WO2024074263A1 - Low-temperature refrigeration device - Google Patents

Low-temperature refrigeration device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024074263A1
WO2024074263A1 PCT/EP2023/074734 EP2023074734W WO2024074263A1 WO 2024074263 A1 WO2024074263 A1 WO 2024074263A1 EP 2023074734 W EP2023074734 W EP 2023074734W WO 2024074263 A1 WO2024074263 A1 WO 2024074263A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cold box
turbine
working fluid
cold
heat exchanger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/074734
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pierre BARJHOUX
Fabien Durand
Guillaume DELAUTRE
François LAGOUTTE
Original Assignee
L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
Publication of WO2024074263A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024074263A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B11/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, using turbines, e.g. gas turbines
    • F25B11/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, using turbines, e.g. gas turbines as expanders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0047—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/005—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by expansion of a gaseous refrigerant stream with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/0062—Light or noble gases, mixtures thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/0062—Light or noble gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0065—Helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/0062—Light or noble gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0067—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/007—Primary atmospheric gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0072—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/007—Primary atmospheric gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0077—Argon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0259—Modularity and arrangement of parts of the liquefaction unit and in particular of the cold box, e.g. pre-fabrication, assembling and erection, dimensions, horizontal layout "plot"
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0288—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings using work extraction by mechanical coupling of compression and expansion of the refrigerant, so-called companders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/14—Power generation using energy from the expansion of the refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/01—Geometry problems, e.g. for reducing size
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2230/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/20—Integrated compressor and process expander; Gear box arrangement; Multiple compressors on a common shaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/14—External refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/16—External refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with mutliple gas expansion loops of the same refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/90—External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration
    • F25J2270/912—Liquefaction cycle of a low-boiling (feed) gas in a cryocooler, i.e. in a closed-loop refrigerator

Definitions

  • a low temperature refrigeration device Provided is a low temperature refrigeration device.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a refrigeration and/or liquefaction device at low temperature, that is to say at a temperature between minus 100 degrees centigrade and minus 273 degrees centigrade, the refrigeration device comprising a working circuit forming a loop and containing a working fluid, the working circuit comprising a mechanism for compressing the working fluid comprising at least one compressor, a mechanism for cooling the working fluid, a mechanism for expanding the working fluid comprising at least one expansion turbine and a mechanism for heating the working fluid, the working circuit being configured to subject the working fluid to a determined thermodynamic cycle in which the working fluid reaches a relatively low temperature at a cold end of the cycle, the device comprising a refrigeration heat exchanger intended to extract heat from at least one organ or fluid by heat exchange with the working fluid, the device comprising a thermally insulated cold box housing the refrigeration heat exchanger and the at least one expansion turbine, the cold box having a generally cylindrical shape extending in a longitudinal direction around a central axis, said axis being preferably horizontal in use configuration,
  • the invention relates in particular to cryogenic refrigerators or liquefiers comprising turbomachines using cryogenic turbines. These refrigerators also have inter-stage expansion cooling and/or heating heat exchangers and a cryogenic enclosure called a cold box (and thermally insulated, for example under vacuum).
  • refrigerators are mounted on a structure and one problem is to maximize the ratio between the capacity of the system (and therefore the number of components) and its dimensions in width and height. This optimization makes it possible either to increase the capacity of the system while remaining within a fixed transport size, or to minimize the dimensions in relation to a fixed capacity.
  • Another constraint consists of achieving a reliable assembly which does not require welding at the destination site of the refrigerator.
  • the turbines are mounted on the side of the cold box. This makes it possible to mount a large number of turbines by decoupling the manufacturing of the turbines and the cold box.
  • the heat exchangers are installed close to the turbines, without size limitations. This solution, however, has the disadvantage that the turbines exceed the transport size. The turbines are therefore transported separately and connected (welded) at the destination site.
  • the exchangers are either directly mounted on the turbines, or on a separate support. This solution requires additional assembly time and costs after manufacturing.
  • Another solution consists of installing equipment and in particular the turbines on top of the cold box. This solution is however not suitable for high power turbines which require exchangers installed on a separate support. This requires installing the connection pipes on site.
  • Another solution consists of mounting a single turbine on the bottom of the cold box at the central axis of revolution.
  • the turbine heat exchanger and the compressor heat exchanger can be merged into a single piece of equipment. In the case of a refrigerator producing very low temperatures, it is however necessary to provide a staggering of several turbines.
  • the heat exchanger is installed next to the vacuum enclosure, which degrades the capacity/dimensions ratio when there are several heat exchangers and/or if the diameter of the exchanger increases.
  • An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.
  • the according to the invention is essentially characterized in that the at least one turbine is mounted offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis from the cold box.
  • the invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the characteristics above or below within the scope of the claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, partial and top view of a refrigeration device according to a first exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, partial and side view of the device of the ;
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, simplified and partial view, in perspective and from above, of a refrigeration device according to another exemplary embodiment.
  • the low temperature refrigeration device 1 illustrated is for example a cryogenic refrigerator, that is to say producing cold power by cooling/liquefying a working fluid at a temperature between minus 100 degrees centigrade and minus 273 degrees centigrade.
  • the refrigeration device 1 is preferably at least partly arranged (mounted) in and/or on a rigid support 100.
  • the refrigeration device 1 comprises a working circuit 2 forming a loop and containing a working fluid (for example at least one of: helium, nitrogen, argon, neon, hydrogen).
  • a working fluid for example at least one of: helium, nitrogen, argon, neon, hydrogen.
  • the working circuit 2 comprises, arranged in series, a mechanism 3 for compressing the working fluid comprising at least one compressor, a mechanism 4, 7 for cooling the working fluid (heat exchanger(s) for example), a mechanism for expanding the working fluid comprising at least one expansion turbine 6 and a mechanism 7 for heating the working fluid.
  • the working circuit 2 is configured to subject the working fluid to a determined thermodynamic cycle in which the working fluid reaches at least a relatively low temperature at a cold end of the cycle.
  • the compressors 3 are preferably rotated by one or more electric motors 13 (for example mounted on the rotating shaft 12 of the motor 13).
  • at least part of the turbines 6 is also coupled to the same rotary shaft 12 driving one or more compressors 3 to restore mechanical work to it (motor-turbo-compressor).
  • the device 1 comprises one or more refrigeration heat exchangers 7 intended to extract heat from at least one member 8 or fluid by heat exchange with the working fluid at the cold end of the cycle.
  • the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 can ensure a heat exchange between the working fluid after its expansion in the working circuit (before its return to the compression mechanism) and a user fluid 8 to be cooled.
  • the exchanger(s) 7 can ensure both cooling and heating of the working fluid in the cycle via counter-current exchange.
  • a fluid 8 to be cooled can be placed in thermal exchange with the working fluid at several temperature levels between ambient temperature and the coldest temperature of the cold end of the cycle.
  • the expansion mechanism comprises at least one expansion turbine 6 and preferably several expansion turbines 6.
  • the device 1 comprises a cold box 9, that is to say a thermally insulated enclosure (for example under vacuum) housing at least part of the cryogenic components of the working circuit 2 and in particular the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 and the at least one expansion turbine 6 and the corresponding parts of the working circuit 2.
  • a cold box 9 that is to say a thermally insulated enclosure (for example under vacuum) housing at least part of the cryogenic components of the working circuit 2 and in particular the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 and the at least one expansion turbine 6 and the corresponding parts of the working circuit 2.
  • the cold box 9 has a general cylindrical shape which extends in use configuration preferably in a horizontal longitudinal direction around central axis 10 of revolution.
  • the cold box 9 has a cylindrical body, preferably of circular section, the two longitudinal ends (or bottoms) of which are convex, for example of a generally elliptical shape.
  • At least one turbine 6 and, as illustrated, preferably several turbines 6 are mounted in the cold box 9 near a first longitudinal end of the cold box 9. That is to say that the turbine(s) 6 are mounted longitudinally in the cold box 9 between the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 and the longitudinal end wall 11 of the cold box 9. As illustrated, the turbine 6 or several turbines 6 are mounted offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the cold box 9. That is to say that one or more turbines 6 are not mounted in the center of the end wall 11 on the central longitudinal axis 10 of revolution of the cold box 9 but offset transversely and/or vertically .
  • This configuration makes it possible to install several turbines 6 on the same cold box 9, even turbines 6 of relatively large size, while limiting the bulk of the device 1 (height and width in particular).
  • the device 1 comprises, mounted on the same longitudinal end of the cold box 9, two turbines 6.
  • the two turbines 6 are mounted on either side of the central longitudinal axis 10, for example halfway up the box 9 cold or in the upper part of the cold box.
  • four turbines 6 can be mounted on the same end wall 11 (bottom).
  • two turbines 6 in the lower part of the wall 11 (below and on either side of the central longitudinal axis 10) and two turbines 6 in the upper part of the wall 11 (above and on either side of other of the central longitudinal axis 10).
  • turbines 6 can be mounted at the two longitudinal ends of the cold box 9.
  • the device 1 can thus include four turbines 6 distributed two on each longitudinal side of the cold box 9. This makes it possible to increase the number of machines (turbines 6) of the device and/or makes it possible to reduce the mechanical stresses imposed on each of the two end walls 11.
  • the turbines 6 can be mounted at the end of a shaft 12 of a motor 13 also driving a compressor of the compression mechanism 3.
  • the motors 13 are located outside the cold box 9 and preferably mounted on the structure of the support 100.
  • These motors 13 can be connected by bolting to the rigid support. This makes it possible to compensate for the forces, in particular without weakening the cold box 9 through which the turbines 6 are mounted as described below.
  • the end of the shaft 12 carrying the turbine 6 can be mounted passing through in a sealed manner through the end wall 11 of the cold box 9 via a tubular tapping connection 14 mounted projecting on the exterior surface of the longitudinal end wall 11 of the cold box 9.
  • the tubular connection 14 is thus offset (not on the central longitudinal axis 10).
  • the tubular connection 14 ensures a mechanical connection (for example by welding) with the elliptical surface of the end wall 11.
  • the thicknesses can be adapted locally and/or reinforcements can be provided for example at the level of the connections 14.
  • the working circuit 2 comprises at least one heat exchanger 4 and preferably several non-cryogenic heat exchangers 4 located outside the cold box 9 forming part of the mechanism 4, 7 for cooling the working fluid and /or the mechanism 7 for heating the working fluid.
  • the heat exchangers 4 are for example of generally planar or oblong shape and mounted in and/or the support 100 preferably in respective planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (central axis 10). At least part of these heat exchangers 4 can ensure a thermal exchange between the working gas and a fluid 15, for example water, to ensure cooling after compression.
  • a counter-current exchanger 7 can also ensure heat exchange between two working gas flows having different temperatures.
  • the heat exchangers 4 located outside the cold box 9 can be distributed on either side of the cold box 9 (in the longitudinal direction).
  • the support 100 can be composed of a structure or frame 102 comprising beams assembled and mounted on legs 101.
  • the support 100 can be an entity composed of several substructures assembled in the longitudinal direction.
  • the engine assemblies 13 with turbines 6 can be arranged along the longitudinal axis, on the same structure or on a separate structure.
  • the structure described above has good mechanical strength and great compactness.
  • This structure can in particular be modular (depending on the number of turbines 6 and/or heat exchangers 4 to be provided.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration device comprising a circuit for a working fluid and comprising a mechanism (3) for compressing the working fluid with at least one compressor, a mechanism (4, 7) for cooling the working fluid, a mechanism (6) for expanding the working fluid with at least one expansion turbine (6) and a mechanism (7) for heating the working fluid, the device comprising an insulated cold box (9) housing a heat exchanger (7) and the at least one turbine (6), the cold box (9) having a cylindrical shape extending in a longitudinal direction about a central axis (10), the at least one turbine (6) being arranged in the cold box (9) in a transversely offset manner with respect to its central longitudinal axis (10).

Description

Dispositif de réfrigération à basse températureLow temperature refrigeration device
L’invention concerne un dispositif de réfrigération à basse température.Provided is a low temperature refrigeration device.
L’invention concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de réfrigération et/ou de liquéfaction à basse température, c'est-à-dire à une température comprise entre moins 100 degrés centigrade et moins 273 degrés centigrade, le dispositif de réfrigération comprenant un circuit de travail formant une boucle et contenant un fluide de travail, le circuit de travail comprenant un mécanisme de compression du fluide de travail comprenant au moins un compresseur, un mécanisme de refroidissement du fluide de travail, un mécanisme de détente du fluide de travail comprenant au moins une turbine de détente et un mécanisme de réchauffement du fluide de travail, le circuit de travail étant configuré pour soumettre le fluide de travail à cycle thermodynamique déterminé dans lequel le fluide de travail atteint une température relativement basse au niveau d’une extrémité froide du cycle, le dispositif comprenant un échangeur de chaleur de réfrigération destiné à extraire de la chaleur à au moins un organe ou fluide par échange de chaleur avec le fluide de travail, le dispositif comprenant une boîte froide isolée thermiquement abritant l’échangeur de chaleur de réfrigération et la au moins une turbine de détente, la boîte froide ayant une forme générale cylindrique s’étendant selon une direction longitudinale autour d’un axe central, ledit axe étant de préférence horizontal en configuration d’utilisation, la au moins une turbine étant disposée dans la boîte (9) froide à proximité d’une première extrémité longitudinale de la boîte froide, la au moins une turbine étant montée longitudinalement dans la boîte froide entre l’échangeur de chaleur de réfrigération et la paroi d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte froide.The invention relates more particularly to a refrigeration and/or liquefaction device at low temperature, that is to say at a temperature between minus 100 degrees centigrade and minus 273 degrees centigrade, the refrigeration device comprising a working circuit forming a loop and containing a working fluid, the working circuit comprising a mechanism for compressing the working fluid comprising at least one compressor, a mechanism for cooling the working fluid, a mechanism for expanding the working fluid comprising at least one expansion turbine and a mechanism for heating the working fluid, the working circuit being configured to subject the working fluid to a determined thermodynamic cycle in which the working fluid reaches a relatively low temperature at a cold end of the cycle, the device comprising a refrigeration heat exchanger intended to extract heat from at least one organ or fluid by heat exchange with the working fluid, the device comprising a thermally insulated cold box housing the refrigeration heat exchanger and the at least one expansion turbine, the cold box having a generally cylindrical shape extending in a longitudinal direction around a central axis, said axis being preferably horizontal in use configuration, the at least one turbine being arranged in the cold box (9) near a first longitudinal end of the cold box, the at least one turbine being mounted longitudinally in the cold box between the refrigeration heat exchanger and the longitudinal end wall of the cold box.
L’invention concerne en particulier les réfrigérateurs ou liquéfacteurs cryogéniques comprenant des turbomachines utilisant des turbines cryogéniques. Ces réfrigérateurs possèdent également des échangeurs de chaleur de refroidissement et/ou de réchauffement inter-étages de détente et une enceinte cryogénique appelée boîte froide (et isolée thermiquement, par exemple sous vide). The invention relates in particular to cryogenic refrigerators or liquefiers comprising turbomachines using cryogenic turbines. These refrigerators also have inter-stage expansion cooling and/or heating heat exchangers and a cryogenic enclosure called a cold box (and thermally insulated, for example under vacuum).
Ces réfrigérateurs sont montés sur une structure et un problème consiste à maximiser le ratio entre la capacité du système (et donc le nombre de composants) et ses dimensions en largeur et hauteur. Cette optimisation permet soit d’augmenter la capacité du système en restant dans un gabarit de transport fixé, soit de minimiser les dimensions par rapport à une capacité fixée.These refrigerators are mounted on a structure and one problem is to maximize the ratio between the capacity of the system (and therefore the number of components) and its dimensions in width and height. This optimization makes it possible either to increase the capacity of the system while remaining within a fixed transport size, or to minimize the dimensions in relation to a fixed capacity.
Une autre contrainte consiste à réaliser un assemblage fiable qui ne nécessite pas de soudure sur le site de destination du réfrigérateur.Another constraint consists of achieving a reliable assembly which does not require welding at the destination site of the refrigerator.
Dans un mode de réalisation connu, les turbines sont montées sur le côté de la boîte froide. Ceci permet de monter un grand nombre de turbine en découplant la fabrication des turbines et de la boîte froide. Les échangeurs de chaleur sont installés à proximité des turbines, sans limitation de taille. Cette solution a cependant l’inconvénient que les turbines dépassent du gabarit de transport. Les turbines sont donc transportées séparément et raccordées (soudées) sur site de destination. Les échangeurs sont soit directement montés sur les turbines, soit sur un support séparé. Cette solution nécessite du temps et des coûts additionnels d’assemblage après la fabrication.In a known embodiment, the turbines are mounted on the side of the cold box. This makes it possible to mount a large number of turbines by decoupling the manufacturing of the turbines and the cold box. The heat exchangers are installed close to the turbines, without size limitations. This solution, however, has the disadvantage that the turbines exceed the transport size. The turbines are therefore transported separately and connected (welded) at the destination site. The exchangers are either directly mounted on the turbines, or on a separate support. This solution requires additional assembly time and costs after manufacturing.
Une autre solution consiste à implanter des équipements et notamment les turbines sur le dessus de la boîte froide. Cette solution n’est cependant pas adaptée pour des turbines de forte puissance qui nécessitent des échangeurs installés sur un support séparé. Ceci nécessite d’installer les tuyauteries de raccordement sur site.Another solution consists of installing equipment and in particular the turbines on top of the cold box. This solution is however not suitable for high power turbines which require exchangers installed on a separate support. This requires installing the connection pipes on site.
Une autre solution consiste monter une unique turbine sur le fond de la boîte froide au niveau de l’axe central de révolution. L’échangeur de chaleur de la turbine et celui du compresseur peuvent être fusionnés en un seul équipement. Dans le cas d’un réfrigérateur produisant des températures très basses il est cependant nécessaire de prévoir un étagement de plusieurs turbines. L’échangeur de chaleur est installé à côté de l’enceinte sous vide, ce qui dégrade le ratio capacité/dimensions lorsqu’il y a plusieurs échangeurs de chaleurs et/ou si le diamètre de l’échangeur augmente.Another solution consists of mounting a single turbine on the bottom of the cold box at the central axis of revolution. The turbine heat exchanger and the compressor heat exchanger can be merged into a single piece of equipment. In the case of a refrigerator producing very low temperatures, it is however necessary to provide a staggering of several turbines. The heat exchanger is installed next to the vacuum enclosure, which degrades the capacity/dimensions ratio when there are several heat exchangers and/or if the diameter of the exchanger increases.
Un but de la présente invention est de pallier tout ou partie des inconvénients de l’art antérieur relevés ci-dessus.An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.
A cette fin, le selon l'invention, par ailleurs conforme à la définition générique qu’en donne le préambule ci-dessus, est essentiellement caractérisé en ce que la au moins une turbine est montée décalée transversalement par rapport à l’axe longitudinal central de la boîte froide.To this end, the according to the invention, moreover conforming to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the at least one turbine is mounted offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis from the cold box.
Par ailleurs, des modes de réalisation de l’invention peuvent comporter l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :
  • la au moins une turbine est montée à l’extrémité d’un arbre d’un moteur entraînant également un compresseur du mécanisme de compression, le moteur étant situé à l’extérieur de la boîte froide, l’extrémité de l’arbre portant la turbine étant montée traversante de façon étanche au travers de la paroi d’extrémité de la boîte froide,
  • l’extrémité de l’arbre portant la turbine est montée traversante de façon étanche au travers de la paroi d’extrémité de la boîte froide via un raccord tubulaire de piquage monté en saillie sur la surface extérieure de la paroi d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte froide,
  • la paroi d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte froide a une forme bombée vers l’extérieur de la boîte froide,
  • le dispositif comprend au moins une turbine supplémentaire disposée dans la boîte froide à proximité d’une seconde extrémité longitudinale de la boîte froide, la au moins une turbine supplémentaire étant montée longitudinalement dans la boîte froide entre l’échangeur de chaleur de réfrigération et la paroi d’extrémité de la seconde extrémité longitudinale de la boîte froide, de façon décalée transversalement par rapport à l’axe longitudinal central de la boîte froide,
  • le dispositif est disposé dans et/ou sur un support,
  • le circuit de travail comprend au moins un échangeur de chaleur situé à l’extérieur de la boîte froide faisant partie du mécanisme de refroidissement du fluide de travail, ledit au moins un échangeur de chaleur étant monté dans et/ou sur le support dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale,
  • le dispositif comprend plusieurs échangeurs de chaleur situés à l’extérieur de la boîte froide faisant partie du mécanisme de refroidissement du fluide de travail, lesdits échangeurs de chaleur étant montés dans et/ou sur le support dans des plans respectifs perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale,
  • le support comprend au moins l’un parmi : un ensemble de pied(s) de support de la boîte froide, un cadre,
  • le support est composé de plusieurs structures assemblées selon la direction longitudinale.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics:
  • the at least one turbine is mounted at the end of a shaft of a motor also driving a compressor of the compression mechanism, the motor being located outside the cold box, the end of the shaft carrying the turbine being mounted in a sealed manner through the end wall of the cold box,
  • the end of the shaft carrying the turbine is mounted in a sealed manner through the end wall of the cold box via a tubular tapping connection mounted projecting on the exterior surface of the longitudinal end wall of the cold box,
  • the longitudinal end wall of the cold box has a convex shape towards the outside of the cold box,
  • the device comprises at least one additional turbine disposed in the cold box near a second longitudinal end of the cold box, the at least one additional turbine being mounted longitudinally in the cold box between the refrigeration heat exchanger and the wall end of the second longitudinal end of the cold box, offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cold box,
  • the device is placed in and/or on a support,
  • the working circuit comprises at least one heat exchanger located outside the cold box forming part of the working fluid cooling mechanism, said at least one heat exchanger being mounted in and/or on the support in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
  • the device comprises several heat exchangers located outside the cold box forming part of the working fluid cooling mechanism, said heat exchangers being mounted in and/or on the support in respective planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
  • the support comprises at least one of: a set of cold box support feet(s), a frame,
  • the support is composed of several structures assembled in the longitudinal direction.
L’invention peut concerner également tout dispositif ou procédé alternatif comprenant toute combinaison des caractéristiques ci-dessus ou ci-dessous dans le cadre des revendications.The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the characteristics above or below within the scope of the claims.
D’autres particularités et avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description ci-après, faite en référence aux figures dans lesquelles :Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which:
Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
est une vue schématique, partielle et de dessus d’un dispositif de réfrigération selon un premier exemple de réalisation, is a schematic, partial and top view of a refrigeration device according to a first exemplary embodiment,
est une vue schématique, partielle et de côté du dispositif de la ; is a schematic, partial and side view of the device of the ;
une vue schématique simplifiée d’un détail du dispositif de la symbolisant le circuit de travail, a simplified schematic view of a detail of the device of the symbolizing the work circuit,
est une vue schématique, simplifiée et partielle, en perspective et de dessus d’un dispositif de réfrigération selon un autre exemple de réalisation. is a schematic, simplified and partial view, in perspective and from above, of a refrigeration device according to another exemplary embodiment.
Description détailléedetailed description
Sur toutes les figures, les mêmes références se rapportent aux mêmes éléments.In all figures, the same references relate to the same elements.
Dans cette description détaillée, les réalisations suivantes sont des exemples. Bien que la description se réfère à un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, cela ne signifie pas que les caractéristiques s’appliquent seulement à un seul mode de réalisation. De simples caractéristiques de différents modes de réalisation peuvent également être combinées et/ou interchangées pour fournir d’autres réalisations dans le cadre des revendications.In this detailed description, the following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and/or interchanged to provide other embodiments within the scope of the claims.
Le dispositif 1 de réfrigération à basse température illustré est par exemple un réfrigérateur cryogénique, c'est-à-dire produisant une puissance froide en refroidissant/liquéfiant un fluide de travail une température comprise entre moins 100 degrés centigrade et moins 273 degrés centigrade.The low temperature refrigeration device 1 illustrated is for example a cryogenic refrigerator, that is to say producing cold power by cooling/liquefying a working fluid at a temperature between minus 100 degrees centigrade and minus 273 degrees centigrade.
Le dispositif 1 de réfrigération est de préférence au moins en partie disposé (monté) dans et/ou sur un support 100 rigide.The refrigeration device 1 is preferably at least partly arranged (mounted) in and/or on a rigid support 100.
Le dispositif 1 de réfrigération comprend un circuit de travail 2 formant une boucle et contenant un fluide de travail (par exemple au moins l’un parmi : hélium, azote, argon, néon, hydrogène). Comme illustré également à la , le circuit 2 de travail comprend, disposés en série, un mécanisme 3 de compression du fluide de travail comprenant au moins un compresseur, un mécanisme 4, 7 de refroidissement du fluide de travail (échangeur(s) de chaleur par exemple), un mécanisme de détente du fluide de travail comprenant au moins une turbine 6 de détente et un mécanisme 7 de réchauffement du fluide de travail. Le circuit 2 de travail est configuré pour soumettre le fluide de travail à cycle thermodynamique déterminé dans lequel le fluide de travail atteint au moins une température relativement basse au niveau d’une extrémité froide du cycle.The refrigeration device 1 comprises a working circuit 2 forming a loop and containing a working fluid (for example at least one of: helium, nitrogen, argon, neon, hydrogen). As also illustrated in , the working circuit 2 comprises, arranged in series, a mechanism 3 for compressing the working fluid comprising at least one compressor, a mechanism 4, 7 for cooling the working fluid (heat exchanger(s) for example), a mechanism for expanding the working fluid comprising at least one expansion turbine 6 and a mechanism 7 for heating the working fluid. The working circuit 2 is configured to subject the working fluid to a determined thermodynamic cycle in which the working fluid reaches at least a relatively low temperature at a cold end of the cycle.
Les compresseurs 3 sont de préférence entraînés en rotation par un ou des moteurs 13 électriques (par exemple montés sur l’arbre 12 rotatif du moteur 13). De préférence, au moins une partie des turbines 6 est accouplée également au même arbre 12 rotatif entraînant un ou des compresseurs 3 pour lui restituer du travail mécanique (moto-turbo-compresseur).The compressors 3 are preferably rotated by one or more electric motors 13 (for example mounted on the rotating shaft 12 of the motor 13). Preferably, at least part of the turbines 6 is also coupled to the same rotary shaft 12 driving one or more compressors 3 to restore mechanical work to it (motor-turbo-compressor).
Le dispositif 1 comprend un ou des échangeurs 7 de chaleur de réfrigération destiné(s) à extraire de la chaleur à au moins un organe 8 ou fluide par échange de chaleur avec le fluide de travail au niveau de l’extrémité froide du cycle. Comme illustré, l’échangeur 7 de chaleur de réfrigération peut assurer un échange de chaleur entre le fluide de travail après sa détente dans le circuit de travail (avant son retour vers le mécanisme de compression) et un fluide 8 utilisateur à refroidir. Le ou les échangeurs 7 peuvent assurer à la fois un refroidissement et un réchauffage du fluide de travail dans le cycle via un échange à contre-courant.The device 1 comprises one or more refrigeration heat exchangers 7 intended to extract heat from at least one member 8 or fluid by heat exchange with the working fluid at the cold end of the cycle. As illustrated, the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 can ensure a heat exchange between the working fluid after its expansion in the working circuit (before its return to the compression mechanism) and a user fluid 8 to be cooled. The exchanger(s) 7 can ensure both cooling and heating of the working fluid in the cycle via counter-current exchange.
Typiquement, un fluide 8 à refroidir peut être mis en échange thermique avec le fluide de travail à plusieurs niveaux de température entre la température ambiante et température la plus froide de l’extrémité froide du cycle.Typically, a fluid 8 to be cooled can be placed in thermal exchange with the working fluid at several temperature levels between ambient temperature and the coldest temperature of the cold end of the cycle.
Le mécanisme de détente comprend au moins une turbine 6 de détente et de préférence plusieurs turbines 6 de détente.The expansion mechanism comprises at least one expansion turbine 6 and preferably several expansion turbines 6.
Le dispositif 1 comprend une boîte 9 froide c’est-à-dire une enceinte isolée thermiquement (par exemple sous vide) abritant au moins une partie des composants cryogéniques du circuit 2 de travail et en particulier l’échangeur 7 de chaleur de réfrigération et la au moins une turbine 6 de détente et les parties correspondantes du circuit 2 de travail.The device 1 comprises a cold box 9, that is to say a thermally insulated enclosure (for example under vacuum) housing at least part of the cryogenic components of the working circuit 2 and in particular the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 and the at least one expansion turbine 6 and the corresponding parts of the working circuit 2.
Comme illustré, la boîte 9 froide a une forme générale cylindrique qui s’étend en configuration d’utilisation de préférence selon une direction longitudinale horizontale autour axe 10 central de révolution.As illustrated, the cold box 9 has a general cylindrical shape which extends in use configuration preferably in a horizontal longitudinal direction around central axis 10 of revolution.
Par exemple, la boîte 9 froide possède un corps cylindrique, de préférence de section circulaire, dont les deux extrémité longitudinales (ou fonds) sont bombées, par exemple de forme générale elliptique.For example, the cold box 9 has a cylindrical body, preferably of circular section, the two longitudinal ends (or bottoms) of which are convex, for example of a generally elliptical shape.
Au moins une turbine 6 et, comme illustré, de préférence plusieurs turbines 6 sont montées dans la boîte 9 froide à proximité d’une première extrémité longitudinale de la boîte 9 froide. C’est-à-dire que la ou les turbines 6 sont montées longitudinalement dans la boîte 9 froide entre l’échangeur 7 de chaleur de réfrigération et la paroi 11 d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte 9 froide. Comme illustré la turbine 6 ou plusieurs turbines 6 sont montées de façon décalée transversalement par rapport à l’axe 10 longitudinal central de la boîte 9 froide. C’est-à-dire qu’une ou plusieurs turbines 6 ne sont pas montées au centre de la paroi 11 d’extrémité sur l’axe 10 longitudinal central de révolution de la boîte 9 froide mais de façon décalée transversalement et/ou verticalement.At least one turbine 6 and, as illustrated, preferably several turbines 6 are mounted in the cold box 9 near a first longitudinal end of the cold box 9. That is to say that the turbine(s) 6 are mounted longitudinally in the cold box 9 between the refrigeration heat exchanger 7 and the longitudinal end wall 11 of the cold box 9. As illustrated, the turbine 6 or several turbines 6 are mounted offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the cold box 9. That is to say that one or more turbines 6 are not mounted in the center of the end wall 11 on the central longitudinal axis 10 of revolution of the cold box 9 but offset transversely and/or vertically .
Cette configuration permet d’implanter plusieurs turbines 6 sur une même boîte 9 froide, même des turbines 6 de taille relativement importante, tout en limitant l’encombrement du dispositif 1 (hauteur et largeur notamment).This configuration makes it possible to install several turbines 6 on the same cold box 9, even turbines 6 of relatively large size, while limiting the bulk of the device 1 (height and width in particular).
Dans l’exemple des , et le dispositif 1 comprend, montées sur une même extrémité longitudinale de la boîte 9 froide, deux turbines 6. Les deux turbines 6 sont montées de part et d’autre de l’axe 10 longitudinal central, par exemple à mi-hauteur de la boîte 9 froide ou dans la partie supérieure de la boîte froide. In the example of , And the device 1 comprises, mounted on the same longitudinal end of the cold box 9, two turbines 6. The two turbines 6 are mounted on either side of the central longitudinal axis 10, for example halfway up the box 9 cold or in the upper part of the cold box.
Bien entendu, cette exemple n’est nullement limitatif, une ou des turbines 6 pourraient être montées au niveau de la partie inférieure de la paroi 11 d’extrémité.Of course, this example is in no way limiting, one or more turbines 6 could be mounted at the lower part of the end wall 11.
De même, une seule ou plus de deux turbines 6 pourraient être montées au niveau d’une paroi 11 d’extrémité. Likewise, a single or more than two turbines 6 could be mounted at an end wall 11.
Par exemple, quatre turbines 6 peuvent être montées sur une même paroi 11 d’extrémité (fond). Par exemple deux turbines 6 en partie inférieure de la paroi 11 (en dessous et de part et d’autre de l’axe 10 longitudinal central) et deux turbines 6 en partie supérieure de la paroi 11 (au-dessus et de part et d’autre de l’axe 10 longitudinal central).For example, four turbines 6 can be mounted on the same end wall 11 (bottom). For example two turbines 6 in the lower part of the wall 11 (below and on either side of the central longitudinal axis 10) and two turbines 6 in the upper part of the wall 11 (above and on either side of other of the central longitudinal axis 10).
Comme schématisé à la , des turbines 6 peuvent être montées au niveau des deux extrémités longitudinales de la boîte 9 froide. Le dispositif 1 peut comporter ainsi quatre turbines 6 réparties deux de chaque côté longitudinal de la boîte 9 froide. Ceci permet d’augmenter le nombre de machines (turbines 6) du dispositif et/ou permet de réduire les contraintes mécaniques imposées sur chacune des deux parois 11 d’extrémités.As schematized in , turbines 6 can be mounted at the two longitudinal ends of the cold box 9. The device 1 can thus include four turbines 6 distributed two on each longitudinal side of the cold box 9. This makes it possible to increase the number of machines (turbines 6) of the device and/or makes it possible to reduce the mechanical stresses imposed on each of the two end walls 11.
Comme illustré, les turbines 6 peuvent être montées à l’extrémité d’un arbre 12 d’un moteur 13 entraînant également un compresseur du mécanisme 3 de compression. Les moteurs 13 sont situés à l’extérieur de la boîte 9 froide et montés de préférence sur la structure du support 100.As illustrated, the turbines 6 can be mounted at the end of a shaft 12 of a motor 13 also driving a compressor of the compression mechanism 3. The motors 13 are located outside the cold box 9 and preferably mounted on the structure of the support 100.
Ces moteurs 13 peuvent être raccordées par boulonnage au support rigide. Ceci permet de rattraper les efforts, en particulier sans affaiblir la boîte 9 froide au travers de laquelle sont montées les turbines 6 tel que décrit ci-après.These motors 13 can be connected by bolting to the rigid support. This makes it possible to compensate for the forces, in particular without weakening the cold box 9 through which the turbines 6 are mounted as described below.
Comme illustré, l’extrémité de l’arbre 12 portant la turbine 6 peut être montée traversant de façon étanche au travers de la paroi 11 d’extrémité de la boîte 9 froide via un raccord 14 tubulaire de piquage monté en saillie sur la surface extérieure de la paroi 11 d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte 9 froide.As illustrated, the end of the shaft 12 carrying the turbine 6 can be mounted passing through in a sealed manner through the end wall 11 of the cold box 9 via a tubular tapping connection 14 mounted projecting on the exterior surface of the longitudinal end wall 11 of the cold box 9.
Le raccord 14 tubulaire de piquage est ainsi désaxé (pas sur l’axe 10 longitudinal central). Le raccord 14 tubulaire assure une liaison mécanique (par exemple par soudage) avec la surface elliptique de la paroi 11 d’extrémité. A cet effet les épaisseurs peuvent être adaptées localement et/ou des renforts peuvent être prévus par exemple au niveau des raccords 14.The tubular connection 14 is thus offset (not on the central longitudinal axis 10). The tubular connection 14 ensures a mechanical connection (for example by welding) with the elliptical surface of the end wall 11. For this purpose the thicknesses can be adapted locally and/or reinforcements can be provided for example at the level of the connections 14.
Comme illustré, le circuit 2 de travail comprend au moins un échangeur de chaleur 4 et de préférence plusieurs échangeurs 4 de chaleur non cryogéniques situés à l’extérieur de la boîte 9 froide faisant partie du mécanisme 4, 7 de refroidissement du fluide de travail et/ou du mécanisme 7 de réchauffement du fluide de travail. Les échangeur 4 de chaleur sont par exemple de forme générale plane ou oblongue et montés dans et/ou le support 100 de préférence dans des plans respectifs perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale (axe central 10). A moins une partie de ces échangeurs 4 de chaleur peut assurer un échange thermique entre le gaz de travail et un fluide 15, par exemple de l’eau, pour assurer un refroidissement après une compression. Un échangeur 7 à contre-courant peut également assurer un échange de chaleur entre deux flux du gaz de travail ayant des températures différentes.As illustrated, the working circuit 2 comprises at least one heat exchanger 4 and preferably several non-cryogenic heat exchangers 4 located outside the cold box 9 forming part of the mechanism 4, 7 for cooling the working fluid and /or the mechanism 7 for heating the working fluid. The heat exchangers 4 are for example of generally planar or oblong shape and mounted in and/or the support 100 preferably in respective planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (central axis 10). At least part of these heat exchangers 4 can ensure a thermal exchange between the working gas and a fluid 15, for example water, to ensure cooling after compression. A counter-current exchanger 7 can also ensure heat exchange between two working gas flows having different temperatures.
Ceci améliore la compacité du dispositif 1 (optimisation du coût et de l’empreinte au sol du système complet).This improves the compactness of device 1 (optimization of the cost and footprint of the complete system).
Comme schématisé à la , les échangeurs de chaleur 4 situés à l’extérieur de la boîte 9 froide peuvent être répartis de part et d’autre de la boîte 9 froide (selon la direction longitudinale).As schematized in , the heat exchangers 4 located outside the cold box 9 can be distributed on either side of the cold box 9 (in the longitudinal direction).
Comme illustré, le support 100 peut être composé d’une structure ou cadre 102 comprenant des poutres assemblées et montée sur pieds 101.As illustrated, the support 100 can be composed of a structure or frame 102 comprising beams assembled and mounted on legs 101.
Le support 100 peut être une entité composée de plusieurs sous-structures assemblées selon la direction longitudinale. The support 100 can be an entity composed of several substructures assembled in the longitudinal direction.
Les ensembles moteurs 13 avec turbines 6 peuvent être disposées selon l’axe longitudinal, sur la même structure ou sur une structure séparée.The engine assemblies 13 with turbines 6 can be arranged along the longitudinal axis, on the same structure or on a separate structure.
La structure décrite ci-dessus présente une bonne tenue mécanique et une grande compacité. Cette structure peut en particulier être modulaire (selon le nombre de turbines 6 et/ou d’échangeurs 4 de chaleur à prévoir.The structure described above has good mechanical strength and great compactness. This structure can in particular be modular (depending on the number of turbines 6 and/or heat exchangers 4 to be provided.
Plusieurs équipements peuvent être installés dans un même plan (vertical). Et une ou plusieurs structures supportant ces éléments peuvent être prévu au niveau du support 100.Several pieces of equipment can be installed in the same (vertical) plane. And one or more structures supporting these elements can be provided at the level of the support 100.

Claims (8)

  1. Dispositif de réfrigération et/ou de liquéfaction à basse température, c'est-à-dire à une température comprise entre moins 100 degrés centigrade et moins 273 degrés centigrade, le dispositif (1) de réfrigération comprenant un circuit de travail (2) formant une boucle et contenant un fluide de travail, le circuit (2) de travail comprenant un mécanisme (3) de compression du fluide de travail comprenant au moins un compresseur, un mécanisme (4, 7) de refroidissement du fluide de travail, un mécanisme (6) de détente du fluide de travail comprenant au moins une turbine (6) de détente et un mécanisme (7) de réchauffement du fluide de travail, le circuit (2) de travail étant configuré pour soumettre le fluide de travail à cycle thermodynamique déterminé dans lequel le fluide de travail atteint une température relativement basse au niveau d’une extrémité froide du cycle, le dispositif (1) comprenant un échangeur (7) de chaleur de réfrigération destiné à extraire de la chaleur à au moins un organe ou fluide (8) par échange de chaleur avec le fluide de travail, le dispositif comprenant une boîte (9) froide isolée thermiquement abritant l’échangeur (7) de chaleur de réfrigération et la au moins une turbine (6) de détente, la boîte (9) froide ayant une forme générale cylindrique s’étendant selon une direction longitudinale autour d’un axe (10) central, ledit axe (10) étant horizontal en configuration d’utilisation, la au moins une turbine (6) étant disposée dans la boîte (9) froide à proximité d’une première extrémité longitudinale de la boîte (9) froide, la au moins une turbine (6) étant montée longitudinalement dans la boîte (9) froide entre l’échangeur (7) de chaleur de réfrigération et la paroi (11) d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte (9) froide, caractérisé en ce que la au moins une turbine (6) est montée décalée transversalement par rapport à l’axe (10) longitudinal central de la boîte (9) froide et en ce que la au moins une turbine (6) est montée à l’extrémité d’un arbre (12) d’un moteur (13) entraînant également un compresseur du mécanisme (3) de compression, le moteur (13) étant situé à l’extérieur de la boîte (9) froide, l’extrémité de l’arbre (12) portant la turbine (6) étant montée traversante de façon étanche au travers de la paroi (11) d’extrémité de la boîte (9) froide et en ce que la paroi (11) d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte (9) froide a une forme bombée vers l’extérieur de la boîte (9) froide.Device for refrigeration and/or liquefaction at low temperature, that is to say at a temperature between minus 100 degrees centigrade and minus 273 degrees centigrade, the refrigeration device (1) comprising a working circuit (2) forming a loop and containing a working fluid, the working circuit (2) comprising a mechanism (3) for compressing the working fluid comprising at least one compressor, a mechanism (4, 7) for cooling the working fluid, a mechanism (6) for expanding the working fluid comprising at least one expansion turbine (6) and a mechanism (7) for heating the working fluid, the working circuit (2) being configured to subject the working fluid to a thermodynamic cycle determined in which the working fluid reaches a relatively low temperature at a cold end of the cycle, the device (1) comprising a refrigeration heat exchanger (7) intended to extract heat from at least one organ or fluid (8) by heat exchange with the working fluid, the device comprising a thermally insulated cold box (9) housing the refrigeration heat exchanger (7) and the at least one expansion turbine (6), the box ( 9) cold having a generally cylindrical shape extending in a longitudinal direction around a central axis (10), said axis (10) being horizontal in use configuration, the at least one turbine (6) being arranged in the cold box (9) near a first longitudinal end of the cold box (9), the at least one turbine (6) being mounted longitudinally in the cold box (9) between the refrigeration heat exchanger (7) and the longitudinal end wall (11) of the cold box (9), characterized in that the at least one turbine (6) is mounted offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis (10) of the box (9). ) cold and in that the at least one turbine (6) is mounted at the end of a shaft (12) of a motor (13) also driving a compressor of the compression mechanism (3), the motor (13 ) being located outside the cold box (9), the end of the shaft (12) carrying the turbine (6) being mounted through in a sealed manner through the end wall (11) of the cold box (9) and in that the longitudinal end wall (11) of the cold box (9) has a convex shape towards the outside of the cold box (9).
  2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l’extrémité de l’arbre (12) portant la turbine (6) est montée traversante de façon étanche au travers de la paroi (11) d’extrémité de la boîte (9) froide via un raccord (14) tubulaire de piquage monté en saillie sur la surface extérieure de la paroi (11) d’extrémité longitudinale de la boîte (9) froide.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end of the shaft (12) carrying the turbine (6) is mounted through in a sealed manner through the end wall (11) of the cold box (9). via a tubular tapping connection (14) mounted projecting on the exterior surface of the longitudinal end wall (11) of the cold box (9).
  3. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend au moins une turbine (6) supplémentaire disposée dans la boîte (9) froide à proximité d’une seconde extrémité longitudinale de la boîte (9) froide, la au moins une turbine supplémentaire (6) étant montée longitudinalement dans la boîte (9) froide entre l’échangeur (7) de chaleur de réfrigération et la paroi d’extrémité de la seconde extrémité longitudinale de la boîte (9) froide, de façon décalée transversalement par rapport à l’axe (10) longitudinal central de la boîte froide.Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional turbine (6) arranged in the cold box (9) near a second longitudinal end of the cold box (9). , the at least one additional turbine (6) being mounted longitudinally in the cold box (9) between the refrigeration heat exchanger (7) and the end wall of the second longitudinal end of the cold box (9), in a manner offset transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis (10) of the cold box.
  4. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu’il est disposé dans et/ou sur un support (100).Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is arranged in and/or on a support (100).
  5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le circuit (2) de travail comprend au moins un échangeur de chaleur (4) situé à l’extérieur de la boîte (9) froide faisant partie du mécanisme (4) de refroidissement du fluide de travail, ledit au moins un échangeur (4) de chaleur étant monté dans et/ou sur le support (100) dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction (10) longitudinale.Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the working circuit (2) comprises at least one heat exchanger (4) located outside the cold box (9) forming part of the fluid cooling mechanism (4). working, said at least one heat exchanger (4) being mounted in and/or on the support (100) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (10).
  6. Dispositif selon revendication 3 ou 5, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend plusieurs échangeurs de chaleur (4) situés à l’extérieur de la boîte (9) froide faisant partie du mécanisme (4) de refroidissement du fluide de travail, lesdits échangeurs (4) de chaleur étant montés dans et/ou sur le support (100) dans des plans respectifs perpendiculaires à la direction (10) longitudinale.Device according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that it comprises several heat exchangers (4) located outside the cold box (9) forming part of the mechanism (4) for cooling the working fluid, said exchangers ( 4) heat being mounted in and/or on the support (100) in respective planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (10).
  7. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le support (100) comprend au moins l’un parmi : un ensemble de pied(s) (102) de support de la boîte (13) froide, un cadre (102).Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the support (100) comprises at least one of: a set of feet (102) for supporting the cold box (13), a frame (102).
  8. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le support (100) est composé de plusieurs structures assemblées selon la direction longitudinale.Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the support (100) is composed of several structures assembled in the longitudinal direction.
PCT/EP2023/074734 2022-10-03 2023-09-08 Low-temperature refrigeration device WO2024074263A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FRFR2210083 2022-10-03
FR2210083A FR3140417B1 (en) 2022-10-03 2022-10-03 Low temperature refrigeration device

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WO2024074263A1 true WO2024074263A1 (en) 2024-04-11

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FR (1) FR3140417B1 (en)
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Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180087809A1 (en) * 2015-05-01 2018-03-29 Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and operation method for refrigerator

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180087809A1 (en) * 2015-05-01 2018-03-29 Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and operation method for refrigerator

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