thus rotated. As best shown in Figu~e 3 t~e rollers 148 and tube 138 are arranged ,~uch that at least one roller 148 presses against or engages the tube 138 at any o~e time. Hence, ths trAnsfer of motive power to rotor 140 i9 maintained substantially conti~uously during rotation o~ ~he rotor 140.
The pump 19 i~ operatively coupled to the shaft 42 or 144 and also rot~tes thereby pumping refrigerant throu~h the re~rigerant path 12.
The throttle ~al~e 21 is adjusted so tha~ a selected ~low o~ refrigerant passes through the flow converting means 18.
This will vary depending on the ~actors described above.
Refrigerant then flow~ to the condenser 20 ~hrough an enlarged diameter tube wherein the refrigerant expands and cools. The re~rigerant i8 at this stage at a temperature 30 greater ~han the melti~g-point of the second hydrate salt.
Consequently the refrigerant transfers heat to ~he second hydrate salt fusing the sal~, and there~ore the re~rigerant ., .: , - . ............................... . .
.
... ' :,' ' ' . . .. ; ~;, ' ' c~ols and preferably changes phase from a gas to a li~uid.
The li~uid refrigerant is then pump~sd via the pump ~9 to the ~ir~t heat exchanger 16. The li~uid refrigerant absorb~ heat from the first hydrate salt and upon solidi~ication o~ the salt is heated, changing phase back to a ga, a~d expands. The expanded ~e~rigerant gas therea~ter ~lows to t he f low converting means 18 via the throttle valve 21 thus providing motive power.
Now that pre~Serred embodiments o~ the present ~nvention have been described it will be apparent to per~on~ skilled i~ the relevant arts that the thermo-volumetric mo~or has l:he following ad~rantages over the admitted prior art:
(1) the thermo-volumetric mo~or has no environmentally unsa~e combucStion products;
1~ (2) ~he ~hermo-volumetric motor can be adapted to utilise heat from sunlight absorbed on a solar collector, ( 3 ) the thermo-volumetric motor uses phase change subistances to store energy in the form o~ latent heat which can then be used to provide motive power;
(4) the thermcs-vol~metric motor can be adapted to use e~ergy such as solar or waste energy which is generally not a limited reso~rce su.ch as, for example, is th~ case with mineral ~uels;
l5) the thermo-~olumetric motor is cold running and there~ore does not require cooling which may detract from its effi~iency; and, ( 6 ) the ~hermo-vol~netric mo~c~r operates ~i~hout combustion noise.
It will be apparent to persons skilled in the rele~an~ arts that numerous variations and modi~ication-~ can be made to the thermo-~olumetric motor and method ~or pro~idin~ motive power in addition to tho~e already mentioned without departing ~rom the basic inventi~e concepts of the presen~
invention. For ex~mple, the flow converting mean~ may comprise a turbine means which i~ adap~ed to be driven by CA 02202982 lsg7-04-l7 the compressed ~luid ~herein motive power is provided. The in~en~ion i~ n~t limi.ted to the phase change substances herein described but rather may include any phase change substance which can exchange latent heat with a compressed 5 fluid as described above. Furthermore, the first hea~ -exchanger need not include a second accumulator as described. The ~econd accumulator in the ex~mple described advantageously provides or a large storage bank of latent heat when, for example, heat cannot be provided to fuse or charge the pha~e change substance. The heat transfer means and the condenser de.~cribed herein are not limited to tho~e 3pecific arrangements described. All such variations and modi~ica~ions are to be considered within the scope o~ the ~resent invention the nature of which is to be determined ~rom the foregoing description.
.
. , . , ~ . . . -:. ., , , . :
. . . . - . .
l5) the thermo-~olumetric motor is cold running and there~ore does not require cooling which may detract from its effi~iency; and, ( 6 ) the ~hermo-vol~netric mo~c~r operates ~i~hout combustion noise.
