ES2301229T3

ES2301229T3 - METHOD AND APPLIANCE OF HEAT CONVERSION IN USEFUL ENERGY.

Info

Publication number: ES2301229T3
Application number: ES99305850T
Authority: ES
Inventors: Alexander I. Kalina; Richard I. Pelletier; Lawrence B. Rhodes
Original assignee: Exergy Inc
Current assignee: Exergy Inc
Priority date: 1999-07-23
Filing date: 1999-07-23
Publication date: 2008-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-23
Also published as: DE69938039T2; EP1936129A2; PT1070830E; DK1936129T3; EP1936129B1; SI1070830T1; DE69938039D1; EP1936129A3

Abstract

Un método para la implementación de un ciclo termodinámico que comprende: el calentamiento de una corriente de trabajo (117-17), que incluye un componente con un punto de ebullición bajo y un componente con un punto de ebullición más alto, con una fuente de calor externo (25-26) con el fin de proporcionar una corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada (19); la separación de la mencionada corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada (19) en un primer separador (S) para proporcionar una corriente rica gaseosa calentada (30) que posea una proporción relativamente mayor del mencionado componente con un punto de ebullición bajo y una corriente pobre (7) que posea una proporción relativamente menor del mencionado componente con un punto de ebullición bajo; la expansión de la mencionada corriente rica gaseosa calentada (30) para transformar la energía de la corriente en una energía útil y proporcionar una corriente rica agotada y expandida (34); y la combinación de la mencionada corriente pobre (7) y la mencionada corriente rica agotada y expandida (34) para proporcionar la mencionada corriente de trabajo (117-17); en el que, después de la mencionada combinación y antes del mencionado calentamiento con dicha fuente externa de calor, la mencionada corriente de trabajo se condensa al transferir calor a una fuente de temperatura baja en un primer intercambiador de calor (HE-1) y dicha corriente de trabajo se bombea posteriormente a una mayor presión (21); y que comprende además la transferencia, en un segundo intercambiador de calor (HE-2), del calor de la mencionada corriente de trabajo, con anterioridad a la condensación de la corriente de trabajo, a dicha corriente de trabajo después de que se haya bombeado la misma a la mencionada presión más alta (21) y antes del calentamiento con la fuente externa de calor (25-26) mencionada anteriormente.A method for the implementation of a thermodynamic cycle comprising: the heating of a working stream (117-17), which includes a component with a low boiling point and a component with a higher boiling point, with a source of external heat (25-26) in order to provide a heated gaseous working stream (19); the separation of said heated working gas stream (19) in a first separator (S) to provide a heated heated gas stream (30) having a relatively larger proportion of said component with a low boiling point and a poor stream ( 7) that it has a relatively smaller proportion of the said component with a low boiling point; the expansion of said heated gaseous rich stream (30) to transform the current energy into a useful energy and provide a depleted and expanded rich stream (34); and the combination of said poor current (7) and said exhausted and expanded rich current (34) to provide said working current (117-17); wherein, after said combination and before said heating with said external heat source, said working current is condensed by transferring heat to a low temperature source in a first heat exchanger (HE-1) and said working current is subsequently pumped at a higher pressure (21); and which also includes the transfer, in a second heat exchanger (HE-2), of the heat of said working current, prior to the condensation of the working current, to said working current after it has been pumped the same at the mentioned higher pressure (21) and before heating with the external heat source (25-26) mentioned above.

Description

Método y aparato de conversión del calor en energía útil.Heat conversion method and apparatus in useful energy

Esta invención se refiere a la implementación de un ciclo termodinámico que convierte calor en una energía útil.This invention relates to the implementation of a thermodynamic cycle that converts heat into useful energy.

Es posible convertir energía térmica de forma beneficiosa en energía mecánica y, posteriormente, eléctrica. Los métodos para convertir la energía térmica procedente de fuentes de calor de baja temperatura en energía eléctrica representan un área importante de la producción de energía. Es necesario incrementar la eficacia de la conversión del mencionado calor de baja temperatura en energía eléctrica.It is possible to convert thermal energy so beneficial in mechanical and, subsequently, electrical energy. The methods to convert thermal energy from sources of Low temperature heat in electrical energy represent an area important of energy production. It is necessary to increase the conversion efficiency of said low temperature heat in electrical energy

Se puede transformar la energía térmica procedente de una fuente de calor en energía mecánica y, posteriormente, eléctrica, utilizando un fluido de trabajo que se expande y regenera en un sistema cerrado que opera en un ciclo termodinámico. El fluido de trabajo puede incluir componentes con diferentes temperaturas de ebullición y se puede modificar la composición del fluido de trabajo en diferentes sitios dentro del sistema para mejorar la eficacia de la operación. Se describen sistemas que convierten calor de baja temperatura en energía eléctrica en las patentes estadounidenses de Alexander I. Kalina nº 4.346.561, 4.489.563, 4.982.568 y 5.029.444. Adicionalmente, se describen sistemas con fluidos de trabajo de varios componentes en las patentes estadounidenses de Alexander I. Kalina nº 4.548.043, 4.586.340, 4.604.867, 4.732.005, 4.763.480, 4.899.545, 5.095.708, 5.440.882, 5.572.871 y 5.649.426, las cuales se incorporan a este documento como referencias. Asimismo, en la patente estadounidense US-4573321 se divulga un proceso de múltiples fases para generar energía a partir de una fuente de flujo térmico.Thermal energy can be transformed from a heat source in mechanical energy and, subsequently, electric, using a working fluid that expands and regenerates in a closed system that operates in a cycle thermodynamic The working fluid may include components with different boiling temperatures and you can modify the composition of the working fluid in different places within the system to improve the efficiency of the operation. They describe systems that convert low temperature heat into energy electric in the US patents of Alexander I. Kalina No. 4,346,561, 4,489,563, 4,982,568 and 5,029,444. Additionally, it describe systems with multi-component work fluids in U.S. Patents of Alexander I. Kalina No. 4,548,043, 4,586,340, 4,604,867, 4,732,005, 4,763,480, 4,899,545, 5,095,708, 5,440,882, 5,572,871 and 5,649,426, which are incorporated into this Document as references. Also, in the US patent US-4573321 a multi-phase process is disclosed to generate energy from a source of thermal flux.

