Differential thermodynamic machine with a cycle of eight thermodynamic transformations, and control method

Abstract

The present invention refers to the technical field of thermodynamic engines, and more specifically to a heat engine that operates with gas in closed loop in differential configuration which is characterized by performing a thermodynamic cycle eight transformations or otherwise explain, it performs two thermodynamic cycles simultaneously, each with four interdependent, additional transformations, two of these transformations isothermal and two adiabatic in mass transfer in phases of adiabatic processing to provide a new performance curve no longer dependent solely on temperature but the mass transfer rate which allows the construction of machines with high yields and low thermal differentials.

Claims

1. A heat engine comprising: a pair of chambers configured for thermodynamic transformations, wherein each chamber is comprised of three sections, one heated section, one isolated section, and one cooled section, the two chambers connected in differential configuration through a pair of channels for a working gas flow; a driving force element; a bypass valve; a valve to release an inertial operation of the driving force element; and a control valve assembly.

2. The heat engine of claim 1 wherein two interdependent thermodynamic subsystems occur within the pair of chambers.

3. The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the bypass valve is positioned between the pair of chambers and operates during an adiabatic process.

4. The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the driving force element operates in response to working gas forces generated in the pair of chambers during a thermodynamic process performing work.

5. The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the control valve assembly provides the passage of working gas between the pair of chambers to the driving force element.

6. A method of controlling the operation of differential thermal machines utilizing the heat engine of claim 1, comprising the steps of: generating a differential thermodynamic cycle, wherein the differential thermodynamic cycle is formed by two interdependent cycles, that rotate simultaneously exchanging energy and mass of gas with each other and together generate a mechanical force in a crankshaft, and the differential thermodynamic cycle consists of eight processes, one cycle of four processes in a first subsystem contained within a first chamber of the pair of chambers, and another cycle of four processes in a second subsystem contained within a second chamber of the pair of chambers, wherein the eight processes comprise the steps of: performing a heating and expansion isothermal process (cd) in the first subsystem; performing a cooling and compression (ab) isothermal process in the second subsystem thereby starting the thermodynamic cycle of eight processes; performing an adiabatic expansion process with mass transfer (da) in the first subsystem; performing an adiabatic compression process and mass reception (bc) in the second subsystem; performing a cooling and compression isothermal process (ab) in the first subsystem; performing a heating and expansion isothermal process (cd) in the second subsystem; performing an adiabatic compression process with mass reception (bc) in the first subsystem; and performing an adiabatic expansion process with mass transfer (da) in the second subsystem, thus finishing the thermodynamic cycle of eight processes.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures demonstrate the main characteristics and properties of the new hybrid thermodynamic concept and the differential engine with eight changes of thermodynamic cycle, otherwise, an engine with a cycle formed by eight thermodynamic processes:

(2) FIG. 01 represents a prior art of the heat engine, based on Carnot cycle;

(3) FIG. 02 represents the simplified mechanical model of a differential cycle engine based on a hybrid thermodynamic system;

(4) FIG. 03 represents the simplified mechanical model of differential cycle 4, the heat flow diagram 25 and a graph (PV) comparing the curves of a cycle formed by four processes based on the open or closed thermodynamic system with the curves of an engine half-cycle based on the hybrid thermodynamic system;

(5) FIG. 04 shows the simplified mechanical model of the differential cycle engine 4 and its complete thermodynamic cycle formed bay two interdependent cycle or two half-cycle, the half-cycle 27 which runs in one of the subsystems, chamber 5, and the half-cycle 28 which runs in the second subsystem, chamber 6, wherein in the first subsystem 27 the heating and expansion isothermal process (cd) is taking place and in the second subsystem 28 the isothermal process of cooling and compression (ab) is taking place, starting the thermodynamic cycle of eight processes;

