U.S. patent application number 12/203266 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for maritime hydrogen or hydrocarbon production facility.
Invention is credited to Stephen Attilio Pieraccini.
Application Number | 20100050500 12/203266 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41723269 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100050500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pieraccini; Stephen
Attilio |
March 4, 2010 |
Maritime Hydrogen or Hydrocarbon Production Facility
Abstract
The present invention relates to a maritime facility for the
production of large quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons,
consisting of a plurality of interconnecting modules of two
designs. The first module design (a generating module) converts the
linear motion of wind into electrical energy. A second module (a
refining module) converts the electrical energy into chemical
energy stored in the form of hydrogen or hydrocarbons. Each module
can also serve as a docking port for a detachable transport vessel,
and all modules are interconnected using a plurality of ridged
inter-modular trusses of a standard design that also permit the
transfer of stress loads, electricity, gases/fluids, and control
commands between all modules.
Inventors: |
Pieraccini; Stephen Attilio;
(New York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen Pieraccini
623 Benton Road
East Meadow
NY
11554-5402
US
|
Family ID: |
41723269 |
Appl. No.: |
12/203266 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
44/300 ;
48/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10G 2/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
44/300 ;
48/61 |
International
Class: |
C10L 1/00 20060101
C10L001/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile maritime facility for the economical production of
large quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons; said maritime
facility comprising a plurality of interconnecting modules,
including: said modules of first design comprising a wind turbine
and means for converting the kinetic energy of wind captured by
said wind turbine into electrical energy; said modules of second
design comprising refining apparatus, means for converting said
electrical energy via said refining apparatus into chemical energy
stored in the form of hydrogen or hydrocarbons, and means for
controlling the operations and communications of said facility; and
inter-modular trusses comprising means for interconnecting said
modules to form said maritime facility, providing stability and
permitting transfers between said modules.
2. The module of claim 1a, wherein said wind turbine is of
vertical-axis design.
3. The module of claim 1a, wherein said wind turbine is of
horizontal-axis design.
4. The module of claim 1b, wherein said refining apparatus produces
hydrogen, expressed as H2, as the output product.
5. The module of claim 1b, wherein said refining apparatus produces
methane, expressed as CH4, as the output product.
6. The module of claim 1b, wherein said refining apparatus produces
gasoline, expressed as --CH2--, as the output product.
7. The module of claim 1b, wherein said refining apparatus produces
methanol, expressed as CH3OH, as the output product.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to a power plant, and more
particularly to a maritime facility for the production of large
quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Our society has numerous and well-known methods to meet its
demands for energy, covered under innumerable patents, each of
which has associated advantages and disadvantages. We should begin
with a cursory review of the prevalent sources of non-renewable
energy, including the combustion of various types of carbon-based
fossil fuels (primarily coal, oil, and natural gas) and nuclear
energy.
[0005] According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the United
States produced/imported and consumed 101 quadrillion British
thermal units of energy in 2007:
TABLE-US-00001 Sources of Energy Consumption of Energy BTUs BTUs
(quadr) % Total (quadr) % Total Coal 22.907 22.7% Commercial 18.430
18.1% Natural Gas 23.718 23.5% Industrial 32.321 31.8% Nuclear
8.521 8.4% Residential 21.753 21.4% Petroleum 39.006 38.6%
Transportation 29.096 28.6% Renewable 6.800 6.7% Total 101.600
100.0% Total 100.952 100.0%
[0006] These energy sources are widely used and accepted, with a
vast and convenient supply, distribution, and consumer
infrastructure, low marginal costs, and tax incentives to encourage
development. However, off-setting these benefits are a range of
problems associated with these non-renewable energy sources. [0007]
1. There are substantial pollution issues associated with nuclear
energy and the combustion of carbon-based fossil fuels (including
air pollution, water contamination, ground pollution, and
radioactive waste). There is also inconclusive evidence suggesting
that the combustion of carbon-based fossil fuels is contributing to
an increase in average global temperatures (global warming), which
if correct may have an adverse impact on climate, agriculture, sea
levels, and social stability around the world. Finally, there is
considerable environmental damage incurred during the extraction,
refinement, and transportation of these fuels. [0008] 2. There are
also well-known economic and political problems associated with
these energy sources, particularly with oil. Approximately 12
million net barrels of oil per day were imported into the United
States in 2007, contributing significantly to our net current
account deficit. In addition, our reliance on imports requires
partnerships with countries and organizations that do not view the
United States favorably, and are directly or indirectly subverting
our national interest. [0009] 3. As the categorical name states,
these energy sources are not renewable. Although we have enough
proven reserves to last for some time, there will eventually come a
point of increasing marginal costs for the recovery of these
reserves, resulting in instability as energy costs begin to rise
and economic resources are reallocated. In fact, recent prices in
the spot and forward markets for oil and natural gas, along with an
analysis of current and future production capacity, suggest that
the time of permanently higher costs has already arrived. [0010] 4.
