AUXILIARY CONDUIT ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to auxiliary conduit assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Heat transfer systems or systems for providing heat or thermal energy may comprise conduits, such as pipes designed for flow of a heat transfer fluid therein. Heat transfer systems or systems for providing heat or thermal energy may also comprise a heat exchanger, a heat recovery steam generator, a boiler, a condenser, an economizer or a dearator.

SUMMARY

There is provided according to some embodiments, a heat transfer system, comprising a primary heat transfer assembly for transferring heat therethrough to a thermal energy consumption system, thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly, and an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid therethrough, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid may be heated by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer assembly. The auxiliary conduit channel may at least partially surround the primary heat transfer assembly. The auxiliary conduit assembly may comprise a plurality of pipes. The plurality of pipes may comprise at least one of: a plurality of microtubes, a plurality of relatively small pipes, and a plurality of pipes with a rectangular-like cross section.

According to some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly may comprise a coiled pipe. The auxiliary conduit assembly may comprise a serpentine-like coiled pipe. The auxiliary conduit assembly may comprise an at least partially cylindrical pipe. The auxiliary conduit channel may overlie or underlie the thermal insulation. The auxiliary conduit channel may be embedded within the thermal insulation.

According to some embodiments, the thermal energy consumption system may comprise at least one of a system comprising a steam turbine, a system comprising a vapor turbine, a system comprising a gas turbine, an industrial system, a vapor consuming process used in the chemical industry or other industries, a dryer, a solid desiccant system, an absorption refrigerator, an air conditioning system, a power generation system, an electricity generation system, a vapor generation system, a steam generation system, a thermal energy generation system, and a system for boosting a power generation system.

According to some embodiments, the primary heat transfer assembly may comprise a central fluid channel for flow of a primary heat transfer fluid therethrough at a first temperature, and a circumferential fluid channel for flow of the primary heat transfer fluid therethrough at a second temperature, the circumferential fluid channel surrounding the central fluid channel. The thermal insulation may be disposed intermediate the central fluid channel and the circumferential fluid channel The heated auxiliary heat transfer fluid may be used for providing thermal energy to a thermal energy consumption system, which may be the same or different from the thermal energy consumption system receiving the thermal energy from the primary heat transfer assembly.

According to some embodiments, the primary heat transfer assembly may comprise at least one of a pipe, an annulus assembly, a heat exchanger, a heat recovery steam generator, a boiler, a condenser, an economizer, and a dearator.

There is provided according to some embodiments a heat transfer system, comprising a primary heat transfer conduit formed with a channel for flow of a primary heat transfer fluid therethrough to a thermal energy consumption system, thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer conduit, and an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid, said auxiliary heat transfer fluid being heated by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer conduit due to inadvertent escape from the primary heat transfer conduit.

There is provided according to some embodiments a heat transfer system, comprising a primary heat transfer assembly for transferring heat therethrough, comprising a central fluid channel for flow of a primary heat transfer fluid therethrough at a first temperature, a circumferential fluid channel for flow of the primary heat transfer fluid therethrough at a second temperature, the circumferential fluid channel surrounding the central fluid channel, and thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly, and an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid therethrough, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid being heated by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer assembly.

There is provided according to some embodiments a thermal energy system, comprising a primary heat transfer assembly for transferring heat therethrough, a thermal energy source for providing thermal energy to the primary heat transfer assembly, a first thermal energy consumption system for consuming thermal energy from the heat transferred by the primary heat transfer assembly, thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly, and an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid therethrough, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid being heated by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer assembly, and a second thermal energy consumption system for consuming thermal energy from the heat transferred by the auxiliary conduit assembly.

There is provided according to some embodiments a thermal energy system, comprising a primary heat transfer assembly for transferring heat therethrough, a thermal energy source for providing thermal energy to the primary heat transfer assembly, a thermal energy consumption system for consuming thermal energy from the heat transferred by the primary heat transfer assembly, thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly, an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid therethrough, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid being heated by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer assembly, and a heating device for providing thermal energy to the thermal energy consumption system, the thermal energy from the heat transferred by the auxiliary conduit assembly may be provided to the heating device.

There is provided according to some embodiments a method for transferring heat, comprising transferring heat from a primary heat transfer assembly to a thermal energy consumption system, thermally insulating the primary heat transfer assembly for minimizing escape of heat therefrom, providing an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid therethrough, and heating the auxiliary heat transfer fluid by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer assembly.

There is provided according to some embodiments a method for providing thermal energy to a thermal energy system, comprising transferring heat from a primary heat transfer assembly to a first thermal energy consumption system, thermally insulating the primary heat transfer assembly for minimizing escape of heat therefrom, providing an auxiliary conduit assembly formed with an auxiliary conduit channel for flow of an auxiliary heat transfer fluid therethrough, heating the auxiliary heat transfer fluid by heat escaping from the primary heat transfer assembly, and transferring the heat from the auxiliary conduit assembly to a second thermal energy consumption system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1G are each a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2G are each a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are each a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are each a simplified schematic illustration of a thermal energy system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1G, which are each a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in FIG. 1A, a heat transfer system 100 comprises a primary heat transfer assembly 102. The primary heat transfer assembly 102 may comprise a cylindrical pipe 112, as seen in FIGS. 1A-1G, or any other fluid conduit for allowing a primary heat transfer fluid 114 to flow through a primary heat transfer channel 118. The primary heat transfer assembly 102 may comprise thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 102. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1F, the thermal insulation comprises a thermal insulation layer 120 which may surround the cylindrical pipe 112. Alternatively, the thermal insulation layer 120 may underlie the cylindrical pipe 112, such as shown, for example in FIG. 2G.

