CA2512598A1 - Sequential expansion and self compression engine - Google Patents
Sequential expansion and self compression engine Download PDFInfo
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- CA2512598A1 CA2512598A1 CA002512598A CA2512598A CA2512598A1 CA 2512598 A1 CA2512598 A1 CA 2512598A1 CA 002512598 A CA002512598 A CA 002512598A CA 2512598 A CA2512598 A CA 2512598A CA 2512598 A1 CA2512598 A1 CA 2512598A1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C6/00—Plural gas-turbine plants; Combinations of gas-turbine plants with other apparatus; Adaptations of gas-turbine plants for special use
- F02C6/14—Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads
- F02C6/16—Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads for storing compressed air
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K27/00—Plants for converting heat or fluid energy into mechanical energy, not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K27/00—Plants for converting heat or fluid energy into mechanical energy, not otherwise provided for
- F01K27/02—Plants modified to use their waste heat, other than that of exhaust, e.g. engine-friction heat
-
- 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
-
- 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
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/16—Mechanical energy storage, e.g. flywheels or pressurised 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
- Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
- Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Engine Equipment That Uses Special Cycles (AREA)
Abstract
A method and system are disclosed for simultaneously converting heat from a plurality of sources into renewable zero emission energy. Pressurized working fluid accumulates in a reservoir prior to its isentropic expansion across a prime mover and subsequent deposition via co-rotating compressor into sequentially opened segments of a heat accumulation array comprising heat sinks, reservoirs and valves. A
magnetic coupling synchronizes prime mover rotation with an external shaft upon which are mounted an alternator to extract work from the system, and a blower to distribute heat to the accumulation array wherein isolated working fluid acquires heat energy.
Mapping its pressure versus temperature curve, C v, working fluid eventually attains sufficient pressure to re-source the prime mover. Sequencing array pressure envelopes creates a multiplexed source of prime mover working fluid capable of sustaining continuous work output. Thoughtfully applied jet induction and vortex tube draw down array segments in preparation for successive cycles.
magnetic coupling synchronizes prime mover rotation with an external shaft upon which are mounted an alternator to extract work from the system, and a blower to distribute heat to the accumulation array wherein isolated working fluid acquires heat energy.
Mapping its pressure versus temperature curve, C v, working fluid eventually attains sufficient pressure to re-source the prime mover. Sequencing array pressure envelopes creates a multiplexed source of prime mover working fluid capable of sustaining continuous work output. Thoughtfully applied jet induction and vortex tube draw down array segments in preparation for successive cycles.
Description
Back rp ound:
This invention relates to the field of renewable source, zero consumption and zero emission engines, and in particular it relates to a sequential thermodynamic method and system for concurrently extracting work from a plurality of naturally occurring and waste heat sources.
Prior art renewable source heat engines such as the Solar Stirling Engine (1 ) harvest insolent energy by utilizing the expansive energy created by concentrating and focusing sunlight acquired by an array of mirrors onto a collector containing hydrogen working fluid which is then provided to a turbine or piston type engine for work generation purposes. Systems such as these must be built to extremely high pressure and safety tolerances to diminish the explosion hazard associated with using hydrogen working fluid (WF).
Other prior art heat engines such as those disclosed by Schwartzman (2), and Mintovich (3) rely on poly-phase working mediums for their operation necessitating the use of expensive materials and high precision machining and construction techniques.
The employment of explosive working fluids such as LH2 and L02 greatly diminishes the attractiveness of use of such systems due to the risk factor.
Still other prior art methods utilizing the expansive energy of steam generically require temperatures in excess of 100°C for their operation (unless a typically energy consuming means for furnishing a vacuum with which to cause the ebullition of steam from lower temperature water is provided). Although this temperature in a non-polluting heat source is readily available in the form of concentrating solar energy, this approach affords no benefit at night or in areas of heavy cloud cover.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine The presently disclosed inventive method diverges from prior art methods and systems which provide only one mode of heat transfer, require high temperature differentials for their efficient operation, and which utilize explosive WF.
In contrast, the disclosed method and system breaks new ground by simultaneously converting heat acquired through any number of heat transfer methods, dispenses with the requirement for extremely high system pressures and explosive WF, and brings to light the potential of Time Offset Thermal Expansion {TOTE).
Based on first principles it is known that: a gaseous system receiving thermal energy input under constant volume will self-compress; that some working fluids have a high pressure at low (ie: ambient) temperatures; and that maintaining a pressure differential across a prime mover (PM) will allow its continuous operation. The disclosed Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine (SESCE) is a heat engine which advantageously extrapolates upon the TOTE method derived from first principles.
Utilizing an amalgamation of proven existing technologies, the disclosed inventive method and system provide a semi-closed loop energy reclamation system strategically employing heat sinking, jet induction, vortex technology, and an ultra-efficient turbine, compressor and blower in conjunction with an alternator to gainfully exploit both high and low grade heat sources allowing the conversion of a new wealth of previously untapped ambient and waste heat directly into pollution-free, on-demand energy.
The disclosed invention, which may operate at pressures less than those observed in a backyard barbeque propane cylinder, does away with the perceived need for the pollution associated fossil fuel consumption by attaining and maintaining work output with zero consumption of fuel. Achieving extremely efficient operation through the integration of Nikola Tesla's bladeless turbine (5), and compressor and blower (4) the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine disclosed invention viably converts heat energy communicated to the system's heat accumulation array (HAA) into pressure energy used to develop either electrical or mechanical work, or both. The SESCE in conjunction with the TOTE method are poised to help usher in the era of low cost, permanent, renewable, zero consumption and zero emission energy renewal systems.
As per the TOTE method, the SESCE efficiently converts acquired thermal energy at a rate sufficient to satisfy the prime mover throughput required to achieve given power outputs by applying a batch heat sinking process methodology to pure gases in isolation. This allows any heat source (even snow or ice if a suitable system volume is used) having a temperature above that of the cold expanded prime mover working fluid (ie: -30 to -50°C, depending on system configuration realized through different regulator settings) to be useful as a heat source.
