CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001 ] This application claims priority of United States Provisional Patent Application serial no. 623/255,205 filed 13 October 2021 , which is incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0002] The present disclosure is related to the field of generating electrical power, in particular, generating electrical power using thermodynamic heat transfer.

BACKGROUND:

[0003] Manufacturing and industrial processes can produce a source of latent heat and/or sensible heat that can be used to generate electrical power or rotational that can be used for other purposes.

[0004] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system and method that can use latent and/or sensible heat produced by manufacturing and industrial processes to generate electrical or rotational power.

SUMMARY:

[0005] A system and method for generating power is provided.

[0006] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system can be provided for generating power, the system comprising: a first heat exchanger comprising a first inlet and a first outlet; a second heat exchanger comprising second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet operatively coupled to the first outlet via a first conduit; a turbine comprising a third inlet and a third outlet, the third inlet operatively coupled to the second outlet via a second conduit, the turbine comprising a rotating turbine shaft disposed therein, the rotating turbine shaft is configured to rotate when the thermo-dynamic fluid flows from the third inlet to the third outlet, the third outlet operatively coupled to the first inlet via a third conduit; thermo-dynamic fluid disposed in the said heat exchangers, said conduits and the turbine; wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to extract heat from the thermodynamic fluid as it passes through the first heat exchanger; and wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat to the thermo-dynamic fluid as it passes through the second heat exchanger thereby causing the thermo-dynamic fluid to exit the second outlet thereof and enter the third inlet of the turbine to rotate the rotating turbine shaft.

[0007] Broadly stated, in some embodiment, the system can further comprise a one-way valve disposed in the third conduit, the one-way valve configured to only allow flow of the thermo-dynamic fluid through the third conduit from the third outlet to the first inlet.

[0008] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise an expansion tank disposed in the third conduit, the expansion tank configured to maintain the thermo-dynamic fluid at a predetermined minimum pressure.

[0009] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a thermally-controlled valve disposed in the third conduit.

[0010] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the thermally-controlled valve can be configured to control the flow of the thermo-dynamic fluid based on a temperature of the thermo-dynamic fluid in one or both of the first and second heat exchangers.

[0011 ] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a cut-off valve disposed in or more of the first, second and third conduits. [0012] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise an air vent valve disposed in the third conduit, the air vent valve configured to remove air trapped within the system.

[0013] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a connection fitting disposed in the third conduit, the connection fitting configured for ingress of the thermo-dynamic fluid into the system.

[0014] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise an electrical generator operatively coupled to the rotating turbine shaft, whereupon rotation of the rotating turbine shaft thereby results in the electrical generator producing electrical power therefrom.

[0015] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise rotating machinery operatively coupled to the rotating turbine shaft, whereupon rotation of the rotating turbine shaft results in rotational power being transferred therefrom to the rotating machinery.

[0016] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method can be provided for generating power, comprising: passing thermo-dynamic fluid through a first heat exchanger configured to cool the thermo-dynamic fluid; passing the cooled thermo-dynamic fluid through a second heat exchanger configured to heat the thermo-dynamic fluid; passing the heated thermo-dynamic fluid through a turbine to rotate a rotating turbine shaft; and then returning the thermo-dynamic fluid exiting the turbine to the first heat exchanger.

[0017] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise passing the thermo-dynamic fluid exiting the turbine through a one-way valve before the thermodynamic fluid is returned to the first heat exchanger, the one-way valve configured to prevent the thermo-dynamic fluid exiting from the turbine from flowing back into the turbine.

[0018] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise passing the thermo-dynamic fluid exiting the one-way valve through a thermally-controlled valve before the thermo-dynamic fluid is returned to the first heat exchanger, the thermally- controlled valve controlled to control the flow of the thermo-dynamic fluid based on a temperature thereof in one or both of the first and second heat exchangers.

[0019] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise rotating an electrical generator with the rotating turbine shaft thereby resulting in the electrical generator producing electrical power.

[0020] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise coupling rotating machinery to the rotating turbine shaft, whereupon rotating the rotating turbine shaft results in rotational power being transferred therefrom to the rotating machinery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0021 ] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a system for generating electrical power using thermodynamic heat transfer.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cutaway view depicting a close-up view of feature “A” of Figure 1 .

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram depicting a turbine and generator for use with the system of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS:

[0024] In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment can also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0025] The presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated by specific but non-limiting examples throughout this description. The examples may include compilations of data that are representative of data gathered at various times during the course of development and experimentation related to the present invention(s). Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation thereon. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

[0026] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic(s) or limitation(s) and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

[0027] All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made. [0028] While the following terms used herein are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0029] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

[0030] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims.

