Patent Application
20240191650
This disclosure relates to Venturi devices and applications thereof.
The demand for energy across a variety of applications has increased dramatically over the past century. Accordingly, harvesting energy from various sources is needed.
Neither the preceding summary nor the following detailed description purports to limit or define the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined by the claims.
As the demand for energy increases, the demand to harvest energy from untapped or under-exploited sources has increased as well, especially those sources readily available. Accordingly, various devices and systems are disclosed herein that address one or more of these problems. For example, devices and systems are disclosed herein that incorporate a Venturi device with forced induction to harvest or recirculate energy for consumption.
In some configurations, disclosed herein is a system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy. The system can include a fluid loop that can circulate a primary flow of a fluid. The system can include a pump that can be disposed on the fluid loop. The pump can drive circulation of the primary flow through the fluid loop. The system can include a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop and upstream of the pump and a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop and downstream of the pump. Each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include an inlet that can receive the primary flow. Each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include an outlet that can eject the primary flow. Each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion that can increase a velocity of the primary flow and decrease a pressure of the primary flow. The body can include a diverging portion that can decrease the velocity of the primary flow and increase the pressure of the primary flow. The body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The throat can include a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion, throat, and diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow. The body can include an annular chamber that can receive a secondary flow of the fluid. The body can include an annular passageway disposed downstream of the throat. The annular passageway can encircle the primary flow and direct the secondary flow from the annular chamber into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase downstream of the throat before ejection through the outlet. The system can include a turbine disposed in the fluid loop upstream of the first Venturi device and downstream of the second Venturi device. The turbine can be driven by the primary flow. The system can include a generator that can drive the turbine to generate electrical energy to power the pump from the thermal energy of the ambient environment.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow from the turbine to the annular chamber of the first Venturi device and the annular chamber of the second Venturi device.
In some configurations, the system can include a conduit that can be fluidically connected to the turbine and the annular chamber of the first Venturi device and the annular chamber of the second Venturi device. The conduit can recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow to the annular chambers of the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow from the pump to the annular chamber of the first Venturi device and the annular chamber of the second Venturi device.
In some configurations, the system can include a conduit that can be fluidically connected to the pump and the annular chamber of the first Venturi device and the annular chamber of the second Venturi device. The conduit can recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow to the annular chambers of the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, the system can include a conduit that can be fluidically connected to the fluid loop. The conduit can recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow to the annular chambers of the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, a cross-sectional flow area of the annular passageway can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of an input from the conduit to the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the pump can include a motor that can be powered by an external power supply until the generator produces sufficient electrical energy to power the motor.
In some configurations, the converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion can be circular.
In some configurations, the converging portion can define a flow area having a conical shape.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion can be circular.
In some configurations, the size of the cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion can change more rapidly than the size of the cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion per a unit of length.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can include a flow area that has a conical shape.
In some configurations, a length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the converging portion.
In some configurations, the fluid loop can include tubing.
In some configurations, the converging portion can be a first converging portion and the body of each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include a second converging portion disposed between the diverging portion and the annular passageway.
In some configurations, the second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the throat can be a junction of the converging portion and the diverging portion. In some configurations, the throat can be a constriction between the converging portion and the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the throat can include a circular cross-sectional flow area.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can be adjustable to regulate an input of the secondary flow into the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can be an annular gap.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can be a ring gap.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can distribute the secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can include a Coanda surface configured to distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can include a Coanda surface.
In some configurations, the system can include one or more conduits fluidically connected to the fluid loop. The one or more conduits can recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow to the annular chambers of the first and second Venturi devices at multiple connections around each of the annular chambers.
In some configurations, the multiple connections can be circumferentially distributed about each of the annular chambers.
In some configurations, each connection of the multiple connections can be distributed 22.5 degrees away from an adjacent input location of the multiple input location.
In some configurations, the system can be self-amplified by the thermal energy of the ambient environment.
In some configurations, the turbine can be accelerated as more thermal energy of the ambient environment is transferred into the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can encircle the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can be disposed downstream of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the first Venturi device can be disposed at a first position on the fluid loop that is between the pump and the turbine. The turbine can be disposed at a second position on the fluid loop that is between the first and the second Venturi devices. The pump can be disposed at a third position on the fluid loop that is between the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can be disposed between the diverging portion and the outlet.
In some configurations, disclosed herein is a system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy. The system can include a fluid loop that can circulate a primary flow of a fluid. The system can include a pump disposed on the fluid loop. The pump can drive circulation of the primary flow through the fluid loop. The system can include a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop and upstream of the pump and a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop and downstream of the pump. Each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include an inlet configured to receive the primary flow. Each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include an outlet configured to eject the primary flow. Each of the first and the second Venturi devices can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion that can increase a velocity of the primary flow and decrease a pressure of the primary flow. The body can include a diverging portion that can decrease the velocity of the primary flow and increase the pressure of the primary flow. A movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow. The body can include an annular chamber that can receive a secondary flow of the fluid. The body can include an annular passageway that can be disposed downstream of the converging portion. The annular passageway can encircle the primary flow and direct the secondary flow from the annular chamber into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase downstream of the converging portion before ejection through the outlet. The system can include a turbine disposed in the fluid loop upstream of the first Venturi device and downstream of the second Venturi device. The turbine can be driven by the primary flow. The system can include a generator that can be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy to power the pump from the thermal energy of the ambient environment.