Through the TOTE method, both naturally occurring and waste-heat sources may be used as energy-convertible heat sources, affording new opportunities for recuperation of natural, residential and industrial heat losses with which to co-generate useful electrical or mechanical energy. Figures 1 and 2 represent potential heat sources for use with the TOTE method and SESCE heat engine. Noteworthy are the low grade heat sources disclosed in Figure 1, which represent heat sources previously not exploited as a source of power generation to date. It must be understood, however, that since any heat source may be used in conjunction with the disclosed method of the invention, that these figures represent only a handful of potential heat sources, which include and are as diverse as ocean, lake and stream water, ambient atmospheric air, terrestrial heat sources such as ground and geothermal sources, and others including but not limited to factory waste heat, desert heat, building roof-top and structure walls, paved driveways, parking lots, roads and park pavement, factory effluents, combustion exhausts, and concentrated solar energy.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Referring now to Figure 1, wherein external-to-dwelling HAA heat sink containing prime mover working fluid (PMWF) is represented by arrows with dashed lines and internal-to-dwelling secondary heating loops circulating a controlled flow of water are represented by arrows with solid lines, further domestic heat sources are disclosed as follows: 1 the heat of ambient and solar energy influx accumulating in the walls of dwellings or buildings are used to heat an HAA segment located behind preferably dark, heat-conductive exterior siding which is protected from the wind and heat dissipating elements of precipitation and wind by a glazed enclosure; 2 chimney and furnace discharge gases laden with recoverable heat pass through a wind-sheltering HAA segment heat sink comprised of a semi-open coil of pipe or tubing; 3 the heat of summer accumulating within dwelling attic or building rooftop areas is recuperated via a controllably regulated flow water heating loop (CRFWHL) which discharges into an outdoor trough comprising a water-tight glazing having such dimension as to contain members of a vertically overlain series of HAA segment heat sinks and having an upper volume capable of containing the full load of water issuing from the dwelling and which has an upper base from which an array of equidistantly spaced (1 cm diagonal centers) 1 mm holes drip feeds downward onto and through the top member of a HAA
segment heat sink, the runoff of which subsequently downwardly discharges onto and through a second vertically overlain HAA segment which in turn downwardly discharges onto further HAA segments in similar fashion so that a high percentage of available heat from the internal-to-dwelling water loop is absorbed by HAA
segments prior to reaching the bottom of the glazed containment area is reached, where the discharge is either piped back to drain, or is led to an irrigation network about the property; 4 the heat accumulating in building rooftops during the summer months is recoverable via HAA segments comprising black iron pipe (BIP) or refrigeration grade tubing run in parallel equidistant paths either on top of (in which case protection from heat-dissipation by a glazing capable of withstanding an occasional maintenance walk Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine is advisable), or directly beneath the rooftop shingling or other dark surface (in which case, it is preferable to provide recessed channels for the pipe or tubing over top of which a layer of heat conductive metal such as tin may be applied prior to applying the preferably dark coloured shingles or other surfacing (flat rooftops may benefit from an alteration of the design used for the inclined rooftops, wherein a glazed enclosure oriented to the declination of the sun is hermetically sealed, and has a black coloured tin or other heat-conductive backing, thereby providing shade to the rooftop while absorbing insolent energy available); 5 the heat available from cooking and washing of dishes is recovered by providing a separate auxiliary drain line leading to an exterior trough of the aforementioned configuration however this alternate CRFWHL (as well as any subsequent CRFWHLs mentioned herein having soapy content is routed to the sanitary sewer path following heat reclamation to prevent soil contamination which might otherwise occur through the alternate irrigation bound path of the alternate HAA
external drip feed arrangement); 6 similarly, the remaining heat contained in bath and laundry water may be similarly provided an paths to appropriate exterior troughs mentioned whose function and configuration has already been stated; 7 the recovery of heat energy from domestic pavement is achievable by encasing a HAA segment comprising parallel runs of BIP suitably interconnected and piped back to the SESCE
within a layer of asphalt at the time of construction; 8 similarly, city, town and township roads can harvest tremendous quantities of heat by encasing HAA segments comprising BIP within the asphalt of the road system thereby affording the side benefit of providing extra support to the road system as well as provide a moderating temperature effect to help curb the deformation of road surfaces, decrease frost shattering in springtime and promote longer life expectancy; 9 the heat generated by hot interior lighting fixtures may be recuperated by providing hollow backing reflectors through which a CRFWHL is piped and routed to the exterior HAA member; 10 rejected heat from domestic and commercial air-conditioning is also recoverable by surrounding the exterior heat-discharging condenser coils of the AC units with HAA
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine segments into which the discharged heat is absorbed, thereby charging the TOTE
HAA segment; 11 the external troughs) into which CRFWHLs are communicated should either be located in an area where a parabolic solar reflector may be placed with which to focus solar energy onto the CRFWHL liquid discharge, or it may alternately be located inside the solar greenhouse described in Figure 2).
Moving on to Figure 2, a heat-retentive structure such as a solar greenhouse 1 having flared appendages 2 attached to the exterior of the structure are surfaced with a highly reflective material to reflect into the structure a greater quantity of insolent energy than would have otherwise been available to the TOTE array segments 3 thereby providing greater energy for conversion. Insolent energy entering the structure directly through the glazing of the structure either warms the heat sinks of the HAA directly or parabolic forms surfaced with highly reflective material redirect otherwise stray solar rays toward the heat sinks which are painted black to increase the energy absorption rate.
Also, the interior of the structure is lined with heat retentive materials such as brick or water bottles to store a portion of the solar energy for later release to the TOTE
array during the night-time. Note that the whole of the solar greenhouse structure is optimally glazed and insulated to retain a maximum of heat for direct conversion via the SESCE
prime mover.
The general operating premise of the invention may be understood by the following description, in which a TOTE heat accumulation array (HAA) comprising n branches, has individual branches of such minimum internal heat-sink and reservoir total volume as to be capable of sustaining the prime mover for a one minute period at full rated load. Note: the equality of branch volumes and time constants need not be adhered to in actual practice, and is in no way a limitation on the system which may employ any size configuration of individual branch volumes and time constants while in multiplexed sourcing mode; it is implied herein solely for clarity of process illustration.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine In keeping with the TOTE premise, a HAA with segments of similar heat sinking time constant x minutes (from the time their respective branch fill valve closes post chamber pressurization to compressor discharge pressure} to achieve PM source-replenishment pressure is assumed. In this configuration, a minimum of x branches must be constantly in heat-sink mode in order to provide a continuous supply of PMWF. Once PM source replenishment pressure is attained, further heat added to the isolated working fluid from the external heat sources) causes thermal compression of the working fluid (as it attempts to expand under constant volume due to the thermal energy influx). Array branches thereby achieve a WF pressure greater than the prime mover supply reservoir, at which time a check valve opens, permitting flow of the WF into the supply reservoir of the PM to which the branch contributes for a one minute period, after which time the WF pressure in the array branches stabilize at that of the prime mover supply reservoir, the check valve closes, and no further contribution is possible.
According to the TOTE premise of the invention, HAA-branch heat-sinking period start-times are offset from each other in the array by one minute. Assuming a uniform thermal absorption profile across the HAA, a minimum of the required number of isolated branches contiguously cycle through branch-open, branch-fill, branch-closure, branch-heat-sinking, branch-PM-sourcing (discharge), and branch-draw-down in order to continuously maintain the required prime-mover throughput.
For example, if array segments individually take ten minutes to achieve prime-mover replenishment pressure, and are thereby able to provide one minute of PMWF, then a system designed to accommodate ten or more segments simultaneously in heat-sinking mode would be capable of contiguously sourcing a one-minute volume of Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine working fluid from the HAA-branch-sources reaching PM working pressure every minute, thereby continuously sourcing the work output of the prime mover.
Following the above train of thought to conclusion is the realization that the limiting factor to maintaining a given work output by this inventive, renewable heat recovery engine is simply volume of heat sink in conjunction with virtually any terrestrial heat source, hot or warm. Although embodiments of the disclosed type of heat engine will necessarily occupy a somewhat larger volumetric footprint than prior art systems designed for higher temperature differential of operation (ie: polluting combustion engines), the economic tradeoffs to the acceptance of the TOTE method and SESCE
engine technology include: no fuel consumption other than the initial system charge amounting to a few dollars per array segment as well as a small amount of WF
leakage over time amounting to a few dollars per year; no extreme pressures or explosive WF requirement (therefore a lower system manufacturing cost is possible due to many commonly recycled parts being useful in the method; and as with any zero emission zero consumption rated technology, the reduction of greenhouse gas by thousands of kg per year per system in use will help Canada's air to be cleaner and healthier to breathe; also, Canada's commitment to develop new technologies toward meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Kyoto Accord would be well complemented by the technology presented herein, which could make new and retrofittable homes energy self sufficient, furnish a large amount of the power required to operate buildings, be adapted to automobile and other forms of transportation, tool, and power generation service.
While the process of heat sinking is in itself a slow process in which HAA
segments take time to achieve prime mover (PM) source replenishment pressure, the multiplexing of sufficient HAA sources via check valves ensures that WF is available Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine as soon as it is at PMWF pressure, and thereby no excessive system pressures are developed.
The SESCE engine and TOTE method utilize very few moving parts other than the single internal and single external shaft which turn as one rotor, thereby affording exceptional economy of compression and work generation. Electrical valves operating the fill and discharge cycles of the process in the initial design are normally closed, thereby requiring a minimum of power to effect the actuation of the HAA
functions.
Outfitting the disclosed invention with high efficiency prime mover (turbine) compressor and blower (5) and (4), a two-stage compound alternator, and supported by the vast electrical storage capability afforded by today's ultra-capacitors, the SESCE system in conjunction with solid state diodes and a suitably rated power inverter is able to store and deliver high current for on-demand use in both motive as well as stationary power consuming and generating devices.
Statements that define method / system operation 1. It is a primary object of this invention to provide a zero emission engine.
This invention relates to the field of renewable source, zero consumption and zero emission engines, and in particular it relates to a sequential thermodynamic method and system for concurrently extracting work from a plurality of naturally occurring and waste heat sources.
