A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source

Abstract

The application discloses a small-sized generator system taking ammonia as single fuel source and relates to the technical field of generators, which comprises an ammonia storage device, an ammonia cracker, a generator, an ammonia engine, a buffer tank, a plasma-assisted ammonia burner, an air blower and a plasma power source.The plasma-assisted ammonia burner of the application activates primary air through high-voltage discharge of the plasma power source, so that ammonia is more easily ignited; even if all the air intake is liquid ammonia at the initial stage of starting of the plasma-assisted ammonia burner, the ammonia can be ignited, and the cold start problem of the generator system is solved; after the generator system is stably operated, the plasma power source is turned off, additional plasma-assisted ammonia combustion is not needed, and the ammonia can continue to be self-sustainingly combusted to provide heat for the ammonia cracking, so that the power consumption is greatly reduced.The application is a self-closed-loop power generation system, which realizes the operation of the ammonia engine and power generation under the premise of taking ammonia as single fuel source, meets the power generation demand and effectively reduces carbon emission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of generator technology, and more specifically to a small generator system that uses ammonia as the sole fuel source. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy is a secondary clean energy source that has seen accelerated development and utilization in recent years. Replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen is considered one of the effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions, but the storage and transportation of hydrogen energy still faces problems that are difficult to solve in the short term. Ammonia, as a hydrogen storage medium, has advantages over hydrogen, such as higher energy density, easier liquefaction, and easier storage and transportation. Moreover, when used as engine fuel, its complete combustion produces only nitrogen and water, without generating greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, making it a promising candidate for application.

[0003] Based on existing technology searches, the following known technical solutions exist:

[0004] Prior Art 1: A Pure Ammonia-Powered Engine System

[0005] Application number: CN202211391648.7, application date: 2022.11.08, publication (announcement) date: 2023.03.07.

[0006] Prior art 1 discloses a pure ammonia-powered engine system, including an ammonia storage device, an ammonia pyrolysis device, an ammonia fuel engine, a generator, and a battery. The ammonia storage device is connected by gas paths to both the ammonia pyrolysis device and the ammonia fuel engine. The outlet gas path of the ammonia pyrolysis device is connected to the ammonia fuel engine to provide combustion during the explosion stroke. The exhaust gas path of the ammonia fuel engine is connected to the ammonia pyrolysis device, and the output end of the ammonia fuel engine is mechanically connected to the generator. The output end of the generator is electrically connected to the battery, and the battery is electrically connected to an electric heating wire located in the ammonia pyrolysis device. The battery is also electrically connected to a control system. This system forms a closed-loop system, which helps to significantly reduce the emission of various air pollutants and effectively reduce carbon emissions. Simultaneously, the electric heating wire located in the ammonia pyrolysis device, powered by the battery, heats its internal space to meet the temperature required for ammonia pyrolysis.

[0007] However, in the existing technology 1, the waste heat from the exhaust gas is insufficient to provide the heat required for fuel ammonia cracking. This requires a battery with a larger storage capacity for heating the heating wire. On the other hand, the system purifies the cracked mixed gas with hydrogen, and then the ammonia and hydrogen are separately introduced into the engine for combustion. This system requires hydrogen purification and storage devices, which is costly and not conducive to its practical application.

[0008] Existing technology 2: An all-ammonia generator with off-grid power supply for green electricity hydrogen production and ammonia generation.

[0009] Application number: CN202322042217.6, application date: 2023.07.28, publication (announcement) date: 2024.01.16.

[0010] Prior art 2 discloses an all-ammonia generator for off-grid power supply using green electricity to produce hydrogen and ammonia. It includes an all-ammonia generator body and a hydrogen / nitrogen / ammonia production system. The hydrogen / nitrogen / ammonia production system includes a water electrolysis hydrogen production unit module and a nitrogen production unit module. The all-ammonia generator body includes a liquid ammonia storage tank, a fuel mixer, and an ammonia generator set. The water electrolysis hydrogen production unit module and the nitrogen production unit module are respectively connected to the liquid hydrogen storage tank and the liquid nitrogen storage tank. The discharge ends of the liquid hydrogen storage tank and the liquid nitrogen storage tank are connected to the same ammonia synthesis unit module. The discharge end of the ammonia synthesis unit module is connected to and fixed with an isolation valve 1. This invention ensures the power supply of the local power grid through an all-ammonia generator using ammonia as fuel. When wind and solar resources are insufficient, it starts to provide backup power. Using ammonia produced and stored on-site as energy, it can provide local power supply as a long-term energy storage medium without relying on external energy input, meeting usage needs.

[0011] However, the existing technology 2 uses a method of premixing fuel and air before introducing it into the engine intake. This method involves a large volume of air, and premixing may lead to difficulties in ignition. Uneven air-fuel mixture may also lead to unstable combustion and incomplete combustion.

[0012] The above search results show that the above technical solutions do not affect the novelty of the present invention; and the combination of the above prior art does not destroy the inventiveness of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0013] To avoid the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a small generator system that uses ammonia as a single fuel source.