In some configurations, the body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The throat can include a diameter that can be smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, disclosed herein is a system for converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The system can include a fluid loop that can circulate a primary flow of a fluid. The system can include a pump disposed on the fluid loop. The pump can drive circulation of the primary flow through the fluid loop. The system can include a Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive the primary flow of the fluid. The Venturi device can include an outlet that can eject the primary flow. The Venturi device can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion disposed downstream of the converting portion. A movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect that can decrease a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow. The boy can include a secondary input disposed downstream of the converging portion. The secondary input can direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase downstream of the converging portion before ejection through the outlet. The system can include a turbine that can be disposed in the fluid loop. The turbine can be driven by the primary flow. The system can include a generator that can be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy to power the pump.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be an annular passageway.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a plurality of apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include an annular gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a ring gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can circumferentially encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more openings that can be circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow. The secondary input can direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.
In some configurations, the body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The throat can include a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the body can include an annular chamber that can receive and direct the secondary flow to the secondary input.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, system can include a conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop. The conduit can recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow to the Venturi device.
In some configurations, the system can include a plurality of secondary inputs.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow from the turbine to the Venturi device.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow from the pump to the Venturi device.
In some configurations, the pump can include a motor that can be powered by an external power supply until the generator produces sufficient electrical energy to power the motor.
In some configurations, the Venturi device can be a first Venturi device and the system can further include a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop.
In some configurations, the first Venturi device can be disposed upstream of the pump and downstream of the turbine. The second Venturi device can be disposed downstream of the pump and upstream of the turbine.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow to the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow from the turbine to the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, the secondary flow can flow from the pump to the first and the second Venturi devices.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be disposed downstream of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, a length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the converging portion.
In some configurations, the converging portion can be a first converging portion and the system can further include a second converging portion that can be disposed between the diverging portion and the secondary input.
In some configurations, the second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the second converging portion can converge to a size that is smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the first converging portion and a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the angle can be ninety degrees.
In some configurations, the angle can be between 60 and 120 degrees.
In some configurations, a cross-sectional flow area of the outlet can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet.
In some configurations, the body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The cross-sectional flow area of the outlet can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the throat.
In some configurations, the converging portion can be configured to increase a velocity of the primary flow and decrease a pressure of the primary flow. The diverging portion can decrease the velocity of the primary flow and increase the pressure of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can include a Coanda surface that can distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a Coanda surface.
In some configurations, a system is disclosed herein for converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The system can include a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of a fluid. The system can include a pump disposed on the fluid loop. The pump can drive circulation of the primary flow through the fluid loop. The system can include a Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive the primary flow of the fluid. The Venturi device can include an outlet that can eject the primary flow. The Venturi device can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion. A movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow through the converging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow. The body can include a secondary input that can be disposed between the converging portion and the outlet. The secondary input can direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow through the converging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet. The system can include a turbine disposed in the fluid loop. The turbine can be driven by the primary flow. The system can include a generator that can be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy to power the pump.
In some configurations, a Venturi device is disclosed herein for harvesting thermal energy. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive a primary flow of a fluid. The Venturi device can include an outlet that can eject the primary flow. The Venturi device can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion disposed downstream of the converting portion. A movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow. The body can include a secondary input disposed downstream of the converging portion. The secondary input can direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase downstream of the converging portion before ejection through the outlet.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be an annular passageway.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a plurality of apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include an annular gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a ring gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can circumferentially encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more openings circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow. The secondary input can direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.
In some configurations, the body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The throat can include a diameter that can be smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the body can include an annular chamber that can receive and direct the secondary flow to the secondary input.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can encircle the primary flow in the body.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can include a Coanda surface that can distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a Coanda surface.
In some configurations, the body can include a plurality of secondary inputs.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be disposed downstream of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, a length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the converging portion.
In some configurations, the converging portion can be a first converging portion. The body can further include a second converging portion disposed between the diverging portion and the secondary input.
In some configurations, the second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the second converging portion can converge to a size that is smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the first converging portion and a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the angle can be ninety degrees.
In some configurations, the angle can be between 60 and 120 degrees.
In some configurations, a cross-sectional flow area of the outlet can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet.
In some configurations, the converging portion can increase a velocity of the primary flow and decrease a pressure of the primary flow. The diverging portion can decrease the velocity of the primary flow and increase the pressure of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion can be circular.
In some configurations, the converging portion can define a flow area having a conical shape.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion can be circular.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can define a flow area that includes a conical shape.
In some configurations, a size of a cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion can change more rapidly than a size of a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion per a unit of length.
In some configurations, a length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the converging portion. A length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the second converging portion. A length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the outlet.
In some configurations, a Venturi device is disclosed herein. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive a primary flow of a fluid. The Venturi device can include an outlet that can eject the primary flow. The Venturi device can include a body that can be disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion. A movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect, sucking the primary flow in through the inlet. The body can include a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet. The secondary input can direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex, sucking the primary flow through the inlet and into the body.
In some configurations, the fluid can be a gas, which can include air.
In some configurations, a supercharger system is disclosed herein for an internal combustion engine. The supercharger system can include a Venturi device. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive a primary flow of gas. The Venturi device can include an outlet. The Venturi device can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion. The converging portion can increase a velocity of the primary flow of gas and decrease a pressure of the primary flow of gas. The diverging portion can decrease the velocity of the primary flow of gas and increase the pressure of the primary flow of gas. The body can include an annular chamber that can receive a secondary flow of an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The body can include a secondary input that can encircle the primary flow and direct the secondary flow from the annular chamber radially inward into the primary flow of gas at a position downstream of the converging portion to create a vortex configured to produce a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body and to mix the primary flow and the secondary flow together before flowing through the outlet to the internal combustion engine.
In some configurations, the body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The throat can include a diameter that can be smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the supercharger system can include a buffer element that can provide the secondary flow to the Venturi device at a consistent operating pressure range. The supercharger system can include a buffer element that can provide the secondary flow to the Venturi device at a consistent pressure.
In some configurations, the buffer element can include an exhaust manifold, a conduit from the exhaust manifold to the annular chamber, a check valve disposed along the conduit, an exhaust outlet conduit configured to direct the exhaust gas to an ambient environment, and a butterfly valve disposed along the exhaust outlet conduit.
