U.S. patent application number 14/418098 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for auxiliary conduit assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to HELIOFOCUS, LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is HELIOFOCUS, LTD.. Invention is credited to Natanel Davidovits.
Application Number | 20150192367 14/418098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50028603 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150192367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davidovits; Natanel |
July 9, 2015 |
AUXILIARY CONDUIT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Davidovits; Natanel; (Gilon,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HELIOFOCUS, LTD. |
NESS ZIONA |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
HELIOFOCUS, LTD.
NESS ZIONA
IL
|
Family ID: |
50028603 |
Appl. No.: |
14/418098 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
August 1, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2013/000062 |
371 Date: |
January 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61678138 |
Aug 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/135 ;
165/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 7/106 20130101;
F28D 7/0025 20130101; F28D 7/103 20130101; F28F 13/00 20130101;
F28F 2270/00 20130101; F28D 7/024 20130101; F28D 7/0008 20130101;
F28D 21/0001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 7/00 20060101
F28D007/00; F28F 13/00 20060101 F28F013/00 |
Claims
1-46. (canceled)
47. 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.
48. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit channel at
least partially surrounds the primary heat transfer conduit.
49. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit assembly
comprises a plurality of pipes.
50. The system of claim 49 wherein the plurality of pipes 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.
51. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit assembly
comprises a coiled pipe.
52. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit assembly
comprises a serpentine-like coiled pipe.
53. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit assembly
comprises an at least partially cylindrical pipe.
54. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit channel
overlies or underlies the thermal insulation.
55. The system of claim 47 wherein the auxiliary conduit channel is
embedded within the thermal insulation
56. The system of claim 47 wherein the thermal energy consumption
system comprises 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.
57. The system of claim 47 wherein the primary heat transfer
conduit comprises a central fluid channel and a circumferential
fluid channel, the circumferential fluid channel surrounding the
central fluid channel.
58. The system of claim 57 wherein the thermal insulation is
disposed intermediate the central fluid channel and the
circumferential fluid channel.
59. The system of claim 47 wherein the heated auxiliary heat
transfer fluid is 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.
60. The system of claim 47 wherein the primary heat transfer
conduit comprises 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.
61. The system of claim 47 and comprising a heating device for
providing thermal energy to the thermal energy consumption system,
wherein the thermal energy from the heat of the heating device is
transferred by the auxiliary conduit assembly being provided to the
heating device.
62. 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.
63. The system of claim 62 wherein any one of the first or second
thermal energy consumption systems comprises 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.
64. 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.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/678,138, filed Aug. 1, 2012 and entitled
"AUXILIARY CONDUIT ASSEMBLY". The disclosure of the above
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates generally to auxiliary conduit
assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] 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
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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
[0015] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0016] 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;
[0017] 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;
[0018] 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;
[0019] 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
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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).
[0024] 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.degree. 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.degree. C.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.degree. C. or lower,
or at approximately -20.degree. 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.degree. C. The heat transfer fluid 114 and the
auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134 may comprise the same fluid or
may comprise a different fluid.
[0028] 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.degree. C. In a non-limiting
example, the temperature of the primary heat transfer fluid 114 may
be in a range of approximately 250-1000.degree. C. In a
non-limiting example, the temperature of the primary heat transfer
fluid 114 may be in a range of approximately 400-1000.degree. C. In
a non-limiting example, the temperature of the primary heat
transfer fluid 114 may be in a range of approximately
600-1000.degree. C.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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).
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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 154 of the auxiliary conduit
assembly 130.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.degree. C. and the second
temperature may be in a range of approximately 25-350.degree. 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.
[0057] 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).
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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).
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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 202.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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).
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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).
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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 154 of the
auxiliary conduit assembly 130.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] In accordance with some embodiments, similarly to FIG. 2A,
the external pipe 244 may not be provided.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] In some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit assembly 130 may
be embedded within the thermal insulation layer 358.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] In accordance with some embodiments, the pipes 366 or pipes
368 may comprise microtubes or capillary tubes, as described
above.
[0107] In accordance with some embodiments, the auxiliary conduit
assembly 130 may be formed in any suitable configuration, such as
shown in FIGS. 2C-20.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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).
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] 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.degree. C. or lower, at -20.degree. 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.degree. C.
[0131] 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.
[0132] In some embodiments, the auxiliary heat transfer fluid 134
may supplied by the tank 470 to the auxiliary conduit assembly
130.
[0133] 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.
[0134] 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.
[0135] 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.degree. 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.degree. C.,
due to inadvertent escape of heat from the heat transfer assembly
202.
[0136] The air may exit the heat exchanger 460 at the second
temperature which may be 100.degree. C. and may flow into the
circumferential fluid channel 218 and back to the solar receiver
for reheating thereof.
[0137] The corresponding heat transfer fluid 464 may comprise water
and may exit the tank 470 at ambient temperature (e.g. 25.degree.
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.degree. C. and may be heated by the
thermal energy of the air to a temperature 540.degree. C., as
steam. The steam may be provided to the first thermal energy
consumption system 410, which may comprise a steam turbine.
[0138] The water entering the heat exchanger 460 from the tank 470
is preheated within the preheating unit 474 from the ambient
temperature to 120.degree. 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.
[0139] The water may be heated by the escaped heat from the primary
heat transfer assembly 202 to the elevated temperature of
70.degree. 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.degree. C. by any suitable means,
prior to entering the heat exchanger 460.
[0140] 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.
[0141] 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.
[0142] 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.
[0143] 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.
[0144] 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.
[0145] 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.
[0146] 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).
* * * * *