En la patente EP-A-649985 se divulga un generador de energía para producir energía eléctrica a partir de una fuente de alta potencia en vatios y una fuente baja de calor; yIn the patent EP-A-649985 a generator is disclosed of energy to produce electrical energy from a source high power in watts and a low heat source; Y

en la patente US-756162 se divulga un método para el uso de energía calorífica sensible suministrada por un fluido de calentamiento de alta temperatura para la generación de energía.in US-756162 it is discloses a method for the use of sensitive heat energy supplied by a high temperature heating fluid for Power generation

Summary of the Invention

Esta invención se refiere en líneas generales a un método y sistema para la implementación de un ciclo termodinámico.This invention generally refers to a method and system for the implementation of a cycle thermodynamic

De conformidad con una modalidad de la invención, se suministra un método para la implementación de un ciclo termodinámico que comprende:In accordance with a modality of the invention, a method is provided for the implementation of a thermodynamic cycle comprising:

el calentamiento de una corriente de trabajo, que incluye un componente con un punto de ebullición bajo y un componente con un punto de ebullición más alto, con una fuente de calor externo con el fin de proporcionar una corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada;heating a working current, which includes a component with a low boiling point and a component with a higher boiling point, with a source of external heat in order to provide a working current heated soda;

la separación de la mencionada corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada en un primer separador para proporcionar una corriente rica gaseosa calentada que posea una proporción relativamente más alta del mencionado componente con punto de ebullición bajo y una corriente pobre que posea una proporción relativamente más baja del mencionado componente con punto de ebullición bajo;the separation of the mentioned current from gaseous work heated in a first separator to provide a rich heated gaseous stream that has a proportion relatively higher of the mentioned component with point of low boil and a poor current that has a proportion relatively lower of the mentioned component with point of low boil;

la expansión de la mencionada corriente rica gaseosa calentada para transformar la energía de la corriente en una energía utilizable y proporcionar una corriente rica agotada y expandida; ythe expansion of the mentioned rich current heated soda to transform current energy into a usable energy and provide a depleted rich current and expanded; Y

la combinación de la mencionada corriente pobre y la mencionada corriente rica agotada y expandida para proporcionar la mencionada corriente de trabajo;the combination of the mentioned poor current and the aforementioned rich stream depleted and expanded to provide the mentioned work stream;

en el que, después de la mencionada combinación y antes del mencionado calentamiento con la mencionada fuente externa de calor, se condensa la mencionada corriente de trabajo al transferir calor a una fuente de temperatura baja en un primer intercambiador de calor, bombeándose posteriormente la mencionada corriente de trabajo a una presión más alta; yin which, after the aforementioned combination and before said heating with said source external heat, the mentioned working current is condensed to the transfer heat to a low temperature source in a first heat exchanger, subsequently pumping the aforementioned working current at a higher pressure; Y

que también comprende la transferencia, en un segundo intercambiador de calor, del calor de la mencionada corriente de trabajo, antes de que la mencionada corriente de trabajo sea condensada, a la mencionada corriente de trabajo después de que se haya bombeado la corriente de trabajo a la mencionada presión más alta y antes del calentamiento con la mencionada fuente externa de calor.which also includes the transfer, in a second heat exchanger, of the heat of the aforementioned working current, before the mentioned current of work is condensed, to the mentioned work current after the working current has been pumped to the mentioned higher pressure and before heating with the mentioned external source of heat.

El método de la invención en algunas modalidades comprende además:The method of the invention in some embodiments It also includes:

un método para la implementación de un ciclo termodinámico;a method for the implementation of a cycle thermodynamic;

la división de la mencionada corriente de trabajo en una primera subcorriente de trabajo y una segunda subcorriente de trabajo, y en el que el mencionado calentamiento de una corriente de trabajo incluye el calentamiento de la primera subcorriente de trabajo con la mencionada fuente externa de calor para proporcionar una primera subcorriente de trabajo calentada y posteriormente combinar dicha primera subcorriente de trabajo calentada con la mencionada segunda subcorriente de trabajo con el fin de proporcionar la corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada anteriormente mencionada.the division of the mentioned current of work in a first working substream and a second working undercurrent, and in which the aforementioned heating of a working current includes the heating of the first Working undercurrent with the aforementioned external heat source to provide a first heated work undercurrent and subsequently combine said first working substream heated with the said second working sub-current with the in order to provide the heated gaseous working stream previously mentioned.

