Refrigeration generation method and system
US8004102B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2280/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating refrigeration in a process operating at sub-ambient temperatures in which the refrigeration is generated by a turboexpander. The turboexpander is coupled to a generator controlled so that its speed is maintained at a setpoint through electromagnetic braking and its power output is maintained at line matching voltage and frequency. The speed control of the generator therefore, also controls the speed of the turboexpander. The setpoint is calculated to be equal to a product of an operational efficiency parameter, U/Co, and a square root of twice the enthalpy drop in the flow passing through the turboexpander divided by a product of pi and a diameter of an impeller employed within the turboexpander.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.