Despite its potential to be cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient
than carbon-based fossil fuels, nuclear energy also has its own
unique political issues. People simply do not want such plants
located near them for fear of accidental radioactive discharges and
air, water, and/or ground pollution. Nuclear energy contributed 8%
of the energy consumed in the United States in 2007. [0011] 5. As a
result of concerns regarding the environmental impact of
non-renewable energy sources, there is a growing movement to force
energy providers to incorporate some of the so-called "external"
costs (through pollution credit trading mechanisms and/or carbon
taxation), which will further increase costs for producers and
ultimately consumers.
[0012] To help alleviate the problems associated with non-renewable
energy sources, there has been significant effort invested in
developing renewable energy sources. Although some of these methods
are considered environmentally benign or "green," even these energy
sources have so far produced their own limitations: [0013] 1. The
first of these methods harnesses the kinetic energy of falling
water. However, although technically non-polluting, the
construction and use of hydroelectric dams causes extensive damage
to the environment and population displacements as water levels
rise behind the structures. There are also few practical places for
dams, limiting the overall amount of energy that they can supply.
Hydroelectric energy therefore contributed only 2.4% of the energy
consumed in the United States in 2007. [0014] 2. In some
geologically active regions of the world, it is economically
competitive to use geothermal energy to drive steam turbines for
the production of electricity. While it can be an ideal local
solution to the demand for energy, there are few regions of the
world where it is feasible to use such an energy source, and the
United States itself has almost no such regions. Geothermal energy
therefore contributed only 0.3% of the energy consumed in the
United States in 2007. [0015] 3. A third renewable energy source is
the conversion of sunlight to electricity by either photovoltaic
cells or steam-driven turbines. In addition to being very
expensive, both of these methods are also sporadic--the sun does
not shine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the location of such
plants. For our society to rely significantly on solar energy,
power plants with capacities of several times projected demand
would be needed, with surplus energy stored in (expensive) storage
facilities to supply consumers when skies are overcast or at
nighttime. As a result, these energy sources will always remain
relatively expensive due to this significant limitation. Solar
energy therefore contributed only 0.1% of the energy consumed in
the United States in 2007. [0016] 4. Of all the renewable energy
sources, wind currently is the furthest along the road to
commercial viability. However, even here there are limitations
currently imposed for the "harvesting" of wind.
[0017] Due to the minimal energy density of wind, a large region
must be devoted to the installation of a "farm," which may
encompass many square miles and include dozens or hundreds of very
large rotors. There are limited regions where the wind blows with
enough regularity for it to become economically reasonable to
situate such a farm, especially in the absence of tax credits or
other taxpayer-sponsored incentives for producers and
consumers.
[0018] The construction of these huge wind turbines are themselves
very expensive, with capital costs consuming between 75% to 90% of
the cost of a typical wind energy project. The current generation
of horizontal-axis wind turbines is also reaching the upper limits
in potential size, as the mass (and cost) of the wind turbines
increase as the cube of their proportions while their power ratings
only increase as the square of the blades' sweep areas, leading to
diminishing returns on investment.
