Electrical generator systems and related methods
Various embodiments of electric generator systems are disclosed. The systems may include an electric generator whose energy source is provided by the displacement of a first fluid. The first fluid may be in a liquid state contained in a reservoir hydraulically connected to a first chamber. The first chamber may be configured to receive thermal energy utilized to convert the first fluid into a vapor. The system may also include a second chamber hydraulically connected to the first chamber to receive the vaporized fluid from the first chamber. The second chamber may be configured to condense the vaporized first fluid, causing depressurization in the second chamber. The system may be configured such that the depressurization of the second chamber may drive a second fluid through an energy converter (e.g. Turbine Generator) able to convert the first fluid condensing energy into mechanical or electrical energy. Alternatively, the system may be configured such that the depressurization of the second chamber may drive a third fluid into an energy converter (e.g. Expander) able to convert the fluid energy into mechanical or electrical energy.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric generator driven by pressure differences induced by first superheating and later condensing a suitable fluid. In particular, the present invention relates to various energy producing devices (e.g., electric generators) that utilize heat energy, for example solar energy, to drive a thermodynamic process based on induced and controlled fluid specific volume contraction. Overall, the energy producing devices here described execute the conversion of heat energy into electric energy.
2. Description of Related Art
In all developed and most underdeveloped regions of the world, the demand for electric energy is increasing at accelerating rates. The cost of energy is also increasing as most of the energy producing systems operate by burning fossil fuels. Cost of fossil fuels is ever increasing and extremely volatile and burning these fuels produce green house gases, thereby contributing to global warming. Furthermore, many industrial processes reject significant amounts of low-grade heat into the environment, also contributing to global warming. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar-photovoltaic, wave, tidal and others are promising but still posing serious difficulty for their deployment on a large scale. Furthermore, most of the technologies based on the conversion of renewable energy sources are still too expensive for broader commercialization. Low-grade heat is a form of thermal energy whose temperature differential, between the environmental temperature and that of the heat source (e.g. heat waste from industrial processes, solar etc.), is normally too low for an efficient cost-effective utilization. Furthermore, in many countries, mainly depending on geographic and climate conditions, an abundance of solar energy exists, and also low-grade heat discarded by industrial processes is also available. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial to be able to cost effectively use the low-grade heat from solar energy or any low-grade heat source to generate electricity.
The possibility of utilizing solar energy as a useable source of energy has been widely explored, however the commercial diffusion of solar or low-grade heat driven generators has not been very successful. Most of the devices for converting solar or low-grade heat energy to useable energy are very expensive, and too inefficient to justify large-scale investments.
For example, various solar power driven mechanical and electrical devices have been widely used in the past. Some of these devices use solar generated heat-absorbing panels that convert the absorbed solar energy to heat water or other suitable fluids. The fluid in these devices is always kept in a sub-cooled liquid state, well below its boiling point. These devices are typically equipped with one (or more) electrically or mechanically driven pump(s) to force fluid circulation within the devices. Generally, these devices yield very low efficiency mainly due to their generally low thermal gradients. Most importantly, for their operation they rely on electricity for example to feed the recirculation electric pump. The main purpose of the heat absorbing panels in these devices is to absorb solar heat and transfer it to a fluid so as to heat up the fluid. The heated fluid is then circulated by a pumping device, typically driven by an external source of power, to transport the heat produced in the heat absorbing panel to locations where heat is needed (e.g. household radiators, or heating system). Therefore, the overall solar driven heating system utilizing these principles is normally unable to provide electricity and it actually requires an external source of electricity for its proper functioning.
There have been some electric generator devices that utilize solar energy as a direct conversion of photon energy into electric current. These devices include a solar panel formed by so-called “photovoltaic cells” that convert solar rays directly into electricity. The electricity thus generated in the solar panel is then supplied to an electronic conditioner that converts the voltage and current from the photovoltaic cells into a form of electricity compatible with most appliances (e.g. electric motors, TV sets, etc.). Such electronic conditioners, however, are very expensive and decrease an overall already low photovoltaic cell efficiency. There are several types of solar cells, or photovoltaic cells. Most of the last decades have been dedicated to increase the photo-voltaic cell's efficiency and despite progress their recent market advancement has only been possible through heavy economic incentives.