De acuerdo con una segunda modalidad de la invención, se proporciona un aparato para implementar un ciclo termodinámico que comprende:According to a second modality of the invention, an apparatus for implementing a cycle is provided thermodynamic comprising:

un calentador que calienta una corriente de trabajo - incluidos un componente con punto de ebullición bajo y un componente con punto de ebullición más alto - con una fuente de calor externo para proporcionar una corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada;a heater that heats a current of work - including a component with low boiling point and a component with higher boiling point - with a source of external heat to provide a gaseous working current heated;

un primer separador conectado para recibir la mencionada corriente de trabajo gaseosa calentada y producir una corriente rica gaseosa calentada que posea una proporción relativamente más alta del mencionado componente con punto de ebullición bajo y una corriente pobre que posea una proporción relativamente más baja del mencionado componente con punto de ebullición bajo;a first separator connected to receive the mentioned gaseous working stream heated and produce a rich stream of heated gas having a proportion relatively higher of the mentioned component with point of low boil and a poor current that has a proportion relatively lower of the mentioned component with point of low boil;

un expansor que está conectado para recibir la mencionada corriente rica gaseosa calentada, transformar la energía de la corriente a energía utilizable y producir una corriente rica agotada y expandida; yan expander that is connected to receive the mentioned heated gaseous rich stream, transform energy from the current to usable energy and produce a rich current exhausted and expanded; Y

una primera mezcladora de corrientes que está conectada para combinar la mencionada corriente pobre y la mencionada corriente rica agotada y expandida y producir la mencionada corriente de trabajo; la salida de la mencionada mezcladora de corrientes está conectada a la entrada del mencionado calentador;a first stream mixer that is connected to combine the mentioned poor current and the mentioned depleted and expanded rich current and produce the mentioned work stream; the output of the mentioned Stream mixer is connected to the input of the mentioned Heater;

que también comprende un primer intercambiador de calor y una bomba, los cuales están conectados entre la mencionada primera mezcladora de corrientes y el mencionado calentador; el mencionado primer intercambiador de calor condensa la mencionada corriente de trabajo al transferir calor a una fuente de baja temperatura y la mencionada bomba bombea posteriormente dicha corriente de trabajo a una presión más alta; ywhich also comprises a first exchanger of heat and a pump, which are connected between the mentioned first stream mixer and mentioned Heater; said first heat exchanger condenses the mentioned working current when transferring heat to a source of low temperature and the aforementioned pump subsequently pumps said working current at a higher pressure; Y

además comprende un segundo intercambiador de calor conectado para transferir calor desde la mencionada corriente de trabajo, antes de que se condense dicha corriente de trabajo, a la mencionada corriente de trabajo después de que la misma haya sido bombeada a la presión más alta con dicha bomba y antes de que se produzca el calentamiento con la mencionada fuente externa de calor en el mencionado calentador.also comprises a second exchanger of heat connected to transfer heat from the mentioned current of work, before this working current is condensed, to the aforementioned working current after it has been pumped at the highest pressure with said pump and before it produce heating with said external heat source in the mentioned heater.

El aparato de la invención en algunas modalidades comprende además:The apparatus of the invention in some modalities also includes:

un divisor de corrientes conectado para dividir la mencionada corriente de trabajo, después del mencionado bombeado con la bomba y antes del mencionado calentamiento con la fuente externa de calor en el calentador, en una primera subcorriente de trabajo y una segunda subcorriente de trabajo; el mencionado calentador calienta la mencionada primera subcorriente de trabajo para proporcionar una primera subcorriente de trabajo calentada.a current divider connected to divide the mentioned working current, after the mentioned pumped with the pump and before the mentioned heating with the source external heat in the heater, in a first undercurrent of work and a second work undercurrent; said heater heats the first working undercurrent mentioned to provide a first heated work undercurrent.

Las modalidades específicas de la invención pueden incluir una o más de las siguientes características. La corriente de trabajo se condensa mediante la transferencia de calor a una fuente de baja temperatura en un primer intercambiador de calor y posteriormente se bombea a una presión más alta. La expansión tiene lugar en una primera fase de expansión y una segunda fase de expansión, extrayéndose una corriente de fluido parcialmente expandido entre las fases y combinándose con la corriente pobre. Un separador entre las fases del expansor separa un fluido parcialmente expandido en partes de vapor y de líquido; una porción o la totalidad de la parte de vapor es alimentada a la segunda fase y una porción de la parte de vapor puede combinarse con la parte de líquido y combinarse posteriormente con la corriente pobre. Un segundo intercambiador de calor transfiere de forma recuperativa calor desde la corriente de trabajo reconstituida de varios componentes (antes de la condensación) a la corriente de trabajo condensada de varios componentes a una mayor presión. Un tercer intercambiador de calor transfiere calor de la corriente pobre a la corriente de trabajo después del segundo intercambiador de calor. La corriente de trabajo se divide en dos subcorrientes, una calentada con el calor externo y la otra calentada en un cuarto intercambiador de calor con el calor procedente de la corriente pobre; a continuación se combinan las dos corrientes para proporcionar la corriente de trabajo,gaseosa calentada que se separa en el separador.The specific embodiments of the invention They may include one or more of the following features. The Working current is condensed by heat transfer to a low temperature source in a first heat exchanger heat and subsequently pumped at a higher pressure. The expansion takes place in a first phase of expansion and a second expansion phase, drawing a fluid stream partially expanded between the phases and combined with the poor current. A separator between the phases of the expander separates a partially expanded fluid in parts of steam and liquid; a portion or all of the steam part is fed to the second phase and a portion of the steam part can be combined with the liquid part and then combine with the stream poor. A second heat exchanger transfers shape heat recovery from the reconstituted working current of several components (before condensation) to the current of condensed work of several components at a higher pressure. A third heat exchanger transfers heat from the stream poor working current after the second exchanger of heat The work stream is divided into two subcurrents, one heated with external heat and the other heated in a room heat exchanger with heat from the stream poor; then the two streams are combined to provide the working stream, heated soda that separates in the separator.

Las modalidades de la invención pueden tener una o más de las siguientes ventajas. Las modalidades de la invención pueden alcanzar una eficacia de conversión de calor de baja temperatura a energía eléctrica que supera la eficacia de los ciclos normales de Rankine.The embodiments of the invention may have a or more of the following advantages. The modalities of the invention can achieve low heat conversion efficiency electric power temperature that exceeds the efficiency of the cycles Rankine normal.