Prior art renewable source heat engines such as the Solar Stirling Engine (1 ) harvest insolent energy by utilizing the expansive energy created by concentrating and focusing sunlight acquired by an array of mirrors onto a collector containing hydrogen working fluid which is then provided to a turbine or piston type engine for work generation purposes. Systems such as these must be built to extremely high pressure and safety tolerances to diminish the explosion hazard associated with using hydrogen working fluid (WF).
Other prior art heat engines such as those disclosed by Schwartzman (2), and Mintovich (3) rely on poly-phase working mediums for their operation necessitating the use of expensive materials and high precision machining and construction techniques.
The employment of explosive working fluids such as LH2 and L02 greatly diminishes the attractiveness of use of such systems due to the risk factor.
Still other prior art methods utilizing the expansive energy of steam generically require temperatures in excess of 100°C for their operation (unless a typically energy consuming means for furnishing a vacuum with which to cause the ebullition of steam from lower temperature water is provided). Although this temperature in a non-polluting heat source is readily available in the form of concentrating solar energy, this approach affords no benefit at night or in areas of heavy cloud cover.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine The presently disclosed inventive method diverges from prior art methods and systems which provide only one mode of heat transfer, require high temperature differentials for their efficient operation, and which utilize explosive WF.
In contrast, the disclosed method and system breaks new ground by simultaneously converting heat acquired through any number of heat transfer methods, dispenses with the requirement for extremely high system pressures and explosive WF, and brings to light the potential of Time Offset Thermal Expansion {TOTE).
Based on first principles it is known that: a gaseous system receiving thermal energy input under constant volume will self-compress; that some working fluids have a high pressure at low (ie: ambient) temperatures; and that maintaining a pressure differential across a prime mover (PM) will allow its continuous operation. The disclosed Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine (SESCE) is a heat engine which advantageously extrapolates upon the TOTE method derived from first principles.
Utilizing an amalgamation of proven existing technologies, the disclosed inventive method and system provide a semi-closed loop energy reclamation system strategically employing heat sinking, jet induction, vortex technology, and an ultra-efficient turbine, compressor and blower in conjunction with an alternator to gainfully exploit both high and low grade heat sources allowing the conversion of a new wealth of previously untapped ambient and waste heat directly into pollution-free, on-demand energy.
The disclosed invention, which may operate at pressures less than those observed in a backyard barbeque propane cylinder, does away with the perceived need for the pollution associated fossil fuel consumption by attaining and maintaining work output with zero consumption of fuel. Achieving extremely efficient operation through the integration of Nikola Tesla's bladeless turbine (5), and compressor and blower (4) the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine disclosed invention viably converts heat energy communicated to the system's heat accumulation array (HAA) into pressure energy used to develop either electrical or mechanical work, or both. The SESCE in conjunction with the TOTE method are poised to help usher in the era of low cost, permanent, renewable, zero consumption and zero emission energy renewal systems.
As per the TOTE method, the SESCE efficiently converts acquired thermal energy at a rate sufficient to satisfy the prime mover throughput required to achieve given power outputs by applying a batch heat sinking process methodology to pure gases in isolation. This allows any heat source (even snow or ice if a suitable system volume is used) having a temperature above that of the cold expanded prime mover working fluid (ie: -30 to -50°C, depending on system configuration realized through different regulator settings) to be useful as a heat source.
Through the TOTE method, both naturally occurring and waste-heat sources may be used as energy-convertible heat sources, affording new opportunities for recuperation of natural, residential and industrial heat losses with which to co-generate useful electrical or mechanical energy. Figures 1 and 2 represent potential heat sources for use with the TOTE method and SESCE heat engine. Noteworthy are the low grade heat sources disclosed in Figure 1, which represent heat sources previously not exploited as a source of power generation to date. It must be understood, however, that since any heat source may be used in conjunction with the disclosed method of the invention, that these figures represent only a handful of potential heat sources, which include and are as diverse as ocean, lake and stream water, ambient atmospheric air, terrestrial heat sources such as ground and geothermal sources, and others including but not limited to factory waste heat, desert heat, building roof-top and structure walls, paved driveways, parking lots, roads and park pavement, factory effluents, combustion exhausts, and concentrated solar energy.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Referring now to Figure 1, wherein external-to-dwelling HAA heat sink containing prime mover working fluid (PMWF) is represented by arrows with dashed lines and internal-to-dwelling secondary heating loops circulating a controlled flow of water are represented by arrows with solid lines, further domestic heat sources are disclosed as follows: 1 the heat of ambient and solar energy influx accumulating in the walls of dwellings or buildings are used to heat an HAA segment located behind preferably dark, heat-conductive exterior siding which is protected from the wind and heat dissipating elements of precipitation and wind by a glazed enclosure; 2 chimney and furnace discharge gases laden with recoverable heat pass through a wind-sheltering HAA segment heat sink comprised of a semi-open coil of pipe or tubing; 3 the heat of summer accumulating within dwelling attic or building rooftop areas is recuperated via a controllably regulated flow water heating loop (CRFWHL) which discharges into an outdoor trough comprising a water-tight glazing having such dimension as to contain members of a vertically overlain series of HAA segment heat sinks and having an upper volume capable of containing the full load of water issuing from the dwelling and which has an upper base from which an array of equidistantly spaced (1 cm diagonal centers) 1 mm holes drip feeds downward onto and through the top member of a HAA
segment heat sink, the runoff of which subsequently downwardly discharges onto and through a second vertically overlain HAA segment which in turn downwardly discharges onto further HAA segments in similar fashion so that a high percentage of available heat from the internal-to-dwelling water loop is absorbed by HAA
segments prior to reaching the bottom of the glazed containment area is reached, where the discharge is either piped back to drain, or is led to an irrigation network about the property; 4 the heat accumulating in building rooftops during the summer months is recoverable via HAA segments comprising black iron pipe (BIP) or refrigeration grade tubing run in parallel equidistant paths either on top of (in which case protection from heat-dissipation by a glazing capable of withstanding an occasional maintenance walk Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine is advisable), or directly beneath the rooftop shingling or other dark surface (in which case, it is preferable to provide recessed channels for the pipe or tubing over top of which a layer of heat conductive metal such as tin may be applied prior to applying the preferably dark coloured shingles or other surfacing (flat rooftops may benefit from an alteration of the design used for the inclined rooftops, wherein a glazed enclosure oriented to the declination of the sun is hermetically sealed, and has a black coloured tin or other heat-conductive backing, thereby providing shade to the rooftop while absorbing insolent energy available); 5 the heat available from cooking and washing of dishes is recovered by providing a separate auxiliary drain line leading to an exterior trough of the aforementioned configuration however this alternate CRFWHL (as well as any subsequent CRFWHLs mentioned herein having soapy content is routed to the sanitary sewer path following heat reclamation to prevent soil contamination which might otherwise occur through the alternate irrigation bound path of the alternate HAA
external drip feed arrangement); 6 similarly, the remaining heat contained in bath and laundry water may be similarly provided an paths to appropriate exterior troughs mentioned whose function and configuration has already been stated; 7 the recovery of heat energy from domestic pavement is achievable by encasing a HAA segment comprising parallel runs of BIP suitably interconnected and piped back to the SESCE
within a layer of asphalt at the time of construction; 8 similarly, city, town and township roads can harvest tremendous quantities of heat by encasing HAA segments comprising BIP within the asphalt of the road system thereby affording the side benefit of providing extra support to the road system as well as provide a moderating temperature effect to help curb the deformation of road surfaces, decrease frost shattering in springtime and promote longer life expectancy; 9 the heat generated by hot interior lighting fixtures may be recuperated by providing hollow backing reflectors through which a CRFWHL is piped and routed to the exterior HAA member; 10 rejected heat from domestic and commercial air-conditioning is also recoverable by surrounding the exterior heat-discharging condenser coils of the AC units with HAA
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine segments into which the discharged heat is absorbed, thereby charging the TOTE
HAA segment; 11 the external troughs) into which CRFWHLs are communicated should either be located in an area where a parabolic solar reflector may be placed with which to focus solar energy onto the CRFWHL liquid discharge, or it may alternately be located inside the solar greenhouse described in Figure 2).