In some configurations, the butterfly valve can open when a pressure of the secondary flow in the conduit exceeds a threshold and close when the pressure of the secondary flow in the conduit falls below the threshold. The exhaust gas can flow out of the exhaust outlet conduit and into the ambient environment with the butterfly valve open and the flow of exhaust gas out of the exhaust conduit can be impeded with the butterfly valve closed to increase a pressure of the secondary flow within the conduit.
In some configurations, the supercharger system can include an exhaust manifold, a conduit from the exhaust manifold to the annular chamber, a check valve disposed along the conduit, an exhaust outlet conduit that can direct the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold to an ambient environment, and a butterfly valve disposed along the exhaust outlet conduit.
In some configurations, the butterfly valve can open when a pressure of the secondary flow in the conduit exceeds a threshold and close when the pressure of the secondary flow in the conduit falls below the threshold. The exhaust gas can flow out of the exhaust conduit and into the ambient environment with the butterfly valve open and the flow of exhaust gas out of the exhaust conduit can be impeded with the butterfly valve closed to increase pressure of the secondary flow within the conduit.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a Tesla one way check valve.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a valvular conduit.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a fixed-geometry passive check valve.
In some configurations, the check valve can include a main channel and a series of loops oriented to facilitate flow of the secondary flow towards the Venturi device and resist flow away from the Venturi device.
In some configurations, a cross-sectional flow area of the secondary input can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of an input from the conduit to the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be an annular passageway.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a plurality of apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include an annular gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a ring gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can circumferentially encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more openings circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow. The secondary input can direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the body can include a plurality of secondary inputs.
In some configurations, the converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, a length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the converging portion.
In some configurations, the converging portion can be a first converging portion and the body can further include a second converging portion disposed between the diverging portion and the secondary input.
In some configurations, the second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the second converging portion can converge to a size that is smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the first converging portion and a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the secondary input can direct the secondary flow into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the angle can be ninety degrees.
In some configurations, the angle can be between 60 and 120 degrees.
In some configurations, a cross-sectional flow area of the outlet can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can include a Coanda surface that can distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a Coanda surface.
In some configurations, a supercharger system is disclosed herein for an internal combustion engine. The supercharger system can include a Venturi device. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive a primary flow of gas. The Venturi device can include an outlet. The Venturi device can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion. The converging portion can increase a velocity of the primary flow of gas and decrease a pressure of the primary flow of gas. The diverging portion can decrease the velocity of the primary flow of gas and increase the pressure of the primary flow of gas. The body can include an annular chamber that can receive a secondary flow of an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The body can include a secondary input that can encircle the primary flow and direct the secondary flow from the annular chamber radially inward into the primary flow of gas between the converging portion and the outlet to create a vortex that can produce a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body and to mix the primary flow and the secondary flow together before flowing through the outlet to the internal combustion engine.
In some configurations, the primary flow can include air from the ambient environment.
In some configurations, the primary flow can include exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine.
In some configurations, the outlet can be fluidically connected with an air intake of the internal combustion engine.
In some configurations, the outlet can be fluidically connected with a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
In some configurations, the inlet can be fluidically connected to an exhaust.
In some configurations, the gas of the primary flow and the exhaust gas of the secondary flow can be fused in the body.
In some configurations, the gas of the primary flow and the exhaust gas of the secondary flow can be compressed between the converging portion and the outlet.
In some configurations, a size of the inlet can be adjustable.
In some configurations, the size of the inlet can be adjusted based on a driving speed of a vehicle incorporating the super charger system or an intake pressure at the inlet.
In some configurations, the inlet can be open in a front-facing direction of a vehicle incorporating the super charger system.
In some configurations, the inlet can include a velocity stack.
In some configurations, the inlet can include a trumpet shape.
In some configurations, the inlet can include an air horn shape.
In some configurations, the inlet can include an inner periphery that decreases in size in a direction of flow of the primary flow. The inlet can include an inner periphery that continuously decreases in size in a direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, a Venturi device is disclosed herein for a supercharger for an internal combustion engine. The Venturi device can include an inlet that can receive a primary flow of gas. The Venturi device can include an outlet. The Venturi device can include a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The body can include a converging portion and a diverging portion. The converging portion can increase a velocity of the primary flow and decrease a pressure of the primary flow. The diverging portion can decrease the velocity of the primary flow and increase the pressure of the primary flow. The body can include an annular chamber that can receive a secondary flow of exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The body can include a secondary input that can encircle the primary flow and direct the secondary flow from the annular chamber into the primary flow, between the converging portion and the outlet, at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex configured to produce a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to mix the primary flow and secondary flow together before flowing to the internal combustion engine.
In some configurations, the primary flow of gas can include ambient air.
In some configurations, the primary flow of gas can include exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The primary flow of gas can include exhaust fuel.
In some configurations, the body can include a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion. The throat can include a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be an annular passageway.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a plurality of apertures.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include an annular gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a ring gap.
In some configurations, the secondary input can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can circumferentially encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include one or more openings that can be circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow. The secondary input can direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can encircle the primary flow through the body.
In some configurations, the body can include a plurality of secondary inputs.
In some configurations, the converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, a length of the diverging portion can be greater than a length of the converging portion.
In some configurations, the converging portion can be a first converging portion and the body can further include a second converging portion disposed between the diverging portion and the secondary input.
In some configurations, the second converging portion comprises a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the cross-sectional flow area of the second converging portion converges to a size that is smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the first converging portion and a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the angle can be ninety degrees.
In some configurations, the angle can be between 60 and 120 degrees.
In some configurations, a cross-sectional flow area of the outlet can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can include a Coanda surface that can distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a Coanda surface.
In some configurations, a reduction angle of the second converging portion can be between 35 and 55 degrees.
