The invention focuses on a near-isothermal reciprocating compressor that significantly improves the efficiency and functionality of gas, vapour, and two-phase mixture compression. This compressor is designed to minimise temperature variations during compression, maintaining near-isothermal conditions, which enhance energy efficiency and reduce mechanical stress.
Figure (1) BENCH SCALE UNIT v1 Bore 32, Stroke 292 mm, l/d 9.125; 0.36 kg/h Jaggery Making at 720 rpm, Wt ~27 kg Actual Photograph; (2) BENCH SCALE UNIT v1 Major Components
Traditional reciprocating compressors experience significant energy losses due to heat generation during compression, leading to inefficiencies and higher operational costs. The current invention addresses these challenges by maintaining compression temperatures close to the inlet temperature, significantly improving energy consumption and compressor longevity.
- Near-Isothermal Compression: Achieves minimal temperature rise during compression, reducing energy consumption by approximately 25% compared to conventional compressors.
- Long Stroke Mechanism: Employs a novel long-stroke drive that allows greater stroke-to-bore ratios, enhancing the efficiency and reducing the frequency of valve operations.
- Auto Injection of Coolants: Utilises a unique method of auto-injecting coolants into the compression chamber, eliminating the need for additional pumping systems and reducing maintenance.
A prototype of the long-stroke reciprocating compressor has been successfully demonstrated in a Modular Vapour Recompression based Sugarcane Juice Concentrator. This energy-efficient system, featuring 100mm bore and 160mm stroke cylinders, effectively concentrates sugarcane juice from 21°Brix to 46°Brix. This innovation provides a remarkable payback period of 169 days for farmers, significantly increasing their earnings per kilogram of jaggery.
The Near-Isothermal Reciprocating Compressor technology has progressed to an advanced prototype stage, showing substantial efficiency improvements in testing. It effectively maintains near-isothermal conditions, reducing energy use and wear. The technology is now being optimised for commercialisation, aiming to transform industries reliant on compression systems. Its use for various applications like energy-efficient jaggery making, compressed air-based energy storage, energy-efficient steam compressors for vapour recompression systems, atmospheric water harvesters, energy-efficient air conditioners, water heaters, multiutility heat pumps, agro produce dryers, solar thermal power generation system, etc.
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This compressor technology offers substantial potential benefits in terms of energy savings and environmental impact. By reducing the energy required for compression and minimizing heat generation, it contributes to lower operational costs and reduced carbon footprints across multiple industries, aligning with global sustainability goals.
HVAC&R, Agro Processing, Distributed Power Generation, Energy Storage, Atmospheric Water Harvesting, Solar Thermal Power Generation System, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Automotive.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
201621019860
515579