Chemically Heated Hot Emitter Generator for Distributed Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized power generation systems face inefficiencies and potential blackouts due to power transmission losses and vulnerability to centralized plant failures, necessitating a distributed electric power generation solution that is more efficient and robust.
Innovation Solution
Chemically heated hot emitter generators, which utilize a heated emitter and photovoltaic cells to convert electromagnetic radiation into electric power, are deployed locally near consumers, eliminating transmission losses and enhancing system robustness by enabling decentralized power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If centralized power generation systems are used, then power can be generated in large quantities, but power transmission losses increase and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power generation system into multiple distributed chemically heated hot emitter generator units located at different sites. Each generator independently converts chemical energy to electromagnetic radiation to electricity locally, eliminating the need for long-distance power transmission and associated energy losses while maintaining total system power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemically heated hot emitter generators as intermediary devices that convert chemical energy directly to electromagnetic radiation and then to electricity through photovoltaic cells. This intermediary conversion process enables local power generation without requiring traditional electrical transmission infrastructure, thereby eliminating transmission losses.
2Device complexity
If centralized power generation systems are used, then infrastructure can be consolidated, but vulnerability to centralized plant failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic centralized power plant into multiple independent distributed generator units. Each unit operates autonomously using local chemical fuel sources, so that failure of one unit does not affect others. This segmentation maintains infrastructure simplicity while dramatically improving system reliability through redundancy and decentralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from centralized single-point generation to distributed multi-point generation. By deploying multiple independent generator units across different locations, the system transforms from vulnerable centralized operation to robust distributed operation, where each unit can independently respond to local conditions and failures.
3Loss of energy
If distributed power generation is implemented, then transmission losses are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated chemically heated hot emitter generator unit: chemical energy storage, thermal conversion to electromagnetic radiation, and photovoltaic conversion to electricity. This functional integration simplifies the distributed system architecture by combining what would otherwise require separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while eliminating transmission losses.
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributed generator unit is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient, using local chemical fuel sources to generate power independently without requiring external infrastructure or coordination. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of system distribution and management by eliminating the need for complex control networks and interconnections between distributed units.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power transmission losses and minimizes the risk of blackouts by generating electricity close to consumption points, improving efficiency and reliability compared to traditional centralized systems.
Implementation Method 1
a hot or heated emitter and one or more photovoltaic cells that convert emitted electromagnetic radiation into electric power
Implementation Method 2
one or more photovoltaic cells that convert emitted electromagnetic radiation into electric power
Data Source
AI summary
Method, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, article, and improvements thereto, with particular regard to chemically heated hot emitter electric generators, and support thereof. Illustratively, there can be a machine including: a first computer system including a digital computer operably associated with an input device, a memory, and an output device, the computer programmed to carry out operations including: receiving, as information input at said input device, input representing chemically heated hot emitter electromagnetic emissions; computing, from said input, output that can be used for, or to facilitate, operation of chemically heated hot emitter generators.