In some configurations, the outlet can include a cross-sectional flow area that increases in size in a direction of flow of the primary flow. The outlet can include a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in a direction of flow of the primary flow.
In some configurations, a reduction angle of the outlet can be between 55 and 65 degrees.
In some configurations, a reduction angle of the diverging portion can be between 30 and 53 degrees.
In some configurations, a reduction angle of the converging portion can be between 33 and 41 degrees.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can include a Coanda profile between 40 and 70 degrees.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a Coanda profile between 40 and 70 degrees.
In some configurations, the butterfly valve can be a pressure activated heat riser butterfly valve.
In some configurations, the inlet can include an elastic polymer that can adjust an opening of the inlet based on an intake pressure of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the inlet can include a programmable metallic polymer that can adjust an opening of the inlet based on an intake pressure of the primary flow.
In some configurations, the annular chamber can include a convex surface.
In some configurations, the convex surface can facilitate distribution of the secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the secondary input can include a convex surface.
In some configurations, the annular passageway can include a convex surface.
In some configurations, the convex surface can facilitate distribution of the secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.
In some configurations, the movement of the primary flow through the converging portion decreases a temperature of the primary flow through the converging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet.
In some configurations, the secondary input can be configured to direct the secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create the vortex.
In some configurations, the body can include a check valve.
In some configurations, the check valve can facilitate flow of the primary flow from the inlet to the outlet and impedes the primary flow from flowing out of the body by way of the inlet.
In some configurations, the check valve can facilitate the flow of the primary flow from the inlet to the outlet and resist the primary flow from flowing out of the body by way of the inlet.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a one-way check valve.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a valvular conduit.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a fixed-geometry passive check valve.
In some configurations, the check valve can include a main channel and a series of loops oriented to facilitate flow of the secondary flow towards the Venturi device and resist flow away from the Venturi device.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed in the converging portion.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed in the diverging portion.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed at the throat.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed between the diverging portion and the second converging portion.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed between the second converging portion and the outlet.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed at the outlet.
In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed at the inlet.
In some configurations, the check valve can be a Tesla valve.
Methods of using the foregoing system(s) (including device(s), apparatus(es), assembly(ies), structure(s) or the like) are included; the methods of use can include using or assembling any one or more of the features disclosed herein to achieve functions and/or features of the system(s) as discussed in this disclosure. Methods of manufacturing the foregoing system(s) are included; the methods of manufacture can include providing, making, connecting, assembling, and/or installing any one or more of the features of the system(s) disclosed herein to achieve functions and/or features of the system(s) as discussed in this disclosure.
The abovementioned and other features of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the scope of protection. Various features of the different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. In the drawings, similar elements may have reference numerals with the same last two digits.
Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiments described below. Furthermore, this disclosure describes many embodiments in reference to power generation or supercharging an internal combustion engine but any embodiment and modifications or equivalents thereof should not be limited to the foregoing.
According to the 1st Theorem of Thermodynamics, energy can neither be generated nor consumed. It can only be transformed in its form, that is, from one form of energy into another form. For this reason, the total energy in a closed system remains constant.
There are differences in valence between the forms of energy. Thus, as a possible form of energy, heat can never flow without action, that is to say, from a body of lesser temperature to a body of higher temperature, although the total amount of energy stored in the bodies in the form of heat may be equal. In the opposite direction, this is quite possible and inevitable, that is, the transition of heat from the warmer to the colder body takes place spontaneously and automatically (2nd Theorem of Thermodynamics). The heat in the warmer body is thus of higher value than the heat in the colder body. This heat can at least be partially converted into mechanical energy in heat engines, in which this automatic flow of heat from the warmer body to the colder body is exploited. The proportion of the mechanical energy which can be obtained can be shown by way of a ratio of the two temperatures according to the formula below.
This proportion can be referred to as the efficiency of the Carnot process.
As disclosed herein, thermal energy can be converted into mechanical energy by suctioning mechanisms. Described herein are systems and devices for converting low-grade thermal energy (e.g., ambient temperature) into high-quality energy (electricity). For example, Venturi devices are described herein that form one or more flow-induced vortices within a fluid (e.g., air, water, gas, etc.) flowing through the Venturi devices. The one or more vortices can occur at a location within the Venturi device where a secondary fluid flow merges (e.g., mixes, fuses) with a primary fluid flow through the Venturi device. The one or more vortices can form a suction, sucking the primary flow into the Venturi device through an inlet. In some configurations, the suction and the Venturi effect, created by the flow of fluid through the Venturi device, can lower a temperature of the primary flow through at least a portion of the Venturi device, causing thermal energy in an ambient environment outside the Venturi device to be transferred to the primary flow (e.g., charging the primary flow). In some configurations, the secondary fluid flow can include exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, which can be mixed (e.g., fused) into the primary flow to charge the primary flow. Accordingly, the Venturi devices described herein can be referred to as a “vortex fusion charger.”
Venturi Device with Forced Induction
The primary flow of fluid can enter the Venturi device (Z) through the inlet (Y). The inlet (Y) can be connected to a conduit (e.g., tube) that can circulate the primary flow. In some variants, the inlet (Y) can be open to the ambient air. An inner periphery of the inlet (Y) can be circular. In some variants, the inner periphery of the inlet (Y) can be oval, polygonal, irregular, and/or others. The inlet (Y) can, as shown in Detail B, include a velocity stack, trumpet shape, and/or air horn shape. The inlet (Y) can include an inner periphery that converges. The inlet (Y) can include cross-sectional flow area that converges. The inlet (Y) can include an inner periphery that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inlet (Y) can include an inner periphery that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inlet (Y) can include cross-sectional flow areas that that decrease in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inlet (Y) can include cross-sectional flow areas that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inlet (Y) can include a curved peripheral wall, as shown in Detail B. The inner periphery of the inlet (Y) can converge. The inlet (Y) can increase the velocity of the primary flow through the inlet (Y), decreasing a pressure of the primary flow.
