A biomass powered high speed flash steam dc electricity microgeneration turbine as a supplement to or replacement of residential solar power systems

Abstract

An electricity microgeneration steam turbine producing dc current regulated for use with solar power inverter / chargers with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers. This enables a “plug and play” easy backup, supplementary or replacement of a solar panel arrays due to poor performance during low sun seasons, inclement weather or physical build restrictions of solar power generation. The invention utilises a biomass pyrolysis furnace with a heat exchanger to produce high pressure flash steam using a specifically designed water injection / compressed air charging technique. The rapidly expanding superheated flash steam powers a high RPM turbine / dc generator combination to produce regulated dc current. Unused heat is recovered with a steam condensing and re-circulation system. A software system controls the end-to-end process of heat production, electricity generation and heat recirculation.

Description

A biomass powered high speed flash steam de electricity microgeneration turbine as a supplement to or replacement of residential solar power systems Problem to be solved: During at least 6 months of the year, most residential solar power systems do not provide enough electricity to cover demand of the home, due to lack of sun outside of the summer months or adverse weather conditions. Background The demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional solar system electricity generation is on the rise due to certain limitations and compromises associated with photovoltaic (solar) systems. Many solar systems are marketed based on their hypothetical maximum output at 100% efficiency, which often proves impractical in real-world scenarios. For instance, a typical recommended 3.5 kWh solar system, which comprises 10 panels with a capacity of 350 watts each, measuring 1.0m by 1.8m and weighing 20 kg, requires a significant roof space of 18m2. Additionally, the roof must be capable of supporting a weight of 200 kg while ensuring optimal solar exposure. However, the reality is far from ideal: 1. The roof may not have the structural integrity to bear the weight of the panels, necessitating a reduction in their number. 2. The roof's aspect may not provide maximum solar exposure, thereby diminishing the overall power output. In practical conditions, solar systems typically achieve around 80% of their maximum theoretical output. Consequently, in the aforementioned example, a more realistic maximum output would be approximately 2.8 kWh. To validate these assumptions, we utilized the PHOTOVOLTAIC GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM provided by the European Commission. By gathering solar system production data for various locations in the UK, we assessed the performance of a 3 kWh system operating at 100% efficiency. This simulation mimicked the scenario of our previous example, featuring a 10-panel 3.5 kWh system. The results are as follows: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Inverness iiiiiiiii 121 iiiiiii 300 IIIIIII iiiiiii iiiiiii 270 iiiiiii 148 83 45 Edinburgh llllll 136 IIIIIII IIIII 323 liiii 295 243 164 IIIIIII 52 Newcastle llllll 149 iiiiiii IIIIIII iiiiiii IIIII iiiiiii IIIIIII IIIIIII 173 iiiiiii 82 Liverpool iiiiiiiii 157 iiiiiii IIIIIII iiiiiii 355 355 315 iiiiiii 173 113 86 Coventry liiii 3.57 iiiiiii 327 iiiiiii llllll llllll 322 iiiii iiiiiii iiiiiii iiiii Bristol IIIII IIIII liiii iiiiiii iiiiiii llllll 329 288 195 iiiiiii 106 Plymouth llill 174 IIIIIII iiiiiii iiiiiii iiiiiii IIIIIII iiiiiii 297 iiiiiii iiiiiii IIIII London iiiii 162 Iiiiiii iiiiiii iiiiiiiii iii^iiiiii iiiiiiiii .290 204 Iiiiiii 11C- On average, a detached house consumes around 4000 kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to 335 kWh per month. The figures above indicate whether the solar panel system meets the house's electricity demand, with green indicating coverage and red indicating insufficient generation. As observed, there is a limited amount of green, with the best results unsurprisingly occurring in southern regions. However, even in these areas, solar panels only meet the house's electricity needs for 5 out of 12 months in a year. To address this issue, a larger solar system could be employed. A 6 kW system is more effective but would require 17 panels, occupy an area of 30 m2, and necessitate a roof capable of supporting 340 kg, posing challenges for an average house. The Invention's Solution The described invention offers a user-friendly "Plug and Play" solution for supporting microgeneration of electricity, utilizing the existing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar inverter charger commonly found in residential solar systems. Notably, this system operates on sustainable biomass (wood) as its energy source. This invention can either supplement an existing solar installation or completely replace it, addressing common problems such as: 1. Limited space or unfavourable aspect for accommodating an adequate number of solar panels to meet the home's power requirements. 2. Consistently inclement weather conditions. 3. Challenging winter months. Key Advantages of the Invention: 1. It can generate a full day's worth of electricity in just two hours when paired with an energy storage system. 2. It has the capability to fully replace a 6 kW solar panel system. 3. It seamlessly integrates with the existing solar power inverter, requiring no additional equipment. 4. It can be conveniently housed indoors. 