Sensorless condenser regulation for power optimization for ORC systems

US10329961B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ORCAN ENERGY AG · DE

Inventors

• Jens-Patrick Springer · Munich, DE
• Andreas Grill · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 3, 2014
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2019
• Expiry date: May 17, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01K25/08
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for regulating a condenser in a thermal cycle apparatus, in particular in an ORC apparatus, wherein the thermal cycle apparatus comprises a feed pump for conveying liquid working medium with an increase in pressure to an evaporator, the evaporator for evaporating and optionally additionally superheating the working medium with a supply of heat, an expansion machine for generating mechanical energy by expansion of the evaporated working medium, a generator for at least partially converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy, and the condenser for condensing the expanded working medium, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: determining a rotational speed of the generator or of the expansion machine; determining, without the use of a temperature sensor, a temperature of cooling air supplied from the condenser; determining from the determined generator or expansion machine rotational speed and the determined cooling air temperature, a condensation setpoint pressure at which the net electrical power of the thermal cycle apparatus is at a maximum; and controlling or regulating the condensation pressure, with the condensation set…