The primary flow of fluid can exit the Venturi device (Z) through the outlet (H). The outlet (H) can be disposed on an opposing side of the Venturi device (Z) as the inlet (Y). The outlet (H) can be connected to a conduit (e.g., tube) that can circulate the primary flow. In some variants, the outlet (H) can be connected to an engine, as described herein, to facilitate supercharging the engine with compressed gases. An inner periphery of the outlet (H) can be circular. In some variants, the inner periphery of the outlet (H) can be oval, polygonal, irregular, and/or others. The inner periphery of the outlet (H) can diverge. A cross-sectional flow area of the outlet (H) can diverge in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inner periphery of the outlet (H) can increase in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inner periphery of the outlet (H) can continuously increase in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The outlet (H) can include cross-sectional flow areas that that increase in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The outlet (H) can include cross-sectional flow areas that continuously increase in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The inner periphery of the outlet (H) can diverge. The outlet (H) can decrease the velocity of the primary flow through the outlet (H), increasing a pressure of the primary flow.
The Venturi device (Z) can include a body (e.g., tubular body) between the inlet (Y) and the outlet (H). The primary flow path can flow through the body between the inlet (Y) and the outlet (H). The body can include a converging portion (I). The converging portion (I) can increase the velocity of the primary fluid flowing through the converging portion (I). The converging portion (I) can decrease the pressure of the primary fluid flowing through the converging portion (I). An inner periphery of the converging portion (I) can be circular. In some variants, the inner periphery of the converging portion (I) can be oval, polygonal, irregular, and/or others. The converging portion (I) can include an inner periphery that converges. The converging portion (I) can include a cross-sectional flow arca that converges. The converging portion (I) can include an inner periphery that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion (I) can include an inner periphery that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion (I) can include cross-sectional flow areas that that decrease in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion (I) can include cross-sectional flow areas that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The converging portion (I) can include a flow area having the shape of a cone. The cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion (I) can decrease at a consistent rate. A temperature of the primary flow flowing through the converging portion (I) can decrease as a result of the increased velocity and decreased pressure.
The body of the Venturi device (Z) can include a throat (X), which can also be referred to as a constriction. The throat (X) can be disposed between the converging portion (I) and a diverging portion (J). The throat (X) can include an inner periphery that is smaller than that of the converging portion (I) and the diverging portion (J). For example, the throat (X) can include a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion (I) and the diverging portion (J). The throat (X) can include a cross-sectional flow area that is smaller than that of the converging portion (I) and the diverging portion (J). In some configurations, the throat (X) can be the junction of the converging portion (I) and the diverging portion (J). In some configurations, the throat (X) includes a length. In some configurations, the inner periphery of the throat (X) is an inflection point between the converging portion (I) and the diverging portion (J). In some variants, the converging portion (I) converges to the throat (x) and immediately diverges to the diverging portion (J).
The body of the Venturi device (Z) can include a diverging portion (J). The diverging portion (J) can be downstream of the inlet (Y) and converging portion (I). The diverging portion (J) can be downstream of the throat (X). The diverging portion (J) can be disposed between the converging portion (I) and the outlet (H), second converging portion (K), and/or secondary input (A1). The diverging portion (J) can decrease the velocity of the primary fluid flowing through the diverging portion (J). The diverging portion (J) can increase the pressure of the primary fluid flowing through the diverging portion (J). An inner periphery of the diverging portion (J) can be circular. In some variants, the inner periphery of the diverging portion (J) can be oval, polygonal, irregular, and/or others. The diverging portion (J) can include an inner periphery that diverges. The diverging portion (J) can include a cross-sectional flow area that diverges. The diverging portion (J) can include an inner periphery that increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion (J) can include an inner periphery that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion (J) can include cross-sectional flow areas that that increase in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion (J) can include cross-sectional flow areas that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The diverging portion (J) can include a flow area having the shape of a cone. The cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion (J) can decrease at a consistent rate. The diverging portion (J) can be longer than the converging portion (I). The size of the cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion (I) can change more rapidly than the size of the cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion (J) per a unit of length. The angle of the periphery of the converging portion (I) relative to the central axis CA and/or direction of flow of the primary flow can be larger than the angle of the periphery of the diverging portion (J) relative to the central axis CA and/or direction of flow of the primary flow.
The flow of the primary flow through the converging portion (I), throat (X), and/or diverging portion (J) can produce a Venturi effect, which can create a suction at the inlet (Y). The flow of the primary flow through the converging portion (I) and throat (X) can produce a Venturi effect, which can create a suction at the inlet (Y). The flow of the primary flow through the converging portion (I) can produce a Venturi effect, which can create a suction at the inlet (Y). The increase in the velocity and decrease in pressure of the primary flow through the converging portion (I) and/or throat (X) can decrease a temperature of the primary flow such that thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the ambient environment outside the body of the Venturi device (Z) is transferred to the primary flow. In some variants, the body of the Venturi device (Z) or at least the converging portion (I) and/or throat (X) can include a conductive material (such as a metal) to facilitate efficient transfer of thermal energy through the body.