(6) FIG. 05 shows the simplified mechanical model of the differential cycle engine 4 and its complete thermodynamic cycle, the half-cycle 29 rotating in one of the subsystems, chamber 5, and the half-cycle 30 rotating in the second subsystem, chamber 6, wherein in the first subsystem 29 the adiabatic expansion process with mass transfer (da) is occurring and in the second subsystem 30 the adiabatic compression process and mass reception (bc) is taking place;

(7) FIG. 06 shows the simplified mechanical model of the differential cycle engine 4 and its complete thermodynamic cycle, the half-cycle 31 which runs in one of the subsystems, chamber 5, and the half-cycle 32 rotating in the second subsystem, chamber 6, wherein in the first subsystem 31 the cooling and compression isothermal process (ab) is taking place and in the second subsystem 32 the heating and expansion isothermal process (cd) is taking place;

(8) FIG. 07 shows the simplified mechanical model of the differential cycle engine 4 and its complete thermodynamic cycle, the half-cycle 33 rotating in one of the subsystems, chamber 5, and the half-cycle 34 rotating in the second subsystem, chamber 6, wherein in the first subsystem 33 the adiabatic compression process with mass reception (bc) is occurring and in the second subsystem 34 the adiabatic process of expansion and mass transfer (da) is taking place, finishing the thermodynamic cycle of eight processes;

(9) FIG. 08 shows the effect of mass transfer on the theoretical efficiency of the differential cycle;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) This invention presents a new concept of a thermal engine, or heat engine, based on a new concept of thermodynamic system, which we are calling a hybrid thermodynamic system because it is composed of the junction of the open thermodynamic system with the closed thermodynamic system, both developed in the nineteenth century.

(11) In FIG. 01 is shown the original engine of Carnot 1, the flow diagram of Carnot engine and other heat engines operating on the four thermodynamic processes, or transformations ring 2, the cycle graph of Carnot engine with its four processes 3.

(12) In FIG. 02 is shown Differential engine 4 comprised by two chambers of thermodynamic processes 5 and 6, each chamber with three sections, respectively 8, 9, 10 and 11, 12, 13, each section has its movable piston, controllable, each chamber with a gas volume 18 and 19, channels for the working gas flow 20 and 21, bypass valve 17, control valve assembly 14 and 15 and one valve 16 to release the inertial operation of the driving force element, one driving force element or impellent 7, pistons 22 and 23 of driving force element, crankshaft type 24 of driving force element.

(13) Chambers with three sections can be constituted in various ways, are already in the art, can be by pistons, as exemplified, we used this model to facilitate the understanding of the technology described herein can be in the form of disks contained in a housing ring which back advantages for pressure equalization, item contained in the prior art, as well as actuators to move the pistons or chambers of three sections, which may be using electrical motors, servomotors, pneumatic or even by direct mechanical means.

(14) The working gas never changes the physical state in any of the eight processes of the cycle, always in gaseous state and can be chosen according to the project due to its properties, the main ones are the Helio gas, hydrogen, neon, nitrogen and dry air of the atmosphere.

(15) In FIG. 03 is shown again differential engine 4, the heat flow diagram of the differential engine 25 and the comparative graph of the thermodynamic cycle of the differential engine and the Carnot engine 26.

(16) In FIG. 04 is shown the differential engine 4 with a chamber containing the working gas in the heated section performing a isothermal high temperature process shown in the graph 27 while the other chamber containing the working gas also in the refrigerated or cooled section performing a low temperature isothermal process shown in the graph 28. These changes occur a referenced to the other, and therefore is called Differential. In this phase, the bypass valve 17 and valve 16 to release the inertial operation of the driving force element 7 are closed, the set control valve 14 and 15 are open allowing the realization of working gas on the driving force element or impellent 7.

(17) In FIG. 05 is shown the differential engine 4 with a chamber containing the working gas in the isolated section performing its adiabatic process expansion 29 with mass transfer to the second chamber, while the other chamber also containing working gas in isolated section performing processing also adiabatic, but compression 30, receiving working gas of the first chamber. In this phase, the bypass valve 17 performs the transfer of gas particles from the first chamber, high temperature, into the second chamber, the low temperature valve 16 open allowing the continuity of crankshaft rotation 24 of the driving force element or impellent 7, control valves 14 and 15 are closed to meet the adiabatic processes.