Moving on to Figure 2, a heat-retentive structure such as a solar greenhouse 1 having flared appendages 2 attached to the exterior of the structure are surfaced with a highly reflective material to reflect into the structure a greater quantity of insolent energy than would have otherwise been available to the TOTE array segments 3 thereby providing greater energy for conversion. Insolent energy entering the structure directly through the glazing of the structure either warms the heat sinks of the HAA directly or parabolic forms surfaced with highly reflective material redirect otherwise stray solar rays toward the heat sinks which are painted black to increase the energy absorption rate.
Also, the interior of the structure is lined with heat retentive materials such as brick or water bottles to store a portion of the solar energy for later release to the TOTE
array during the night-time. Note that the whole of the solar greenhouse structure is optimally glazed and insulated to retain a maximum of heat for direct conversion via the SESCE
prime mover.
The general operating premise of the invention may be understood by the following description, in which a TOTE heat accumulation array (HAA) comprising n branches, has individual branches of such minimum internal heat-sink and reservoir total volume as to be capable of sustaining the prime mover for a one minute period at full rated load. Note: the equality of branch volumes and time constants need not be adhered to in actual practice, and is in no way a limitation on the system which may employ any size configuration of individual branch volumes and time constants while in multiplexed sourcing mode; it is implied herein solely for clarity of process illustration.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine In keeping with the TOTE premise, a HAA with segments of similar heat sinking time constant x minutes (from the time their respective branch fill valve closes post chamber pressurization to compressor discharge pressure} to achieve PM source-replenishment pressure is assumed. In this configuration, a minimum of x branches must be constantly in heat-sink mode in order to provide a continuous supply of PMWF. Once PM source replenishment pressure is attained, further heat added to the isolated working fluid from the external heat sources) causes thermal compression of the working fluid (as it attempts to expand under constant volume due to the thermal energy influx). Array branches thereby achieve a WF pressure greater than the prime mover supply reservoir, at which time a check valve opens, permitting flow of the WF into the supply reservoir of the PM to which the branch contributes for a one minute period, after which time the WF pressure in the array branches stabilize at that of the prime mover supply reservoir, the check valve closes, and no further contribution is possible.
According to the TOTE premise of the invention, HAA-branch heat-sinking period start-times are offset from each other in the array by one minute. Assuming a uniform thermal absorption profile across the HAA, a minimum of the required number of isolated branches contiguously cycle through branch-open, branch-fill, branch-closure, branch-heat-sinking, branch-PM-sourcing (discharge), and branch-draw-down in order to continuously maintain the required prime-mover throughput.
For example, if array segments individually take ten minutes to achieve prime-mover replenishment pressure, and are thereby able to provide one minute of PMWF, then a system designed to accommodate ten or more segments simultaneously in heat-sinking mode would be capable of contiguously sourcing a one-minute volume of Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine working fluid from the HAA-branch-sources reaching PM working pressure every minute, thereby continuously sourcing the work output of the prime mover.
Following the above train of thought to conclusion is the realization that the limiting factor to maintaining a given work output by this inventive, renewable heat recovery engine is simply volume of heat sink in conjunction with virtually any terrestrial heat source, hot or warm. Although embodiments of the disclosed type of heat engine will necessarily occupy a somewhat larger volumetric footprint than prior art systems designed for higher temperature differential of operation (ie: polluting combustion engines), the economic tradeoffs to the acceptance of the TOTE method and SESCE
engine technology include: no fuel consumption other than the initial system charge amounting to a few dollars per array segment as well as a small amount of WF
leakage over time amounting to a few dollars per year; no extreme pressures or explosive WF requirement (therefore a lower system manufacturing cost is possible due to many commonly recycled parts being useful in the method; and as with any zero emission zero consumption rated technology, the reduction of greenhouse gas by thousands of kg per year per system in use will help Canada's air to be cleaner and healthier to breathe; also, Canada's commitment to develop new technologies toward meeting or exceeding the requirements of the Kyoto Accord would be well complemented by the technology presented herein, which could make new and retrofittable homes energy self sufficient, furnish a large amount of the power required to operate buildings, be adapted to automobile and other forms of transportation, tool, and power generation service.
While the process of heat sinking is in itself a slow process in which HAA
segments take time to achieve prime mover (PM) source replenishment pressure, the multiplexing of sufficient HAA sources via check valves ensures that WF is available Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine as soon as it is at PMWF pressure, and thereby no excessive system pressures are developed.
The SESCE engine and TOTE method utilize very few moving parts other than the single internal and single external shaft which turn as one rotor, thereby affording exceptional economy of compression and work generation. Electrical valves operating the fill and discharge cycles of the process in the initial design are normally closed, thereby requiring a minimum of power to effect the actuation of the HAA
functions.
Outfitting the disclosed invention with high efficiency prime mover (turbine) compressor and blower (5) and (4), a two-stage compound alternator, and supported by the vast electrical storage capability afforded by today's ultra-capacitors, the SESCE system in conjunction with solid state diodes and a suitably rated power inverter is able to store and deliver high current for on-demand use in both motive as well as stationary power consuming and generating devices.
Statements that define method / system operation 1. It is a primary object of this invention to provide a zero emission engine.
2. It is another primary object of the invention to provide an engine that consumes no fuel other than the initial system charge and the requirement to replenish a minor amount of interior to exterior system leakage over time.
3. It is another object of this invention to provide an efficient Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine (SESCE) to provide a clean alternative to polluting forms of power generation and motive power.
4. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a heat engine capable of utilizing carbon dioxide (C02) as its working fluid.
5. It is another goal of this invention to prefer C02 as the working fluid for the system.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine
6. It is another objective of this invention to promote demand for closed-loop engines by being usable as an automobile prime mover. SESCE's zero-emission status applied to automotive service would reduce environmental C02 load by 3,000 kg/year per automobile (based on 15,000km/yr x 5L/100km) x (4kg C02 / 1 L
fuel combusted). If these systems were manufactured in large enough quantities fand if legislation were to force their introduction}, mass SESCE usage would create economic demand for refined C02 from atmospheric air, industrial or automotive exhaust sources. In turn, reducing environmental pollution while producing a marketable reason to separate C02 from the atmosphere, and isolate it into beneficial service in an engine as prime mover working fluid for years to come.
fuel combusted). If these systems were manufactured in large enough quantities fand if legislation were to force their introduction}, mass SESCE usage would create economic demand for refined C02 from atmospheric air, industrial or automotive exhaust sources. In turn, reducing environmental pollution while producing a marketable reason to separate C02 from the atmosphere, and isolate it into beneficial service in an engine as prime mover working fluid for years to come.
7. It is yet another goal of the invention to convert solar energy collected during the daytime into work in the nighttime.
8. It is another goal of the invention to store excess heat input otherwise provided the system's HAA for later conversion.
9. It is yet another objective of the invention to convert household waste heat from sources such as bath, shower, laundry water and dryer, stove and stove-top elements, oven, and even lighting fixtures into work generation.
10. It is yet another objective of the invention to utilize the heat accumulated in building rooftops to generate work.
11. It is yet another object of the invention to utilize the heat capacity of the ambient atmospheric medium to generate work.
12. It is another objective of the invention to utilize the cooling capacity of the SESCE
system to provide refrigeration and air cooling as a beneficial by-product.
system to provide refrigeration and air cooling as a beneficial by-product.
13. It is still another objective of the invention to integrate ground source piping into the heat collective capacity of the overall TOTE array to utilize the heat capacity provided by the ground warmed by both solar and terrestrial exposure.
14. It is yet another objective of the invention to be constructed at a minimum of cost, reusing or recycling components common in industrial or household waste, to Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine 7!29/2005 decrease waste while increasing the energy producing potential and the lifecycle typically associated with wasted items of each type.
15. It is still another object of the invention to employ strong permanent magnets in the external shaft of the SESCE rotor in conjunction with properly positioned stator coils to co-generate the armature current required by the system's alternator, thereby furnishing the field with which the rotating armature will generate the system electrical output, without diminishing the overall system power output.
