Mobile Hybrid Power Platform with Natural Gas Engine and ESS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel-powered reciprocating engines used in generator sets for mining and mineral extraction emit greenhouse gases, are expensive, and lack responsiveness in power output adjustments, which is inadequate for applications like fracking that require rapid power changes.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power system utilizing a natural gas-powered reciprocating engine with an electrical energy storage system (ESS) that allows the electrical motor to draw power from both the generator set and ESS in parallel, enabling quick power adjustments, and is assembled on a mobile platform for simplified deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diesel-powered reciprocating engines are used in generator sets, then power output is reliable, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fuel parameter from diesel to natural gas, which fundamentally alters the emission profile while maintaining engine operational reliability. This parameter change in the fuel type resolves the contradiction by reducing harmful emissions without sacrificing power output reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hybrid system that copies the reliable power output function of diesel engines while replacing the harmful combustion process with an electrical energy storage system. The ESS replicates the dependable power delivery characteristics without the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
2Reliability
If diesel-powered reciprocating engines are used in generator sets, then power supply is stable, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy in diesel fuel to electrical energy in the ESS. This parameter change enables more efficient energy management and reduced operational costs while maintaining stable power supply through the hybrid architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system with ESS enables self-service operation where the energy storage system can independently manage power delivery, reducing the need for expensive diesel fuel consumption and allowing for more economical energy sourcing.
3Reliability
If diesel-powered reciprocating engines are used in generator sets, then power output is consistent, but responsiveness to power adjustments is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic responsiveness through the ESS, which can rapidly adjust power output in response to changing demands. The hybrid system combines the consistent baseline power of the diesel engine with the dynamic adjustment capability of the electrical storage system, resolving the contradiction between consistency and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ESS acts as an intermediary between the diesel engine and the power demand, providing rapid power adjustments without requiring the diesel engine to change its operation. This mediator enables fast response times while the engine maintains its stable, consistent power output.
4Productivity
If generator sets are deployed for mining operations in remote locations, then power needs are met, but transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power system architecture from a single heavy diesel generator to a hybrid system with separate diesel engine and ESS components. This parameter change in system configuration allows for more flexible and potentially lighter transportation while maintaining full power provision capability for remote mining operations.
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 reliable, cost-effective, and responsive power to mining and mineral extraction operations, reducing emissions and transportation costs while maintaining consistent power output, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a reciprocating engine configured to convert natural gas into rotational mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to convert rotational mechanical energy sourced from the reciprocating engine into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
an electrical motor configured to convert electrical energy sourced from a combination of the generator set and the electrical energy storage system into rotational mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An example hybrid power system includes a mobile platform comprising: a generator set comprising: a reciprocating engine configured to convert natural gas into rotational mechanical energy; and a generator configured to convert rotational mechanical energy sourced from the reciprocating engine into electrical energy; an electrical energy storage system (ESS) configured to store electrical energy; an electrical motor configured to convert electrical energy sourced from a combination of the generator set and the ESS into rotational mechanical energy; and a pump configured to operate using rotational mechanical energy sourced from the electrical motor.