High-Density Mobile Power Unit with Reciprocating Engine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power generation solutions for remote industrial operations, such as fracking, are inefficient, complex, and require multiple units to achieve the necessary power capacity, with existing mobile power generation systems being impractical for high-density applications due to size, weight, and assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A high-density mobile power unit configured to run on natural gas or hydrogen, with a reciprocating engine operating between 1200 to 1500 RPM, capable of generating over 3.3 MW of power, integrated into a towable trailer design that includes a specialized enclosure, cooling system, and power distribution unit, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gas turbine generators are used for power generation, then power capacity can be achieved, but the system requires high fuel pressure, gas treatment, high complexity in installation and operation, and low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a reciprocating engine operating at 1200-1500 RPM instead of a gas turbine, which operates at different speed and pressure parameters. This parameter change simplifies the fuel pressure requirements and eliminates the need for complex gas treatment systems while maintaining high power capacity of over 3.3 MW
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gas turbine mechanical system with a reciprocating engine system. This substitution eliminates the need for high fuel pressure systems and complex gas treatment equipment, reducing installation and operational complexity while achieving the same power generation capability through a different mechanical approach
2Device complexity
If reciprocating gas engine or dual fuel engines are used, then installation complexity is reduced, but power capacity is limited to no more than 2.5 MW requiring many units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple engine functions into a single integrated reciprocating engine system that delivers over 3.3 MW of power capacity. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate 2.5 MW units, reducing the number of installations required while maintaining simplified installation procedures characteristic of reciprocating engines
3Power
If multiple power units are deployed to achieve required power capacity, then power demand is met, but footprint of geographic operations increases and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple power units into a single mobile power unit with over 3.3 MW capacity. This consolidation reduces the geographic footprint by eliminating the need for multiple separate unit installations and their associated infrastructure, while meeting the same power demand requirements
4Power
If multiple power units are deployed to achieve required power capacity, then power demand is met, but setup time required to begin and end operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the functionality of multiple power units into a single mobile unit with over 3.3 MW capacity. This reduction from multiple units to one unit significantly decreases the time required for installation, commissioning, and decommissioning operations, while still meeting the required power demand
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 provides a compact, efficient, and reliable high-density power generation system that reduces fuel consumption and emissions, allowing for plug-and-play operation without the need for assembly, addressing the limitations of existing solutions by achieving a power capacity previously unattainable in a single mobile unit.
Implementation Method 1
A high density mobile power unit (MPU) may be configured to run on natural gas, or hydrogen (or a mix of both as fuel)
Implementation Method 2
an engine that may be operatively coupled to a generator, wherein the engine preferably comprises a 1500 RPM or a 1200 RPM reciprocating engine, and wherein generator preferably comprises the capacity to generate over 3,300 KW
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system that may include one or more of a radiator, enclosure air intake, enclosure exhaust, and an enclosure ventilation
Implementation Method 4
a cooling system that may include one or more of a radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A high density mobile power unit may include an elongated unibody frame having a frame cavity, a front end, a rear end, an elongated roof panel, a front panel, a rear panel, an elongated floor assembly having an upper side and a lower side, an elongated first side panel, and an elongated second side panel. A frame cavity bounded by the roof panel, front panel, rear panel, the upper side of the floor assembly, first side panel, and second side panel. A plurality of wheel and tire assemblies may be coupled to the unibody frame and may support the unibody frame above a ground surface. A radiator may be coupled to the upper side of the floor assembly and positioned within the frame cavity at the front end. At least one generator may be positioned within the frame cavity at the rear end. An engine may be positioned within the frame cavity between the at least one generator and the radiator. An under carriage structural lattice arrangement may be coupled to the lower side of the floor assembly.