The thermal insulation layer 120 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a ceramic material and/or a microporous insulation material, for example. The thermal insulation layer 120 may be shaped in any suitable manner, such as a single unit, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, or as a plurality of insulating components (not shown).

Despite the thermal insulation layer 120, a portion of heat may inadvertently escape the thermal insulation layer 120 and heat may by emitted into the ambient environment out of the primary heat transfer assembly 102. Escape of heat from the thermal insulation layer 120 may occur due to various reasons, such as thermal insulation formed with a material or density that has insufficient insulating capabilities. Additionally, the thermal insulation layer 120 may be inadvertently manufactured with defects in portions thereof thereby permitting escape of heat from the defective portions. In some embodiments, escape of heat from the thermal insulation layer 120 typically occurs wherein the primary heat transfer fluid 114 has a relatively high temperature,) such as above approximately 100° C., for example. In some embodiments, escape of heat from the thermal insulation layer 120 may occur wherein the primary heat transfer fluid 114 has a temperature less than 100° C.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided to exploit the escaped heat by transferring the escaped heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 102 to an auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within an auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 is heated by the escaped heat. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 entering the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at an initial temperature may be heated by the escaped heat and may exit the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at an elevated temperature.

The heated auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be utilized by any heat consumption system, as will be further described in reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The primary heat transfer fluid 114 and/or the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may each comprise any suitable heat transfer fluid, such as a gas, typically air, helium or carbon dioxide or a carbon dioxide-containing fluid; or a liquid such as oil, water, molten salt; or an organic fluid, such as a synthetic organic heat transfer fluid, for example. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 and/or the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may comprise a fluid that changes phases at relatively low temperatures, such as at approximately −10° C. or lower, or at approximately −20° C. or lower, thereby ensuring that the fluid will still flow, also in harsh environmental conditions, such as in a cold environment, where the ambient temperature may drop below 0° C. The heat transfer fluid 114 and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may comprise the same fluid or may comprise a different fluid.

The primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow within the primary heat transfer assembly 102 at any suitable temperature, typically a relatively high temperature. In a non-limiting example, the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be in a range of approximately 100-1000° C. In a non-limiting example, the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be in a range of approximately 250-1000° C. In a non-limiting example, the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be in a range of approximately 400-1000° C. In a non-limiting example, the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be in a range of approximately 600-1000° C.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at ambient temperature and may be heated substantially solely by the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 102. The ambient temperature may be the temperature of the ambient environment surrounding the primary heat transfer assembly 102.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at a temperature less than the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at a temperature substantially the same as the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 or higher than the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114.

The primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow in the same direction as the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, as shown in FIG. 5B, or in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 1A.

The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be formed in any suitable configuration. In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise a plurality of pipes 140. Each pipe 140 is formed with the auxiliary conduit channel 136. The plurality of pipes 140 may surround an external surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120 and the pipes 140 may extend at least partially therealong. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be introduced into some or all of the auxiliary conduit channels 136 of the plurality of pipes 140. The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the pipe 112 and the thermal insulation layer 120, is transferred into the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, flowing within the plurality of pipes 140 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The plurality of pipes 140 may be placed on the primary heat transfer assembly 102 in any suitable manner. For example, the plurality of pipes 140 may be welded to the thermal insulation layer 120.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, another external pipe 144 may overlie the external surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120. The plurality of pipes 140 may be attached to the external pipe 144 in any suitable manner, such as being welded thereto. In this embodiment, the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the pipe 112 and the thermal insulation layer 120 and the external pipe 144, is transferred into the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, flowing within the plurality of pipes 140 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The plurality of pipes 140 may be spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, the plurality of pipes 140 may be in physical contact with each other (not shown).

In accordance with an embodiment, the plurality of pipes 140 may comprise a plurality of relatively small pipes, which typically are formed with a channel having a diameter in the range of approximately a few centimeters.

In accordance with an embodiment, the plurality of pipes 140 may comprise microtubes or capillary tubes (not shown), which typically are formed with a channel having a diameter in the range of approximately one centimeter to a few hundred micrometers or less.