The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology that does not require costly manufacturing processes, that is inherently rugged, and easy to maintain while converting low-grade heat energy into a usable form of energy in a cost effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a more reliable and less expensive electric generator system by converting solar thermal energy, or low-grade heat energy from any source, to heat-up and condense a fluid system whose induced pressure variations are utilized to drive an electric generator.
This may be achieved by utilizing one or more sources of heat (e.g. solar, waste heat from industrial processes, waste heat from household oil or gas burners, etc.) in which this thermal energy is utilized to convert for example water, or any other suitable fluid, into vapor. Subsequently, generated vapor may be condensed in a controlled manner so as to generate a controlled pressure-drop inside a properly designed tank. The system is arranged in such a way that the pressure-drop may cause displacement of a desired amount of fluid. While the fluid is displaced it may drive an electric generator. Alternatively, the system is configured in such a way that the pressure-drop may cause the expansion of another fluid (e.g. Air) through an expanded, thereby generating electricity or torque
To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, one aspect of the invention provides means to utilize pressure differences to drive a turbine or a “positive-and-negative” displacement system, for example, to produce electricity or mechanical energy.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers or letters will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
The electric generator systems, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, utilize heat energy to displace a controlled volume of fluid (e.g., liquid), between different locations to cause a turbine-generator system to generate electricity. The system converts generally heat energy, for example solar energy, to vaporize (e.g., to a super-heated thermodynamic state) a working fluid inside one or more heat absorbing heat exchangers (i.e., referred hereinafter as Vapor-Heat Exchanger “V-HEX”). The system then condenses the vapor, by inducing sudden cooling inside a Super Tank (S-Tank) designed to sustain a vacuum as well as pressures above atmospheric pressure.
Induced condensation of the vapor may be achieved by injecting vapor cooling liquids (e.g., in the form of spray, jets) into the vapor-filled S-Tank, or by exposing the vapor filled inner portions of S-Tank to controlled cooling means. The timing, and degree, of the condensation processes may be controlled by adjusting, for example, the fluid injection timing, flow rate, and temperature of the cooling liquid. As heat and mass transfer occurs between the cooling liquid and the vapor, the vapor inside the S-Tank may be rapidly condensed, resulting in a pressure drop close to a vacuum. The S-Tank may be designed to withstand such a pressure drop as well as pressure above atmospheric pressures if the vapor accumulated becomes super-heated and pressurized. This pressure drop may be used in a variety of applications, including, for example, generating electricity.
As is apparent, the electric generator systems of the present invention may utilize an unusual thermodynamic cycle. For example, while most thermodynamic cycles operate on the principle of fluid expansion to drive turbines or expanders, thereby converting the expansion energy of the fluid into mechanical energy, the electric generator system of the present invention may operate based on fluid “contraction.” Although a fluid contraction cycle may be generally less efficient than the classical expansion cycles, such systems may be simpler to manufacture (i.e., thereby less expensive), may not quickly deteriorate with the passing of time, and may not require forced fluid circulation for its operation.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
As shown in
With reference to
With reference to
Once vapor is formed inside V-HEX it may flow into S-Tank 1. S-Tank 1 may be thermally separated from the environment by a jacket structure (JS). JS may be actuated so as to have a vacuum or free convection by operating a suitable set of valves, or through a combination of mechanical means. When inside JS there is a vacuum the S-Tank 1 can more efficiently fill-up with vapors as the rate of natural condensation on the S-Tank 1 inner surfaces is decreased. When inside JS environmental air or cooling fluids are allowed to flow the rate of condensation is increased, thereby optimizing the depressurization process inside S-Tank 1. Therefore, JS may be represented by a dynamic heat transfer/heat insulating mechanism. When JS is set to form a high insulation, for example via a vacuum or insulating materials, JS favors the vapor process accumulation process inside S-Tank 1. When, free convection or actuation of cooling systems induce increased heat transfer through JS, from the surfaces of S-Tank 1 to a cooler environment, then JS favors condensation inducing the vapor inside S-Tank 1 to condense.
In
According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in
With reference to
The vapor, or superheated steam, may exit the V-HEX through a valve V1′ (
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
1-2. (canceled)
3. An electric generator system comprising:
- a reservoir containing first fluid in a liquid state;
- a first chamber hydraulically connected to the reservoir to receive the first fluid from the reservoir, the first chamber being configured to receive heat energy and configured to convert the received heat energy to vaporize the first fluid;
- a second chamber hydraulically connected to the first chamber to receive the vaporized fluid from the first chamber, the second chamber being configured to condense the vaporized first fluid, causing depressurization in the second chamber,
- a source of second fluid;
- a hydraulic connection between the second chamber and the source of second fluid, the depressurization in the second chamber causing the second fluid to flow into the second chamber through the hydraulic connection; and
- a turbine coupled to the hydraulic connection,
- wherein the flow of the second fluid through the hydraulic connection causes the turbine to rotate.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second fluids is water.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an injector configured to inject condensing liquid into the second chamber to condense the vaporized first fluid.
