Apparatus, systems, and methods for low grade waste heat management
US9243520B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04C29/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of managing large quantities of low-grade waste heat energy by 1) generating excess electric power via an ORC process driven by the removal and recovery of waste heat under favorable operating conditions, and 2) utilizing the same apparatus to provide waste heat removal via a refrigeration process that consumes electric power when environmental conditions do not permit operation in the ORC mode. The mode of operation of the system is principally determined by the thermal energy of the waste heat stream and the availability, or lack thereof, of adequate cooling resources. Such resources are often subject to local environmental conditions, particularly ambient temperature which varies on a diurnal and annual basis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.