In some embodiments, configuring the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 with a surface that has relatively maximal proximity to the primary heat transfer assembly 102, allows for transferring the heat though the surface and thus providing efficient heat transfer from the primary heat transfer assembly 102 to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. For example, wherein the primary heat transfer assembly 102 comprises the pipe 112, use of pipes 140 including relatively small pipes or microtubes or capillary tubes, or pipes with a rectangular-like cross section (not shown), may increase a surface 148 of each of the pipes. Thus, altogether the surface 148 of the pipes 140 has relatively maximal proximity to the primary heat transfer assembly 102. The heat escaping the primary heat transfer assembly 102 though the surface 148 is efficiently transferred to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130, with minimal escape of the heat away from the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 into the ambient environment out of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. Accordingly, the other configurations of auxiliary conduit assembly 130, as shown in FIGS. 1C-5B, may be formed with a surface 148 configured for maximal proximity to the primary heat transfer assembly, thereby providing efficient heat transfer from the primary heat transfer assembly to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The primary heat transfer assembly 102 may be formed in any suitable configuration for allowing the primary heat transfer fluid 114 to flow therethrough. For D example, the primary heat transfer assembly 102 may comprise a conical or spherical conduit or plurality of conduits, such as as shown in FIGS. 2A-2G.

The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be configured in any suitable configuration for transferring the escaped heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 102 to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. Some further exemplary configurations of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 are described in reference to FIGS. 1C-1G.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise at least one coiled pipe 150 configured to at least partially circumferentially surround the outer surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120. As described in reference to FIG. 1B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 144, may be provided and the coiled pipe 150 may be placed thereon.

The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 120 (and via the pipe 112 and/or the external pipe 144, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the coiled pipe 150 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise a serpentine-like coiled pipe 154 configured to longitudinally extend along the outer surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120 and to, at least partially, circumferentially surround the outer surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120. In some embodiments, the serpentine-like coiled pipe 154 may be) a continuous pipe. As described in reference to FIG. 1B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 144, may be provided and the coiled pipe 154 may be placed thereon.

The coiled pipe 150 of FIG. 1C and coiled pipe 154 of Fig. ID, are relatively long since the coiled pipe 150 and 154 are coiled around the outer surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120 or external pipe 144. Thus the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136, may be heated to a relatively high temperature by the escaped heat transferred thereto.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 1E, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise a partially cylindrical pipe 156 configured to partially, circumferentially surround the outer surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120.

As described in reference to FIG. 1B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 144, may be provided and the partial pipe 156 may be placed thereon. The partially cylindrical pipe 156 may be disposed at any suitable location over the outer surface 142 or over the external pipe 144. In some embodiments, more than one partially cylindrical pipe 156 may be disposed at any suitable location over the outer surface 142 or over the external pipe 144.

The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 120 (and via the pipe 112 and/or the external pipe 144, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the partially cylindrical pipe 156 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in Fig. IF, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise a cylindrical pipe 160 configured to surround the outer surface 142 of the thermal insulation layer 120. As described in reference to FIG. 1B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 144, may be provided and the cylindrical pipe 160 may surround the external pipe.

The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 120 and via the pipe 112 and/or the external pipe 144, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit) channel 136 of the cylindrical pipe 160 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

As described above, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the plurality of pipes 140 of FIG. 1A, the coiled pipe 150 of FIG. 1C, the coiled pipe 154 of FIG. 1D, the partially cylindrical pipe 156 of FIG. 1E and cylindrical pipe 160 of FIG. 1F. The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be formed of any suitable material for allowing the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 to flow therethrough and for transferring the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 102 to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. In a non-limiting example, any one of the plurality of pipes 140 of FIG. 1A, the coiled pipe 150 of Fig. IC, the coiled pipe 154 of FIG. 1D, the partially cylindrical pipe 156 of FIG. 1E and cylindrical pipe 160 of FIG. 1F may be formed of a metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided with thermal insulation to prevent escape of heat from the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 to the ambient, while allowing the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 102 to be admitted therein. For example, a layer of thermal insulation 162 may be provided intermediate the cylindrical pipe 160 (FIG. 1F) and the ambient environment.

In accordance with another embodiment of FIG. 1A, the cylindrical pipe 112 may not be provided and the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow in direct contact with an inner interior surface 164 of the thermal insulation layer 120, as shown in FIG. 1G. It is noted that in the other embodiments of FIGS. 1B-1F, cylindrical pipe 112 may not be provided and the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow in direct contact with the interior surface 164 of the thermal insulation layer 120. In some embodiments a sheath (not shown) may at least partially underlie interior surface 164 to ensure relatively laminar flow of the primary heat transfer fluid 114.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2G, which are each a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in FIG. 2A, the heat transfer system 100 may comprise an annulus pipe assembly 200, which may form a primary heat transfer assembly 202. The annulus pipe assembly 200 may comprise a central fluid pipe 206 formed with a central fluid channel 208. Central fluid channel 208 may be surrounded by a circumferential fluid pipe 216 formed with a circumferential fluid channel 218. The central fluid channel 208 and the circumferential fluid channel 218 may be generally coaxially aligned therebetween. The central fluid channel 208 and the circumferential fluid channel 218 are configured for flow of a fluid therethrough.

In some embodiments the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow through the central fluid channel 208 and the circumferential fluid channel 218. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow through the central fluid channel 208 at a first temperature and the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow through the circumferential fluid channel 218 at a second temperature. In some embodiments the first temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be higher than the second temperature. In a non-limiting example, the first temperature may be in a range of approximately 400-1000° C. and the second temperature may be in a range of approximately 25-350° C. In some embodiments, the first temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be less than the second temperature. In some embodiments, the first temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be substantially the same as the second temperature.

