Stirling Engine Power Generation from Flare Exhaust Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustor systems release large volumes of heated exhaust gases with untapped heat energy, lacking an efficient means to capture and convert this energy into electricity.
Innovation Solution
A power generation assembly comprising a Stirling cycle engine, alternator, voltage divider circuit, battery, data transmission panel, and temperature sensors is positioned near the exhaust vent of combustor assemblies to harness heat energy from exhaust gases, converting it into electricity using a Stirling engine and alternator, with a heat shield and baffle directing hot gases to heater tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional combustor systems are used to burn hydrocarbon waste gases, then toxic gases are destroyed with 99.99% efficiency, but large volumes of heated exhaust gases with untapped heat energy are released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat energy released by exhaust gases into a beneficial resource by using it to drive a Stirling engine for electricity generation. The heat shield captures thermal energy from exhaust gases and transfers it to the Stirling engine, transforming previously wasted energy into useful electrical power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat shield as an intermediary component between the exhaust gases and the environment. This heat shield captures thermal energy from the exhaust gases and transfers it to the Stirling engine, serving as a mediator that enables energy conversion without interfering with the primary combustion function.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If large volumes of heated exhaust gases are vented through stacks, then combustion products are released into the atmosphere, but abundant heat energy is released into the surrounding environment and remains untapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the harmful effect of heat release into a beneficial outcome by capturing the thermal energy from exhaust gases and converting it into electrical power through a Stirling engine, thereby eliminating waste while maintaining safe discharge of combustion products.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gas venting system is enhanced with multi-functionality: it continues to discharge combustion products safely while simultaneously serving as a heat source for electricity generation. The heat shield and Stirling engine assembly adds a power generation function to the existing venting infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If there is no means for capturing heat energy from combustor assemblies, then the system remains simple, but there is no efficient or reliable means for capturing or using said heat energy to generate electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds electricity generation functionality to the existing combustor assembly without fundamentally redesigning it. The heat shield and Stirling engine are added as supplementary components that utilize waste heat, allowing the system to serve dual purposes: combustion and power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own waste heat output to generate electricity, making the combustor assembly self-sufficient by powering itself or providing excess power to the grid. The heat energy that would otherwise be wasted is harnessed to drive the Stirling engine, creating a self-utilizing 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
The system effectively generates electricity from the heat energy in exhaust gases, providing a financial asset and power for on-site use or transmission to the grid, utilizing existing combustor systems without requiring hydrocarbon gas capture or processing.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation assembly positioned in proximity to a combustor assembly and configured to harness heat energy from exhaust gases and convert the heat energy into electricity using a Stirling engine
Implementation Method 2
an alternator mounted on the support platform in proximity to the combustor assembly and configured to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
a heat shield positioned between the exhaust gases and the Stirling engine components to protect them from direct exposure to high temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electricity generation using heat contained in exhaust gas from a combustor (enclosed flare) to drive an external combustion Stirling cycle engine which directly drives at least one alternator or generator. A battery is connected to the alternator or generator through a divider circuit followed by a filter circuit. Electric power distribution circuits are electrically connected to output circuits of the alternators or generators for consumption of the electric power on-site, for sale to a commercial electric power distribution grid, or for any other desired uses.