The body of the Venturi device (Z) can include a second converging portion (K). The second converging portion (K) can be downstream of the inlet (Y), converging portion (I), throat (X), and diverging portion (J). The second converging portion (K) can be disposed between the diverging portion (J) and the secondary input (A1) and the outlet (H). The second converging portion (K) can increase the velocity of the primary flow flowing through the second converging portion (K). The second converging portion (K) can decrease the pressure of the primary fluid flowing through the second converging portion (K). An inner periphery of the second converging portion (K) can be circular. In some variants, the inner periphery of the second converging portion (K) can be oval, polygonal, irregular, and/or others. The second converging portion (K) can include an inner periphery that converges. The second converging portion (K) can include a cross-sectional flow area that converges. The second converging portion (K) can include an inner periphery that decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion (K) can include an inner periphery that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion (K) can include cross-sectional flow areas that that decrease in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion (K) can include cross-sectional flow areas that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow. The second converging portion (K) can include a flow area having the shape of a cone. The cross-sectional flow area of the second converging portion (K), converging portion (I), and/or diverging portion (J) can change at a consistent rate per unit of length. The angle of the periphery of the converging portion (K) relative to the central axis CA and/or direction of flow of the primary flow can be larger than the angle of the peripheries of the diverging portion (J), converging portion (I), and/or outlet (H) relative to the central axis CA and/or direction of flow of the primary flow.
A conduit (G), which can also be referred to as a tube, conduit, chamber, lumen, or the like, can circulate a secondary flow of a fluid (e.g., water, gas, air, exhaust gases, etc.) to the Venturi device (Z). As described herein, the conduit (G) can recirculate a portion of the primary flow as a secondary flow into the primary flow. The conduit (G) can be connected to an annular chamber (A2) of the body of the Venturi device (Z) to direct the secondary flow to the annular chamber (A2). In some configurations, multiple conduits (G) can connected to the annular chamber (A2) at multiple locations to direct the secondary flow into the annular chamber (A2).
The body of the Venturi device (Z) can include an annular chamber (A2). The annular chamber (A2) can be ring shaped. In some configurations, the annular chamber (A2) can be torus shaped. The annular chamber (A2) can encircle the primary flow of fluid. The annular chamber (A2) can encircle the central axis CA of the Venturi device (Z). The annular chamber (A2) can circumferentially surround the primary flow of fluid. The secondary flow of fluid can spread throughout the annular chamber (A2). A surface of the annular chamber (A2) can include a Coanda surface or profile that can facilitate the secondary flow of fluid spreading throughout the annular chamber (A2). A surface of the annular chamber (A2) can be convex to facilitate the secondary flow of fluid spreading throughout the annular chamber (A2). The secondary flow can adhere (e.g., molecular adhesion) to the surface(s) of the annular chamber (A2) to spread throughout the annular chamber (A2).
The body of the Venturi device (Z) can include a secondary input (A1). The secondary input (A1) can be disposed downstream of the inlet (Y), converging portion (I), throat (X), diverging portion (J), and/or second converging portion (K). The secondary input (A1) can be disposed between the converging portion (I), throat (X), diverging portion (J), and/or second converging portion (K) and the outlet (H). The secondary input (A1) can include one or more flow paths from the annular chamber (A2) into the primary flow and/or inner region and/or primary flow path of the Venturi device (Z) through which the primary flow travels. The secondary input (A1) can be an annular passageway, one or more apertures, plurality of apertures, one or more slots, annular gap, and/or ring gap. The secondary input (A1) can encircle the primary flow through the body of the Venturi device (Z). The secondary input (A1) can circumferentially encircle the primary flow through the body. The secondary input (A1) can include one or more openings circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow. The secondary input (A1) can define an annular shaped opening in an inner periphery of the body of the Venturi device (Z). The secondary input (A1) can direct the secondary flow into the primary flow at an angle relative to the direction of flow of the primary flow and/or relative to the central axis CA of the body of the Venturi device (Z). The angle can, in some variants, be ninety degrees. The angle can, in some configurations, be between sixty and one hundred and twenty degrees. The secondary input (A1) can direct the secondary flow, at least partially, against the direction of flow of the primary flow. The introduction of the secondary flow by way of the secondary input (A1) into the primary flow can create a vortex, swirl(s), one or more vortices, and/or the like in the primary flow. The creation of the vortex can create a suction at the inlet (Y) sucking the primary flow into the Venturi device (Z) through the inlet (Y). The suction of the primary flow into the Venturi device (Z) can cause the velocity to increase and pressure to decrease of the primary flow through the converging portion (I) and throat (X), which can cause the temperature of the primary flow through the converging portion (I) and/or throat (X) to decrease such that thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the ambient environment outside the body of the Venturi device (Z) is transferred to the primary flow through the body, charging the primary flow with the thermal energy. The temperature and pressure of the primary flow downstream of the throat (X) (e.g., in the diverging portion (J)) can increase before exiting through the outlet (H). An opening of the secondary input (A1) into the inner region of the body (e.g., the primary flow path) can be smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of an input from the conduit (G) into the annular chamber (A2). The secondary input (A1) can direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow of fluid and/or the central axis CA of the body.
In some configurations, the body can include a check valve. The check valve can facilitate flow of the primary flow from the inlet (Y) to the outlet (H) and impede and/or resist the primary flow from flowing out of the body by way of the inlet (Y). In some configurations, the check valve can be a one-way check valve. In some configurations, the check valve can be a valvular conduit. In some configurations, the check valve can be a fixed-geometry passive check valve. In some configurations, the check valve can include a main channel and a series of loops oriented to facilitate flow of the secondary flow towards the Venturi device and resist flow away from the Venturi device. In some configurations, the check valve can be a Tesla valve. In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed in the converging portion (I). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed between the converging portion (I) and the diverging portion (J). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed in the diverging portion (J). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed at the throat (X). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed between the diverging portion (J) and the second converging portion (K). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed between the second converging portion (K) and the outlet (H). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed at the outlet (H). In some configurations, the check valve can be disposed at the inlet (Y).