[0019] These projects (both the construction of the wind farm and
the construction of the infrastructure needed to connect it to the
power grid) invariably attract significant opposition from local
groups wherever they have been proposed.
[0020] There is also a new body of research implicating proximity
to land-based wind turbines in a number of health disorders
(migraines, equilibrium issues, etc.), caused by the low frequency
noise and vibrations emitted by these structures.
[0021] Wind energy therefore provided only 0.3% of the energy
consumed in the United States in 2007.
[0022] Finally, all of the energy sources described above
(renewable as well as non-renewable) require the purchase or lease
of property on which to drill and mine for resources, refine the
products, and/or locate power plants. This process is subject to
considerable regulatory, environmental, legal, and political
review, which necessarily increase costs with no benefit to the
consumer. Assuming that the necessary approvals are eventually
granted (after the years and millions of dollars it typically takes
to complete reviews), the property must be maintained and rents,
taxes, and royalties continuously paid, further increasing costs
while again adding no value for the consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Accordingly, the objective of this invention is to overcome
the problems outlined above by creating a maritime facility for the
production of large quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons from a
non-polluting, renewable, and freely available energy source at the
lowest cost possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided the Office upon
request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of a generating module, comprised of the apparatus necessary to
convert wind energy into electrical energy.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a simplified flowchart representation of the
apparatus and processes resident in the generating module that is
necessary to convert the linear motion of wind into electrical
energy.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the refining module, comprised of the apparatus necessary to
convert electrical energy into chemical energy stored in the form
of hydrogen or hydrocarbons.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a simplified flowchart representation of the
apparatus and catalytic processes resident in the refining module,
in particular to convert electrical energy into chemical energy
stored in the form of hydrogen (H2).
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a simplified flowchart representation of the
apparatus and catalytic processes resident in the refining module,
in particular to convert electrical energy into chemical energy
stored in the form of methane (CH4).
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a simplified flowchart representation of the
apparatus and catalytic processes resident in the refining module,
in particular to convert electrical energy into chemical energy
stored in the form of gasoline (--CH2--).
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a simplified flowchart representation of the
apparatus and catalytic processes resident in the refining module,
in particular to convert electrical energy into chemical energy
stored in the form of methanol (CH3OH).
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the inter-modular truss.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the transport vessel.
[0034] FIGS. 10 and 11 show perspective and top views,
respectively, of one configuration of the maritime facility,
comprised of sixteen generating modules, three refining modules,
and forty-two inter-modular trusses arranged as a centered
hexagonal lattice. Also depicted are two transport vessels.
[0035] FIG. 12 shows a schematic configuration of modules and
inter-modular trusses comprising the maritime facility, that of a
centered hexagonal lattice.
[0036] FIG. 13 shows a different schematic configuration of modules
and inter-modular trusses comprising the maritime facility, that of
an equilateral triangular lattice.
[0037] FIG. 14 shows the global distribution of ocean wind speed
and wave heights as observed by the QuikSCAT satellite's microwave
radar on Aug. 1, 1999. As seen in the images, economically viable
oceanic wind speeds (>7 meters/second) were found globally.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with
the aid of the included figures.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of a generating module, comprised of the apparatus necessary to
convert wind energy into electrical energy. It includes: [0040] A
buoyant toroidal member that forms the basic structural support
component of the module (1-1). It also accommodates the functional
apparatus of the module. [0041] Six anchorage points (1-2) on the
toroid for the connection of inter-modular trusses, arranged
radially at 60.degree. intervals around the central vertical axis.
