Patent · US Expired

Integrated mechanical vapor recompression apparatus and process for the cogeneration of electric and water-based power having a recirculation control system for part-load capacity

US4733536A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
19References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 17, 1987
Grant dateMar 29, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 17, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/12
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for selectively generating different amounts of electric power and high pressure steam power according to the user's needs, using a fluid-cooled engine and a dual-function screw machine that may be operated as either a compressor or an expander. Fluid from a cooling jacket fluid is separated into vapor and liquid portions and, to increase the amount of high pressure steam delivered by the apparatus, low pressure steam from a separator is compressed by the screw machine and liquid from the separator is heated to a high temperature and high pressure. When additional electric power is desired, the low pressure steam from the separator is diverted from the screw machine. High pressure steam, manufactured by compressing and heating the liquid of the separator, is expanded in the screw machine, which adds its power to the main drive shaft, thereby adding to the available electric power. Various combinations of amounts of electric power and steam power are possible by controlling the amounts of material presented to the screw machine as either a compressor or an expander. The apparatus also includes a recirculation system used when the screw machine is…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.