As described herein, the Venturi device (Z) can include three openings at the locations (G), (H) and (I). In some variants, these three openings can be open to the environment. The annular chamber (A2) can be connected via the annular gap (A1) with the inner region (e.g., primary flow path) of the Venturi device (Z). The inner region of the body can taper at position (E), thus having a smaller inner diameter than at positions (F) and (D). The taper (reduction of the inner diameter) from position (F) to position (E) as well as the extension (enlargement of the inner diameter) from position (E) to position (D) can be continuous, such as conical. When a secondary flow is introduced into the opening (G), the secondary flow flows into the annular chamber (A2) and is distributed radially there in the annular chamber, which can include an entirety of the annular chamber. From the annular chamber (A2), the secondary flow flows via the secondary input (A1) into the inner region of the body of the Venturi device (Z) and generates there a vortex, which generates a suction effect at the inlet (Y). As a result, the primary flow is sucked in through the inlet (Y) and ejected toward the outlet (H). At position (E) (e.g., throat or constriction (X)), according to the Venturi effect, the flow velocity of the sucked air increases. By combining the effects of the suction and Venturi effect, there can be a reduction in the temperature before the vortex, so that heat from from the environment can be absorbed by the primary flow, charging the primary flow with energy from the ambient environment.
In some configurations, a rotationally symmetrical design for the Venturi device (Z) may not be used and no Venturi effect produced. In some configurations, a body may be used that creates a flow-induced formation of a vortex, with a suction on one side of the vortex and an ejection of a flowable medium surrounding the vortex on the other side of the vortex. The flowable medium sucked in during the sucking process can be cooled. The cooled flowable medium sucked in can absorb heat (e.g., thermal energy) from the environment, for example, and thus the internal energy of the flowable medium increases. The guidance of the free-flowing medium via heat exchangers may be used.
System for Converting Ambient Thermal Energy into Electrical Energy
For ease,
As described herein, the Venturi devices (Z) can harvest thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the Venturi device (Z) and charge a primary flow of fluid through the Venturi device (Z) with that harvested energy. For example, a temperature of the primary flow of fluid through the Venturi device (Z) can decrease such that heat is transferred through the walls of the bodies of the Venturi device s(Z) (e.g., the first Venturi device (VFC1) and second Venturi device (VFC2)) to the primary flow of fluid, thereby charging the primary flow of fluid with thermal energy from the ambient environment (e.g., air) outside the Venturi device (Z), to drive a turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity.
It can be assumed that neither frictional losses, dissipation losses nor the conversion losses between the individual forms of energy occur. If the electrical switch (in
As described above, in the VFC, a vortex is formed which generates a suction on one side (positions (1) and (7)), and an increased pressure on the other side (positions (2) and (8)). On the suction side, the intake of the primary flow, in combination with the Venturi effect, causes the primary flow to undergo cooling so that thermal energy is absorbed from the environment in the form of heat. This absorbed energy on the pressure side causes the pressure to continue to increase and thus also be returned to the VFC via the secondary air flow. This in turn increases the swirl of the vortex, which in turn increases the suction effect and the associated cooling or the transport of heat into the circulating fluid. It is therefore a self-amplifying loop driven by the heat energy present in the environment.
On the pressure side, this absorbed energy means that the pressure in position (13) continues to increase and is thus also returned to the VFCs via the secondary flow. This in turn leads to an increase in the vortex in the VFCs, which in turn increases the suction effect and the associated cooling or transport of heat into the circulating fluid. It is therefore a self-reinforcing cycle driven by the heat energy present in the environment. At the same time, the fluid, which can be air, that is circulated through the pump, VFC1, turbine and VFC2 is energetically charged (increase in internal energy). This energy can be converted into electrical energy via the turbine and generator in such a way that energy losses, for example due to friction, can be compensated for by always being able to drive the pump at full power. The circulation of the fluid in the closed circuit of the pump, VFC1, turbine and VFC2 as well as the secondary air flows can be maintained. The system 100 can be referred to as a “VFG” (“Vortex Fusion Generator”).
As described herein, the characteristics of the system 100 can include:
If the energy produced by the generator has reached a level sufficient to fully drive the motor, the electrical switch can be set to position B, thereby the system 100 may generate power without an external electrical power source, but instead, the thermal energy harvested by the system 100 can be sufficient to power the system 100.
The VFG can be modified such that the secondary flow starts at position 13 in the VFG, as seen in
In some configurations, excess energy from the system 100 can be stored in batteries in the form of electrical energy or fed into an electrical power grid.
The system 100 may also facilitate energy to be taken from an ambient environment at low temperature levels. The Carnot efficiency of a VFG at Twarm=293 K and Tcold=283 K (difference=10 K) and an ordinary heat engine at Twarm=1273 K and Tcold=1229 K (difference=44 K) according to formula 1 would be the same. With a lower temperature difference, a VFG can thus achieve the same efficiencies, and the demands on the materials can be lower due to the lower temperature.
The principle of the VFG shown in
The principle of the VFG shown in
The principle of the VFG shown in
The flow of fluid (e.g., air) in a VFG can be guided in any way (e.g. in the form of a cascade). However, it is also possible for fluid to be fed into the VFG at one point and out of the VFG at another point and discharged into the environment. In this case, the proportion of the operating energy required for the operation of the VFG increases in relation to the energy that the flowable medium has when discharging was removed. The number of turbines and generators is also not limited. As described herein, the charging of the flowable medium (e.g., air) in one or more VFCs or vortex fusion chargers can be accomplished with thermal energy from the environment and the conversion of this energy into another form of energy, for example electrical energy.
Thermal energy can thus be converted into mechanical energy and ultimately into electrical energy by means of the suction-acting mechanisms in the VFC. The advantage of the presented VFG is that low-value thermal energy (ambient temperature) can be converted into higher-value energy (electricity). The VFG accomplish the foregoing based on the suction effect.
The VFG and VFC can be used with any flowable media, which can include at least those recited herein.
A turbocharger is a kind of engine charging. It increases the engine power or the efficiency of internal combustion engines. Its mode of operation is to use a part of the energy of the engine exhaust gas by means of a turbine within the exhaust system, which drives a so-called compressor, which increases the pressure in the intake system and thereby, inter alia, more combustion air is provided compared with a non-supercharged naturally aspirated engine.