They are thus arranged to facilitate the assembly of the maritime
facility in either centered hexagonal lattice or equilateral
triangular lattice patterns. [0042] A vertical support column (1-3)
centered about the central vertical axis, affixed to the toroid,
and stabilized by guy wires (1-4). [0043] A generator apparatus
(1-5), preferably a direct-drive, permanent magnet, gearless,
d/c-wound generator for simplicity and efficiency, affixed to the
top of the vertical support column. [0044] A vertical axis H-rotor
wind turbine (1-6) affixed to the generator apparatus. The module
can use any of various vertical axis wind rotor designs, but for
illustrative purposes is shown with an H-rotor capable of
feathering the vertical blades. [0045] The propulsion apparatus
(1-7) centered near the module's center of mass capable of rotating
360.degree. around the central vertical axis and affixed to the
vertical support column. [0046] A docking apparatus (1-8) located
at the base of the vertical support column to permit the docking of
the transport vessel.
[0047] Of course, the components shown are only one possible
embodiment of the module, as any design or combination of
components that accomplish the same function can be used, depending
on the cost/efficiency of each design.
[0048] As outlined in FIG. 2, the rotational energy provided by the
wind rotor is directed to the generator, and the electricity
produced is thereafter directed through the electrical regulation
apparatus to other apparatuses within the maritime facility.
Surplus electricity is directed to an on-board battery apparatus to
help balance fluctuations in energy production, and emergency
electricity production can be satisfied by a fuel cell apparatus
using previously electrolyzed hydrogen (produced in the refining
modules).
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the refining module, comprised of the apparatus necessary to
convert electrical energy into chemical energy stored in the form
of hydrogen or hydrocarbons, as well as other components to control
the operations of the maritime facility. It includes: [0050] A
buoyant toroidal member (3-1) that forms the basic structural
support component of the module. It also accommodates the
functional apparatus of the module. [0051] Six anchorage points
(3-2) on the toroid for the connection of inter-modular trusses,
arranged radially at 60.degree. intervals around the central
vertical axis. They are thus arranged to facilitate the assembly of
the maritime facility in either centered hexagonal lattice or
equilateral triangular lattice patterns. [0052] A vertical support
column (3-3) centered about the central vertical axis, affixed to
the toroid, and stabilized by guy wires (3-4). [0053] A
communications dome (3-5) affixed to the top of the vertical
support column containing radar, radio, and satellite communication
apparatuses. [0054] The propulsion apparatus (3-6) centered near
the module's center of mass capable of rotating 360.degree. around
the central vertical axis and affixed to the vertical support
column. [0055] A docking apparatus (3-7) located at the base of the
vertical support column to permit the docking of the transport
vessel.
[0056] Of course, the components shown are only one possible
embodiment of the module, as any design or combination of
components that accomplish the same function can be used, depending
on the cost/efficiency of each design.
[0057] As outlined in FIG. 4, the electrical energy supplied by the
generating module is used to break the covalent bonds of water,
providing hydrogen as the output product.
[0058] Alternatively, as outlined in FIGS. 5 through 7, the
electrical energy supplied by the generating module is used to
break the covalent bonds of carbon dioxide (to supply a source of
carbon) and water (to supply a source of hydrogen), and to
recombine the carbon and hydrogen into one of a variety of
hydrocarbons as the output product, depending on the catalytic
processes used.
[0059] Also, due to the turbulent environment in which the maritime
facility will be operating, the (in all likelihood unmanned)
facility will need extensive self-monitoring and remote-execution
capabilities. Given that this module also controls the operations
of the maritime facility, the components envisioned as necessary to
self-monitor and remote-execute include: [0060] Sensory processing
devices to interpret feeds from production apparatuses, stress
monitoring devices, communications devices, digital video devices,
GPS, radar, radio, sonar, and telemetry devices. [0061] Computer
controlled devices to command all mechanical and electrical systems
of the maritime facility. [0062] Navigation devices coordinated
with GPS receivers to determine location and plot vectors to
desired coordinates using the propulsion apparatus.
[0063] Computer capabilities have not evolved to the point where
the maritime facility would have the ability to independently make
decisions. As a result, it will also need to communicate real-time
with a centralized location via radio or satellite. The maritime
facility will need to record and transmit "sensory" data of its
environment to allow for timely decision-making, and will therefore
require the capability to accumulate, process, and transmit data of
production volumes, stress loads, telemetric, radar, sonar, digital
video, and radio devices. These sensory devices will monitor
important variables and warn if any fall outside of predetermined
tolerance limits. Safety devices positioned throughout the facility
and controlled by this module (such as circuit breakers, shut-off
valves, emergency venting valves, and in extreme situations,
explosive bolts to disconnect entire modules) will be necessary to
allow corrective measures to be directed remotely.
