Can Listing a Product Online Amount to Patent Infringement? Delhi High Court’s Ruxolitinib Decision Explained

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.