Otras ventajas y características de la invención quedarán aparentes en la siguiente descripción detallada de las modalidades específicas y en las reivindicaciones.Other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent in the following detailed description of the specific modalities and in the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Los dibujos que se adjuntan y las descripciones de los mismos sirven para ilustrar la invención a través de ejemplos. En los dibujos:The attached drawings and descriptions they serve to illustrate the invention through examples. In the drawings:

la Figura 1 es un diagrama de un sistema termodinámico que convierte el calor procedente de una fuente de baja temperatura en una energía útil;Figure 1 is a diagram of a system thermodynamic that converts heat from a source of low temperature in a useful energy;

la Figura 2 es un diagrama de otra modalidad del sistema de la Figura 1 que permite que una corriente extraída y una corriente completamente agotada tengan composiciones diferentes de la corriente cargada de alta presión;Figure 2 is a diagram of another embodiment of the system of Figure 1 that allows an extracted current and a completely depleted current have different compositions of the high pressure charged current;

la Figura 3 es un diagrama de una modalidad simplificada en la que no existe una corriente extraída;Figure 3 is a diagram of one modality simplified in which there is no current drawn;

la Figura 4 es un diagrama de otra modalidad simplificada.Figure 4 is a diagram of another modality simplified

Detailed description of the invention

En la Figura 1 se muestra un sistema para la implementación de un ciclo termodinámico con el fin de obtener energía útil (por ejemplo, energía mecánica y posteriormente eléctrica) a partir de una fuente externa de calor. En el ejemplo descrito, la fuente externa de calor es una corriente de agua de calor residual de baja temperatura que fluye en la trayectoria descrita por los puntos 25-26, a través del intercambiador de calor HE-5, y calienta la corriente de trabajo 117-17 del ciclo termodinámico cerrado. En la Tabla 1 se presentan las condiciones en los puntos numerados que se indican en la Figura 1. En la Tabla 5 se presenta una salida típica del sistema.Figure 1 shows a system for implementation of a thermodynamic cycle in order to obtain useful energy (for example, mechanical energy and subsequently electrical) from an external heat source. In the example described, the external source of heat is a stream of water of low temperature residual heat flowing in the path described by points 25-26, through HE-5 heat exchanger, and heats the working current 117-17 of the thermodynamic cycle closed. Table 1 shows the conditions in the points numbered indicated in Figure 1. Table 5 shows A typical system output.

La corriente de trabajo del sistema de la Figura 1 es una corriente de trabajo de varios componentes que incluye un componente con un punto de ebullición bajo y un componente con un punto de ebullición alto. Este tipo de corriente de trabajo preferida puede ser una mezcla de amoníaco/agua, dos o más hidrocarburos, dos o más freones, mezclas de hidrocarburos y freones o similares. En general, la corriente de trabajo puede ser mezclas de cualquier número de compuestos con características termodinámicas y solubilidad favorables. En una modalidad especialmente preferida de la invención se utiliza una mezcla de agua y amoniaco. En el sistema que se muestra en la Figura 1, la corriente de trabajo posee la misma composición desde el punto 13 hasta el punto 19.The working current of the system in Figure 1 is a multi-component work stream that includes a component with a low boiling point and a component with a high boiling point. This type of working current preferred may be an ammonia / water mixture, two or more hydrocarbons, two or more freons, mixtures of hydrocarbons and freons or similar. In general, the working current can be mixtures of any number of compounds with characteristics favorable thermodynamics and solubility. In one mode Especially preferred of the invention is used a mixture of water and ammonia In the system shown in Figure 1, the working current has the same composition from point 13 to point 19.

Iniciaremos el análisis del sistema de la Figura 1 en la salida de la turbina T, haciendo referencia a la corriente en el punto 34 como la corriente rica, agotada y expandida. Esta corriente es considerada "rica" en el componente con punto de ebullición más bajo. La corriente se encuentra a una presión baja y se mezclará con una corriente más pobre y absorbente que posee parámetros como los del punto 12 con el fin de producir la corriente de trabajo de composición intermedia con parámetros como los del punto 13. Se considera que la corriente en el punto 12 es "pobre" en su componente de punto de ebullición más bajo.We will start the analysis of the system in Figure 1 at the output of turbine T, referring to the current at point 34 as the rich, depleted and expanded current. This current is considered "rich" in the component with point of lower boil. The current is at a low pressure and it will mix with a poorer and more absorbent current that it has parameters such as those in point 12 in order to produce the current of intermediate composition work with parameters such as those of point 13. The current at point 12 is considered to be "poor" in its lower boiling component.

A cualquier temperatura determinada, la corriente de trabajo (de composición intermedia) en el punto 13 puede condensarse a una presión más baja que la corriente más rica en el punto 34. Ello permite extraer una cantidad mayor de energía de la turbina T e incrementa la eficacia de este proceso.At any given temperature, the working current (intermediate composition) in point 13 can condense at a lower pressure than the richest current at point 34. This allows a greater amount of energy to be extracted of the turbine T and increases the efficiency of this process.

