Wet-Vapor Thermocompressor Rankine System

Conventional steam power generation systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing thermal energy. A significant amount of heat is rejected through condensers, reducing the overall efficiency of the power cycle. Traditional systems also require additional cooling equipment, water circulation arrangements, and supporting infrastructure, which can increase operational complexity and costs. Managing steam condensation and recycling water efficiently is another important challenge. These limitations can affect energy utilization and overall power plant performance. 

 The invention introduces a modified Rankine cycle that replaces the conventional heat rejection process with a wet-vapor thermocompressor (ejector) and a steam-water separation system. Instead of discarding thermal energy through a condenser, the system separates the steam-water mixture, reheats the water, expands the steam through a backpressure steam turbine to generate power, and then recirculates the exhaust steam back into the thermocompressor for re-pressurization and reuse.

The design simplifies the traditional steam power cycle by eliminating the need for major components such as condensers and feedwater heating systems while improving the utilization of thermal energy within the cycle. The invention can be implemented in power plants using fossil fuels, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass, and geothermal energy, as well as combined-cycle power plants.

Yes, the invention addresses a potential gap in conventional Rankine cycle power generation systems, which typically rely on condensers to reject heat and recycle steam. Conventional systems may lose opportunities for more efficient thermal energy utilization due to heat rejection and the need for additional cooling arrangements. The invention proposes a modified Rankine cycle using a wet-vapor-region thermocompressor and a steam separation system to manage steam and water circulation. Its key proposed difference is the aim to operate without conventional condenser-based heat rejection, offering an alternative to traditional steam cycle arrangements. 

Modified Rankine Cycle: A modified and simplified steam-turbine cycle designed to operate without heat rejection.

Wet-Vapor-Region Thermocompressor: Uses a thermocompressor (ejector) operating in the wet-vapor region.

Cylindrical Separation Tank: Separates the wet-vapor mixture into saturated water and saturated vapor.

Water Heating: Saturated water is pumped to a water heater, where it receives heat input.

Backpressure Steam Turbine: Expands saturated vapor to produce useful mechanical work.

Vapor Recirculation: The expanded vapor returns to the thermocompressor for repressurization.

Two Turbine Configurations: Describes non-superheated (saturated) and superheated backpressure steam turbine configurations.

Optional Steam Compressor: Can precompress separated steam before its expansion in the turbine.

Multiple Energy Sources: The patent describes applications involving fossil fuels, nuclear energy, solar energy, biomass, and geothermal energy, as well as combined gas-turbine/steam-turbine power plants.

Industries where the invention can be useful?

Electricity Generation and Power Plants Fossil Fuel-Based Power Generation Nuclear Power Generation Solar Energy Biomass Energy Geothermal Energy Combined-Cycle Power Generation.

An estimate of the total addressable market?

Approximate Market Size: USD 20–27 billion globally (2026) for the broader steam turbine market.

Potential Customers/End Users. Who might benefit?

Electricity Generation Companies operating steam-turbine power plants. Fossil Fuel Power Plants using coal or other solid, liquid, or waste fuels. Nuclear Power Plant Operators using different types of nuclear reactors. Renewable Energy Companies using solar, biomass, or geothermal energy. Combined-Cycle Power Plant Operators integrating gas turbines with steam turbines. Power Plant Engineering and Technology Companies involved in designing and developing steam-cycle systems.