[0014] The present invention adopts the following technical solution to solve the technical problem: a small generator system with ammonia as a single fuel source, including an ammonia storage device, an ammonia cracker, a generator, an ammonia engine, and a buffer tank. The ammonia storage device is used to store and supply ammonia to the ammonia cracker. After being cracked by the ammonia cracker, the ammonia enters the buffer tank as fuel for the ammonia engine, which drives the ammonia engine to drive the generator to output electrical energy. The system also includes a plasma-assisted ammonia burner, a blower, and a plasma power supply.

[0015] The plasma-assisted ammonia burner includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a plasma generator, and a mounting base, all of which are hollow structures.

[0016] The outer cylinder is sealed at the front end and the rear end is the burner exhaust outlet. A secondary air inlet is connected to the front side wall. The inner cylinder is located inside the outer cylinder, and each inner cylinder swirling hole is opened through the rear side wall of the inner cylinder to connect its interior with the exterior.

[0017] The plasma generator is located inside the mounting base and is fixed by the mounting base. The front end of the plasma generator is a primary air inlet, and the rear end is connected to the front end of the inner cylinder. The front end of the mounting base is sealed, and the rear end is sealed and connected to the front end of the inner cylinder. The rear side wall is connected to the burner ammonia inlet.

[0018] The primary air inlet and the secondary air inlet are respectively connected to the air outlet of the blower, and a secondary air inlet valve is provided between the secondary air inlet and the air outlet of the blower.

[0019] The plasma power supply is electrically connected to the power supply, and the plasma power supply is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the plasma generator through a wire, with its active end located inside the plasma generator;

[0020] The outlet of the ammonia storage device is connected to the ammonia inlet of the ammonia pyrolyzer and the ammonia inlet of the burner, respectively, and the outlet of the ammonia storage device is also connected to the ammonia inlet of the pyrolyzer and the ammonia inlet of the burner, respectively, with a pyrolyzer ammonia inlet valve and a burner ammonia inlet valve respectively.

[0021] The ammonia outlet of the ammonia cracker is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank, and the outlet of the buffer tank is connected to the ammonia injection valve of the ammonia engine.

[0022] The burner exhaust outlet is connected to the pyrolysis exhaust inlet of the ammonia pyrolysis unit. The exhaust gas flowing out of the burner exhaust outlet exchanges heat with the catalyst installed in the ammonia pyrolysis unit, so that the catalyst is heated and then flows out of the pyrolysis exhaust outlet of the ammonia pyrolysis unit.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes mounting plates and cyclone rings;

[0024] The front end of the outer cylinder is sealed by the mounting plate, and the front end of the inner cylinder is fixedly installed to the mounting plate.

[0025] The plasma generator is mounted and fixed to the mounting plate via the mounting base;

[0026] The rear end of the plasma generator is a plasma nozzle, forming a gap with the mounting base. The front end of the inner cylinder has a hollow frustum-shaped structure with an increasing diameter from front to back. The swirling ring has an annular structure, located between the ammonia inlet of the burner and the front end of the inner cylinder, and is fitted into the gap. It has swirling ring holes that are circumferentially arranged along the axial direction of the plasma generator.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes cyclone seats;

[0028] The rear end of the inner cylinder is a hollow frustum-shaped structure with a diameter decreasing from front to back, which is called the cyclone seat.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes cyclone teeth and combustion-stabilizing teeth;

[0030] The cyclone seat has cyclone teeth arranged circumferentially on the outer sidewall, and flame-stabilizing teeth with an inner protrusion structure arranged circumferentially on the inner sidewall; the cyclone teeth have an oblique tooth structure and are arranged in a vortex shape.

[0031] Furthermore, the ammonia cracker includes a hollow shell and pipelines disposed within the shell;

[0032] A pyrolysis chamber is formed inside the shell, which is not connected to the pipeline but only exchanges heat. The pyrolysis chamber contains a catalyst for catalyzing ammonia cracking.

[0033] The shell is respectively provided with a pyrolyte ammonia inlet and a pyrolyte ammonia outlet, which serve as the inlet and outlet of the pyrolysis chamber.

[0034] The inlet and outlet of the pipeline are respectively the pyrolyzer tail gas inlet and the pyrolyzer tail gas outlet, with the pyrolyzer tail gas inlet extending outside the housing.

[0035] Furthermore, the pipeline includes a combustion pipe, a bellows, a rear cavity, a heat exchange pipe, and a front cavity connected in sequence, with the inlet of the combustion pipe and the outlet of the front cavity serving as the pyrolyzer exhaust gas inlet and the pyrolyzer exhaust gas outlet, respectively.

[0036] The combustion tube and the heat exchange tube are densely covered with heat exchange fins.

[0037] Furthermore, the rear cavity and the front cavity are fitted together outside the housing and located on the side away from the pyrolyzer exhaust gas inlet;

[0038] The number of heat exchange tubes is at least two, and they are respectively curved tubes with both ends on the same side. Each heat exchange tube is connected in parallel between the rear cavity and the front cavity.

[0039] Furthermore, the two ends of the shell are hollow frustum-shaped structures with a diameter decreasing from the middle to the ends, and the large-diameter ends of the two hollow frustum-shaped structures are provided with mesh plates covering the flow cross section, and the pyrolysis chamber is formed between the two mesh plates; the pyrolyzer ammonia inlet and the pyrolyzer ammonia outlet are respectively opened at the small-diameter end faces of the two hollow frustum-shaped structures.