It will be apparent to persons skilled in the rele~an~ arts that numerous variations and modi~ication-~ can be made to the thermo-~olumetric motor and method ~or pro~idin~ motive power in addition to tho~e already mentioned without departing ~rom the basic inventi~e concepts of the presen~
invention. For ex~mple, the flow converting mean~ may comprise a turbine means which i~ adap~ed to be driven by CA 02202982 lsg7-04-l7 the compressed ~luid ~herein motive power is provided. The in~en~ion i~ n~t limi.ted to the phase change substances herein described but rather may include any phase change substance which can exchange latent heat with a compressed 5 fluid as described above. Furthermore, the first hea~ -exchanger need not include a second accumulator as described. The ~econd accumulator in the ex~mple described advantageously provides or a large storage bank of latent heat when, for example, heat cannot be provided to fuse or charge the pha~e change substance. The heat transfer means and the condenser de.~cribed herein are not limited to tho~e 3pecific arrangements described. All such variations and modi~ica~ions are to be considered within the scope o~ the ~resent invention the nature of which is to be determined ~rom the foregoing description.
.
. , . , ~ . . . -:. ., , , . :
. . . . - . .
Claims (29)
1. A thermo-volumetric motor comprising:
a continuous fluid path adapted to carry a substantially compressible fluid, said continuous fluid path having heat transfer means and flow converting means in fluid communication with each other, said flow converting means being adapted to convert a flow of the compressible fluid in the fluid path to a motive power and said heat transfer means containing a first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and adapted to absorb heat from an external heat source whereby, in use, the first phase change substance can absorb heat from the external heat source thus fusing a portion of said phase change substance, and thereafter said portion of the phase change substance can solidify thus releasing latent heat which is absorbed by the compressible fluid thereby expanding and thus effecting a flow of the compressible fluid through the flow converting means to provide motive power.
a continuous fluid path adapted to carry a substantially compressible fluid, said continuous fluid path having heat transfer means and flow converting means in fluid communication with each other, said flow converting means being adapted to convert a flow of the compressible fluid in the fluid path to a motive power and said heat transfer means containing a first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and adapted to absorb heat from an external heat source whereby, in use, the first phase change substance can absorb heat from the external heat source thus fusing a portion of said phase change substance, and thereafter said portion of the phase change substance can solidify thus releasing latent heat which is absorbed by the compressible fluid thereby expanding and thus effecting a flow of the compressible fluid through the flow converting means to provide motive power.
2. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 1 further comprising cooling means in fluid communication with the heat transfer means and the flow converting means so that the compressible fluid can be cooled by the cooling means before said compressible fluid is heated by the heat transfer means.
3. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 2 further comprising a pump operatively coupled to the flow converting means and in fluid communication with the heat transfer means, the flow converting means, and the cooling means whereby, in use, movement of the flow converting means drives the pump thereby pumping the compressible fluid through the continuous fluid path.
4. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in either claim 2 or 3 wherein the cooling means is a first accumulator containing a second phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and a relatively low melting-point whereby, in use, heat from the compressible fluid can be absorbed by the second phase change substance thus fusing a portion of said phase change substance which cools.
5. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a collector adapted to absorb heat from the external heat source, the collector being in heat conductive communication with the heat transfer means so that, in use, heat absorbed by the collector can be transferred to the first phase change substance contained in the heat transfer means wherein a portion of the phase change substance fuses.
6. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flow converting means comprises:
a chamber adapted to receive the compressible fluid and in fluid communication with the heat transfer means; and a flow structure movably coupled to the chamber wherein the flow of compressible fluid in the chamber forces the flow structure to move so as to provide motive power.
a chamber adapted to receive the compressible fluid and in fluid communication with the heat transfer means; and a flow structure movably coupled to the chamber wherein the flow of compressible fluid in the chamber forces the flow structure to move so as to provide motive power.
7. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 6 wherein the flow structure comprises a pair of axially spaced apart rotors connected to a shaft wherein the flow converting means comprises a turbine in fluid communication with the heat transfer means.
8. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 7 wherein the pair of spaced apart rotors define a substantially sealed portion of the chamber therebetween such that, in use, the compressible fluid is injected into said portion of the chamber, and said compressible fluid frictionally engages and thus rotates the rotors.
9. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the flow converting means comprises:
a resilient tube adapted to carry the compressible fluid and in fluid communication with the heat transfer means; and engaging means configured to operatively engage the flexible tube wherein the flow of compressible fluid through the flexible tube moves the engaging means so as to provide motive power.
a resilient tube adapted to carry the compressible fluid and in fluid communication with the heat transfer means; and engaging means configured to operatively engage the flexible tube wherein the flow of compressible fluid through the flexible tube moves the engaging means so as to provide motive power.
10. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 9 wherein the engaging means comprises a rotational structure having at least one roller coupled to a coaxial shaft so that, in use, said at least one roller can engage the flexible tube and the flow of compressible fluid through the flexible tube causes said at least one roller to move and rotate the rotational structure which can then provide motive power.
11. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 10 wherein said rotational structure has more than one roller rotationally coupled to and disposed about the coaxial shaft so that, in use, at least one of said rollers engages the resilient tube at any one time wherein the flow of compressible fluid through the flexible tube ensures rotation of the rotational structure at all times.
12. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 9 wherein the engaging means comprises a pair of rotational structures connected by a common coaxial shaft, each rotational structure having at least one roller used to engage a flexible tube of a pair of flexible tubes, respectively, wherein at least one of said rollers engages one of said flexible tubes at any one time.
13. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the heat transfer means comprises:
a first tube adapted to carry the compressible fluid through the heat transfer means; and a shell surrounding a portion of the first tube, said shell containing the first phase change substance which is in contact with the first tube whereby, in use, latent heat can be transferred from the first phase change substance to the compressible fluid via the first tube of the heat transfer means.
a first tube adapted to carry the compressible fluid through the heat transfer means; and a shell surrounding a portion of the first tube, said shell containing the first phase change substance which is in contact with the first tube whereby, in use, latent heat can be transferred from the first phase change substance to the compressible fluid via the first tube of the heat transfer means.
14. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 13 wherein the heat transfer means further comprises a jacket surrounding the shell and adapted to carry a heat transfer fluid whereby, in use, heat from the heat transfer fluid can be transferred to the first phase change substance thereby melting the first phase change substance and storing latent heat.
15. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 14 wherein the jacket is in fluid communication with the collector wherein heat absorbed by the collector can be transferred to the first phase change substance via the heat transfer fluid.
16. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in claim 15 wherein the heat transfer means further comprises a second accumulator containing a third phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion, said second accumulator in heat conductive communication with the collector and in fluid communication with the jacket, so that, in use, the heat transfer fluid can be preheated by the latent heat of the third phase change substance before said hest transfer fluid flows to the jacket.
17. A method for producing motive power comprising the steps of:
absorbing heat, from an external heat source, on a first phase change substance contained in heat transfer means wherein a portion of the first phase change substance fuses, said first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion;
transferring latent heat from said portion of the first phase change substance, upon solidification thereof, to a compressible fluid provided in a continuous fluid path thereby expanding the compressible fluid and effecting a flow of the compressible fluid in the fluid path; and converting the flow of compressible fluid through the fluid path so as to produce motive power.
absorbing heat, from an external heat source, on a first phase change substance contained in heat transfer means wherein a portion of the first phase change substance fuses, said first phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion;
transferring latent heat from said portion of the first phase change substance, upon solidification thereof, to a compressible fluid provided in a continuous fluid path thereby expanding the compressible fluid and effecting a flow of the compressible fluid in the fluid path; and converting the flow of compressible fluid through the fluid path so as to produce motive power.
18. A method for producing motive power as defined in claim 17 further comprising the step of cooling the compressible fluid and returning said compressible fluid to the heat transfer means.
19. A method for producing motive power as defined in claim 18 wherein the step of cooling the compressible fluid involves absorbing heat from the compressible fluid by exchanging heat with a second phase change substance, having a relatively high latent heat of fusion and a relatively low melting-point, wherein the compressible fluid is cooled.
20. A method for producing motive power as defined in any one of claims 17 or 19 further comprising the step of driving a pump operatively coupled to the flow converting means wherein compressible fluid is pumped to the heat transfer means using the pump.