[0064] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the inter-modular truss, comprised of a buoyant horizontal
structural member (8-1) with anchorage points (8-2) on either end
of the horizontal member. These anchorage points affix to those
found on the toroidal members of the generating and refining
modules. They also permit the exchange of electricity,
gases/fluids, and control commands between all modules.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the submersible transport vessel, comprised of a hull (9-1), two
propulsion apparatuses (9-2) capable of rotating 360.degree. around
any axis, two control planes (9-3) for controlling the pitch of the
vessel, and two docking apparatuses (9-4) to permit docking to the
underside of the maritime facility.
[0066] FIGS. 10 and 11 show perspective and top views,
respectively, of one configuration of the maritime facility,
comprised of sixteen generating modules, (10-1) three refining
modules (10-2), and forty-two inter-modular trusses (10-3) arranged
as a centered hexagonal lattice. Also depicted are two transport
vessels (10-4).
[0067] FIG. 12 shows a schematic configuration of modules and
inter-modular trusses comprising the maritime facility, a centered
hexagonal lattice.
[0068] FIG. 13 shows a different schematic configuration of modules
and inter-modular trusses comprising the maritime facility, an
equilateral triangular lattice.
[0069] FIG. 14 shows the global distribution of ocean wind speed
and wave heights as observed by the QuikSCAT satellite's microwave
radar on Aug. 1, 1999.
CONCLUSIONS AND RAMIFICATIONS
[0070] The unique and innovative concepts behind the design of the
present invention will minimize the total cost of producing energy,
and will help to maintain a competitive advantage against current
and future market participants. [0071] The use of wind as the
ultimate source of energy eliminates the cost of seeking,
extracting, and refining the mineral deposits required by
fossil-based and nuclear sources of energy. It also eliminates the
potential for rising energy prices caused by the scarcity of fixed
natural resources, as wind is unlimited, renewable, and freely
available. [0072] If the selected output product for the maritime
facility is methane, gasoline, or methanol, then (a) existing
distribution networks can be used to get the products to market,
(b) the consumers of the product will not need to modify or replace
their existing equipment that use conventional fuels, and (c) the
cost of fuel will be permanently disassociated from the inequality
of global mineral distribution and the resultant supply constraints
controlled by others. It will instead be a function of the
manufacturing and maintenance cost of these maritime facilities,
which should over time decrease due to efficiencies of scale. These
output products also solve the problem of storing energy harvested
from wind until the time and place of consumption.
[0073] There are also unique benefits to a mobile maritime
facility: [0074] It is known that the energy density wind varies
with the cube of its velocity. It therefore follows that
positioning a wind turbine in regions of consistently higher
average wind speed will improve its efficiency dramatically.
However, there are few regions on land where wind blows with enough
regularity to make the installation of large wind farms economical,
and fewer regions still where it is politically acceptable to do
so. In contrast, a free-floating maritime facility that
continuously follows the strong oceanic wind patterns greatly
improves the efficiency of energy extraction from wind. There are
certain ice-free regions of the oceans that would be ideal
locations for such facilities, as seen by QuikSCAT satellite's
microwave radar in FIG. 14. Information from such satellites can be
used on a near real-time basis to predict the optimal locations for
the maritime facilities. [0075] Following regions of consistently
higher average wind speeds will permit a significantly smaller wind
rotor to extract the same energy from wind, leading to significant
reductions in design, manufacturing, operating, and long-term
maintenance costs. [0076] Expenses are also reduced because a
free-floating facility eliminates most legal, environmental,
political, and property tax costs that are associated with
land-based energy production facilities. Wind on the open seas also
lacks private property status, and does not require rental payments
to property owners for use of an asset.