A turbocharger consists of at least one exhaust gas turbine that uses energy (thermal energy, e.g., heat energy, in part also kinetic energy, e.g., kinetic energy) of the exhaust gases emitted, as well as a compressor driven by this turbine for the intake air of the engine, which increases the air flow and the intake work of the piston is reduced. The transmission of the kinetic energy from the exhaust gas turbine to the compressor via a transmission shaft.
Turbochargers are usually designed to take advantage of the pressure of the exhaust gases (congestion charging), some can also use their kinetic energy (shock charging). Most of the compressor is followed by a charge air cooler, which can achieve better filling at a lower temperature in the cylinder. The goal is usually to increase the cylinder filling.
Modern turbochargers can reach speeds of up to 290,000 revolutions per minute (for example, smart three-cylinder turbodiesel). For such high speeds, the turbocharger shaft must be stored in a hydrodynamic plain bearing. Some turbochargers have connections for the cooling water circuit in addition to the oil supply connections.
The superchargers described herein is based on the use of fluid dynamic mechanisms. The superchargers directly convert the energy stored in the exhaust gases into an effect on the loading of the engine with combustion air without the need for moving parts. The superchargers include the vortex fusion charger (e.g., the Venturi device (Z)).
The supercharger described herein is low maintenance having little or no moving parts. In addition, supercharger increases fuel utilization and thus decreases the effective fuel consumption.
The integration of the supercharger with an engine is shown in
The mode of action of the supercharger can be subdivided into three subfunctions (see
The first subfunction: Part of the exhaust gas flow (stream 1 in
The second subfunction: This subfunction is induced by the stream (stream 4 in
The third subfunction: The energy of the vortex originally comes from the exhaust gases (realized in a conventional turbocharger with the exhaust gas turbine). The vortex itself creates a vacuum on one side, sucking in ambient air (optionally together with fuel) and compressing it on the opposite side (realized in a conventional turbocharger with the compressor). The sucked ambient air is shown in
One configuration of the supercharger is shown schematically in
The charging element (corresponding to compartment 8 in
The diameter of the inlet opening (F) may be different depending on driving speed (if the Supercharger is to be used in a vehicle). At higher driving speeds, the inlet opening (F) may be reduced. At lower driving speeds, the inlet opening may be enlarged. The size of the inlet may also be adjusted with relation to engine size, horsepower and vehicle top speed.
Further, the inlet of ambient air (optional Detail B in
The systems, superchargers, supercharger systems, and Venturi devices (K) can be made with varying dimensions. Some non-limiting example dimensions for the super charger according to
A method for converting thermal energy into electrical energy or another form of energy, characterized in that for the conversion of heat into electrical energy or another form of energy, a heat engine is used, which is based on a suction effect. The suction effect can be generated by a vortex in a flowable medium. The generation of the vortex can be caused directly by the flow of a free-flowing medium. Due to the suction effect, flowable medium can be sucked in, there can be a drop in temperature in the flowable medium sucked in, and the flowable medium sucked in can absorb energy in the form of heat and thus increases its internal energy. The energy absorbed in the flowable medium can be withdrawn from the medium again. The energy stored in the flowable medium can be withdrawn via a combination of turbine and electric generator. The energy withdrawn can be withdrawn in the form of electrical energy. The generation of the vortex can take place in a component (hereinafter referred to as “VFC”), which resembles a tube and whose inner diameter can assume different values along its axis. The component can have an opening into which a flowable medium can be introduced. A vortex can be generated in the interior of the component, which can cause the suction effect. Flowable medium can be sucked in on one side of the vortex and expelled on the other side of the vortex. The flowable medium can flow through the component by flowing in at the front and out at the back. Thermal energy can be transferred to a flowing fluid medium by one or more VFC's. By increasing the internal energy of the fluid medium, this process can be referred to as “charging.” Internal energy can be withdrawn from the flowing fluid medium, which can be referred to as “discharge.” A part of the energy withdrawn by means of discharge can be fed to the apparatus to compensate for energy losses in such a way that the cycle of charging and discharging of the flowing flowable medium is maintained.
A method in which the energy from the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines is used to charge them with ambient air or to charge them with a mixture of ambient air and fuel (turbocharger). In some configurations, no mechanically moving components or mechanically moving device compartments may be used. A vortex may be generated in an apparatus by means of a gas flow. This vortex may create a vacuum or negative pressure on one side. Ambient air or a mixture of ambient air and fuel may be sucked in by means of this negative pressure. This ambient air or mixture of ambient air and fuel can be expelled or compressed on the other side of the vortex and directed into the internal combustion engine. The vortex can be induced by exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine.
The systems, devices, and components thereof can be made of a variety of materials such metals (such as steel, aluminum, and/or others), metal alloys, polymers (such as plastic), ceramics, shape memory materials, and/or other suitable materials. The systems, devices, and components thereof can be galvanized, painted, zinc coated, powder coated, vinyl coated, plasti dripped, textured, and/or finished with other materials or methods.
Although the systems and methods have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the systems and methods extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the conveyor. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.
Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.
Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all operations need not be performed, to achieve the desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might.” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z.” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Orientation references such as, for example, “top” and “bottom” are for case of discussion and may be rearranged such that top features are proximate the bottom and bottom features are proximate the top. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.
In summary, various embodiments and examples of juicing devices and methods have been disclosed. Although the systems and methods have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/000237 | Apr 2021 | WO | international |
This application claims priority to International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2021/000237, filed Apr. 27, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein and made part of this disclosure. Related German Application Nos. DE 102019003025.7, filed Apr. 26, 2019, and DE 102019006055.5, filed Sep. 4, 2019, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties herein and made part of this disclosure. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/026399 | 4/26/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/IB2021/000237 | Apr 2021 | WO |
| Child | 18556322 | US |