In some embodiments the primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing through the central fluid channel 208 and the circumferential fluid channel 218 may comprise the same fluid (e.g. a gas or a liquid).

In other embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing through the central fluid channel 208 may comprise a different fluid than the primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing through the circumferential fluid channel 218.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, thermal insulation may be provided to minimize escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 202. The thermal insulation may comprise a central thermal insulation layer 222, which may be provided between the central fluid channel 208 and the circumferential fluid channel 218. The central thermal insulation layer 222 may thermally insulate the primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing through the central fluid channel 208 and may prevent heat exchange between the primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing within the central fluid channel 208, generally at the first temperature and the primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing within the circumferential fluid channel 218, generally at the second temperature.

The central thermal insulation layer 222 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a ceramic material and/or a microporous insulation material, for example. The central thermal insulation layer 222 may be shaped in any suitable manner, such as a single unit, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, or as a plurality of insulating components (not shown).

in accordance with other embodiments the central thermal insulation layer 222 is not provided and there may be transfer of heat from the central fluid channel 208 to the circumferential fluid channel 218 or vice versa.

The annulus pipe assembly 200 is formed with thermal insulation for minimizing escape of heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 202. The thermal insulation may comprise the central thermal insulation layer 222 and/or any other thermal insulation, such as a circumferential thermal insulation layer 300 shown in FIG. 3B and 3C.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2F, the thermal insulation layer 222 surrounds the circumferential fluid pipe 216. Alternatively, the thermal insulation layer 222 may underlie the circumferential fluid pipe 216, such as shown, for example in FIG. 3B and 3C.

According to an embodiment, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided to exploit the escaped heat by transferring the escaped heat from the annulus pipe assembly 200 to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 is heated by the escaped heat. The heated auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be utilized by any heat consumption system, as will be further described in reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at an ambient temperature and may be heated substantially solely by the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 202.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 a temperature less than, or substantially equal to the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114.

The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be formed in any suitable configuration. In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the plurality of pipes 140. Each pipe 140 is formed with the auxiliary conduit channel 136. The plurality of pipes 140 may surround an external surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222 and may extend at least partially therealong. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be introduced into some or all of the auxiliary conduit channels 136 of the plurality of pipes 140. The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the central fluid pipe 206 and the thermal insulation 222, is transferred into the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, flowing within the plurality of pipes 140 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The plurality of pipes 140 may be placed on the primary heat transfer assembly 202 in any suitable manner. For example, the plurality of pipes 140 may be welded to the thermal insulation layer 222.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, another external pipe 244 may overlie the external surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222. The plurality of pipes 140 may be attached to the external pipe 244 in any suitable manner, such as being welded thereto. In this embodiment, the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the central fluid pipe 206 and the thermal insulation 222 and the external pipe 244, is transferred into the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, flowing within the plurality of pipes 140 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The plurality of pipes 140 may be spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Alternatively, the plurality of pipes 140 may be in physical contact with each other (not shown).

In some embodiments, configuring the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 with a surface that has relatively maximal proximity to the primary heat transfer assembly 202, allows for transferring the heat though the surface and thus providing efficient heat transfer from the primary heat transfer assembly 202 to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. For example, wherein the primary heat transfer assembly 202 comprises the central pipe 206, use of pipes 140 including relatively small pipes or microtubes or capillary tubes, or pipes with a rectangular-like cross section (not shown), may increase the external surface 148 of each of the pipes. Thus, altogether the external surface 148 of the pipes 140 has relatively maximal proximity to the primary heat transfer assembly 202. The heat escaping the primary heat transfer assembly 202 though the surface 148 is efficiently transferred to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130, with minimal escape of the heat away from the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 into the ambient environment out of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. Accordingly, the other configurations of auxiliary conduit assembly 130, as shown in FIGS. 1C-5B, may be formed with an external surface 148 configured for maximal proximity to the primary heat transfer assembly, thereby providing efficient heat transfer from the primary heat transfer assembly to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The primary heat transfer assembly 202 may be formed in any suitable configuration for allowing the primary heat transfer fluid 114 to flow therethrough. For example, the primary heat transfer assembly 202 may comprise a conical or spherical conduit or plurality of conduits (not shown).

The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be configured in any suitable configuration for transferring the escaped heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 202 to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the coiled pipe 150 configured to at least partially circumferentially surround the outer surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222. As described in reference to FIG. 2B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 244, may be provided and the coiled pipe 150 may be placed thereon.

The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 222 (and via the central fluid pipe 206 and/or the external pipe 244, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the coiled pipe 150 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 2D, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the serpentine-like coiled pipe 154 configured to longitudinally extend along the outer surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222 and to, at least partially, circumferentially surround the outer surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222. As described in reference to FIG. 2B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 144, may be provided and the coiled pipe 154 may be placed thereon.