16. It is an equally important consideration of this invention to provide relief to countries in hot climates where use of the TOTE method would generate by-product condensation of water from ambient atmospheric source air which would help to improve or generate soil conditions for agricultural land use or provide a potable water source in regions where there is no clean drinking water (SESCE
continuously cools external ambient air while consuming enthalpy from heat sources in its HAA).
continuously cools external ambient air while consuming enthalpy from heat sources in its HAA).
17. It is another valuable objective of this invention to provide an economical means of sequencing the actuation of fill and jet induction valve functions without the need for great equipment expense or need of electrical energy expenditure, which would diminish system work output.
Detailed Descriation The Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine which extracts heat energy from a plurality of naturally occurring or strategically exploited heat sources via the Time Offset Thermal Expansion method is presently disclosed. This novel application of batch heat sinking collectively results in the elevation of a sufficient volume of prime mover working fluid to the required working pressure to satisfy the system's overall load requirements.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine The principles of operation of the SESCE, which takes the form of a heat conversion engine in which WF is maintained in its gaseous state achieving a continuous multiplexed supply of PMWF may be understood from the following concepts:
a. Gaseous system throughput in the form of continuously sourced pressurized WF is sustained at a rate sufficient to drive the PM via the TOTE method, which allows a minimum of working fluid in semi-closed loop to remuneratively collect and deliver acquired energy to the PM which further drives co-rotating compressor and electrical or mechanical loads imposed on the system.
b. Provided HAA branch volumes capable of sourcing a one minute supply of pressurized PMWF, the number of array branches required to maintain the system self-replenishment throughput is nominally equal to the number of minutes it takes the HAA branches to heat up to PM working pressure. For example, if uniformly sized HAA segments take 5 minutes each to heat up from -40C (post-mechanical-compression temperature) to +25C (post-heat-sinking temperature) thereby providing one minute of PM sourcing (note from Figure 6 (8) that there will be a correspondingly realized 5 fold pressure gain over that operating temperature range), then the next contiguous segment required to source the PM (also having a minute heat-sinking commencement to PM sourcing pressure time-constant) would need to be ready to source at the end of the previous segment's sourcing period for the two segments to be ready in succession. To achieve this each segment's respective branch-heat-sinking period must be separated from the next in succession by one minute to generate contiguously required PM-sourcing.
Similarly third, fourth and fifth segments required to source the PM
continuously must be separated in time by one minute.
c. Assuming for the moment that the system starts up after greater than a five minute shutdown (with all segments at PM source pressure to begin with), there would be no lack of WF with which to start the system. However, to accommodate high load periods or lower temperature heat sources (ie: ambient temperature drops), extra Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine HAA segments must be scheduled into active in heat-sinking mode to assure adequate performance as well as start-up capability. Accordingly, segments numbering those capable of delivering 2 x system throughput requirement should be provided. Note that the inertia of the turbine once at operating speed is sufficient to charge at least one segment with WF on a shutdown, thereby preparing the system in advance for its heat-sinking mode even as it shuts down.
In this fashion, the system will always be charged and prepared to source power on-demand, and the low pressure section of the system will always provide optimal differential pressure across the turbine for its optimal performance.
d. SESCE requires more branches than those simply required to satisfy the self-replenishment function. For example, at least one branch must always be drawn down ready for re-filling as another is reaching its third-full point. As avoidance of system shocks which would be detrimental to smooth efficient operation, it is advisable to have a number of segments being filled simultaneously for best operation. Generically, the system will run successfully with 3 segments being filled while one or more are being discharged.
e. Draw-down of the respective HAA segments in preparation for their next fill-cycle is effected via the operation of a secondary discharge valve attached to each chamber, which is either electrically or hydrostatically actuated in a timed, or pressure cued fashion. Actuation of these valves allows HAA segments (which have already completed their one minute PMWF contribution) to gainfully continue to contribute to work generation across the turbine through jet induction of their remaining WF into high velocity WF streams such as exists at the discharge of the turbine's converging-diverging feed nozzle.
f. A vortex tube (6) positioned in the path of WF being drawn down from HAA
segments references the remnant HAA array segment pressure to the Venturi suction pressure generated at the turbine feed nozzle due to the extreme velocity and stream-aligned outlet hole pattern provided about the nozzle through which the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine WF being drawn down flows. Therefore, the post regulated HAA segment draw-down pressure (which is initially equal to PM WF pressure) has sufficient pressure ratio to develop a significant temperature rise at the hot discharge of the vortex tube (in the absence of a higher temperature HAA heat source, this fluid stream may be piped to a chamber surrounding the pressurized WF about to enter the turbine feed nozzle prior to its approach to the jet induction ports of the nozzle, thereby giving up some of its heat energy to the molecules of WF to the gainful acceleration of WF exiting the nozzle). The jet induction or entrainment of a large volume of draw-down WF into the turbine feed stream adds greatly to the volume and mass-flow entering the turbine at high speed which in turn adds to the torque developed by the prime mover.
g. The SESCE engine uses a two stage electrical power generating scheme which develops an alternating current (AC) output waveform whose frequency and amplitude depend upon: the speed of the rotor; the magnetic field strength of the permanent magnets in the stator; the width of the air gap; the induction developed in the coils adjacent the permanent magnets; the magnetic field strength developed by the rotor windings of the alternator due to the current supplied by the PM
stage current developed; and the magnetic induction developed in the stator windings of the alternator.
The method by which the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression engine in conjunction with the Time Offset Thermal Expansion method concurrently extracts work from various grade heat sources may be understood from Figure 3, which depicts a schematic representation of the SESCE invention. Choosing the PMWF high pressure reservoir 1 as an arbitrary point of commencement for the description of the method, the working fluid exits the reservoir at 2 and enters a pipe section 3 after which it enters pressure regulator 5 via its high pressure inlet port 4.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Upon exiting the regulator 5 via its low pressure discharge port 6 at slightly above PM
design working pressure, the regulated WF enters pipe section 7 through which it is conducted to a bored-through connector 8 which is engaged in a two part connection block 9.
Moving now to Figure 4 for greater detail, the pipe 7 which extends through and is sealed by connector 8 is seated on gasket 11 a thereby admitting WF at slightly above design WF pressure to the central cavity 15a of jet inducting nozzle 15. A
second pipe 12 conducts lower pressure draw-down WF, is mated via connector 13 to flange 9b thereby providing access via channel 14 for WF to reach the low pressure concentric jet induction hole pattern 15b of nozzle 15. The connection block 9 is mated via bolts (not shown, in holes 10) through gasket 11 b to the flange 9b housing and orienting the jet induction nozzle 15. The nozzle 15 being compressed against the face of gasket 11 c thereby restricts access of WF into the housing 22 of turbine 18 by any other paths than those provided by the nozzle 15.
As shown, the nozzle is fixed in precise tangential relation to the outer circumference of turbine 18 (of which only one disc is visible). WF at slightly above design working pressure exits the converging-diverging nozzle 15 at high velocity into the jet induction area 16 where it entrains the lower pressure working fluid conveyed by passages 15b of nozzle 15. A high velocity coherent stream at design working pressure is thus developed 17 which tangentially approaches the outer periphery of the turbine
Detailed Descriation The Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine which extracts heat energy from a plurality of naturally occurring or strategically exploited heat sources via the Time Offset Thermal Expansion method is presently disclosed. This novel application of batch heat sinking collectively results in the elevation of a sufficient volume of prime mover working fluid to the required working pressure to satisfy the system's overall load requirements.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine The principles of operation of the SESCE, which takes the form of a heat conversion engine in which WF is maintained in its gaseous state achieving a continuous multiplexed supply of PMWF may be understood from the following concepts:
a. Gaseous system throughput in the form of continuously sourced pressurized WF is sustained at a rate sufficient to drive the PM via the TOTE method, which allows a minimum of working fluid in semi-closed loop to remuneratively collect and deliver acquired energy to the PM which further drives co-rotating compressor and electrical or mechanical loads imposed on the system.
b. Provided HAA branch volumes capable of sourcing a one minute supply of pressurized PMWF, the number of array branches required to maintain the system self-replenishment throughput is nominally equal to the number of minutes it takes the HAA branches to heat up to PM working pressure. For example, if uniformly sized HAA segments take 5 minutes each to heat up from -40C (post-mechanical-compression temperature) to +25C (post-heat-sinking temperature) thereby providing one minute of PM sourcing (note from Figure 6 (8) that there will be a correspondingly realized 5 fold pressure gain over that operating temperature range), then the next contiguous segment required to source the PM (also having a minute heat-sinking commencement to PM sourcing pressure time-constant) would need to be ready to source at the end of the previous segment's sourcing period for the two segments to be ready in succession. To achieve this each segment's respective branch-heat-sinking period must be separated from the next in succession by one minute to generate contiguously required PM-sourcing.
