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Li.U Lab Model 3 Heat and Pressure Test

Succesful Heat And Pressure Test Of The Updated Lab Model V3 From The Three GREC Sustainable Groups Joint Project at Linköping University

Background

Three candidate groups at Linköping University built a GREC Lab Model version 3. They did not perform any succesful test before completing their term. After their project presentation the GREC was reassembled with tight gaskets and made ready for empirical tests relating theory to reality. The first revolving heat and pressure test of the Lab Model v3 was conducted on July 17, 2023 by nilsinside AB in Motala, Sweden.

GREC Lab Model V3 pressure test at nilsinside AB
The Green Revolution Energy Converter (GREC) Lab Model V3 with electrical heating strapped on top. A marker pen was used as a plug
covering the hole for the moving boundary (piston, membrane or linear generator) in the centre. Four red pressure sensors are in connection with
the total volume inside the Lab Model seen in positions North-East (Column blue in diagram), South-East (red in diagram), South-West (yellow)
and North-West (green)

The test was conducted with the Mechatronics group software "Kombinerad_kod.ino" resulting in a Work Generating Volume (WGV) revolution at about 1 Hz (60 RPM). A higher revolution speed was expected but it seems like the sampling rate interfered with the stepper motor control.
The software recorded 5 pressure sensors simultaneously. Four of the sensors were connected to different positions of the LabModel total volume as described in the image above and a fifth sensor recorded the ambient pressure outside the closed system. A temperature difference ΔT of 55°C between the two heat conducting sides with 20°C at the bottom and 75°C at the top. As in the earlier test without heat gradient the four graphs follow each other so close that they almost overlap.

GREC Lab Model V3 pressure test diagram
The Green Revolution Energy Converter (GREC) Lab Model V3 heat and pressure test diagram showing overlapping graphs

Ambient temperature: 20°C (293K)
Cold side temperature: 20°C (293K)
Warm side temperature: 75°C (348K)
Temperature Gradient, ΔT = 55°C (55K)
Ambient pressure: 99 940 Pa
Maximum pressure in this test, P max: 100 751 Pa
Minimum pressure in this test, P min: 99 490 Pa
Pressure difference average in this test, ΔP = 1 249 Pa
Revolutios at approximately 1Hz (60RPM)

Notes:

• We suspect a small leak in the GREC. Hopefully the leak disappears when we tightly cover the shaft passage areas.
• Sampling rate and revolving speed depends on I2C bus, software and the Arduino processor frequency.

As expected the graphs still overlaps. The pressure in the WGV as well as in the "dead volume" is the same as in the total Lab Model V3 volume. It might be that the graphs separate at faster revolving speed

The Technology

In thermodynamic terms the GREC is a closed system with a moving boundary where the GREC converts heat energy to kinetic energy. The GREC heats and cools its internal large sliced Work Generating Volume (WGV) efficiently, rapidly and repetitively, resulting in internal pressure changes that generate volume change work.
You may think of the GREC as a revolving Carnot heat engine controlled by computer logics. Please find the theoretical presentation of the GREC on this link:
GREC Theory Presentation

The GREC is a new technical solution to tackle climate change and luckily there are technologist groups at Linköping University with the challenge of transitioning to fossil-free energy systems. They have contributed to several GREC climate-positive research projects over time.
Please feel free to call or email:

Contact information at nilsinside AB
Nils Karlberg nils@nilsinside.com, tel +33 608 53 15 93, theory & technical questions
Sophia Karlberg sophia@nilsinside.com , strategy & admin questions

The GREC Project