Closed Energy Microgrid With CO2 Reuse for Mission-Critical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mission critical facilities face challenges with unreliable and inefficient energy supply due to traditional grid systems, which experience frequent interruptions and waste energy, and fail to effectively capture and reuse carbon dioxide emissions, leading to environmental damage and inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A closed energy generation, storage, and usage system is implemented, integrating energy generation units, storage units, and carbon capture and storage systems within a limited geographic area, allowing for the reuse of energy and conversion of captured CO2 into renewable fuel sources, independent from traditional grid systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical grid systems are used to supply energy to mission critical facilities, then facilities can access external energy infrastructure, but energy supply reliability deteriorates due to frequent interruptions, blackouts, and brownouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy supply system into independent segments: on-site energy generation units, energy storage systems, and micro-grid distribution networks. This segmentation allows each component to operate autonomously, preventing system-wide failures from affecting the entire facility and ensuring continuous power supply during external grid interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling facilities to generate their own energy through on-site generation units and store excess energy locally. This self-sufficiency reduces dependence on external grid infrastructure while maintaining the ability to access external energy when available, thereby improving supply reliability without sacrificing adaptability.
2Reliability
If fossil fuel-based energy generation is used to provide constant power supply, then energy availability is improved, but environmental harm worsens due to waste CO2 emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-based generation into a beneficial resource by capturing and storing the CO2 for potential reuse in industrial processes or carbon offset programs. This approach maintains the reliability of constant power supply while eliminating the environmental harm associated with CO2 emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, the patent implements a recovery system that captures CO2 at the source, purifies it, and stores it for future utilization. This recovery process transforms a harmful byproduct into a valuable resource, addressing both power supply reliability and environmental concerns simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If energy is transmitted through traditional grid infrastructure, then energy distribution is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to transmission losses and wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional long-distance horizontal energy transmission to a multi-dimensional approach by implementing localized generation units distributed throughout the facility. This dimensional change reduces transmission distances to minimal levels, eliminating most transmission losses while maintaining efficient energy distribution through the micro-grid network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy storage systems as intermediary components between generation units and consumption points. These storage systems buffer energy fluctuations, allow for optimal energy dispatch timing, and reduce the need for excessive generation capacity, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining ease of distribution.
4Reliability
If on-site energy storage is implemented to ensure continuous power during outages, then energy supply reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage system into modular units that can be independently deployed and managed. Each storage module operates autonomously and can be scaled according to specific facility needs, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring continuous power supply during outages through coordinated operation of multiple simple, reliable modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A master system for collocated, grid-independent energy generation and usage outside of a typical energy grid dependent system. The system uses a short-coupled delivery system between generation, storage and usage points to prevent line and system energy losses. As a result, the system generates and promotes hyper-efficient end use of electrical and thermal energy, as well as waste products produced during energy generation. Moreover, as a closed system, all waste energy can be reused and/or repurposed within the system, thereby promoting higher energy efficiencies. The versatility of the system is such that it can be implemented across any application that requires efficient energy storage and consumption, especially those involving higher levels of security and control.