(18) In FIG. 06 is shown the differential engine 4 now with the first chamber containing the working gas in the cold section performing a isothermal process of low temperature shown in the graph 31 while the other chamber in turn also containing gas work in section performing a heated isothermal process high temperature shown in the graph 32. In this phase, the bypass valve 17 and valve 16 to release the inertial operation of the element of driving force are closed, the control valve 14 and 15 are open allowing the realization of working gas on the driving force element or impellent 7.

(19) In FIG. 07 is shown the differential engine 4 with a chamber containing the working gas in the isolated section performing its adiabatic process expansion 33 with mass transfer to the second chamber, while the other chamber also containing working gas in isolated section performing processing also adiabatic, but compression 34, receiving working gas of the first chamber. In this phase, the bypass valve 17 performs the transfer of gas particles from the first chamber, high temperature, into the second chamber, the low temperature valve 16 open allowing the continuity of crankshaft rotation 24 of the driving force element or impellent 7, control valves 14 and 15 are closed to meet the adiabatic processes.

(20) Observing the process described above, it is obvious to understand that the differential configuration with mass transfer, the isothermal process high temperature gas shall always have more particles than the low-temperature isothermal process.

(21) In FIG. 08 is shown the efficiency graph of the Thermal Differential Engine with Eight Thermodynamic Changes with Transfer of gas mass between chambers for different transfer rates of gas mass, to be explained in this text of patent of invention.

(22) The fundamentals of this technology shall initially be demonstrated from the presentation of the original yield equation (a) of Carnot.

(23) $\begin{array}{cc}=1-\frac{T_2}{T_1}& \left(a\right)\end{array}$

(24) This equation is well known in the scientific community, it is accepted and used as reference level for obtaining the efficiency of a heat engine. It is based on the original design conceived by Carnot and shown in FIG. 01 in 1, the FIG. 01 in 2 the heat flow diagram of the Carnot engine is indicated, making it clear that there is a hot spring where there is the heat and the flow goes E1, part generates the work W and the remainder goes to the cold source E2. The thermodynamic cycle is reference of four processes shown in 3 still in FIG. 01, comprises two isotherms and two adiabatic changes.

(25) In the above equation, T.sub.2 is the temperature of the cold source and the temperature T.sub.1 of the hot source, and the efficiency of this engine is likely to 100% at the boundary T.sub.2 which tends to zero.

(26) There is no doubt that the Carnot fundamentals are correct, as there is no doubt about the income limits governed by the idealized formula above. However, the known engines are designed to perform their mechanical and thermodynamic cycle reference mode, or perform work and thermodynamic reference changes to its surroundings, the atmosphere when applied in our environment, the vacuum in the space or referenced to a chamber under certain fixed condition. The work of Nicolas Leonard Sadi Carnot considers these references as they are and the yield equation regarding these references.

(27) Leaving the line of reasoning, references of existing models, keeping the same foundations of Carnot, the new heat engines may be designed in a differential configuration. Thus, the thermodynamic cycles do not occur with reference to the means, but with reference to another thermodynamic cycle simultaneously and out of phase manner and all calculations shall be a reference to another, creating new possibilities.

(28) In FIG. 02 is presented the Thermal Differential Engine with Eight Changes with Transfer of mass between chambers.