5. It occupies minimal space. Summary of the invention The invention is a microgeneration steam turbine that generates DC current compatible with standard solar power inverter / chargers equipped with MPPT controllers. It utilizes a biomass pyrolysis furnace and a heat exchanger to produce high-pressure flash steam through a specialized water injection and compressed air charging technique. The expansion of superheated flash steam drives a high-speed turbine coupled with a DC generator to generate regulated DC current. A steam condensing and recirculation system recover unused heat, while a software system manages the entire process of heat production, electricity generation, and heat recirculation. Kev parts of the invention (in reference to the schematic Diagram 1) 1. A wood pyrolysis furnace: A wood pyrolysis furnace is an advanced system designed for efficient wood or biomass fuel burning with reduced emissions. It utilizes wood gasification, adjustable damper control, lambda measurement and regulation, and high secondary burn temperatures to optimize combustion, achieve cleaner burning, and increase energy efficiency. 2. The heat exchanger: The multi-coil heat exchanger can handle high pressures and temperatures, enabling efficient heat transfer and flash steam generation. Its robust construction allows it to operate at pressures up to 200 Bar and temperatures of 600 degrees Celsius. The multi-coil design maximizes heat transfer efficiency, and the rapid expansion of the air / water charge within the exchanger leads to flash steam production. 3. The steam turbine: The flash steam turbine harnesses energy from superheated and pressurized steam to drive an air compressor impeller and charge the water injection system. The turbine's turbine impeller rotates within the steam flow, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. The turbine is part of a system that generates flash steam and ensures an adequate air supply for the water injection system. The turbine offers significant advantages over traditional combustion engine systems when it comes to using syngas as a fuel source. One key advantage is that the turbine system operates independently of the output of the gasifier, which eliminates mechanical challenges commonly associated with combustion engines. In combustion engine systems, tar can condense from the syngas inside the engine, coating moving parts and leading to potential failure. Additionally, soot in the air fuel mix can block carburettors, further impacting the engine's performance. Furthermore, combustion engines require dry fuel, as water content in the gas can decrease power or even stop the engine completely. Moreover, combustion engines necessitate a high level of mechanical maintenance. In contrast, the turbine system is not affected by these challenges. It has only one major moving part, making it simpler and quieter than traditional combustion engines. Additionally, the turbine system is safer, as it completely burns all carbon monoxide in the syngas, eliminating the risk of fatal leaks. Overall, the turbine system offers improved reliability, compact size, reduced noise, and enhanced safety compared to combustion engines when utilizing syngas as a fuel source. 4. High Speed DC generator The high-speed DC generator, coupled directly to the turbine, offers a significant advantage in terms of its high voltage output, similar to that of a solar array we are trying to mimic. This eliminates the need for a gearbox, simplifying the system and reducing mechanical complexity. The high voltage output allows for efficient power transmission, smaller wire sizes, lower transmission losses, and improved voltage regulation, similar to the benefits of a high voltage solar array system. By directly coupling the high-speed DC generator to the turbine, we achieve a streamlined and efficient setup that maximizes power generation, simplifies maintenance, and ensures optimal system performance. 5. Water injection system: The water injection system introduces pressurized water vapor into the compressed air flow for enhanced heat exchange. It features an electronically controlled pulsed injector and a variable pressure pump to ensure efficient operation. The system generates high-velocity pressurized water vapor, which maximizes heat transfer efficiency and facilitates effective utilization of the heat exchange surface area. 6. Water recirculation system: The water recirculation system includes a steam condenser that captures and recirculates water generated as steam. The condensation process transforms the steam back into water, releasing its thermal energy, which is then utilized to heat the air input to the gasifier. This system minimizes water waste and optimizes energy efficiency by recovering and reusing the thermal energy from condensation. 7. The electronic control system: This control system works alongside the MPPT controller in a solar inverter charger to mimic the behaviour of a solar array. It regulates the DC electricity supply from the turbine generator, matching the voltage and current requirements of different charge controllers. The system integrates with the MPPT controller, allowing efficient power extraction from the turbine generator and optimal power conversion. 8. Software control system: The software control system manages various aspects of the system, including DC power regulation, water vapor injection, oil pressure control, wood gasification furnace control, turbine safety limits, and generator cooling. It ensures optimal power generation, precise adjustment of water vapor injection, smooth turbine operation, efficient wood gasification, and proper functioning of the generator cooling system.

Claims

1. A high RPM micro turbine system to generate DC electricity, comprising a compact turbine designed to operate at high rotational speeds between 10,000 and 50,000 rpm, having a size and dimensions comparable to or smaller than a typical car turbocharger, enabling installation within a residential setting; a generator coupled to the turbine for generating high voltage direct current electricity; a combustion chamber configured to combust biomass to produce thermal energy; a heat exchanger positioned within the combustion chamber and configured to transfer heat and produce flash steam from the thermal energy; and a software-controlled water vapour injection system configured to inject water vapour into the heat exchanger to produce flash steam in order to drive the turbine and produce electricity.

2. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software-controlled water vapour injection system includes an electronically controlled pulsed water atomizer injector, the pulsed injector being configured to deliver precise amounts of water vapour at controlled intervals to ensure optimal flash steam production and efficient energy conversion within the heat exchanger.

3. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the water atomizer injector is designed for high vapour production, the injector being configured to finely atomize water to enhance its mixing with air and subsequent vapourisation within the heat exchanger.

4. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software-controlled water vapour injection system includes a variable pressure pump, the variable pressure pump being configured to adjust the water vapour pressure to remain above the compressed air pressure, thereby ensuring consistent and efficient mixing of water vapour and air in the heat exchanger.

5. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the compressor manifold is designed for mounting the injector at an optimal angle in the compressed air stream, the manifold being engineered to maximize the efficiency of water vapour injection and mixing within the heat exchanger, thereby enhancing flash steam production.

6. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system is configured to regulate the pulse frequency of the water vapour injection, the software control system being configured to dynamically adjust the frequency based on real-time operational parameters to optimize flash steam production and turbine performance.08 07 247. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system maintains water vapour pressure and adjusts injection rates based on operational parameters, including temperature, pressure, and turbine speed, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of the turbine system.

8. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system includes software control of oil temperature and pressure, the software being configured to monitor and adjust oil parameters to ensure optimal lubrication and cooling of the turbine components, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and longevity.

9. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system includes software control of the biomass burn rate, oxygen level, and temperature within the combustion chamber, the software being configured to regulate these parameters to optimize combustion efficiency and minimize emissions.

10. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system includes software control of turbine rpm through source temperature control, pressure control, and water vapour injection rate adjustments, the software being configured to maintain desired rotational speeds for optimal electricity generation.

11. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system includes software regulation of the DC voltage and current output to maintain compatibility with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) chargers, the software being configured to adjust electrical parameters to optimize power conversion and storage.

12. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the software control system includes software control to maintain constant voltage by controlling turbine speed, the software being configured to dynamically adjust turbine speed to ensure stable voltage output despite fluctuations in load or input conditions.

13. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the variable valve system is designed to control turbine pressure and speed, the valve system being configured to dynamically adjust pressure levels to maintain optimal turbine operation and energy output.

14. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the turbine steam impeller is designed to withstand superheated steam and optimized for efficient rotational performance from a pressurized steam flow, the impeller being constructed from high-temperature resistant materials and08 07 24featuring blade geometries tailored for maximum energy extraction from the steam flow.

15. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the turbine compressor impeller blade is designed to balance air pressure with steam pressure, the blade being engineered to optimize the pressure dynamics within the turbine for enhanced efficiency and stability.

16. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the compact turbine has a volume not exceeding approximately 5 liters, ensuring suitability for installation in residential enclosures and ease of integration into existing utility spaces.

17. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the turbine are such that its maximum length, width, and height do not exceed those of a standard car turbocharger, ensuring compatibility with typical residential installation constraints.

18. The turbine system of claim 1, further comprising a design that allows installation within typical residential utility spaces, including basements and utility rooms, the design being optimized for ease of access, maintenance, and integration with existing home infrastructure.

19. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the DC generator is equipped with high-speed bearings to operate at turbine rpm, the bearings being designed to withstand high rotational speeds and minimize frictional losses for improved efficiency.

20. The turbine system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic DC voltage and current regulation system to ensure compatibility with MPPT chargers, the regulation system being configured to stabilize the output for efficient power transfer and storage.

21. The turbine system of claim 1, further comprising a biomass gasification furnace configured for optimized burn control, the furnace being designed to efficiently convert biomass into combustible gases with minimal emissions.

22. The turbine system of claim 21, wherein the biomass gasification furnace includes a lambda sensor to measure and regulate the oxygen level for optimized combustion, the sensor being integrated with the control system to adjust air supply for efficient fuel burning.

23. The turbine system of claim 1, wherein the heat reclaim system includes a steam condenser for energy reclaim and recycling of water, the condenser being designed to captureand reuse steam, enhancing overall system efficiency.

24. The turbine system of claim 1, further comprising a pump for maintaining oil pressure, the pump being configured to ensure consistent lubrication and cooling of the turbine and generator components.

25. The turbine system of claim 1, further comprising an oil cooling system, the cooling system being designed to dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures for the turbine.

26. The turbine system of claim 1, further comprising a water cooling system for the DC generator, the cooling system being designed to dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures for the generator.07 24

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