[0040] Furthermore, this also includes inverters and batteries;

[0041] The battery is electrically connected to the generator and is used to store the electrical energy output by the generator; the battery also serves as a power source and is electrically connected to the blower, the plasma power source and the igniter of the ammonia engine.

[0042] Furthermore, it also includes a heat insulation cover and a heat exchanger disposed between the ammonia storage device and the ammonia cracker, the heat exchanger also being disposed between the ammonia storage device and the plasma-assisted ammonia burner;

[0043] The heat exchanger has an ammonia inlet, an ammonia outlet, a tail gas inlet, and a tail gas outlet. It also has an ammonia channel and a tail gas channel that are not interconnected but exchange heat. The ammonia channel is connected between the ammonia inlet and the ammonia outlet, and the tail gas channel is connected between the tail gas inlet and the tail gas outlet.

[0044] The heat insulation cover is installed outside the ammonia storage device and has a double layer, which insulates against the outside and exchanges heat with the ammonia storage device; the heat insulation cover has an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the double layer.

[0045] The outlet of the ammonia storage device is connected to the ammonia inlet of the heat exchanger. The ammonia outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the ammonia inlet of the pyrolyzer and the ammonia inlet of the burner, respectively. The ammonia inlet valve of the pyrolyzer is located between the ammonia outlet of the heat exchanger and the ammonia inlet of the pyrolyzer, and the ammonia inlet valve of the burner is located between the ammonia outlet of the heat exchanger and the ammonia inlet of the burner. The exhaust gas outlet of the pyrolyzer and the exhaust gas outlet of the ammonia engine are connected to the exhaust gas inlet of the heat exchanger. The exhaust gas outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the insulation cover. The exhaust gas in the interlayer is discharged from the outlet of the insulation cover.

[0046] This invention provides a small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source, which has the following advantages:

[0047] This invention forms a closed-loop power generation system that enables the operation and power generation of an ammonia engine using ammonia as the sole fuel source, thereby meeting power generation needs while effectively reducing carbon emissions.

[0048] 2. The plasma-assisted ammonia burner of the present invention activates the primary air through high-voltage discharge, making ammonia easier to ignite. Even if all the intake air is liquid ammonia in the initial stage of the plasma-assisted ammonia burner, it can still be ignited, thus solving the cold start problem of the generator system.

[0049] 3. After the system is running stably, the plasma-assisted ammonia burner of the present invention can shut off the plasma power supply without the need for additional plasma-assisted ammonia combustion, and can continue to sustain the combustion of ammonia to provide heat for ammonia cracking, which greatly reduces power consumption.

[0050] 4. This invention collects the exhaust gas from the ammonia engine and the exhaust gas from the plasma-assisted ammonia burner, and uses a heat exchanger to vaporize and preheat the liquid ammonia, thereby increasing the temperature of the ammonia gas entering the cracking branch and greatly improving the efficiency of ammonia cracking.

[0051] 5. By collecting the exhaust gas from the heat exchanger outlet, the ammonia storage device is preheated, increasing the temperature and internal pressure of the ammonia storage device, which facilitates the smooth outflow of liquid ammonia.

[0052] 6. This invention is equipped with an electrically controlled valve for ammonia, enabling fully automated control of the entire system. It can also be remotely controlled, facilitating remote monitoring and management.

[0053] 7. The present invention can replenish fuel by replacing the ammonia storage device, which is extremely convenient and facilitates the mobile design of the generator system, enabling the generator system to better adapt to the needs of mobile applications such as 5G base station power supply and outdoor mobile power supply. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 This is an isometric sectional view of the plasma-assisted ammonia burner of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a half-section main view schematic diagram of the ammonia cracker and plasma-assisted ammonia burner of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure at point BB of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure at CC in this invention;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the EE section of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow direction of ammonia, primary air, and secondary air in the plasma-assisted ammonia burner of the present invention.

[0061] In the picture:

[0062] 1. Ammonia storage device; 2. Heat exchanger, 2-1. Ammonia inlet of heat exchanger, 2-2. Ammonia outlet of heat exchanger, 2-3. Tail gas inlet of heat exchanger, 2-4. Tail gas outlet of heat exchanger; 3. Ammonia cracker, 3-1. Shell, 3-11. Ammonia inlet of cracker, 3-12. Ammonia outlet of cracker, 3-13. Cracking chamber, 3-14. Mesh plate, 3-2. Piping, 3-21. Tail gas inlet of cracker, 3-22. Tail gas outlet of cracker, 3-23. Combustion tube, 3-24. Corrugated pipe, 3-25. Rear chamber, 3-26. Heat exchange tube, 3-27. Front chamber; 4. Plasma-assisted ammonia burner, 4-1. Outer cylinder, 4-11. Secondary air inlet, 4-12. Burner tail gas outlet, 4-2. Inner cylinder, 4 -21. Inner cylinder cyclone hole; 4-22. Cyclone seat; 4-23. Cyclone tooth; 4-24. Combustion stabilizing tooth; 4-3. Plasma generator; 4-31. Primary air inlet; 4-4. Mounting plate; 4-5. Mounting seat; 4-51. Burner ammonia inlet; 4-6. Cyclone ring; 4-61. Cyclone ring hole; 4-7. Positioning seat; 5. Temperature sensor; 6. Blower; 7. Plasma power supply; 8. Inverter; 9. Battery; 10. Generator; 11. Ammonia engine; 11-1. Ammonia injection valve; 11-2. Ignition device; 14. Buffer tank; 15. Air proportioning valve; 16. Insulation cover; 17. Pyrolysis ammonia inlet valve; 18. Load; 19. Burner ammonia inlet valve; 20. Secondary air inlet valve. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] like Figures 1-6 As shown, its structural relationship is as follows: a small generator system with ammonia as the single fuel source includes an ammonia storage device 1, an ammonia cracker 3, a generator 10, an ammonia engine 11, and a buffer tank 14. The ammonia storage device 1 is used to store and supply ammonia to the ammonia cracker 3. After being cracked by the ammonia cracker 3, the ammonia enters the buffer tank 14 as fuel for the ammonia engine 11, which drives the ammonia engine 11 to drive the generator 10 to work and output electrical energy. It also includes a plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4, a blower 6, and a plasma power supply 7.