La corriente de trabajo en el punto 13 se encuentra parcialmente condensada. Esta corriente se introduce en el intercambiador de calor HE-2, donde se enfría, y sale del intercambiador de calor HE-2 con parámetros como los del punto 29. La corriente se encuentra aún condensada parcialmente, no totalmente. A continuación se introduce en el intercambiador de calor HE-1, donde la corriente 23-24 de agua refrigerante la enfría, condensándola así completamente y llegando a los parámetros del punto 14. A continuación, la corriente de trabajo que posee parámetros como los del punto 14 es bombeada a una presión más alta, alcanzando los parámetros del punto 21. La corriente de trabajo en el punto 21 se introduce después en el intercambiador de calor HE-2, en donde es calentada de forma recuperativa por la corriente de trabajo en los puntos 13-29 (véase más arriba) hasta alcanzar los parámetros del punto 15. La corriente de trabajo que tiene parámetros como los del punto l5 se introduce en el intercambiador de calor HE-3, donde es calentada y alcanza los parámetros del punto 16. En un diseño típico, el punto 16 puede encontrarse precisamente en el punto de ebullición, aunque ello no es imprescindible. La corriente de trabajo en el punto 16 se divide en dos subcorrientes: la primera subcorriente de trabajo (117) y la segunda subcorriente de trabajo (118). Se envía la primera subcorriente de trabajo, que posee parámetros como los del punto 117, al intercambiador de calor HE-5, saliendo de este intercambiador con parámetros como los del punto 17. La fuente externa de calor, corriente 25-26, calienta esta subcorriente. La otra subcorriente, la segunda subcorriente de trabajo (118), se introduce en el intercambiador de calor HE-4, en donde es calentada de forma recuperativa, alcanzando los parámetros del punto 18. Se combinan las dos subcorrientes de trabajo (17 y 18), que han salido de los intercambiadores de calor HE-4 y HE-5, para formar una corriente de trabajo gaseosa y calentada que posee parámetros como los del punto 19. Esta corriente se encuentra en un estado de vaporización parcial o posiblemente completa. En la modalidad preferida, el punto 19 sólo está vaporizado de forma parcial. La corriente de trabajo en el punto 19 posee la misma composición intermedia que se produjo en el punto 13, es completamente condensada en el punto 14, bombeada a alta presión en el punto 21 y precalentada hasta el punto 15 y el punto 16. Esta corriente se introduce en el separador (S), en donde es separada en un vapor saturado rico, denominado la "corriente rica gaseosa calentada" y que posee parámetros como los del punto 30, y un líquido saturado pobre, denominado la "corriente pobre" y que posee parámetros como los del punto 7. La corriente pobre (líquido saturado) en el punto 7 se introduce en el intercambiador de calor HE-4, en donde es enfriada mientras calienta la corriente de trabajo 118-18 (véase más arriba). La corriente pobre en el punto 9 sale del intercambiador de calor HE-4 con parámetros como los del punto 8. Esta corriente se reduce hasta alcanzar una presión elegida adecuadamente, alcanzado parámetros como los del punto 9.The working current in point 13 is found partially condensed. This current is introduced in the HE-2 heat exchanger, where it cools, and comes out of the HE-2 heat exchanger with parameters like those in point 29. The current is still partially condensed, not totally. Then you enter in the HE-1 heat exchanger, where the 23-24 stream of cooling water cools it, thus condensing it completely and reaching the parameters of point 14. Next, the working current that it has parameters such as those in point 14 are pumped at a higher pressure, reaching the parameters of point 21. The working current in point 21 is then introduced into the heat exchanger HE-2, where it is heated in a recuperative way by working current in points 13-29 (see above) until the parameters of point 15 are reached. working current that has parameters like those in point l5 is enter the HE-3 heat exchanger, where is heated and reaches the parameters of point 16. In a design typical, point 16 can be found precisely at the point of boiling, although this is not essential. The current of work in point 16 is divided into two subcurrents: the first work undercurrent (117) and the second work undercurrent (118). The first working substream is sent, which has parameters such as those in point 117, to the heat exchanger HE-5, leaving this exchanger with parameters as in point 17. The external source of heat, current 25-26, heat this undercurrent. The other undercurrent, the second working undercurrent (118), is enter the HE-4 heat exchanger, in where it is heated in a recuperative way, reaching the parameters of point 18. The two working subcurrents are combined (17 and 18), which have left the heat exchangers HE-4 and HE-5, to form a gaseous and heated working current that has parameters such as those of point 19. This current is in a state of partial or possibly complete vaporization. In the mode preferred, point 19 is only partially vaporized. The working current at point 19 has the same composition intermediate that occurred in point 13, is completely condensed at point 14, pumped at high pressure at point 21 and preheated to point 15 and point 16. This current is enter the separator (S), where it is separated in a steam saturated rich, called the "gaseous rich stream heated "and which has parameters such as those in point 30, and a poor saturated liquid, called the "poor stream" and that It has parameters like those of point 7. The poor current (liquid saturated) at point 7 is introduced into the heat exchanger HE-4, where it is cooled while heating the working current 118-18 (see above). The Poor current at point 9 exits the heat exchanger HE-4 with parameters like those of point 8. This current is reduced until a chosen pressure is reached properly, reached parameters like those of point 9.

Si volvemos ahora al punto 30, la corriente rica gaseosa calentada (vapor saturado) sale del separador (S). Esta corriente se introduce en la turbina (T), donde se expande a presiones más bajas, proporcionando energía mecánica útil a la turbina (T) que se utiliza para generar electricidad. Se extrae una corriente parcialmente expandida con parámetros como los del punto 32 de la turbina T a una presión intermedia (aproximadamente la presión del punto 9) y se mezcla esta corriente extraída 32 (a la que también se denomina "segunda parte" de una corriente rica parcialmente expandida, habiéndose expandido adicionalmente la "primera parte") con la corriente pobre en el punto 9 para producir una corriente combinada que posee parámetros como los del punto 10. La corriente pobre que posee parámetros como los del punto 9 actúa como una corriente absorbente para la corriente extraída 32. La corriente resultante (corriente pobre y segunda parte), que posee parámetros como los del punto 10, se introduce en el intercambiador de calor HE-3, en donde se enfría mientras calienta la corriente de trabajo 15-16, hasta llegar a un punto que posee parámetros como los del punto 11. A continuación, la corriente que posee parámetros como los del punto 11 se reduce a la presión del punto 34, alcanzando los parámetros del punto 12.If we return now to point 30, the rich current heated soda (saturated steam) leaves the separator (S). This current is introduced into the turbine (T), where it expands to lower pressures, providing useful mechanical energy to the turbine (T) that is used to generate electricity. One is removed partially expanded current with parameters such as the point 32 of the turbine T at an intermediate pressure (approximately pressure of point 9) and this extracted current 32 is mixed (at which is also called "second part" of a rich stream partially expanded, having further expanded the "first part") with the poor current at point 9 for produce a combined current that has parameters such as those of point 10. The poor current that has parameters like those of the point 9 acts as an absorbing current for the extracted current 32. The resulting current (poor current and second part), which It has parameters like those of point 10, it is introduced in the HE-3 heat exchanger, where it cools while heating working current 15-16, until you reach a point that has parameters like those in point 11. Next, the current that has parameters such as the point 11 is reduced to the pressure of point 34, reaching the parameters from point 12.