Similarly third, fourth and fifth segments required to source the PM
continuously must be separated in time by one minute.
c. Assuming for the moment that the system starts up after greater than a five minute shutdown (with all segments at PM source pressure to begin with), there would be no lack of WF with which to start the system. However, to accommodate high load periods or lower temperature heat sources (ie: ambient temperature drops), extra Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine HAA segments must be scheduled into active in heat-sinking mode to assure adequate performance as well as start-up capability. Accordingly, segments numbering those capable of delivering 2 x system throughput requirement should be provided. Note that the inertia of the turbine once at operating speed is sufficient to charge at least one segment with WF on a shutdown, thereby preparing the system in advance for its heat-sinking mode even as it shuts down.
In this fashion, the system will always be charged and prepared to source power on-demand, and the low pressure section of the system will always provide optimal differential pressure across the turbine for its optimal performance.
d. SESCE requires more branches than those simply required to satisfy the self-replenishment function. For example, at least one branch must always be drawn down ready for re-filling as another is reaching its third-full point. As avoidance of system shocks which would be detrimental to smooth efficient operation, it is advisable to have a number of segments being filled simultaneously for best operation. Generically, the system will run successfully with 3 segments being filled while one or more are being discharged.
e. Draw-down of the respective HAA segments in preparation for their next fill-cycle is effected via the operation of a secondary discharge valve attached to each chamber, which is either electrically or hydrostatically actuated in a timed, or pressure cued fashion. Actuation of these valves allows HAA segments (which have already completed their one minute PMWF contribution) to gainfully continue to contribute to work generation across the turbine through jet induction of their remaining WF into high velocity WF streams such as exists at the discharge of the turbine's converging-diverging feed nozzle.
f. A vortex tube (6) positioned in the path of WF being drawn down from HAA
segments references the remnant HAA array segment pressure to the Venturi suction pressure generated at the turbine feed nozzle due to the extreme velocity and stream-aligned outlet hole pattern provided about the nozzle through which the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine WF being drawn down flows. Therefore, the post regulated HAA segment draw-down pressure (which is initially equal to PM WF pressure) has sufficient pressure ratio to develop a significant temperature rise at the hot discharge of the vortex tube (in the absence of a higher temperature HAA heat source, this fluid stream may be piped to a chamber surrounding the pressurized WF about to enter the turbine feed nozzle prior to its approach to the jet induction ports of the nozzle, thereby giving up some of its heat energy to the molecules of WF to the gainful acceleration of WF exiting the nozzle). The jet induction or entrainment of a large volume of draw-down WF into the turbine feed stream adds greatly to the volume and mass-flow entering the turbine at high speed which in turn adds to the torque developed by the prime mover.
g. The SESCE engine uses a two stage electrical power generating scheme which develops an alternating current (AC) output waveform whose frequency and amplitude depend upon: the speed of the rotor; the magnetic field strength of the permanent magnets in the stator; the width of the air gap; the induction developed in the coils adjacent the permanent magnets; the magnetic field strength developed by the rotor windings of the alternator due to the current supplied by the PM
stage current developed; and the magnetic induction developed in the stator windings of the alternator.
The method by which the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression engine in conjunction with the Time Offset Thermal Expansion method concurrently extracts work from various grade heat sources may be understood from Figure 3, which depicts a schematic representation of the SESCE invention. Choosing the PMWF high pressure reservoir 1 as an arbitrary point of commencement for the description of the method, the working fluid exits the reservoir at 2 and enters a pipe section 3 after which it enters pressure regulator 5 via its high pressure inlet port 4.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Upon exiting the regulator 5 via its low pressure discharge port 6 at slightly above PM
design working pressure, the regulated WF enters pipe section 7 through which it is conducted to a bored-through connector 8 which is engaged in a two part connection block 9.
Moving now to Figure 4 for greater detail, the pipe 7 which extends through and is sealed by connector 8 is seated on gasket 11 a thereby admitting WF at slightly above design WF pressure to the central cavity 15a of jet inducting nozzle 15. A
second pipe 12 conducts lower pressure draw-down WF, is mated via connector 13 to flange 9b thereby providing access via channel 14 for WF to reach the low pressure concentric jet induction hole pattern 15b of nozzle 15. The connection block 9 is mated via bolts (not shown, in holes 10) through gasket 11 b to the flange 9b housing and orienting the jet induction nozzle 15. The nozzle 15 being compressed against the face of gasket 11 c thereby restricts access of WF into the housing 22 of turbine 18 by any other paths than those provided by the nozzle 15.
As shown, the nozzle is fixed in precise tangential relation to the outer circumference of turbine 18 (of which only one disc is visible). WF at slightly above design working pressure exits the converging-diverging nozzle 15 at high velocity into the jet induction area 16 where it entrains the lower pressure working fluid conveyed by passages 15b of nozzle 15. A high velocity coherent stream at design working pressure is thus developed 17 which tangentially approaches the outer periphery of the turbine
18, and by nature of the low pressure existing at the axial discharge holes 20 of the turbine 18 (developed by the co-rotating compressor, which expels the same mass of WF as discharges from the turbine), the adhesion of WF to the boundary layer of the disc surface(s), and the viscosity of the WF itself, the shaft 21 of turbine 18 is dragged along with the WF at high speed as it makes its way to the central exhaust holes 20 (note that the turbine will attempt to reach the native temperature dependent velocity of the Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine provided WF (ie: in the order of 300m/s). While generating rotation of the shaft and co-mounted appendages (ie: compressor 30, alternator 94 and optional blower 95) on its path to exhaust 20, the WF is resisted by the centrifugal acceleration communicated to the it by boundary layer adhesion of the closely spaced discs of turbine 18, thereby causing the WF to experience forces both inward and outward at the same time. The resulting effect is that WF gives up a high degree of its energy to the rotor of the turbine in spiraling through the passageway between the turbine discs.
According to patent disclosures (4), and further research done (7) the turbine proposed for use in the SESCE approaches that of an ideal prime mover capable of reaching efficiencies in a single stage higher than conventional bladed turbines can develop in multiple stages.
Returning now to Figure 3, WF exits axially from the turbine where it is free to exit the turbine housing at 23 and move via pipe 24 through an inlet 25 into the reservoir 26 of large volume, which is included in the system for shock absorption purposes, and later exiting reservoir 26 through port 27, WF travels via pipe 28 to re-enter the common housing of turbine 18 and compressor 30 at inlet 29. Joining with the WF
exiting the turbine 18 and directly transiting the common housing 22, the turbine WF
throughput, buffered by the capacity of reservoir 26, enters the inlet holes of compressor 30 shown in Figure 5 where it experiences centrifugal acceleration owing to the boundary layer adhesion and viscosity now applied to the WF by a shaft which is already in motion, thereby efficiently entraining cold WF as it develops increasing pressure toward the discharge of port 31 of compressor 30. This stage of mechanical compression occurs without shock, redirection or other destructive loss of centrifugally developed velocity and is realized as pressure developed in pipe 32 exiting the compressor discharge connection 31.
According to patent disclosures (4), and further research done (7) the turbine proposed for use in the SESCE approaches that of an ideal prime mover capable of reaching efficiencies in a single stage higher than conventional bladed turbines can develop in multiple stages.