[0065] The plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4 includes an outer cylinder 4-1, an inner cylinder 4-2, a plasma generator 4-3, and a mounting base 4-5, all of which are hollow structures.

[0066] The front end of the outer cylinder 4-1 is sealed, and the rear end is the burner exhaust gas outlet 4-12. The front side wall is connected to the secondary air inlet 4-11. The inner cylinder 4-2 is located inside the outer cylinder 4-1. The rear side wall of the inner cylinder 4-2 is opened to connect the interior and the exterior of the inner cylinder.

[0067] The plasma generator 4-3 is located inside the mounting base 4-5 and is fixed by the mounting base 4-5. The front end of the plasma generator 4-3 is the primary air inlet 4-31, and the rear end is connected to the front end of the inner cylinder 4-2. The front end of the mounting base 4-5 is blocked, and the rear end is sealed and connected to the front end of the inner cylinder 4-2. The ammonia inlet 4-51 of the burner is connected to the rear side wall.

[0068] In actual setup, the plasma generator 4-3 is preferably convex outward as a sealing edge structure, which seals the front end of the mounting base 4-5. A gasket is placed between the two for sealing, and the device is fixed with threaded connectors.

[0069] The primary air inlet 4-31 and the secondary air inlet 4-11 are respectively connected to the air outlet of the blower 6, and a secondary air inlet valve 20 is provided between the secondary air inlet 4-11 and the air outlet of the blower 6.

[0070] The plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4 mentioned above is a staged burner. Secondary air is sent into the burner through the secondary air inlet 4-11. The ratio of secondary air can be adjusted by adjusting the total cross-sectional area of ​​each inner cylinder swirl hole 4-21 and the total cross-sectional area of ​​each swirl tooth 4-23.

[0071] The plasma power supply 7 is electrically connected to the power supply, and the plasma power supply 7 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the plasma generator 4-3 through a wire. Its active end is located inside the plasma generator 4-3.

[0072] The outlet of the ammonia storage device 1 is connected to the ammonia inlet 3-11 of the ammonia cracker 3 and the ammonia inlet 4-51 of the burner, respectively. The outlet of the ammonia storage device 1 is also connected to the ammonia inlet valve 17 of the cracker and the ammonia inlet valve 19 of the burner.

[0073] The ammonia outlet 3-12 of the ammonia cracker 3 is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank 14, and the outlet of the buffer tank 14 is connected to the ammonia injection valve 11-1 of the ammonia engine 11.

[0074] The burner exhaust outlet 4-12 is connected to the pyrolysis exhaust inlet 3-21 of the ammonia pyrolysis unit 3. The exhaust gas flowing out of the burner exhaust outlet 4-12 exchanges heat with the catalyst installed in the ammonia pyrolysis unit 3, so that the catalyst is heated and flows out from the pyrolysis exhaust outlet 3-22 of the ammonia pyrolysis unit 3.

[0075] In actual setup, the outer cylinder 4-1, inner cylinder 4-2, plasma generator 4-3 and mounting base 4-5 are preferably coaxially arranged, and each interface is preferably connected by a flange structure, with gaskets used for sealing at the connection.

[0076] Preferably, it also includes mounting plate 4-4 and cyclone ring 4-6;

[0077] The front end of the outer cylinder 4-1 is sealed with the mounting plate 4-4, and the front end of the inner cylinder 4-2 is fixedly installed to the mounting plate 4-4.

[0078] In actual installation, to ensure the axial installation position of the inner cylinder 4-2, a positioning seat 4-7 is preferably provided between the front end of the inner cylinder 4-2 and the mounting plate 4-4. The positioning seat 4-7 can be installed and fixed to the mounting plate 4-4 through a threaded connector.

[0079] The plasma generator 4-3 is mounted and fixed to the mounting plate 4-4 via the mounting base 4-5;

[0080] The rear end of the plasma generator 4-3 is a plasma nozzle, from which the plasma generated by the plasma generator 4-3 is ejected. A gap is formed between the plasma generator 4-3 and the mounting base 4-5. The front end of the inner cylinder 4-2 has a hollow frustum-shaped structure with an increasing diameter from front to back. The cyclone ring 4-6 has an annular structure and is located between the ammonia inlet 4-51 of the burner and the front end of the inner cylinder 4-2. It is fitted into the gap and has cyclone ring holes 4-61 that are circumferentially arranged along the axial direction of the plasma generator 4-3.