Si volvemos a la turbina (T), no se extrajo la totalidad del flujo entrante en la turbina en el punto 32 en un estado parcialmente expandido. El resto, al que se denomina la primera parte, se expande hasta alcanzar una presión baja elegida adecuadamente y sale de la turbina (T) en el punto 34, tras lo cual el ciclo se cierra.If we return to the turbine (T), the all of the incoming flow into the turbine at point 32 in a partially expanded state. The rest, which is called the First part, it expands to a chosen low pressure properly and leaves the turbine (T) at point 34, after which The cycle closes.

En la modalidad de la invención mostrada en la Figura 1, la extracción en el punto 32 posee la misma composición que las corrientes en los puntos 30 y 34. En la modalidad de la Figura 2 se muestra la turbina como una primera fase de turbina (T-1) y una segunda fase de turbina (T-2). La corriente rica parcialmente expandida abandona la fase de presión más alta (T-1) de la turbina en el punto 31. En la Tabla 2 se presentan las condiciones en los puntos numerados que se indican en la Figura 2. En la Tabla 6 se presenta la salida típica del sistema de la Figura 2.In the embodiment of the invention shown in the Figure 1, the extraction at point 32 has the same composition that the currents at points 30 and 34. In the modality of the Figure 2 shows the turbine as a first phase of turbine (T-1) and a second turbine phase (T-2). The partially expanded rich stream leaves the highest pressure phase (T-1) of the turbine at point 31. Table 2 shows the conditions at the numbered points indicated in Figure 2. In the Table 6 shows the typical output of the system of Figure 2.

Por lo que respecta a la Figura 2, la corriente rica parcialmente expandida de la primera fase de turbina (T-1) se divide en una primera parte en 33, que se expande adicionalmente en la fase de turbina de presión más baja (T-2), y una segunda parte en 32 que se combina con la corriente pobre en el punto 9. La corriente rica parcialmente expandida se introduce en el separador (S-2), en donde se divide en una parte de vapor y una parte de líquido. Se puede elegir la composición de la segunda parte en 32 para optimizar su eficacia cuando se mezcla con la corriente en el punto 9. El separador (S-2) permite que la corriente (32) sea tan pobre como el líquido saturado a la presión y temperatura obtenidas en el separador (S-2); en ese caso, la corriente 33 sería un vapor saturado en las condiciones obtenidas en el separador (S-2). Si se modifica la cantidad de mezcla en la corriente 133, es posible variar la cantidad de líquido saturado y vapor saturado en la corriente 32.With regard to Figure 2, the current partially expanded rich of the first turbine phase (T-1) is divided into a first part in 33, which is further expands in the lower pressure turbine phase (T-2), and a second part in 32 that is combined with the poor current at point 9. The partially rich current expanded is introduced in the separator (S-2), in where it is divided into a part of steam and a part of liquid. Be you can choose the composition of the second part in 32 to optimize its efficiency when mixed with the current at the point 9. The separator (S-2) allows the current (32) be as poor as the saturated liquid at pressure and temperature obtained in the separator (S-2); in that case, the stream 33 would be a saturated steam under the conditions obtained in the separator (S-2). If the amount of mixture in stream 133, it is possible to vary the amount of liquid saturated and saturated steam in stream 32.

Por lo que respecta a la Figura 3, esta modalidad se diferencia de la modalidad de la Figura 1 en que se ha omitido el intercambiador de calor HE-4 y no se realiza la extracción de una corriente parcialmente expandida de la fase de turbina. En la modalidad de la Figura 3, la corriente caliente que sale del separador (S) es admitida directamente en el intercambiador de calor HE-3. En la Tabla 3 se presentan las condiciones en los puntos numerados que se indican en la Figura 3. En la Tabla 7 se presenta una salida típica del sistema.With regard to Figure 3, this modality differs from the modality of Figure 1 in that it has skipped the HE-4 heat exchanger and does not performs the extraction of a partially expanded current from the turbine phase In the mode of Figure 3, the current hot coming out of the separator (S) is admitted directly into the HE-3 heat exchanger. Table 3 shows present the conditions in the numbered points indicated in Figure 3. Table 7 shows a typical output of the system.

Por lo que respecta a la Figura 4, esta modalidad se diferencia de la modalidad de la Figura 3 en que se omite el intercambiador de calor HE-2. En la Tabla 4 se presentan las condiciones en los puntos numerados que se indican en la Figura 4. En la Tabla 8 se presenta una salida típica del sistema. Aunque al omitir el intercambiador de calor HE-2 se reduce la eficacia del proceso, esta acción puede ser aconsejable desde un punto de vista económico en aquellas circunstancias en las que el aumento de energía que se obtendría no justifica el coste del intercambiador de
calor.With respect to Figure 4, this mode differs from the mode of Figure 3 in that the HE-2 heat exchanger is omitted. Table 4 shows the conditions at the numbered points indicated in Figure 4. Table 8 shows a typical system output. Although omitting the HE-2 heat exchanger reduces the efficiency of the process, this action may be economically advisable in those circumstances in which the increase in energy that would be obtained does not justify the cost of the heat exchanger.
hot.

