Multi-Fuel Microgrid Generator with Carbon-Graphite Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power generator systems are inefficient in using a variety of energy sources and thermal storage methods, particularly relying on thermal oils and chemicals which are not effective for storing heat from wind and solar energy.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fuel microgrid generator system powered by liquid fuels, biomass, wind energy, and solar energy, utilizing a thermal storage unit with a heat regenerative steam engine that stores heat in a carbon/graphite medium for efficient energy conversion and generation of up to 1 megawatt of clean and cost-effective electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal oils and chemicals are used for thermal storage, then the system can store heat from wind and solar energy, but the efficiency of heat storage and conversion is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the heat storage medium by using carbon/graphite materials with specific properties (high thermal conductivity, stable chemical composition) instead of thermal oils and chemicals. This parameter change enables efficient heat storage and conversion while maintaining compatibility with multiple energy sources including wind and solar energy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-fuel system is implemented, then the generator can operate on various fuels including liquid fuels, biomass, wind and solar energy, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal heat storage and conversion system using carbon/graphite thermal storage units and a steam engine that can process heat from any energy source. The thermal storage unit and steam engine serve multiple functions: storing heat from different sources, converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, and driving the generator. This multi-functionality achieves fuel flexibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If thermal storage unit with carbon/graphite medium is used, then heat storage efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases compared to simple thermal oil systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material systems in the thermal storage unit, combining carbon and graphite materials with specific structural configurations. These composite materials provide high thermal conductivity and stable heat storage capacity. The composite structure enables efficient heat transfer and storage while maintaining a manageable system design through integrated heat exchangers and thermal storage tanks.
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 achieves efficient and continuous electricity generation by utilizing a heat regenerative steam engine with external combustion and water lubrication, operating at supercritical pressure and high temperature, and incorporating a thermal storage unit for storing heat from solar and wind energy, providing a compact, environmentally friendly, and versatile power source.
Implementation Method 1
The energy generator system may also use wind energy and/or solar energy that is converted to heat and stored in a thermal storage unit (TSU)
Implementation Method 2
The thermal storage unit includes a tank that is used for storing the heat energy in a heat exchange medium, such as carbon/graphite
Implementation Method 3
a generator powered by a heat regenerative steam engine that provides a versatile power source
Implementation Method 4
using external combustion, a cyclone burner and water lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fuel microgrid class generator system includes a heat regenerative steam engine that provides a versatile power source having a clean burn using liquid fuel or biomass for generating electricity. The generator system is also capable of using wind energy and/or solar energy that is converted to heat and stored in a thermal storage unit using a heat exchange medium, such as carbon/graphite. The heat regenerative steam engine uses these various power sources to generate up to 1 megawatt of clean and cost-effective electricity.