[0081] Cyclone ring 4-6 causes ammonia gas to form a rotating airflow after passing through it. The airflow has not only an axial velocity but also a tangential velocity, which makes the ammonia gas mix with the air more thoroughly and evenly.

[0082] Preferably, it also includes a cyclone seat 4-22;

[0083] The rear end of the inner cylinder 4-2 is a hollow frustum-shaped cyclone seat 4-22 with a diameter decreasing from front to back.

[0084] Preferably, it also includes cyclone teeth 4-23 and combustion-stabilizing teeth 4-24;

[0085] The outer circumferential sidewall of the cyclone seat 4-22 is provided with cyclone teeth 4-23, and the inner circumferential sidewall is provided with flame-stabilizing teeth 4-24 with an inner protrusion-shaped structure; the cyclone teeth 4-23 have an oblique tooth structure and are arranged in a vortex shape.

[0086] The airflow forms a certain concentration of ammonia gas near the flame stabilizing tooth, and the flame stabilizing tooth generates hot flue gas backflow at the nozzle end of the inner cylinder, which increases the flame temperature; the inner protruding block structure is preferably cubic block;

[0087] After the airflow passes between each of the swirling teeth 4-23, it forms a rotating airflow. The rotating airflow not only has an axial velocity but also a tangential velocity, which makes the ammonia in the airflow mix with the air more fully and evenly.

[0088] Preferably, the ammonia cracker 3 includes a hollow shell 3-1 and a pipeline 3-2 disposed within the shell 3-1;

[0089] A cracking chamber 3-13 is formed inside the shell 3-1, which is not connected to the pipeline but only exchanges heat. The cracking chamber 3-13 contains a catalyst for catalytic ammonia cracking.

[0090] The catalyst catalytically cracks ammonia at temperatures between 450℃ and 650℃.

[0091] A pyrolyte ammonia inlet 3-11 and a pyrolyte ammonia outlet 3-12 are respectively provided on the shell 3-1 as the inlet and outlet of the pyrolysis chamber 3-13;

[0092] The inlet and outlet of pipeline 3-2 are pyrolyzer tail gas inlet 3-21 and pyrolyzer tail gas outlet 3-22, respectively, with pyrolyzer tail gas inlet 3-21 extending outside the shell 3-1.

[0093] Preferably, the pipeline 3-2 includes a combustion pipe 3-23, a corrugated pipe 3-24, a rear cavity 3-25, a heat exchange pipe 3-26, and a front cavity 3-27 connected in sequence. The inlet of the combustion pipe 3-23 and the outlet of the front cavity 3-27 are respectively used as the pyrolyzer tail gas inlet 3-21 and the pyrolyzer tail gas outlet 3-22.

[0094] The combustion tube 3-23 and the heat exchange tube 3-26 are densely covered with heat exchange fins.

[0095] In actual setup, the catalyst is preferably nickel-based, iron-based, or ruthenium-based, in the form of spherical particles with a diameter preferably between 2-6 mm; the spacing / pitch between adjacent heat exchange fins is greater than the diameter of the spherical particles, so that the catalyst can fill the space between the heat exchange fins.

[0096] Preferably, the rear cavity 3-25 and the front cavity 3-27 are fitted together outside the housing 3-1 and located on the side away from the pyrolyzer exhaust gas inlet 3-21;

[0097] There are at least two heat exchange tubes 3-26, and they are respectively curved tubes with both ends on the same side. Each heat exchange tube 3-26 is connected in parallel between the rear cavity 3-25 and the front cavity 3-27.

[0098] In actual setup, the rear cavity 3-25 and the front cavity 3-27 can be configured as a semi-cylindrical cavity, separated by a transverse partition; the heat exchange tube 3-26 is preferably a U-shaped tube, with five tubes connected in parallel.

[0099] Preferably, the two ends of the shell 3-1 are hollow frustum-shaped structures with a diameter decreasing from the middle to the end, and the large-diameter ends of the two hollow frustum-shaped structures are provided with mesh plates 3-14 covering the flow section, and a pyrolysis chamber 3-13 is formed between the two mesh plates 3-14; the pyrolysis ammonia inlet 3-11 and the pyrolysis ammonia outlet 3-12 are respectively opened at the small-diameter end faces of the two hollow frustum-shaped structures.

[0100] Preferably, it also includes an inverter 8 and a battery 9;

[0101] The storage battery 9 is electrically connected to the generator 10 and is used to store the electrical energy output by the generator 10. The storage battery 9 also serves as a power source and is electrically connected to the blower 6, the plasma power supply 7, and the igniter 11-2 of the ammonia engine 11.

[0102] In actual setup, in addition to the battery 9, the generator system can also be connected to other loads 18 via the inverter 8 to directly supply power to the electrical loads 18; at the same time, the air intake of the generator 10 is preferably equipped with an air proportional valve 15.