En general, se puede utilizar un equipo estándar para realizar el método de esta invención. Por consiguiente, es posible utilizar instrumentos tales como intercambiadores de calor, tanques, bombas, turbinas, válvulas y accesorios del tipo que se utiliza normalmente en ciclos de Rankine para poner en práctica el método de esta invención.In general, standard equipment can be used to perform the method of this invention. Therefore it is possible to use instruments such as heat exchangers, tanks, pumps, turbines, valves and accessories of the type to be normally used in Rankine cycles to implement the method of this invention.

En las modalidades descritas de la invención, el fluido de trabajo se expande para impulsar una turbina de tipo convencional. Sin embargo, se puede realizar la expansión del fluido de trabajo desde un nivel cargado de alta presión a un nivel gastado de baja presión con el fin de producir energía por medio de cualesquiera medios convencionales conocidos por los expertos en este campo. La energía originada de esta manera puede almacenarse o utilizarse de acuerdo con una serie de métodos convencionales conocidos por los expertos en este campo.In the described embodiments of the invention, the working fluid expands to drive a type turbine conventional. However, the expansion of the working fluid from a high pressure loaded level to a level spent low pressure in order to produce energy by means of any conventional means known to experts in this field. Energy originated in this way can be stored or be used according to a series of conventional methods known by experts in this field.

Los separadores de las modalidades descritas pueden ser separadores por gravedad convencionales, como por ejemplo tanques de venteo (flash tanks) convencionales. Se puede utilizar cualquier aparato convencional para formar dos o más corrientes que posean composiciones diferentes a partir de una sola corriente con el fin de formar la corriente pobre y la corriente enriquecida a partir de la corriente de trabajo de fluido.The separators of the described modalities can be conventional gravity separators, such as conventional vent tanks ( flash tanks ). Any conventional apparatus can be used to form two or more streams having different compositions from a single stream in order to form the poor stream and the enriched stream from the fluid working stream.

El condensador puede ser cualquier tipo de dispositivo de eliminación de calor conocido. Por ejemplo, el condensador puede adoptar la forma de un intercambiador de calor, como un sistema refrigerado por agua u otro tipo de dispositivo de condensación.The capacitor can be any type of known heat removal device. For example, him condenser can take the form of a heat exchanger, as a water-cooled system or other type of device condensation.

Se pueden utilizar diferentes tipos de fuentes de calor para propulsar el ciclo de esta invención.Different types of sources can be used of heat to propel the cycle of this invention.

TABLE 1

1one

TABLE 2

33

44

       \vskip1.000000\baselineskip\ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip

       \vskip1.000000\baselineskip\ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip

       \vskip1.000000\baselineskip\ vskip1.000000 \ baselineskip

TABLE 3

55

TABLE 4

66

TABLE 5 Resumen de rendimiento KCS34 Caso 1KCS34 Performance Summary Case 1

77

TABLE 6 Resumen de rendimiento KCS34 Caso 2Performance Summary KCS34 Case 2

88

99

TABLE 7 Resumen de rendimiento KCS34 Caso 3KCS34 Performance Summary Case 3

1010

11eleven

TABLE 8 Resumen de rendimiento KCS34 Caso 4KCS34 Performance Summary Case 4

1212

Claims

1. A method for the implementation of a cycle thermodynamic comprising:

heating a working current (117-17), which includes a component with a point of low boil and a component with a higher boiling point, with an external heat source (25-26) in order of providing a heated gaseous working stream (19);

the separation of the mentioned current from heated gaseous work (19) in a first separator (S) to provide a heated rich gaseous stream (30) that possesses a relatively higher proportion of the mentioned component with a low boiling point and a poor current (7) that has a relatively minor proportion of the mentioned component with a low boiling point;

the expansion of the mentioned rich current heated soda (30) to transform current energy in a useful energy and provide a depleted rich current and expanded (34); Y

the combination of the mentioned poor current (7) and the aforementioned depleted and expanded rich current (34) for provide the mentioned working current (117-17);

in which, after the aforementioned combination and before said heating with said external source of heat, the mentioned working current condenses when transferring heat at a low temperature source in a first exchanger of heat (HE-1) and said working current is subsequently pumped at higher pressure (21); Y

which also includes the transfer, in a second heat exchanger (HE-2), heat of the mentioned work flow, prior to the condensation of the working current, to said current of work after it has been pumped to the aforementioned higher pressure (21) and before heating with the source external heat (25-26) mentioned previously.

2. A method, as described in the claim 1, which also comprises the transfer, in a third heat exchanger, heat from the aforementioned poor current (7) [to] the mentioned working current after that the mentioned working current has received heat in the mentioned second heat exchanger (HE-2) and before heating with the external heat source (25-26) mentioned above.

3. A method, as described in the claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the division of the mentioned work stream (117-17) in a first working substream (117) and a second working undercurrent (118), and in which the mentioned heating with said external heat source (25-26) includes the heating of the first Working undercurrent (117) with the external heat source for provide a first heated work undercurrent (17).

4. A method, as described in the claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising the transfer, in a fourth heat exchanger (HE-4), of heat from the mentioned current poor (7) to the mentioned second working substream.

5. A method, as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mentioned heating with said external heat source (25-26) is produced in a fifth heat exchanger heat (HE-5).

6. A method for the implementation of a cycle thermodynamic, as described in claim 1, which It also includes:

the division of the mentioned current of work (117-17) in a first substream of work (117) and a second work undercurrent (118), and in the that the mentioned heating of a working current includes the heating of the first working sub-current (117) with the mentioned external heat source (25-26) for provide a first heated work undercurrent (117) and subsequently combine the first working substream heated (17) with the second working sub-current (118) with the in order to provide the mentioned gaseous work stream heated (19).