(29) In FIG. 02, 5 indicates a chamber of thermodynamic processes composed of three sections, one heated section 8, one isolated section 9 and one cooled section 10, the gas will always occupy only one of the sections in each of the thermodynamic processes. In this chamber is processed four of the eight thermodynamic processes occurring in the same cycle, the gas during each phase of processing sections is transported through the pistons shown in the same figure. In the same FIG. 02, in 6 is shown another chamber, identical to the first, which handles the other four thermodynamic processes completing the thermodynamic cycle of eight processes, both are connected to each other in a differential configuration through the ducts 20 and 21, being between them, there are a driving force element or impellent 7, a bypass valve 17, a set of control valves 14 and 15, a valve to release the inertial operation of the element of the driving force 16. The driving force element comprises pistons 22 and 23 and shaft crankshaft type 24 depending on the characteristics of the system, the driving force element can be different and even be parts of known market, such as turbines, diaphragms, rotors operating on gas flow. In the same figure, the elements 8 and 11 show respectively the heated sections of the chambers 5 and 6, elements 9 and 12 show respectively the isolated sections of the chambers 5 and 6, elements 10 and 13 show respectively a cooled sections of the chamber 5 and 6.

(30) In the technology presented in this text, the statement of Carnot does not change, To have continued conversion of heat into work, a system must perform cycles between hot and cold sources, continuously. In each cycle, is withdrawn a certain amount of heat from the hot source (useful energy) which is partially converted into work, the remainder being rejected to the cold source (energy dissipated).

(31) Thus, the efficiency of an engine configuration with the differential transfer of gas particles, with a thermodynamic cycle of [[8]] eight processes shall be as equation (b).

(32) $\begin{array}{cc}=1-\frac{1}{k}.Math.\frac{T_2}{T_1}& \left(b\right)\end{array}$

(33) Where T.sub.2 is the temperature of the cold source, T.sub.1 the temperature of the hot source and k the particle transfer rate between the chambers, and the efficiency of this engine tends to 100% in two possible conditions at the boundary where T.sub.2 tends to zero and the threshold where 1/k tends to zero, as can be seen in the graph 35, specifically at the point 36 shown in FIG. 08.

(34) The yield of a heat engine is an extremely important factor, along with the operating temperature, both are key factors for power generation, use of alternative sources of low or no environmental impact. Such evidence can be seen in FIG. 08, the curve where k=k1=1 represents the curve of the ideal engine of Carnot, k=1, as the Carnot engine gas always remains in the same compartment, the number of particles never changes on the other hand, in a differential configuration allows to control this condition, making k4>k3>k2>k1=1 and thus, it is possible to obtain a heat engine of high efficiency with low thermal differential becoming viable projects power plant and power generation based on clean energy sources, renewable like the sun and geothermal, with less environmental impact using organic fuel, and also less harmful to the very use of fossil and nuclear sources simply by producing more power with less fuel consumption.

(35) Physically, the differential cycle of mass transfer consists in the passage of a certain amount of gas particles in the chamber that has completed its isothermal process of high to the chamber that has completed its isothermal process of low, however this transfer occurs during adiabatic processes causing an extension in curves as shown in the graph 26 of FIG. 03. While one chamber undergoes the effect of pressure drop, reducing the density (increase in volume) observed in (a) of the graph 26, on the other there is increased pressure, increased density, (volume reduction) observed in (c) of the graph 26. This extension of the curve increases the area of the cycle, i.e. the work done.

(36) It is important to note that this is not a Stirling engine, it is not a Carnot engine, both are references, which is presenting is a differential engine. Thermodynamic fundamentals are absolutely the same.

(37) The thermal differential engines perform simultaneous thermodynamic processes, shown by the arrows in high isothermal (c-d) and low (a-b) the graph 26 of FIG. 03, as they are differential, there are two chambers simultaneously performing their own thermodynamic cycle, but one referring to the other. This property allows the transfer of material between them in order to reduce the power supplied to the cold source. Otherwise, it is characterized by a differential thermodynamic cycle, ie, a cycle formed by two interdependent cycles that rotate simultaneously exchanging energy and mass of gas with each other and together generate mechanical force in a shaft or crankshaft.

(38) The fundamentals of differential thermal engines are the same as other thermal engine, and the Carnot engine as a general reference.

(39) Differential engine with cycle of eight thermodynamic processes performed simultaneously two by two, has a yield which can be mathematically demonstrated as follows:

(40) From the original design of the Carnot engine designed by Nicolas Leonard Sadi Carnot, around 1820, but in a differential configuration, as being two engines connected to each other, out of phase by 180, with mass transfer during adiabatic processes the referential of an engine would be not the environment but the other engine, both the mechanical system which performs work, such as the thermodynamic system.