[0103] The generator system is preferably equipped with a control unit as described in the prior art. A temperature sensor 5 is installed at the burner exhaust outlet 4-12. It is preferred to open a temperature sensor mounting hole on the side wall of the combustion tube 3-23 to install and fix the temperature sensor 5. The ammonia injection valve 11-1, the air proportioning valve 15, the cracker ammonia inlet valve 17, the burner ammonia inlet valve 19, and the secondary air inlet valve 20 are all preferably electrically controlled valves and controlled by the control unit.

[0104] In addition, the ammonia injection valve 11-1, the pyrolyzer ammonia inlet valve 17, and the burner ammonia inlet valve 19 are ammonia-specific valves. The parts of their structure that come into contact with ammonia should be made of ammonia-resistant materials, and polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred for sealing. The solenoid valve coil needs to be copper-free and is preferably made of stainless steel.

[0105] Preferably, it also includes a heat insulation cover 16 and a heat exchanger 2 disposed between the ammonia storage device 1 and the ammonia cracker 3. The heat exchanger 2 is also disposed between the ammonia storage device 1 and the plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4.

[0106] The heat exchanger 2 has an ammonia inlet 2-1, an ammonia outlet 2-2, a tail gas inlet 2-3, and a tail gas outlet 2-4. It has an ammonia channel and a tail gas channel that are not connected to each other but exchange heat. The ammonia channel is connected between the ammonia inlet 2-1 and the ammonia outlet 2-2, and the tail gas channel is connected between the tail gas inlet 2-3 and the tail gas outlet 2-4.

[0107] The heat insulation cover 16 is installed outside the ammonia storage device 1 and has a double layer. It is insulated from the outside and exchanges heat with the ammonia storage device 1. The heat insulation cover 16 has an inlet and an outlet that are connected to the double layer.

[0108] The outlet of the ammonia storage device 1 is connected to the ammonia inlet 2-1 of the heat exchanger. The ammonia outlet 2-2 of the heat exchanger is connected to the ammonia inlet 3-11 of the pyrolyzer and the ammonia inlet 4-51 of the burner. The ammonia inlet valve 17 of the pyrolyzer is located between the ammonia outlet 2-2 of the heat exchanger and the ammonia inlet 3-11 of the pyrolyzer. The ammonia inlet valve 19 of the burner is located between the ammonia outlet 2-2 of the heat exchanger and the ammonia inlet 4-51 of the burner. The tail gas outlet 3-22 of the pyrolyzer and the tail gas outlet of the ammonia engine 11 are connected to the tail gas inlet 2-3 of the heat exchanger. The tail gas outlet 2-4 of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the insulation cover. The tail gas in the interlayer is discharged from the outlet of the insulation cover.

[0109] The specific working process of the small generator system using ammonia as the sole fuel source is as follows:

[0110] The first step is to start the generator system, and the blower 6 will work. Primary air will enter the plasma generator 4-3 through the primary air inlet 4-31.

[0111] The second step is to start the inverter 8 and the plasma power supply 7. The plasma power supply 7 acts on the plasma generator 4-3, which splits the primary high-voltage air discharge in the plasma generator 4-3 to generate high-temperature air plasma.

[0112] Third, open the outlet valve of ammonia storage device 1 and the ammonia inlet valve 19 of the burner. After the ammonia (ammonia gas / liquid ammonia / gas-liquid two-phase ammonia) is depressurized...

[0113] The ammonia flowing through the heat exchanger 2 is introduced into the plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4 via the ammonia inlet 4-51 of the burner. The high-temperature air plasma is ejected from the plasma nozzle into the plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4. Under the action of the swirling ring 4-6, the two are evenly mixed in the inner cylinder 4-2 and the ammonia is ignited.

[0114] At this time, temperature sensor 5 detects the temperature change and sends a feedback signal.

[0115] Fourth step, open the secondary air inlet valve 20, and the secondary air is introduced into the plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4 through the secondary air inlet 4-11. Part of it enters the inner cylinder 4-2 through the inner cylinder cyclone hole 4-21 and is fully combusted with ammonia. The other part flows through the cyclone tooth 4-23 and enters the combustion tube 3-23 of the ammonia cracker 3, where it continues to combust with ammonia.

[0116] At this time, temperature sensor 5 detects a temperature value with a small fluctuation range that is greater than 800℃ and sends a feedback signal;

[0117] The flow paths of primary air, secondary air, and ammonia within the plasma-assisted ammonia burner 4 are shown in the appendix. Figure 7 S1 is the primary airflow path, S2 is the secondary airflow path, and S3 is the ammonia flow path.

[0118] In the fifth step, the high-temperature exhaust gas generated by combustion flows sequentially through the combustion pipe 3-23, the corrugated pipe 3-24, the rear cavity 3-25, each heat exchange pipe 3-26, and the front cavity 3-27, and then flows out of the ammonia cracker 3 through the cracker exhaust gas outlet 3-22 and enters the heat exchanger 2 through the heat exchanger exhaust gas inlet 2-3. During this process, the high-temperature exhaust gas exchanges heat with the catalyst in the cracking chamber 3-13 through the heat exchange fins until the catalyst absorbs heat and rises to the set temperature.