[0031 ] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0032] As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage is meant to encompass variations of in some embodiments +/- 50%, in some embodiments +/- 40%, in some embodiments +/- 30%, in some embodiments +/- 20%, in some embodiments +/- 10%, in some embodiments +/- 5%, in some embodiments +/- 1 %, in some embodiments +/- 0.5%, and in some embodiments +/- 0.1 % from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

[0033] Alternatively, the terms “about” or “approximately” can mean within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e. , the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within 3, or more than 3, standard deviations, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and more preferably still up to 1 % of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold, of a value. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. And so, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0034] As used herein, ranges can be expressed as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11 , 12,

13, and 14 are also disclosed. [0035] A system and method using the thermodynamic law of convection applied in a closed loop system to generate electrical power is provided. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, one embodiment of system 10 is shown, wherein system 10 can be configured to induce motion in an impeller or turbine creating a useful rotational motion that can be converted to electrical power through a generator, either directly coupled thereto or through a drive mechanism consisting of pulleys and/or gears, a variable speed drive (“VSD”) or other functionally equivalent mechanism as well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, system 10 can uses the thermal (ie., temperature) difference between two separate temperature zones, wherein within each temperature zone can be a contained thermo-fluid (such as water, a coolant, a refrigerant or other functionally equivalent thermo-fluid for transferring heat as well known to those skilled in the art) within a tube, pipe hose or other sealed containment system that allows heat transfer from the surrounding ambient medium into the contained thermo-fluid and also allowing thermal transfer from the thermo-fluid into the surrounding medium.

[0036] In some embodiments, system 10 can comprise of a cool zone, represented as heat exchanger 12, operatively coupled to a warm zone, represented as heat exchanger 14, wherein thermo-fluid 32 can flow from an outlet of heat exchanger 12 to an inlet of heat exchanger 14 via conduit 31 . Fluid 32 can then flow from an outlet of heat exchanger 12 into an inlet of turbine 16. Fluid 32 can then flow from an outlet of turbine 16 through check valve 18 through thermally-controlled valve 30 and then, eventually, to an inlet of heat exchanger 12.

[0037] In some embodiments, a differential in temperatures between the cool zone and the warm zone can create motion of thermo-fluid 32 within sealed system 10, shown as direction “D” in Figure 1 , as the warm zone (heat exchanger 14) can transfer heat into fluid 32 whereupon fluid 32 can expand and then moves towards the cool zone (heat exchanger 12). As fluid 32 cools in the cool zone (heat exchanger 12), it can be drawn back into the warm zone (heat exchanger 14). Fluid 32 exiting heat exchanger 14 can then flow through conduit 21 into inlet 42 of turbine/impeller 16 thereby causing a rotational motion on rotating turbine shaft 17. Rotation of shaft 17 can then, in turn, provide rotational drive to generator 34. As fluid 32 exits outlet 44 of turbine 16, fluid 32 can flow through conduit 19 to check valve 18 as fluid 32 returns to the warm zone (heat exchanger 14). Check valve 18 can prevent fluid 32 from flowing back into outlet 44 and can maintain the flow of fluid 32 in direction “D” in system 10. In some embodiments, heat exchangers 12 and 14 can comprise of a length or lengths of a containment mechanism (such as tubing, a casting, an extrusion, a radiator, or other functionally equivalent heat exchanging device as well known to those skilled in the art). In some embodiments, one or both of heat exchangers 12 and 14 can comprise a header or manifold system and can also comprise a sealed vessel/storage tank in conjunction with other containment materials. In some embodiments, system 10 can further comprise expansion tank 24, or other functionally equivalent device) operatively coupled to conduit 31 to maintain a predetermined internal minimum system pressure on fluid 32. In some embodiments, system 10 can further comprise of a fill device or valve 48 and drain valve 36 operatively coupled to expansion tank 24. In some embodiments, system 10 can comprise pressure indicator 20 operatively coupled to conduit 31 to monitor the system pressure of fluid 32. In some embodiments, system 10 can comprise air eliminator device or air vent valve 38 operatively coupled to conduit 31 located at a physical high elevation point of conduit 31 of system 10 so as to enable capture of any air trapped within conduit 31 and to release the captured air from conduit 31 to the atmosphere. In a representative embodiment, a model VTP050 air release valve as manufactured by Spiroterm, Inc. of Glendale Heights, Illinois, U.S.A.

[0038] In some embodiments, system 10 can comprise connection fitting 40 operatively coupled to conduit 31 for vacuum extraction of any air within conduit 31 using an external vacuum source as well known to those skilled in the art, and to aid in filling conduit 31 with fluid 32 so as to and ensure maximum efficiency. In some embodiments, system 10 can comprise thermally actuated control valve 30 that can be controlled by the temperature of fluid 31 within one or both of heat exchangers 12 and 14, or on a differential of the temperature of fluid 31 between heat exchangers 12 and 14, wherein valve 30 can be configured to stop or restrict flow of fluid 32 through system 10. In some embodiments, system 10 can comprise one or more valves 22 disposed on conduits 19, 21 and 31 to allow servicing of system 10 or of generator 34 without draining the entire system of fluid 32.

[0039] In some embodiments, system 10 can be used to absorb waste heat from a manufacturing process with heat exchanger 14, and can further use the thermal sink of a large reservoir of water with heat exchanger 12, or heat exchanger 12 can comprise an air cooled heat exchanger to create the convective flow of fluid 32 within system 10 to drive turbine/impeller 16 to generate rotational energy for use in generating electrical power, via generator 34, or to operate other machinery or equipment requiring rotational power input, such as a water pump, fan or shaft to rotate other machinery. [0040] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.