(41) The system formed by these two heat transfer chambers (energy) each perform their own thermodynamic cycle with the particles contained in them. It would be, therefore, an integrated system with two simultaneous thermodynamic cycles, delayed by 180 or a thermodynamic cycle with [[8]] eight processes occurring in pairs, delayed and interdependent because they exchange mass between itself and the expansions are performed on one another alternately and not against the environment.

(42) The mass transfer occurs during the adiabatic processes after the chambers do work against each other in the high-isothermal, the control system would enable the passage of particles through the gas mass transfer element 17 of the upper chamber to the lower chamber, to achieve balance of pressures or in forced manner. Thus, fewer gas particles shall be available at low isothermal, reducing the loss of energy to the cold source. This stored energy shall circulate between the two chambers of the engine, shown in the flow diagram 25 of FIG. 03, providing increased efficiency and this fraction of energy cannot be used to generate work.

(43) Thus, the output curve of an engine in a differential configuration with an eight processing cycle consisting of isothermal and adiabatic with mass transfer is more efficient than an engine reference configuration Carnot, although the limit with the temperature 12 tending to zero, both have the same yield shown in FIG. 08.

(44) According to the same grounds of Carnot, power input c-d, equation (c).
E1=W.sub.cd=P.Math.dv(c)

(45) The general equation of gases.

(46) $\begin{array}{cc}P=\frac{n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1}{V}& \left(d\right)\\ W_{cd}={}_{\mathrm{Vc}}^{\mathrm{Vd}}\frac{n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1}{V}\mathrm{dv}& \left(e\right)\\ {W_{cd}=n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1.Math.\ln \left(v\right)]}_{\mathrm{vc}}^{\mathrm{vd}}& \left(f\right)\\ W_{cd}=n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vd}}{\mathrm{vc}}\right)& \left(g\right)\end{array}$

(47) And the energy in abis represented by equation (h).
E2=W.sub.ab=P.Math.dv(h)

(48) The general equation of gases.

(49) $\begin{array}{cc}P=\frac{n_2.Math.R.Math.T_2}{V}& \left(i\right)\\ W_{\mathrm{ab}}={}_{\mathrm{Va}}^{\mathrm{Vb}}\frac{n_2.Math.R.Math.T_2}{V}\mathrm{dv}& \left(j\right)\\ {W_{\mathrm{ab}}=n_2.Math.R.Math.T_2.Math.\ln \left(v\right)]}_{\mathrm{va}}^{\mathrm{vb}}& \left(k\right)\\ W_{\mathrm{ab}}=n_2.Math.R.Math.T_2.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vb}}{\mathrm{va}}\right)& \left(l\right)\end{array}$

(50) The total quantity of energy associated to the work is:
W=W.sub.cd+W.sub.da+W.sub.ab+W.sub.bc(m)

(51) The processes d-a and b-c are adiabatic and internal energy depends only on the temperature, the initial and final temperatures of this process are equal and opposite, the number of exchanged particles is also identical, thus:
W.sub.da=W.sub.bc(n)

(52) And:
W=W.sub.cd+W.sub.ab(o)

(53) And the efficiency of the engine in accordance with the principles of thermodynamics in a differential configuration is represented by equation (p).

