On-Demand Steam Generator and Control System

摘要

The disclosed apparatus and control system produces a single, on demand, energetic gaseous working fluid from any heat source. Working fluid in a liquid phase is released into a heat exchange tube in the form of very fine droplets or atomized mist, where it is rapidly heated to its gaseous phase. The gaseous working fluid can continue to absorb heat before exiting the heat exchange tube to perform work. The disclosed system controls the release of working fluid into the heat exchange tube and/or the heat energy to which the tube is exposed, resulting in a flow of energetic gaseous working fluid that can be quickly adjusted in response to changing conditions without a large pressure vessel.

主权项

1. An apparatus for generating a flow of gaseous phase working fluid, comprising:
a source of heat; a heat exchange tube exposed to said heat and having first and second ends; a nozzle defining an opening into the first end of said tube, a variable flow rate source of liquid phase working fluid in communication with said nozzle; a flow restriction in a gaseous working fluid pathway connected to said tube second end; a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the gaseous phase working fluid in said gaseous phase working fluid pathway adjacent said flow restriction and generate a corresponding temperature signal; a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure of said gaseous phase working fluid in said gaseous phase working fluid pathway adjacent said flow restriction and generate a corresponding pressure signal; a controller operatively connected to said source of working fluid, temperature sensor and pressure sensor, operation of said source of working fluid by said controller generating a pressure differential across said nozzle, whereby liquid phase working fluid is sprayed into said tube where said liquid phase working fluid absorbs heat and changes to said gaseous phase of said working fluid, said controller receiving said temperature and pressure signals and adjusting operation of said source of working fluid in response to said temperature and pressure signals to maintain a pre-determined temperature and pressure of said gaseous working fluid adjacent said flow restriction.