Returning now to Figure 3, WF exits axially from the turbine where it is free to exit the turbine housing at 23 and move via pipe 24 through an inlet 25 into the reservoir 26 of large volume, which is included in the system for shock absorption purposes, and later exiting reservoir 26 through port 27, WF travels via pipe 28 to re-enter the common housing of turbine 18 and compressor 30 at inlet 29. Joining with the WF
exiting the turbine 18 and directly transiting the common housing 22, the turbine WF
throughput, buffered by the capacity of reservoir 26, enters the inlet holes of compressor 30 shown in Figure 5 where it experiences centrifugal acceleration owing to the boundary layer adhesion and viscosity now applied to the WF by a shaft which is already in motion, thereby efficiently entraining cold WF as it develops increasing pressure toward the discharge of port 31 of compressor 30. This stage of mechanical compression occurs without shock, redirection or other destructive loss of centrifugally developed velocity and is realized as pressure developed in pipe 32 exiting the compressor discharge connection 31.
19 Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine It should be understood that WF molecules imparting torque to the discs of the turbine have given up a high percentage of their energy in doing so, thereby causing the WF
to lose a great deal of its vibrational energy. In this state WF molecules are cold and very much easier to compress. Also, the discs of co-rotating compressor 30 which are also fixed to shaft 21, are spaced further apart axially than the discs of turbine 18 so that (although the co-rotation of turbine 18 and compressor 30 already affords economical compression due to the compressor already being in motion) the work required to perform partial compression of the turbine's WF throughput is very much less than the work gained through the energetic expansion of the higher temperature WF across the turbine by the same mass of working fluid, thereby affording a net positive work output across the turbine compressor pair, which is then applied to the derivation of electrical output from the co-rotating two-stage alternator 94 via the transmission of torque through the magnetic shaft coupling 91 and 92, and of external shaft 93.
Cold expanded PMWF of equivalent mass as that passing through the turbine 18 thereby issues into pipe 32, and enters a jet induction block 34 (of similar design to that previously described for use at the turbine feed jet induction block 9), and is joined by a cold low pressure WF stream entering the jet inductor block at 35. The jet inductor 34 allows the entrainment of WF entering at 35 into a relatively high velocity jet exiting into pipe 36.
Looking upstream of port 35, WF conducted via pipe 86 originates at port 85, the cold fraction discharge 84, of vortex tube 88. Those experienced in the field of vortex theory will recognize sufficient pressure differential to develop and maintain a steady vortex, owing to the regulated feed into the vortex spin chamber 87 combined with both the cold 84 and hot fraction 89 discharges of vortex tube 88 being referenced to Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine and entrained by independent jet induction paths via the Venturi suction effect realized through the jet induction application).
The fluid stream at 36 then proceeds to inlet 37, of reservoir 38 included in the system for shock (pressure surge) absorption, and then exits via port 39 into pipe 40, where it is conveyed to the inlet pipes) 41 of the HAA segments. Entering port 42 of normally closed solenoid valves 43 in either a time or pressure characteristic scheduled actuation effected by a programmable logic controller, partially compressed WF
is then admitted via port 44 of valve 43 into pipe 45, where it is freely conducted into pipes 46, and 47, reservoir 48, as well as through pipes 49 and 51 into heat sink 50. WF
is also free to move via pipe 52 up to connector 53 of check valve 54, however at the partially compressed pressure of the WF entering the HAA segment, there is not enough pressure to crack open the check valve 54, and so WF simply pressurizes the HAA
segment until such time as the segment is deemed to be full, at which time the solenoid operating the fill valve de-energizes, thereby isolating the WF into the HAA
segment.
Meanwhile, at least one other HAA segment is open also, and is consuming the partially compressed WF exiting the reservoir 38 communicated by pipe 40, so that although there are pressure variances, the net effect is that the turbine 18 and compressor 30 experience no detrimental (to work output) pressure-induced shocks.
The isolated WF is left in situ in the HAA segment. Due to thermal energy influx entering through the heat sink and other heat-conductive elements of the HAA
segment, WF under constant volume heating, initially brought into the HAA
segment at below PM source pressure, experiences self-pressurization owing to the net thermal energy absorption in the WF which increases with time {which is provided by heat Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine sources described in Figures 1 and 2, as well as throughout the body of this disclosure).
At a system-design-critical time in the future, the densely compacted WF
molecules will reach significant enough internal energy to crack open the check valve 54, at which time a flow of WF will begin to exit the check valve 54 through port 55 into pipe 56, and will enter the high pressure part 57 of pressure regulator 58. This high pressure stream which is maintainable above the PM design working pressure via regulator 58, is then regulated and exits via the low pressure discharge port 59 of regulator 58, entering pipe 60, through which it is communicated to port 61 of yet another jet induction block 62.
Entering the central high pressure channel of jet induction block 62 in similar fashion to the other jet induction processes already mentioned, the higher pressure WF
entrains lower pressure WF entering the jet induction block 62 through port 63, and together, the combined WF discharge exits the jet induction block 62 via jet-discharge port 64.
Leaving port 64, WF traverses pipe 65 and passes through port 66 to re-enter the high pressure supply chamber of the prime mover, thereby completing one circuit of the SESCE heat engine.
In order to maintain differential pressure across the combined turbine-compressor pair, as well add to the mass-flow across the turbine, HAA segments are drawn down in preparation for the successive cycles following their last possible contribution to the PM supply reservoir 1. When further heat sinking does not keep the HAA segment check valve 54 open any longer as detected either in timed, or pressure sensed fashion, discharge valve 68 will open at which time WF referenced to the suction pressure of the various jet induction devices employed will exit the HAA
segment via port 69 of valve 68, and is communicated into pipe 70.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Entering through port 71 of reservoir 72 (which is used in the system to buffer the jet induction and vortex supply paths from pressure disturbances), WF is then free to exit reservoir 72 via port 73, and entering pipe 74 it is then free to either enter the high pressure inlet port 75 of regulator 76, or separate from that stream and enter into pipe 79, where it is communicated to the high pressure inlet port 80 of regulator 81.
Choosing the path through regulator 76 as a first course of description, WF
exits regulator 76 via low pressure discharge port 77, and is then communicated via pipe 78 to the low pressure jet induction port 63 of jet inductor block 62 whose function has already been described. Now returning to the path described up to the point of pressure regulator 81, WF exits via low pressure discharge port 82 and is conducted via pipe 83 to the vortex tube spin chamber via port 87 of the vortex tube 88.
WF
admitted to the vortex spin chamber at 87 is rapidly expanded and spins at high velocity, and in gradually making its way to the hot fraction discharge 89, develops a temperature gradient which becomes hotter until discharge at 89 allows the hot WF to exit into pipe 90, which communicates the WF to port 12 of the turbine's jet induction block 9 whose function has already been described.
A magnetic coupling which has both internal 91 and external 92 complementing components which are comprised of alternating polarity permanent magnets arranged circumferentially about the interior surface in the case of 91 (of a larger diameter cylindrical rotor located internally to the housing 22) and about the exterior surface in the case of 92 (of a smaller diameter cylindrical rotor located externally to the housing 22). The magnetic coupling 91 and 92 act on each other through the wall of housing 22, thereby allowing the external shaft 93 to extract work from the prime mover system via the compound alternator 94 previously described while maintaining isolation from its working fluid.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Appendages mounted on the external shaft 95 take the form of a blower (5) whose discs are widely separated, and which impel ambient air warmed next to the provided heat sources) through the heat-sinks wherein the working fluid of the prime mover system is isolated, thereby transferring a component of the heat source energy to the prime mover working fluid. The blower function is useful in ambient atmospheric air HAA sourcing where boundary layer disturbance provided by circulating the air across the heat sinks of the HAA aids in thermal transmission through the walls of the heat sinks, thereby increasing the rate of thermal absorption.
Paths indicated on Figure 3 indicate connections to further HAA segments as follows:
97 is the fill path, 98 is the jet induction path to draw down HAA segments, and 99 is the respective high pressure HAA segment discharge path leading to the turbine replenishment reservoir. As disclosed, virtually any heat source may be employed for use in adding to the HAA array.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine
to lose a great deal of its vibrational energy. In this state WF molecules are cold and very much easier to compress. Also, the discs of co-rotating compressor 30 which are also fixed to shaft 21, are spaced further apart axially than the discs of turbine 18 so that (although the co-rotation of turbine 18 and compressor 30 already affords economical compression due to the compressor already being in motion) the work required to perform partial compression of the turbine's WF throughput is very much less than the work gained through the energetic expansion of the higher temperature WF across the turbine by the same mass of working fluid, thereby affording a net positive work output across the turbine compressor pair, which is then applied to the derivation of electrical output from the co-rotating two-stage alternator 94 via the transmission of torque through the magnetic shaft coupling 91 and 92, and of external shaft 93.
