Compact Cryogenic Power Plant for Off-Grid Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy production methods from methane-containing gases face challenges in minimizing carbon footprint, requiring high-pressure storage, complex distribution networks, and inefficient energy conversion, while also lacking in compact and secure power generation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact power plant utilizing a removable cryogenic storage tank to store liquefied natural gas, which is efficiently converted to gaseous form for combustion in a motor-driven generator, with passive transport and regulation of pressure and temperature to optimize energy production, allowing for autonomous operation and secure, off-grid energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If natural gas is stored as compressed natural gas (CNG) under high pressure, then the storage capacity is improved, but safety risks and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameters by transitioning from high-pressure gaseous storage to cryogenic liquid storage. The natural gas is cooled to approximately -162°C, transforming it into a liquid state that can be stored at atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating high-pressure safety risks while maintaining storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of natural gas from gas to liquid through cryogenic cooling. By cooling the natural gas to its liquefaction temperature, the system achieves compact liquid storage without requiring high-pressure containment, thus resolving the safety concern associated with CNG storage
2Length of moving object
If liquefied natural gas is transported over long distances, then the energy supply range is improved, but boil-off gas losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous refrigeration during transport to maintain the cryogenic temperature of the liquefied natural gas. By continuously removing heat ingress, the system prevents unwanted evaporation and boil-off losses, enabling long-distance transport while preserving the liquid state and minimizing substance loss
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains the cryogenic temperature parameter throughout the transport process. By actively controlling the temperature parameter and preventing warming, the system eliminates boil-off losses that would otherwise occur during long-distance transport of liquefied natural gas
3Stability of the object's composition
If a power plant is deployed as a permanent installation, then the energy production stability is improved, but the deployment time and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation system into modular, containerized units that can be independently deployed and configured. Each module contains essential components (compressor, evaporator, generator), allowing for rapid assembly and deployment while maintaining stable energy production once installed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention prepares the power plant modules in advance as pre-assembled, transport-ready units with all necessary components pre-installed and tested. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment to remote locations without requiring extensive on-site assembly or infrastructure development
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
The solution enables efficient, low-emission energy production with a limited carbon footprint, high energy density, and rapid deployment, while providing secure, off-grid power with efficient energy conversion and minimal infrastructure requirements, achieving over 45% efficiency in energy production.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporation unit (7) comprises a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the cooling circuit (10) to the liquid gas product to evaporate the liquid gas product
Implementation Method 2
The aggregate (3) comprises a motor (11) for the combustion of the gaseous phase
Implementation Method 3
an electrical generator (12) coupled to the motor (11) such that the electrical generator (12) can be driven by the motor (11)
Implementation Method 4
The power plant (1) comprises a cooling circuit (10) to withdraw heat, in operation, from the motor (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A power plant for energy production from a liquid gas product stored in a cryogenic storage tank, and comprises a container housing and an inlet to receive the gas product from the tank via a line. An evaporation unit converts the liquid gas product to a gaseous phase. The plant comprises an aggregate for the combustion of the gaseous phase to provide an electrical current to an external consumer. A circuit brings the liquid and/or gaseous phase to the motor via the evaporation unit. A regulating unit regulates the pressure and/or temperature. The liquid gas product is supplied to the motor in the gaseous phase by passive liquid and gas transport. A cooling circuit transfers heat from the motor to a heat exchanger in the evaporation unit.