[0077] The innovative decentralized modular design of the facility
also has significant advantages: [0078] Repeatedly using the same
components throughout the facility reduces costs. For example, the
use of one inter-modular truss design, one toroidal member design,
or one propulsion apparatus design throughout the facility reduces
development, manufacturing, operating, and maintenance costs.
Combined with the repeated use of identical modules, this should
enable very significant savings due to efficiencies of scale.
[0079] The size of any facility can be scaled according to the
market demands for the output product, as dozens of modules can be
connected as one facility. Additional modules can be added to an
existing facility at their marginal cost rather than requiring the
construction of an entirely new plant to increase capacity.
Malfunctioning modules can also be replaced at their marginal cost.
[0080] Additional modules can be added to existing facilities
without requiring the reconfiguration of the facility's operating
systems, as most production systems and devices are self-contained
in each module. [0081] The simple design of the facility should
enable it to be both automated and unmanned, further decreasing
costs. Numerous such facilities can then be monitored and
controlled from one centralized location.
[0082] Other unique features of the facility also help to lower the
total cost of energy production: [0083] Existing rather than
proprietary technology can probably be licensed to minimize
development costs. However, in order to maintain a competitive
advantage against other market participants, proprietary long-term
research and development will continue in key areas, such as (a)
reducing the voltage requirements for water electrolysis, (b)
eliminating desalination requirements for electrolysis, (c)
improving the efficiency of wind turbine design, (d) improving
yields in the catalytic processes, among others. [0084] The use of
wind as a source of energy eliminates pollution control and other
external costs. The only significant waste products of the
production process, brine and oxygen, are not considered pollutants
and are both equalized later in the hydrogen energy life cycle.
Even if the output product is a hydrocarbon, there is no net
addition of CO2 to the atmosphere as it is consumed, as the carbon
was originally extracted from the atmosphere during the production
process. [0085] The use of corrosion-resistant or corrosion-proof
materials (plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, honeycomb core
composite laminates, neoprene, aluminum, galvanized steel,
stainless steel, titanium, marine paint, etc.) throughout the
facility, while perhaps marginally increasing up-front
manufacturing costs, will significantly reduce long-term
maintenance and downtime costs. [0086] The wind rotor and generator
can be designed to counter-rotate relative to each other via a
transmission. This will decrease the tendency of the module's body
to gyroscopically counter-rotate if the rotor and generator were to
rotate in the same direction. In addition, an equal number of
generating modules rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise can be
connected to minimize the tendency of the entire facility to rotate
about its center of gravity. [0087] The partial submersion of the
maritime facility and transport vessel will allow them to avoid
most of the turbulence and stresses associated with surface wind
and wave activity, simplifying the design and maintenance of these
facilities. [0088] Inter-modular truss anchorage points located at
60.degree. intervals around each module's torodial member
eliminates the need for multiple truss sizes and designs. Moreover,
the geometric pattern formed produces a strong and stable structure
able to withstand significant stresses. [0089] A vertical-axis wind
turbine of any given power rating is more economical than a
horizontal-axis wind turbine of the same rating, since the mass of
the latter grows disproportionately to its power output as the
output requirements increase.
[0090] To summarize, the present invention will accomplish the
objectives by: [0091] eliminating environmental degradation by
exploiting an environmentally benign energy source and converting
it to usable energy without the need for extracting and refining
mineral deposits or the emission of pollutants or contaminants;
[0092] improving the United States' economic performance by
creating new U.S.-based jobs in a new U.S.-based industry, reducing
cash transfers and the repatriation of profits to foreign third
parties, lowering U.S. trade deficits, and expanding the U.S. tax
base; [0093] mitigating the instability that will be caused by
rising energy prices due to the inequality of global mineral
distribution and the resultant supply constraints controlled by
others, as previously discussed; [0094] eliminating the problem of
an inconsistent supply of environmentally benign energy at the
production site over time, as previously discussed; and [0095]
minimizing the cost of producing energy, as previously
discussed.
[0096] Although the descriptions above contain many specifics, they
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but
merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *