Flare-Powered Steam Generation for Lightweight Vehicle Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power systems for underwater and aerial vehicles face limitations, including the weight and range issues of battery-powered solutions, high costs and complexity of nuclear power, and the need for efficient energy generation for both submersible and aerial applications.
Innovation Solution
A flare and gas powered system that utilizes flares burning in a steam pressurized chamber to generate electrical and mechanical energy, using oxygen from steam, water, air, or specialty gases, and integrates with steam turbines, electric generators, or Stirling engines to produce power, suitable for both underwater and aerial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If battery systems are used for power generation in aerial vehicles, then portability and simplicity are improved, but weight increases which affects range and flight time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flare combustion system with a steam turbine generator into a single integrated power generation unit. The flare burns fuel to heat water/steam, which then drives the turbine connected to the generator, merging thermal energy conversion with mechanical power generation in one compact system that reduces overall weight compared to large battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy in batteries to thermal energy in flares combined with mechanical energy in steam pressure. This parameter transformation allows for higher energy density and reduced weight while maintaining portability, as the flare-gas system can be scaled to provide the same power output with less mass.
2Ease of manufacture
If battery systems are used for power generation in submarines, then simplicity and lower cost are improved, but range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-combusting fuel in the flare to generate high-temperature heat before the steam turbine needs power. This advance thermal energy preparation allows the submarine to operate the turbine at full capacity for extended periods, effectively extending operational range beyond what batteries alone could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The flare-gas power system serves multiple functions: it generates electricity through the steam turbine, provides thermal energy for heating, and can operate continuously as long as fuel is supplied. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace both battery electric propulsion and separate thermal systems, extending submarine range while maintaining simplicity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If nuclear power systems are used in submarines, then range and power output are improved, but manufacturing cost and operational cost increase due to complexity and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses relatively inexpensive flare fuel as a disposable energy source that can be continuously replenished, replacing the need for complex, expensive, and highly regulated nuclear reactors. The flare consumes fuel in a simple combustion process that generates steam, providing extended range without the safety concerns or high costs associated with nuclear power systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex nuclear fission mechanical system with a simpler chemical combustion system. Instead of nuclear reactors, control rods, and cooling systems, the flare uses straightforward fuel combustion to heat water and drive the steam turbine, achieving similar extended range with dramatically reduced complexity and cost.
4Use of energy by moving object
If flares are used for power generation, then energy density is improved, but system complexity increases due to steam generation and turbine integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam generation boiler and the steam turbine into a single integrated power plant system. The flare heats water in the same chamber or adjacent chamber that feeds the turbine, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers and piping systems. This integration maintains high energy density while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 system provides a lightweight, high-energy-density alternative to batteries, offering extended range and reduced operational costs, with the ability to recharge batteries and power various machinery, while being safer and more efficient than traditional fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flare configured to burn within a chamber... Heated gases from the burning flare are directed to power a steam turbine, electric generators, steam engine electric generators, Stirling engine electric generator
Implementation Method 2
Heated gases from the burning flare are directed to power a steam turbine... to produce electrical and mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A flare and gas powered system is disclosed, the system includes a flare configured to burn within a chamber. Oxygen from steam, water, air, specialty gases or a combination thereof is provided to fuel the burning flare. Heated gases from the burning flare are directed to power a steam turbine, electric generator, steam engine electric generators, Stirling engine electric generator, solar panels, thermal panels, or a combination thereof to produce electrical and mechanical energy.