[0119] Subsequently, the ammonia inlet valve 17 of the pyrolyzer is opened. After the ammonia in the ammonia storage device 1 is depressurized, it flows through the ammonia channel of the heat exchanger 2 and enters the pyrolysis chamber 3-13 through the ammonia inlet 3-11 of the pyrolyzer. At the same time, the high-temperature tail gas exchanges heat with the catalyst and ammonia through the heat exchange fins, so that the ammonia absorbs heat and rises in temperature and is catalytically cracked into an ammonia-hydrogen-nitrogen mixture containing a certain hydrogen concentration.

[0120] Step 6: The ammonia-hydrogen-nitrogen mixture flows out of the ammonia outlet 3-12 of the cracker and enters the buffer tank 14. After the ammonia-hydrogen mixture in the buffer tank 14 reaches a certain pressure value, the ammonia engine 11 is started. The ammonia-hydrogen-nitrogen mixture is injected into the cylinder of the ammonia engine 11 through the ammonia injection valve 11-1. Air is drawn into the cylinder through the air proportioning valve 15 and then ignited by the igniter 11-2. The ammonia engine 11 starts to do work, and the exhaust gas produced enters the heat exchanger 2 through the exhaust gas inlet 2-3.

[0121] In the seventh step, the ammonia engine 11 drives the generator 10 to generate electricity, which is stored in the battery 9 and connected to the electrical components and loads 18 in the system via the inverter 8, supplying power to the electrical components and loads 18 in the system.

[0122] In the above process, the exhaust gas entering the heat exchanger 2 in the fifth and sixth steps exchanges heat with the ammonia in the ammonia channel in the exhaust gas channel, causing the liquid ammonia to absorb heat, heat up and vaporize. Then, it flows into the insulation cover 16 jacket through the exhaust gas outlet 2-4 of the heat exchanger and the inlet of the insulation cover to preheat the ammonia storage device 1, and finally is discharged from the outlet of the insulation cover.

[0123] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0124] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source, comprising an ammonia storage device (1), an ammonia cracker (3), a generator (10), an ammonia engine (11), and a buffer tank (14), wherein the ammonia storage device (1) is used to store and supply ammonia to the ammonia cracker (3), and the ammonia, after being cracked by the ammonia cracker (3), enters the buffer tank (14) as fuel for the ammonia engine (11), driving the ammonia engine (11) to drive the generator (10) to output electrical energy, characterized in that: It also includes a plasma-assisted ammonia burner (4), a blower (6), and a plasma power supply (7). The plasma-assisted ammonia burner (4) includes an outer cylinder (4-1), an inner cylinder (4-2), a plasma generator (4-3), and a mounting base (4-5), all of which are hollow structures. The outer cylinder (4-1) is sealed at the front end and has a burner exhaust outlet (4-12) at the rear end. A secondary air inlet (4-11) is connected to the front side wall. The inner cylinder (4-2) is located inside the outer cylinder (4-1). The rear side wall of the inner cylinder (4-2) has through-holes (4-21) that connect its interior to the exterior. The plasma generator (4-3) is located inside the mounting base (4-5) and is fixed by the mounting base (4-5). The front end of the plasma generator (4-3) is a primary air inlet (4-31), and the rear end is connected to the front end of the inner cylinder (4-2). The front end of the mounting base (4-5) is sealed, and the rear end is sealed and connected to the front end of the inner cylinder (4-2). The rear side wall is connected to the burner ammonia inlet (4-51). The primary air inlet (4-31) and the secondary air inlet (4-11) are respectively connected to the air outlet of the blower (6), and a secondary air inlet valve (20) is provided between the secondary air inlet (4-11) and the air outlet of the blower (6). The plasma power supply (7) is electrically connected to the power supply, and the plasma power supply (7) is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the plasma generator (4-3) through a wire, with its active end located inside the plasma generator (4-3). The outlet of the ammonia storage device (1) is connected to the ammonia inlet (3-11) of the ammonia cracker (3) and the ammonia inlet (4-51) of the burner, respectively. The outlet of the ammonia storage device (1) is also connected to the ammonia inlet (3-11) of the cracker and the ammonia inlet (4-51) of the burner, respectively, and a cracker ammonia inlet valve (17) and a burner ammonia inlet valve (19) are respectively connected. The ammonia outlet (3-12) of the ammonia cracker (3) is connected to the inlet of the buffer tank (14), and the outlet of the buffer tank (14) is connected to the ammonia injection valve (11-1) of the ammonia engine (11). The burner exhaust outlet (4-12) is connected to the pyrolysis exhaust inlet (3-21) of the ammonia pyrolysis unit (3). The exhaust gas flowing out of the burner exhaust outlet (4-12) exchanges heat with the catalyst installed in the ammonia pyrolysis unit (3), so that the catalyst is heated and flows out from the pyrolysis exhaust outlet (3-22) of the ammonia pyrolysis unit (3).

2. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes the mounting plate (4-4) and the cyclone ring (4-6); The front end of the outer cylinder (4-1) is sealed by the mounting plate (4-4), and the front end of the inner cylinder (4-2) is fixedly installed to the mounting plate (4-4). The plasma generator (4-3) is mounted and fixed to the mounting plate (4-4) via the mounting base (4-5); The rear end of the plasma generator (4-3) is a plasma nozzle, forming a gap with the mounting base (4-5). The front end of the inner cylinder (4-2) has a hollow frustum-shaped structure with an increasing diameter from front to back. The swirling ring (4-6) has an annular structure and is located between the ammonia inlet of the burner (4-51) and the front end of the inner cylinder (4-2). It is fitted into the gap and has swirling ring holes (4-61) circumferentially arranged along the axial direction of the plasma generator (4-3).

3. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes the cyclone seat (4-22); The rear end of the inner cylinder (4-2) is the cyclone seat (4-22), which has a hollow frustum-shaped structure with a diameter decreasing from front to back.

4. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes cyclone teeth (4-23) and combustion-stabilizing teeth (4-24); The cyclone seat (4-22) has cyclone teeth (4-23) arranged circumferentially on the outer sidewall, and flame-stabilizing teeth (4-24) with an inner protrusion structure arranged circumferentially on the inner sidewall; the cyclone teeth (4-23) have an oblique tooth structure and are arranged in a vortex shape.

5. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ammonia cracker (3) includes a hollow shell (3-1) and a pipeline (3-2) disposed within the shell (3-1). The shell (3-1) forms a pyrolysis chamber (3-13) that is not connected to the pipeline but only exchanges heat. The pyrolysis chamber (3-13) contains a catalyst for catalyzing ammonia cracking. The shell (3-1) is provided with a pyrolyte ammonia inlet (3-11) and a pyrolyte ammonia outlet (3-12) respectively, which serve as the inlet and outlet of the pyrolysis chamber (3-13). The inlet and outlet of the pipeline (3-2) are the pyrolyzer tail gas inlet (3-21) and the pyrolyzer tail gas outlet (3-22), respectively, and the pyrolyzer tail gas inlet (3-21) extends out of the shell (3-1).

6. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pipeline (3-2) includes a combustion pipe (3-23), a bellows pipe (3-24), a rear cavity (3-25), a heat exchange pipe (3-26), and a front cavity (3-27) connected in sequence. The inlet of the combustion pipe (3-23) and the outlet of the front cavity (3-27) are respectively used as the pyrolyzer tail gas inlet (3-21) and the pyrolyzer tail gas outlet (3-22). The combustion tube (3-23) and the heat exchange tube (3-26) are densely covered with heat exchange fins.

7. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rear cavity (3-25) and the front cavity (3-27) are fitted together outside the housing (3-1) and located on the side away from the pyrolyzer exhaust gas inlet (3-21); The number of heat exchange tubes (3-26) is at least two, and they are respectively curved tubes with both ends on the same side. Each heat exchange tube (3-26) is connected in parallel between the rear cavity (3-25) and the front cavity (3-27).

8. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 5, characterized in that: The shell (3-1) has hollow frustum-shaped structures at both ends with a diameter decreasing from the middle to the ends. The large-diameter ends of the two hollow frustum-shaped structures are provided with mesh plates (3-14) covering the flow section, and the pyrolysis chamber (3-13) is formed between the two mesh plates (3-14). The pyrolysis ammonia inlet (3-11) and the pyrolysis ammonia outlet (3-12) are respectively opened at the small-diameter end faces of the two hollow frustum-shaped structures.

9. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an inverter (8) and a battery (9); The storage battery (9) is electrically connected to the generator (10) and is used to store the electrical energy output by the generator (10); the storage battery (9) also serves as a power supply and is electrically connected to the blower (6), the plasma power supply (7) and the igniter (11-2) of the ammonia engine (11).

10. A small generator system using ammonia as a single fuel source according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a heat insulation cover (16) and a heat exchanger (2) disposed between the ammonia storage device (1) and the ammonia cracker (3), and the heat exchanger (2) is also disposed between the ammonia storage device (1) and the plasma-assisted ammonia burner (4); The heat exchanger (2) has an ammonia inlet (2-1), an ammonia outlet (2-2), a tail gas inlet (2-3), and a tail gas outlet (2-4). It has an ammonia channel and a tail gas channel that are not connected to each other but exchange heat. The ammonia channel is connected between the ammonia inlet (2-1) and the ammonia outlet (2-2), and the tail gas channel is connected between the tail gas inlet (2-3) and the tail gas outlet (2-4). The heat insulation cover (16) is installed outside the ammonia storage device (1), and has a sandwich layer. It is insulated from the outside and exchanges heat with the ammonia storage device (1). The heat insulation cover (16) has an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the sandwich layer. The outlet of the ammonia storage device (1) is connected to the ammonia inlet (2-1) of the heat exchanger. The ammonia outlet (2-2) of the heat exchanger is connected to the ammonia inlet (3-11) of the pyrolyzer and the ammonia inlet (4-51) of the burner. The ammonia inlet valve (17) of the pyrolyzer is located between the ammonia outlet (2-2) of the heat exchanger and the ammonia inlet (3-11) of the pyrolyzer. The ammonia inlet valve (19) of the burner is located between the ammonia outlet (2-2) of the heat exchanger and the ammonia inlet (4-51) of the burner. The tail gas outlet (3-22) of the pyrolyzer and the tail gas outlet of the ammonia engine (11) are connected to the tail gas inlet (2-3) of the heat exchanger. The tail gas outlet (2-4) of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the insulation cover. The tail gas in the interlayer is discharged from the outlet of the insulation cover.

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