The coiled pipe 150 of FIG. 2C and coiled pipe 154 of FIG. 2D, are relatively long since the coiled pipe 150 and 154 are coiled around the outer surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222. Thus the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136, may be heated to a relatively high temperature by the escaped heat transferred thereto.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 7E, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the partially cylindrical pipe 156 configured to partially, circumferentially surround the outer surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222.

As described in reference to FIG. 2B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 244, may be provided and the partial pipe 156 may be placed thereon. The partially cylindrical pipe 156 may be disposed at any suitable location over the outer surface 242 or over the external pipe 244. In some embodiments, more than one partially cylindrical pipe 156 may be disposed at any suitable location over the outer surface 242 or over the external pipe 244.

The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 222 (and via the central fluid pipe 206 and/or the external pipe 244, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the partially cylindrical pipe 156 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIG. 2F, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the cylindrical pipe 160 configured to surround the outer surface 242 of the thermal insulation layer 222.

As described in reference to FIG. 2B, an external pipe, such as external pipe 144, may be provided and the cylindrical pipe 160 may surround the external pipe.

The heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 222 (and via the central fluid pipe 206 and/or the external pipe 244, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the cylindrical pipe 160 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

As described above, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise the plurality of pipes 140 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the coiled pipe 150 of FIG. 2C, the coiled pipe 154 of FIG. 2D, the partially cylindrical pipe 156 of FIG. 2E and cylindrical pipe 160 of FIG. 2F. The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be formed of any suitable material for allowing the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 to flow therethrough and for transferring the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 202 to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. In a non-limiting example, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be formed of a metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum.

In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided with thermal insulation to prevent escape of heat from the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 to the ambient, while allowing the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 202 to be admitted therein. For example, a layer of thermal insulation 262 may be provided intermediate the cylindrical pipe 160 (FIG. 2F) and the ambient environment.

In accordance with another embodiment of FIG. 2A, the central fluid pipe 206 may not be provided and the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow in direct contact with an interior surface 264 of the central thermal insulation layer 222, as shown in FIG. 2G. It is noted that in the other embodiments of FIGS. 2B-2F, the central fluid pipe 206 may not be provided and the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow in direct contact with the interior surface 264 of the central thermal insulation layer 222. In some embodiments a sheath (not shown) may at least partially underlie interior surface 264 to ensure relatively laminar flow of the primary heat transfer fluid 114.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3C, which are each a simplified pictorial illustration of a heat transfer system comprising an auxiliary conduit assembly, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in FIG. 3A, the heat transfer system 100 may comprise the annulus pipe assembly 200, which may form the primary heat transfer assembly 202, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2G. FIG. 3A is substantially similar to FIG. 2B, though in FIG. 3A the plurality of pipes 140 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be embedded within the thermal insulation layer 222. Thus the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 222 (and via the central fluid pipe 206, when provided), is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the pipes 140 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. In accordance with some embodiments, the pipes 140 may comprise microtubes or capillary tubes, as described above. These microtubes or capillary tubes may be embedded within the thermal insulation layer 222, thereby readily receiving the escaped heat emitted from within the thermal insulation layer 222.

In accordance with some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 formed in any suitable configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 2C-2G, may be embedded, at least partially, within the central thermal insulation layer 222. Embedding the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 within the thermal insulation layer 222 secures the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 to the central thermal insulation layer 222. Additionally, by embedding the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 within the thermal insulation layer 222, the escaped heat emitted from the thermal insulation layer 222 may be readily transferred to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 therein.

In accordance with some embodiments, similarly to FIG. 2A, the external pipe 244 may not be provided.

Turning to FIG. 3B it is seen that the thermal insulation may be provided at any suitable location. Thermal insulation may comprise a circumferential thermal insulation layer 300. The circumferential thermal insulation layer 300 may underlie the circumferential fluid pipe 216, as shown in FIG. 3B, or may be placed intermediate the circumferential fluid pipe 216 and the ambient environment surrounding the annulus assembly 200. In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be embedded within the circumferential thermal insulation layer 300. The heat may be emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, flowing within the central fluid channel 208 and/or the circumferential fluid channel 218, via the circumferential thermal insulation layer 300 (and via the central fluid pipe 206, when provided). This heat may be transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may underlie the circumferential thermal insulation layer 300. The heat may be emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, flowing within the central fluid channel 208 and/or the circumferential fluid channel 218 (and via the central fluid pipe 206, when provided). This heat may be transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. In FIG. 3B the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 comprises pipes 140, though it is appreciated that any other configuration may be provided, such as shown in FIGS. 2C-2G or any other suitable configuration.

As seen in FIG. 3C, the thermal insulation may comprise the circumferential thermal insulation layer 300, which may be placed intermediate the circumferential fluid channel 218 and the ambient environment surrounding the annulus assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 3B. The thermal insulation may also include the central thermal insulation layer 222, which may be placed intermediate the central fluid channel 208 and the circumferential fluid channel 218, as shown in FIG. 3A.