(54) $\begin{array}{cc}=\frac{W_{cd}+W_{\mathrm{ab}}}{W_{cd}}& \left(p\right)\end{array}$

(55) Replacing by work equations:

(56) $\begin{array}{cc}=\frac{n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vd}}{\mathrm{vc}}\right)+n_2.Math.R.Math.T_2.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vb}}{\mathrm{va}}\right)}{n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vd}}{\mathrm{vc}}\right)}& \left(q\right)\end{array}$

(57) $\begin{array}{cc}\frac{v_d}{v_c}=\frac{v_a}{v_b}& \left(r\right)\end{array}$

(58) Considering that it is a closed system, reversible, the rate, and by properties of logarithms:

(59) $\begin{array}{cc}=\frac{n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vd}}{\mathrm{vc}}\right)-n_2.Math.R.Math.T_2.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vd}}{\mathrm{vc}}\right)}{n_1.Math.R.Math.T_1.Math.\ln \left(\frac{\mathrm{vd}}{\mathrm{vc}}\right)}& \left(s\right)\end{array}$

(60) Simplifying:

(61) $\begin{array}{cc}=\frac{n_1.Math.T_1-n_2.Math.T_2}{n_1.Math.T_1}& \left(t\right)\end{array}$

(62) Then:

(63) 0$\begin{array}{cc}=1-\frac{n_2.Math.T_2}{n_1.Math.T_1}& \left(u\right)\end{array}$

(64) Observing now in a differential configuration with particles of gas transfer, not corrupting any of the thermodynamic grounds, the transfer of particles between the chambers in the adiabatic:
n.sub.2<n.sub.1(v)

(65) Making:

(66) $\begin{array}{cc}k=\frac{n_1}{n_2}& \left(x\right)\end{array}$

(67) Therefore, the efficiency of an engine configuration with the differential transfer of gas particles, with a cycle of eight processes or in other words, two simultaneous and interdependent thermodynamic cycles in accordance with Carnot cycle is:

(68) $\begin{array}{cc}=1-\frac{1}{k}.Math.\frac{T_2}{T_1}& \left(y\right)\end{array}$

(69) Where T.sub.2 is the temperature of the cold source and T.sub.1 the temperature of the hot source.

(70) And the efficiency of this tends to 100% in two possible conditions at the boundary where T.sub.2 tends to zero and the range where 1/k tends to zero, and then the chart 35 of FIG. 08, and this difference engine eight thermodynamic processes cycle equals the Carnot engine, which is an engine with four thermodynamic cycle changes in the condition of no mass transfer of gas, that is, only when k=1.

(71) Examples of Applications

(72) As described above, this invention provides substantial innovation for future energy systems, it has the property to operate with any heat source. Aims its application in power generation plants with the basic source, solar thermal and as complements, thermal sources of geological origin, biofuels and also in special cases or to supplement the fossil fuels and even nuclear. Exemplifying the fields of applications of this technology, as follows:

(73) Large generating plants of electricity using thermosolar sources with concentrators and mirrored collectors, these plants can be designed to power between 10 MW and 1 GW.

(74) Large generating plants having as heat sources the use of heat from the soil depths, obtained by passing a heat transfer fluid to the recycle stream obtaining heat from the depths, transporting it to the surface and, thus, being used in the chambers conversion.

(75) Large generating plants having as a heat source in the combustion biofuel, biomass, waste and other organic waste products.

(76) Large generating plants as a heat source with the use of traditional fossil fuels.

(77) Small and medium-sized generating plants for distributed generation, with the heat source, small solar concentrators or small boilers burning of organic residues or waste residues.

(78) Systems of power generation for spacecrafts, probes and space satellites with solar concentrators as a source of heat or nuclear sources, especially for exploration in deep space. For this application, includes the generation of high-power energy to meet the needs of ion propulsion engines in space.

(79) Systems of power generation submarines AIP like, Air Independent Propulsion, with the heat source, fuel cells.

(80) Plants of power generation in space objects that have some source of heat, planets, natural satellites and other bodies such as the moon, for example, where heat can come from solar concentrators or thermonuclear sources.

(81) Engines to generate mechanical force of vehicle traction.

(82) We conclude that this is a technology that meets an unusual flexibility and can operate with any heat source, this means that allows projects combustion or simple heat flow, a differential configuration with mass transfer deletes the temperature dependence with efficiency, allowing high-efficiency engines, higher than the current, its independence oxygen gives applications for spacecraft and submarines, thus bring benefits in accordance with the standards that are sought in the present and the future.