7. A method, as described in any of the claims between 1 and 6, in which the aforementioned expansion takes place in a first phase of expansion and a second phase of expansion;

the aforementioned heated gaseous rich stream (19) is partially expanded to provide a rich current partially expanded (32) in said first phase of expansion;

which also includes the division of the mentioned partially expanded rich current in a first part and a second part;

in which the first part expands to provide the aforementioned depleted and expanded rich current (34) in the mentioned second phase of expansion; Y

which also includes the combination of mentioned second part (32) with the mentioned poor current (7) before combining the mentioned poor current and rich current Exhausted and expanded (34).

8. A method, as described in the claim 7, wherein said division includes the separation of said partially expanded rich current (32) in a vapor part (33) and a liquid part (31); the mentioned first part includes at least some amount of the steam part and said second part includes the part of liquid.

9. A method, as described in the claim 8, further comprising the combination of some amount of said steam part (33) with said part of liquid (31) to provide said second part.

10. A method, as described in any of the claims between 7 and 9, which also includes the transfer, in an exchanger of heat, heat from the mentioned poor current (7) with the mentioned second part (32) to the mentioned working current before heating said working current with the aforementioned external heat source (25-26).

11. An apparatus for the implementation of a thermodynamic cycle comprising:

a heater (HE-5) that heats a working current (117-17), which includes a component with a low boiling point and a component with a higher boiling point, with a source of external heat (25-26) to provide a heated gaseous working stream (19);

a first separator connected to receive the mentioned heated gas working stream (19) and produce a rich heated gaseous stream (30) that has a proportion relatively greater of the mentioned component with a point of low boil and a poor current (7) that has a proportion relatively minor of the mentioned component with a point of low boil;

an expander that is connected to receive the mentioned heated gas rich stream (30), transform the current energy to usable energy and produce a rich stream exhausted and expanded (34); Y

a first stream mixer that is connected to combine the mentioned poor current (7) and the mentioned depleted and expanded rich current (34) and produce the mentioned work stream; the output of the mentioned Stream mixer is connected to the input of the mentioned heater (14E-5);

which also comprises a first exchanger of heat (HE-1) and a pump (B) that are connected between the first current mixer and the mentioned heater (HE-5); said first exchanger of heat condenses the mentioned working current when transferring heat to a low temperature source and the mentioned pump subsequently it pumps the mentioned working current to a higher pressure (21); Y

which also comprises a second exchanger of heat (HE-2) connected to transfer heat from the aforementioned work stream, prior to the condensation of said working current, to the aforementioned working current after the current has been pumped of work mentioned at higher pressure in the mentioned pump and before of heating with the external heat source (25-26) in the heater (HE-5) previously mentioned.

12. An apparatus, as described in the claim 11, wherein said expander includes a first phase of expansion (T-1) and a second phase expansion (T-2);

the mentioned first phase of expansion is connected to receive the heated rich gaseous stream (30) and produce a partially expanded rich stream (31);

which also includes a current divider which is connected to receive the mentioned rich current partially expanded (31) and divide it into a first part (33) and a second part (32);

in which the said second phase is connected to receive the first part mentioned and expands the mentioned first part in order to provide the current rich exhausted and expanded; Y

which also comprises a second mixer of currents that is connected to combine the second mentioned part (32) with the mentioned poor current (7) before the poor current is combined with the depleted and expanded rich current (34) in said first stream mixer.

13. An apparatus, as described in the claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a third heat exchanger (HE-3) connected to transfer heat from said poor current (7) to the mentioned working current after the current of work (117-17) has received heat in the mentioned second heat exchanger (HE-2) and before heating with the external heat source (25-26) in the heater (HE-5) previously mentioned.

14. An apparatus, as described in the claim 11, further comprising:

a current divider connected to divide the mentioned working current, after the mentioned pumping with said pump (B) and before said heating with the external heat source (25-26) in the heater, in a first working substream (117) and a second working substream (118); said heater heats the mentioned first working substream to provide a First working undercurrent heated.

15. An apparatus, as described in the claim 14, further comprising a fourth heat exchanger heat (HE-4) connected to transfer heat from the mentioned poor current (7) to the mentioned second working undercurrent (118).

16. An apparatus, as described in the claim 15, wherein said heater is a fifth heat exchanger (HE-5).

17. An apparatus, as described in any of the claims between 14 and 16, in which said expander includes a first phase of expansion (T-1) and a second phase of expansion (T-2);

the mentioned first phase of expansion is connected to receive the heated rich gaseous stream (30) and produce a partially expanded rich stream (32);

which also includes a current divider which is connected to receive the mentioned rich current partially expanded and divide it into a first part and a second part;

in which the said second phase is connected to receive the first part mentioned and expands the first part in order to provide the mentioned current rich exhausted and expanded (32); Y

which also comprises a second mixer of currents that is connected to combine the second mentioned part with the aforementioned poor current (7) before the poor current is combined with the depleted and expanded rich current (32) in said first stream mixer.

18. An apparatus, as described in the claim 17, wherein said current divider includes a second separator (S-2) that is connected to receive partially expanded rich current (31) and separate it into a part of steam and a part of liquid; the mentioned first part includes at least an amount of the part of steam and the mentioned second part includes the part of liquid.

19. An apparatus, as described in the claim 17, wherein said current divider includes a fourth connected current mixer to combine an amount of the steam part from the second separator with the mentioned liquid part of the second separator in order to provide the mentioned second part.

20. An apparatus, as described in any of the claims between 14 and 19, which further comprises a heat exchanger connected to transfer heat from the mentioned poor current with the mentioned second part to the mentioned work stream, before the working current has been heated with the mentioned external source of heat (25-26) in the Heater.