The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be placed at any suitable location, such as at least partially embedded within any one of the circumferential thermal insulation layer 300 and/or the central thermal insulation layer 222 and/or at least partially underlying the thermal insulation layer circumferential and/or at least partially overlying the central thermal insulation layer 222. In FIG. 3C the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 comprises pipes 140, though it is appreciated that any other configuration may be provided, such as shown in FIGS. 2C-2G or any other suitable configuration.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-3C, the primary heat transfer assembly is configured as a pipe, as shown in primary heat transfer assembly 102 or as a plurality of pipes, such as primary heat transfer assembly 202. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer assembly may comprise any suitable conduit for flow of a heat transfer fluid therethrough.

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4, the primary heat transfer assembly may be configured in any suitable form for transferring heat or for providing heat or thermal energy. Non-limiting examples may be a heat exchanger, a heat recovery steam generator, a boiler, a condenser, an economizer, or a dearator. Typically a primary heat/thermal energy transfer/providing assembly comprises some form of thermal insulation for preventing emission of heat therefrom.

As described above, despite the thermal insulation, a portion of heat may inadvertently escape the thermal insulation and heat may by emitted into the ambient environment out of the primary heat transfer assembly. Escape of heat from the thermal insulation may occur due to various reasons, such as thermal insulation formed with a material or density that has insufficient insulating capabilities. Additionally, the thermal insulation may be inadvertently manufactured with defects in portions thereof thereby permitting escape of heat from the defective portions.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided to exploit the escaped heat by transferring the escaped heat from the primary heat transfer assembly to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 is heated by the escaped heat. The heated auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be utilized by any heat consumption system, as will be further described in reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 4 is an example of a primary heat transfer assembly 350 for transferring heat or for providing heat. As seen in FIG. 4 the primary heat transfer assembly is formed as a heat exchanger 354. The heat exchanger 354 may be configured in any suitable configuration such as a conventional shell and tube configuration, for example. The heat exchanger 354 typically is formed with thermal insulation overlying at least a portion of an external surface 356 of a heating region 357 of the heat exchanger 354. The thermal insulation may be formed as a thermal insulation layer 358 overlying at least a portion of the external surface 356 of the heat exchanger 354.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be embedded within the thermal insulation layer 358.

Embedding the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 within the thermal insulation layer 358 secures the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 to the thermal insulation layer 358. Additionally, by embedding the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 within the thermal insulation layer 358, the escaped heat emitted from the thermal insulation layer 358 may be readily transferred to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 therein.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may underlie the thermal insulation layer 358 or may at least partially overlie an external surface 362 of the thermal insulation layer 358, as shown in FIG. 4.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 embedded within the thermal insulation layer 358 may comprise a plurality of pipe 366, configured similarly as pipes 140 of FIG. 1A. The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 overlying the thermal insulation layer 358 may comprise a plurality of pipe 368, configured similarly as pipes 140 of FIG. 1A.

In accordance with some embodiments, the pipes 366 or pipes 368 may comprise microtubes or capillary tubes, as described above.

In accordance with some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be formed in any suitable configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 2C-20.

The heat emitted from the heating region 357, via the thermal insulation layer 358, is transferred to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing within the auxiliary conduit channel 136 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

As described above in reference to FIGS. 1A-4, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided to exploit the escaped heat by transferring the escaped heat from the primary heat transfer assembly to the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 of the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. The heat received by the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be used to provide heat and/or thermal energy to a heat consumption system or a thermal energy consumption system.

In accordance with some embodiments there may be provided a thermal energy system including a primary heat transfer assembly, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 and a heat consumption system or a thermal energy consumption system utilizing the heat provided by the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. Exemplary thermal energy systems are described in reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, it being appreciated that may configurations for using heat escaped by a primary heat transfer assembly for a heat consumption system or a thermal energy consumption system, may be realized.

In FIG. 5A a thermal energy system 400 may include the primary heat transfer assembly 102. The primary heat transfer assembly 102 may be formed as the pipe 112 (FIGS. 1A-1G).

As seen in FIG. 5A, the thermal energy system 400 may include the primary heat transfer assembly 102, though it is appreciated that the primary heat transfer assembly may be formed as the primary heat transfer assembly 202 including the annulus pipe assembly 200 of FIGS. 2A-2G or as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. The auxiliary conduit assembly 130 shown in FIG. 5A, comprise the pipes 140 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, though it is appreciated that the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may comprise any suitable configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 1C-4.

The primary heat transfer fluid 114 flowing within the pipe 112 may be initially heated by any suitable heat source such as by a thermal energy source 404, prior to entering the primary heat transfer assembly 102. The thermal energy source may be any source suitable for heating the heat transfer fluid 114. In a non-limiting example, the thermal energy source may comprise a fossil-fuel system, a renewable energy system, such as a geothermal energy system, a wind energy system, a wave energy system, or a solar energy system.