6. The system of claim 3, further comprising an injector tank for supplying the condensing liquid to the injector.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein the injector is configured to spray the condensing liquid into the second chamber.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid in the reservoir flows to the first chamber via gravity.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic connection between the reservoir and the first chamber comprises a valve configured to be actuated automatically based on a parameter inside at least one of the reservoir, the first chamber, and the second chamber.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of pressure and temperature.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the valve comprises a flow control valve configured to control an amount of water being introduced into the first chamber.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first chamber comprises a heat absorbing material.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first chamber is in the form of a tile.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first chamber comprises an insulator surrounding at least a portion of the first chamber.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the insulator comprises a vacuum jacket.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the vacuum jacket comprises a reflective material placed inside the vacuum jacket.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the first chamber comprises a plurality of first chambers.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first chambers are hydraulically connected in series between the reservoir and the second chamber.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first chambers are hydraulically interconnected to each other.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first chambers are placed adjacent to one another.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic connection between the first chamber and the second chamber comprises a valve configured to control the condition of the vaporized first fluid flowing from the first chamber into the second chamber.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein the valve is configured to be automatically actuated when pressure andior temperature inside the first chamber exceeds a threshold value.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the second chamber comprises a relief valve located in an upper portion of the second chamber and configured to release non-condensable fluid.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the second chamber is hydraulically connected to the reservoir to allow the condensed first fluid to the reservoir.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the depressurization of the second chamber causes at least a portion of the second fluid in the source of second fluid to flow into the second chamber.
26. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electric generator coupled to the turbine and configured to generate electricity.
27. The system of claim 1, wherein the second fluid comprises air from atmosphere.
28. The system of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic connection comprises a nozzle valve.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein the nozzle valve is configured to be actuated when the pressure inside the second chamber reaches a predetermined value.
30. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid do not mix one another.
31. The system of claim 28, further comprising a movable membrane configured to separate the first fluid from the second fluid.
32. The system of claim 29, wherein the membrane is flexible.
33. The system of claim 1, wherein the heat energy comprises solar energy.
34. A method of generating electricity, comprising:
- heating a first fluid to vaporize the first fluid;
- allowing the vaporized first fluid to flow into a chamber;
- condensing the vaporized first fluid in the chamber, causing depressurization of the chamber;
- using the depressurization of the chamber, causing a second fluid to flow through a hydraulic connection between the chamber and a source of second fluid; and
- coupling an electric generator system to the hydraulic connection to generate electricity from the flow of the second fluid.
35. The method of claim 32, wherein heating the first fluid comprises heating the first fluid with solar energy.
36. The method of claim 32, the first fluid and the second fluid are different from one another.
37. The method of claim 32, further comprising storing the first fluid in a reservoir.
38. The method of claim 32, wherein at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid is water.
39. The method of claim 32, wherein condensing the vaporized first fluid comprises injecting condensing liquid into the chamber.
40. The method of claim 32, further comprising controlling a vapor condition of the vaporized first fluid flowing into the chamber.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein controlling the vapor condition comprising controlling the vapor condition of the vaporized first fluid via a valve.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the valve is configured to be automatically actuated when at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the first chamber exceeds a threshold value.
43. The method of claim 32, wherein the electric generator system comprises a turbine hydraulically coupled to the hydraulic connection.
44. The method of claim 32, wherein the second fluid comprises air from atmosphere.
45. The method of claim 32, wherein the hydraulic connection comprises a nozzle valve.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein the nozzle valve is configured to be actuated when the pressure inside the second chamber reaches a predetermined value.
47. The method of claim 32, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid do not mix one another.
48. The method of claim 45, separating the first fluid from the second fluid by a movable membrane disposed in the chamber.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein the membrane is flexible.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 17, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 21, 2008
Inventor: Claudio Filippone (College Park, MD)
Application Number: 11/487,501
International Classification: F24J 2/42 (20060101);