Cold expanded PMWF of equivalent mass as that passing through the turbine 18 thereby issues into pipe 32, and enters a jet induction block 34 (of similar design to that previously described for use at the turbine feed jet induction block 9), and is joined by a cold low pressure WF stream entering the jet inductor block at 35. The jet inductor 34 allows the entrainment of WF entering at 35 into a relatively high velocity jet exiting into pipe 36.
Looking upstream of port 35, WF conducted via pipe 86 originates at port 85, the cold fraction discharge 84, of vortex tube 88. Those experienced in the field of vortex theory will recognize sufficient pressure differential to develop and maintain a steady vortex, owing to the regulated feed into the vortex spin chamber 87 combined with both the cold 84 and hot fraction 89 discharges of vortex tube 88 being referenced to Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine and entrained by independent jet induction paths via the Venturi suction effect realized through the jet induction application).
The fluid stream at 36 then proceeds to inlet 37, of reservoir 38 included in the system for shock (pressure surge) absorption, and then exits via port 39 into pipe 40, where it is conveyed to the inlet pipes) 41 of the HAA segments. Entering port 42 of normally closed solenoid valves 43 in either a time or pressure characteristic scheduled actuation effected by a programmable logic controller, partially compressed WF
is then admitted via port 44 of valve 43 into pipe 45, where it is freely conducted into pipes 46, and 47, reservoir 48, as well as through pipes 49 and 51 into heat sink 50. WF
is also free to move via pipe 52 up to connector 53 of check valve 54, however at the partially compressed pressure of the WF entering the HAA segment, there is not enough pressure to crack open the check valve 54, and so WF simply pressurizes the HAA
segment until such time as the segment is deemed to be full, at which time the solenoid operating the fill valve de-energizes, thereby isolating the WF into the HAA
segment.
Meanwhile, at least one other HAA segment is open also, and is consuming the partially compressed WF exiting the reservoir 38 communicated by pipe 40, so that although there are pressure variances, the net effect is that the turbine 18 and compressor 30 experience no detrimental (to work output) pressure-induced shocks.
The isolated WF is left in situ in the HAA segment. Due to thermal energy influx entering through the heat sink and other heat-conductive elements of the HAA
segment, WF under constant volume heating, initially brought into the HAA
segment at below PM source pressure, experiences self-pressurization owing to the net thermal energy absorption in the WF which increases with time {which is provided by heat Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine sources described in Figures 1 and 2, as well as throughout the body of this disclosure).
At a system-design-critical time in the future, the densely compacted WF
molecules will reach significant enough internal energy to crack open the check valve 54, at which time a flow of WF will begin to exit the check valve 54 through port 55 into pipe 56, and will enter the high pressure part 57 of pressure regulator 58. This high pressure stream which is maintainable above the PM design working pressure via regulator 58, is then regulated and exits via the low pressure discharge port 59 of regulator 58, entering pipe 60, through which it is communicated to port 61 of yet another jet induction block 62.
Entering the central high pressure channel of jet induction block 62 in similar fashion to the other jet induction processes already mentioned, the higher pressure WF
entrains lower pressure WF entering the jet induction block 62 through port 63, and together, the combined WF discharge exits the jet induction block 62 via jet-discharge port 64.
Leaving port 64, WF traverses pipe 65 and passes through port 66 to re-enter the high pressure supply chamber of the prime mover, thereby completing one circuit of the SESCE heat engine.
In order to maintain differential pressure across the combined turbine-compressor pair, as well add to the mass-flow across the turbine, HAA segments are drawn down in preparation for the successive cycles following their last possible contribution to the PM supply reservoir 1. When further heat sinking does not keep the HAA segment check valve 54 open any longer as detected either in timed, or pressure sensed fashion, discharge valve 68 will open at which time WF referenced to the suction pressure of the various jet induction devices employed will exit the HAA
segment via port 69 of valve 68, and is communicated into pipe 70.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Entering through port 71 of reservoir 72 (which is used in the system to buffer the jet induction and vortex supply paths from pressure disturbances), WF is then free to exit reservoir 72 via port 73, and entering pipe 74 it is then free to either enter the high pressure inlet port 75 of regulator 76, or separate from that stream and enter into pipe 79, where it is communicated to the high pressure inlet port 80 of regulator 81.
Choosing the path through regulator 76 as a first course of description, WF
exits regulator 76 via low pressure discharge port 77, and is then communicated via pipe 78 to the low pressure jet induction port 63 of jet inductor block 62 whose function has already been described. Now returning to the path described up to the point of pressure regulator 81, WF exits via low pressure discharge port 82 and is conducted via pipe 83 to the vortex tube spin chamber via port 87 of the vortex tube 88.
WF
admitted to the vortex spin chamber at 87 is rapidly expanded and spins at high velocity, and in gradually making its way to the hot fraction discharge 89, develops a temperature gradient which becomes hotter until discharge at 89 allows the hot WF to exit into pipe 90, which communicates the WF to port 12 of the turbine's jet induction block 9 whose function has already been described.
A magnetic coupling which has both internal 91 and external 92 complementing components which are comprised of alternating polarity permanent magnets arranged circumferentially about the interior surface in the case of 91 (of a larger diameter cylindrical rotor located internally to the housing 22) and about the exterior surface in the case of 92 (of a smaller diameter cylindrical rotor located externally to the housing 22). The magnetic coupling 91 and 92 act on each other through the wall of housing 22, thereby allowing the external shaft 93 to extract work from the prime mover system via the compound alternator 94 previously described while maintaining isolation from its working fluid.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine Appendages mounted on the external shaft 95 take the form of a blower (5) whose discs are widely separated, and which impel ambient air warmed next to the provided heat sources) through the heat-sinks wherein the working fluid of the prime mover system is isolated, thereby transferring a component of the heat source energy to the prime mover working fluid. The blower function is useful in ambient atmospheric air HAA sourcing where boundary layer disturbance provided by circulating the air across the heat sinks of the HAA aids in thermal transmission through the walls of the heat sinks, thereby increasing the rate of thermal absorption.
Paths indicated on Figure 3 indicate connections to further HAA segments as follows:
97 is the fill path, 98 is the jet induction path to draw down HAA segments, and 99 is the respective high pressure HAA segment discharge path leading to the turbine replenishment reservoir. As disclosed, virtually any heat source may be employed for use in adding to the HAA array.
Sequential Expansion and Self Compression Engine
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002512598A CA2512598A1 (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Sequential expansion and self compression engine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002512598A CA2512598A1 (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Sequential expansion and self compression engine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2512598A1 true CA2512598A1 (en) | 2007-01-29 |
Family
ID=37696148
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002512598A Abandoned CA2512598A1 (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Sequential expansion and self compression engine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2512598A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2916225A1 (en) * | 2007-05-14 | 2008-11-21 | Barthelemy Guerin | Heat engine for terrestrial vehicle, has condenser in which chlorofluorocarbon gas is introduced, where gas is liquefied by glycolated cold water that is channeled in continuous current between liquefier and evaporator |
| US8656712B2 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2014-02-25 | Isentropic Limited | Energy storage |
-
2005
- 2005-07-29 CA CA002512598A patent/CA2512598A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2916225A1 (en) * | 2007-05-14 | 2008-11-21 | Barthelemy Guerin | Heat engine for terrestrial vehicle, has condenser in which chlorofluorocarbon gas is introduced, where gas is liquefied by glycolated cold water that is channeled in continuous current between liquefier and evaporator |
| US8656712B2 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2014-02-25 | Isentropic Limited | Energy storage |
| US8826664B2 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2014-09-09 | Isentropic Limited | Energy storage |
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