The thermal energy of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be provided to any first thermal energy consumption system 410. The first thermal energy consumption system 410 may comprise any thermal energy consumption system utilizing the primary heat transfer fluid 114. In a non-limiting example the first thermal energy consumption system 410 may comprise a steam turbine, a vapor turbine, a gas turbine, an industrial system, a vapor consuming process used in the chemical industry or other industries, a dryer, a solid desiccant system, or an absorption refrigerator, an air conditioning system, a power generation system, such as an electricity generation system, a vapor generation system, a steam generation system or a thermal energy generation system. In some embodiments, the first thermal energy consumption system 410 may be used itself or may be part of a system for boosting thereby adding thermal energy to an already existing power generation system. For example, the first thermal energy consumption system 410 may be used to boost a power generation system when the power demand is relatively higher than the power conventionally generated by the power generation system and additional thermal energy is required in order to enable provision of the higher power demand.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at an initial temperature without being heated, such as at the ambient temperature, for example. In some embodiments, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may enter the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 after being heated to the initial temperature by any suitable heat source, which may be the same or different heat source than the thermal energy source 404 heating the primary heat transfer fluid 114.

Heat escaping from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, via the thermal insulation layer 120 (and via the pipe 112 and/or the external pipe 144, when provided), may be transferred to the auxiliary eat transfer fluid 134 flowing in the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, which was heated by the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer fluid 114, exits the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature of the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 exiting the auxiliary conduit assembly 130, is higher than the initial temperature of the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. The initial temperature is the temperature of the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 upon entering the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

The thermal energy of the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be provided to any second thermal energy consumption system 420. The second thermal energy consumption system 420 may comprise any thermal energy consumption system utilizing the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. In a non-limiting example the second thermal energy consumption system 420 may comprise a steam turbine, a vapor turbine, a gas turbine, an industrial system, a vapor consuming process used in the chemical industry or other industries, a dryer, a solid desiccant system, or an absorption refrigerator, an air conditioning system, a power generation system, such as an electricity generation system, a vapor generation system, a steam generation system or a thermal energy generation system. In some embodiments, the second thermal energy consumption system 420 may be used itself or may be part of a system for boosting and adding thermal energy to an already existing power generation system. For example, the second thermal energy consumption system 420 may be used to boost a power generation system when the power demand is relatively higher than the power conventionally generated by the power generation system and additional thermal energy is required in order to enable provision of the higher power demand.

In some embodiments, the first thermal energy consumption system 410 and the second thermal energy consumption system 420 may be separate systems. In some embodiments the first thermal energy consumption system 410 and the second thermal energy consumption system 420 may embody the same system.

In some embodiments, the thermal energy from the heated auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided to a heating device, which is designed to provide heat in any suitable manner. The heating device may be used to provide heat or thermal energy to the first thermal energy consumption system 410 and/or the second thermal energy consumption system 420. In exemplary heating device is described in reference to the preheating unit 474 of FIG. 5B.

In some embodiments, the second thermal energy consumption system 420 may be included in a thermal energy system, such as in the example of FIG. 5B.

In FIG. 5B a thermal energy system 450 is provided. The thermal energy system 450 may comprise the primary heat transfer assembly 202 including the annulus pipe assembly 200 and auxiliary conduit assembly 130 of FIG. 2A or any other suitable configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-4.

As described in reference to FIG. 5A, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be heated by any suitable heat source, such as the thermal energy source 404 to the first temperature, prior to entering the central fluid channel 208 of the primary heat transfer assembly 202. The thermal energy of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be provided to the first thermal energy consumption system 410, by any suitable means, such as via a heat exchanger 460 or any other suitable means for transferring thermal energy. The thermal energy of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may heat a corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 flowing in the heat exchanger 460.

The primary heat transfer fluid 114 exits the heat exchanger 460 at the second temperature, which may be lower than the first temperature. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be directed thereafter to another system or may be discarded. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be directed to the circumferential fluid channel 218, as shown in FIG. 5B. Thereafter the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may flow out of the annulus pipe assembly 200. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be directed to another system or may be discarded. In some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be directed back to the thermal energy source 404 for reheating thereof, as shown in FIG. 5B.

The corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may be provided by a tank 470 or any other suitable source. Prior to entering the heat exchanger 460, the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may be preheated in a heating device, such as a preheating unit 474 configured in any suitable manner. The preheated corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may thereafter enter the heat exchanger 460 and may be heated by the thermal energy of the primary heat transfer fluid 114, as described above. The thermal energy of the now heated corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 (heated by the thermal energy of the primary heat transfer fluid 114) may be provided to the first thermal energy consumption system 410. In some embodiments, the first thermal energy consumption system 410 may comprise the heat exchanger 460.

According to some embodiments the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be provided to exploit the heat escaping the primary heat transfer assembly 202 for heating the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 flowing therein. As described above, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 enters the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at the initial temperature. The initial temperature may be above the ambient temperature, below the ambient temperature or substantially equal to the ambient temperature.

The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 receives the heat emitted from the primary heat transfer assembly 202 and thus may exit the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at the elevated temperature.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130, at the elevated temperature, may be introduced into the preheating unit 474 for providing thermal energy to heat the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464. Thus it is seen that the thermal energy provided by the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 enables decreasing the thermal energy required by the preheating unit 474 to heat the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 prior to entering the heat exchanger 460. It is thus understood that the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may operate as an economizer, which may comprise a device for reducing energy consumption, or for performing another useful function such as preheating a fluid.