21. A method for producing motive power as defined in any one of claims 17 to 20 further comprising the step of absorbing heat from the external heat source onto a collector which is in heat conductive communication with the heat transfer means, wherein absorbed heat can be transferred from the collector to the first phase change substance of the heat transfer means.
22. A thermo-volumetric motor as defined in any one of claims 17 to 21 further comprising the step of preheating a heat transfer fluid circulating between the heat transfer means and an accumulator containing a third phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion, wherein the preheated heat transfer fluid can transfer heat to the first phase change substance of the heat transfer means.
23. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first, second and/or third phase change substances are first, second and/or third hydrate salts respectively, each having a high latent heat of fusion.
24. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in claim 23 wherein the first hydrate salt and the third hydrate salt each have a melting-point of between 0°C to 100°C.
25. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in claim 23 wherein the first hydrate salt and the third hydrate salt each have a latent heat of fusion of greater than 50 kilocalories/litre (kcal/l).
26. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in claim 23 wherein the first hydrate salt and the third hydrate salt comprises sodium acetate trihydrate or a derivative thereof.
27. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in claim 23 wherein the second hydrate salt has a melting-point of less than 0°C.
28. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in claim 23 wherein the second hydrate salt comprises of a stoichiometric mixture of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and demineralised water or a derivative thereof.
29. A thermo-volumetric motor or a method for producing motive power as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the compressible fluid comprises a refrigerant such as methane, chloro-difluoro or a derivative thereof
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPM8914A AUPM891494A0 (en) | 1994-10-20 | 1994-10-20 | A thermo-volumetric motor |
| AUPM8914 | 1994-10-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2202982A1 true CA2202982A1 (en) | 1996-05-02 |
Family
ID=3783432
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002202982A Abandoned CA2202982A1 (en) | 1994-10-20 | 1995-10-20 | A thermo-volumetric motor |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0787259A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10511160A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR970707386A (en) |
| AU (1) | AUPM891494A0 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9509422A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2202982A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9702800A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996012890A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3952519A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1976-04-27 | Kay Laboratories, Inc. | Heat transfer system employing supercooled fluids |
| US3903699A (en) * | 1973-12-04 | 1975-09-09 | Nasa | Solar energy power system |
| WO1979001003A1 (en) * | 1978-04-28 | 1979-11-29 | Solar Dynamics Ltd | Solar energy system |
| US4283914A (en) * | 1979-04-17 | 1981-08-18 | Allen Leonard W | Solar energy system |
| US4768345A (en) * | 1986-10-03 | 1988-09-06 | Institute Of Gas Technology | Continuous thermal energy delivery from a periodically active energy source |
| US4945731A (en) * | 1988-12-12 | 1990-08-07 | Parker Robin Z | Absorbing fluid receiver for solar dynamic power generation and solar dynamic power system |
| EP0470333B1 (en) * | 1990-08-07 | 1997-07-09 | Katsuo Hosokawa | Flexible tube for volume displacement machine |
-
1994
- 1994-10-20 AU AUPM8914A patent/AUPM891494A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
1995
- 1995-10-20 WO PCT/AU1995/000696 patent/WO1996012890A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-10-20 KR KR1019970702621A patent/KR970707386A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-10-20 CA CA002202982A patent/CA2202982A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-10-20 JP JP8513538A patent/JPH10511160A/en active Pending
- 1995-10-20 MX MX9702800A patent/MX9702800A/en unknown
- 1995-10-20 EP EP95944805A patent/EP0787259A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1995-10-20 BR BR9509422A patent/BR9509422A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AUPM891494A0 (en) | 1994-11-10 |
| EP0787259A1 (en) | 1997-08-06 |
| MX9702800A (en) | 1998-02-28 |
| KR970707386A (en) | 1997-12-01 |
| JPH10511160A (en) | 1998-10-27 |
| BR9509422A (en) | 1997-09-30 |
| EP0787259A4 (en) | 1998-06-03 |
| WO1996012890A1 (en) | 1996-05-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |