Abstract:
Expansion machines in thermodynamic cycles operate at low pressures, i.e. below 10 bar. The interplay among components including gas generator, expansion machine, heat exchangers and pressure reduction device (absorber or condenser) is optimized, resulting in configurations operating at the lowest achievable cost level. A single stage radial turbine characterized by a pressure ratio of 5-10, a dimensionless speed of about 0.7 and a loading coefficient of 0.7 is a preferred expansion machine for certain thermodynamic cycles involving CO2 gas to permit such radial turbines to operate close to their optimum design specification and highest efficiency level. Methods to handle liquids which may condense within or inside the turbine are also disclosed, as well as methods to handle axial pressure on bearings and methods to protect lubricant in bearings.
Abstract:
Expansion machines in thermodynamic cycles operate at low pressures, i.e. below 10 bar. The interplay among components including gas generator, expansion machine, heat exchangers and pressure reduction device (absorber or condenser) is optimized, resulting in configurations operating at the lowest achievable cost level. A single stage radial turbine characterized by a pressure ratio of 5-10, a dimensionless speed of about 0.7 and a loading coefficient of 0.7 is a preferred expansion machine for certain thermodynamic cycles involving CO2 gas to permit such radial turbines to operate close to their optimum design specification and highest efficiency level. Methods to handle liquids which may condense within or inside the turbine are also disclosed, as well as methods to handle axial pressure on bearings and methods to protect lubricant in bearings.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method is provided which allows the generation of high temperatures, e.g. above 120° C. and maximum 200° C. and low temperatures, e.g. below minimum minus 20° C., from waste heat or geothermal heat or similar heat sources having a temperature of between 20 and 70° C. The method may use essentially pure carbon dioxide as primary working fluid in an essentially closed loop as described in previous disclosures, alternatively low boiling solvents are employed. The common feature of different embodiments is that the system operates at least partly, specifically in the absorber or cold side of the process, below atmospheric pressure (1 bar). In the method a heat pump or heat transformer is realized within the technical boundaries mentioned above. The invention also relates to the use of the method in combination with a district heating system for elevating the temperature of the district heating medium or for electricity production on demand.
Abstract:
A method for producing electrical energy is disclosed which uses a heat source, such as solar heat, geothermal heat, industrial waste heat or heat from power production processes, providing heat of 150° C. or below, further comprising an absorber system in which a working gas, primarily carbon dioxide CO2, is absorbed into an absorbent, typically an amine, further comprising a reactor which receives heat from said heat source and in which the absorbent-CO2 mixture is split into CO2 and absorbent, further comprising an expansion machine, an electricity generator and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, pipes and heat exchangers. The system according to the method allows the cost-efficient production of electrical energy and cooling using low value heat source.