In some embodiments, the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may be heated in the preheating unit 474 solely by the thermal energy provided by the auxiliary conduit assembly 130. In some embodiments, the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may be heated in the preheating unit 474 partially by the thermal energy provided by the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 and partially by any other suitable thermal energy source, such as by a boiler, for example.

The corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may comprise any suitable heat transfer fluid, such as a gas, typically air, helium or carbon dioxide or a carbon dioxide-containing fluid, or a liquid such as oil, water, molten salt or an organic fluid, such as a synthetic organic heat transfer fluid, for example. In some embodiments the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may comprise a fluid that changes phases at relatively low temperatures, such as at −10° C. or lower, at −20° C. or lower, thereby ensuring that the fluid will still flow, also in harsh environmental conditions, such as in a cold environment, where the ambient temperature may drop below 0° C.

In some embodiments, the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be the same fluid. In some embodiments, the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be a different fluid.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may supplied by the tank 470 to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130.

In some embodiments the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may constitute the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464. The auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be supplied by the tank 470.

In some embodiments, the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 entering the heat exchanger 460 may comprise just the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, and thus there may be no flow of heat transfer fluid 464 from the tank 470 to the preheating unit 474. In some embodiments the heat transfer fluid 464 entering the heat exchanger 460 may partially comprise the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 and partially a corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 flowing directly from the tank 470.

The example as set forth herein is meant to exemplify some of the various aspects of carrying out the invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. In this non-limiting example, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be air heated by the thermal energy source 404. The thermal energy source 404 may comprise a solar energy system (not shown) wherein the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be heated by concentrated solar radiation in a solar receiver (not shown). The air may be heated by the solar receiver to the first temperature of 650° C. and may flow within the central fluid channel 208. The air exiting the central fluid channel 208 may be introduced into the heat exchanger 460 for providing thermal energy to the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464. The air exits the central fluid channel 208 at 600° C., due to inadvertent escape of heat from the heat transfer assembly 202.

The air may exit the heat exchanger 460 at the second temperature which may be 100° C. and may flow into the circumferential fluid channel 218 and back to the solar receiver for reheating thereof.

The corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may comprise water and may exit the tank 470 at ambient temperature (e.g. 25° C.). The water may flow from the tank into the heat exchanger 460, via the preheating unit 474. The water may enter the heat exchanger 460 at a temperature of 120° C. and may be heated by the thermal energy of the air to a temperature 540° C., as steam. The steam may be provided to the first thermal energy consumption system 410, which may comprise a steam turbine.

The water entering the heat exchanger 460 from the tank 470 is preheated within the preheating unit 474 from the ambient temperature to 120° C. In accordance with an embodiment, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 is heated by heat escaping the primary heat transfer assembly 202 and provides at least a portion of the thermal energy for preheating the water in the preheating unit 474. In this example, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 is water. The water is introduced into the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 at the initial temperature comprising the ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the water may be supplied to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 by tank 470. In some embodiments, the water may be supplied to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 by any other suitable source.

The water may be heated by the escaped heat from the primary heat transfer assembly 202 to the elevated temperature of 70° C. The water at the elevated temperature may be introduced into the preheating unit 474, which may further heat the water to the temperature of 120° C. by any suitable means, prior to entering the heat exchanger 460.

In some embodiments, the water entering the heat exchanger 460 may comprise just the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134, and thus there may be no flow of water from the tank 470 to the preheating unit 474. In some embodiments the water entering the heat exchanger 460 may partially comprise the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 and partially comprise water flowing directly from the tank 470.

According to some embodiments, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 and/or the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 and/or the corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 described in reference to any one of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-5B, may be replaced by any suitable heat transfer means, such as a solid , for example.

According to some embodiments, such as any one of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-5B, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be omitted and the thermal energy provided by the primary heat transfer system 102 or 202 to the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be transferred to the second thermal energy consumption system 410, by any suitable means, such as by electricity or radiation, for example.

According to some embodiments, such as any one of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-5B, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be omitted and the thermal energy provided by the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may be transferred to the second thermal energy consumption system 410, by any suitable means, such as by electricity or radiation, for example.

According to some embodiments, such as any one of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-5B, the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be less than the temperature of auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. In this embodiment, the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may be used to cool the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134. The cooled auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may be used in any suitable system, such as an air-conditioning system, for example.

It is noted that through this disclosure the term “heat transfer system” or “heat transfer assembly” may comprise any system for transferring and/or providing heat and/or thermal energy.

Example embodiments of the devices, systems and methods have been described herein. As may be noted elsewhere, these embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible and are covered by the disclosure, which will be apparent from the teachings contained herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with claims supported by the present disclosure and their equivalents. Moreover, embodiments of the subject disclosure may include methods, systems and devices which may further include any and all elements/features from any other disclosed methods, systems, and devices, including any and all features corresponding to translocation control. In other words, features from one and/or another disclosed embodiment may be interchangeable with features from other disclosed embodiments, which, in turn, correspond to yet other embodiments. Furthermore, one or more features/elements of disclosed embodiments may be removed and still result in patentable subject matter (and thus, resulting in yet more embodiments of the subject disclosure).

AUXILIARY CONDUIT ASSEMBLY

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