Nested Tank Dwelling Energy Unit for Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy production methods, reliant on fossil fuels, are inefficient and depleting, leading to high costs, pollution, and resource depletion, while many populations lack access to sustainable energy sources, resulting in health issues and economic challenges.
Innovation Solution
An energy system for dwellings that includes an inner tank with a generator surrounded by a fluid, where exhaust heat is exchanged with an outer fluid, capturing heat and water for use in heating, cooking, and water purification, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fossil fuels are burned in central power plants to generate electricity, then electricity production is achieved, but energy efficiency is low and resource depletion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tank configuration where an inner tank containing a generator is placed within an outer tank containing a heat exchanger. This nested structure allows the system to simultaneously generate electricity and capture waste heat from the same fuel combustion process, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining electricity production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated energy system performs multiple functions: the generator produces electricity while the heat exchanger captures waste heat for water heating and space heating. This multi-functionality allows the system to utilize the same fuel source for multiple energy needs, reducing total energy consumption and improving efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If exhaust heat is released from central power plants, then thermodynamic cycle operation is maintained, but useful heating energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat exhaust from the generator into a beneficial resource by routing it through a heat exchanger in the outer tank. This captured heat is then used for water heating and space heating applications, transforming what was previously a loss into a useful energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary device between the hot exhaust gases and the water or air that needs heating. It transfers thermal energy from the exhaust stream to the heating medium without direct contact, enabling efficient heat recovery while maintaining the thermodynamic cycle operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fossil fuels are burned at dwellings for heating and cooking, then local energy needs are met, but pollution and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dwellings to generate their own electricity and capture their own waste heat for heating and cooking needs. This self-service capability eliminates the need to burn additional fossil fuels at the dwelling, thereby reducing local pollution while meeting all energy requirements through the integrated generator and heat exchanger system.
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
This system increases energy utilization efficiency, provides clean water, reduces resource consumption, and improves living standards by capturing waste heat and water from engine exhaust, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a generator within the inner tank... and the generator is configured to produce electricity for the dwelling
Implementation Method 2
an exhaust port operably coupled to the generator to receive exhaust fumes from the generator. The exhaust port can pass through the second fluid to exchange heat from the exhaust fumes to the second fluid
Implementation Method 3
capturing heat and water for use in heating, cooking, and water purification
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing energy to a dwelling. An engine is housed within an inner tank, which is in turn housed within an outer tank. The engine provides electricity which is used for a dwelling. Exhaust fumes from the engine are piped through a series of heat-exchanging tubes within the outer tank to heat potable water within the outer tank. Water enters the potable tank at a bottom of the tank, and warms as it rises through the outer tank toward an outlet near a top of the outer tank. Hot, potable water is provided from the top of the outer tank to the dwelling. Condensate from the exhaust is captured and used as potable water. Heat, vibration, and acoustic energy from the engine is captured by the fluid in the inner tank and transferred to the outer tank.