Rotating Detonation Generator for Higher-Efficiency Power Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines are inefficient in converting chemical energy in fuel to electrical energy due to mechanical, thermal, and thermodynamic energy losses, which are thermodynamically limited by the Brayton Cycle.

Innovation Solution

An electric generator system utilizing a rotating detonation combustor to combust fuel and oxidizing agent, expelling exhaust gas to rotate turbine wheels, and converting the rotational motion to electrical energy through an electric generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If internal combustion engines use Brayton Cycle combustion, then the system can convert chemical energy to electrical energy, but the conversion efficiency is limited due to mechanical, thermal, and thermodynamic energy losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical, thermal, and thermodynamic energy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental combustion parameters by transitioning from sub-sonic deflagration to supersonic detonation. This parameter change in combustion speed and pressure profile enables the system to overcome Brayton Cycle limitations and achieve higher energy conversion efficiency by operating in a different thermodynamic regime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical internal combustion engine system with a rotating detonation combustor system that uses controlled detonation waves. This substitution eliminates the mechanical losses associated with traditional engines while maintaining the chemical-to-electrical energy conversion function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If internal combustion engines operate at sub-sonic speeds, then the combustion process is controllable, but the thermodynamic efficiency is limited by the Brayton Cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidcombustion speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the combustion speed parameter from sub-sonic to supersonic ranges by implementing rotating detonation. This parameter change fundamentally alters the thermodynamic process from Brayton Cycle to a more efficient detonation-based cycle, achieving higher thermodynamic efficiency while maintaining controllability through rotational speed control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improved efficiency in converting chemical energy to electrical energy by leveraging the Fickett-Jacobs Cycle, potentially increasing thermodynamic efficiencies by 5-7% compared to internal combustion engines, while also reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and improving specific fuel consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The rotating detonation combustor is configured to receive a fuel and an oxidizing agent into the combustion chamber and expel exhaust gas from the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 2

The first turbine wheel is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and is configured to rotate upon receiving the exhaust gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbine: Turbine

Implementation Method 3

The compressor wheel is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and is configured to deliver compressed oxidizing agent to the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

The electric generator is configured to convert rotational motion of the second turbine wheel to electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250030316A1Electric generator system

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 BORGWARNER INC

AI summary

An electric generator system includes a rotating detonation combustor having an outer wall, an inner wall, and a combustion chamber configured to receive a fuel and an oxidizing agent and expel exhaust gas. The electric generator system also includes a first turbine wheel in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and configured to rotate upon receiving the exhaust gas, a shaft rotatable with the first turbine wheel, and a compressor wheel rotatable with the shaft, in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, and configured to deliver compressed oxidizing agent to the combustion chamber. The electric generator system further includes a second turbine wheel in fluid communication with the first turbine wheel and configured to rotate upon receiving the exhaust gas from the first turbine wheel, and an electric generator rotatable with the second turbine wheel and configured to convert rotational motion of the second turbine wheel to electrical energy.