U.S. patent application number 12/998154 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for distributed power generation system for surface transport.
This patent application is currently assigned to Peregrine Blackbird Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Nic Alexander.
Application Number | 20110247334 12/998154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42059206 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110247334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alexander; Nic |
October 13, 2011 |
Distributed power generation system for surface transport
Abstract
A distributed power generation system (1) for surface transport,
including: a primary power generation device (3) including a gas
steam turbine to generate energy for said surface transport; a
secondary power generation device (5); an energy storage device to
store energy received from the primary and/or secondary power
generation device; an elongate drive shaft to be driven by said
energy from said primary and/or secondary power generation and/or
energy storage device; and a torque converter operatively
associated with the primary and/or the secondary power generation
device, to assist the capture of energy from said drive shaft
during a power generation phase; and a connection means to deliver
said torque to wheels of said surface transport to urge said
surface transport into motion.
Inventors: |
Alexander; Nic; (New South
Wells, AU) |
Assignee: |
Peregrine Blackbird Pty
Limited
Woollahra, New South Wales
AU
|
Family ID: |
42059206 |
Appl. No.: |
12/998154 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
September 24, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2009/001268 |
371 Date: |
June 20, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/670 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03G 7/08 20130101; Y02T
10/6221 20130101; Y02T 10/62 20130101; B60W 2710/06 20130101; Y02T
10/6295 20130101; B60K 6/24 20130101; Y02T 10/6265 20130101; F02C
6/20 20130101; B60K 3/04 20130101; B60K 6/52 20130101; F01D 15/02
20130101; F05D 2220/62 20130101; B60Y 2200/14 20130101; B60K 6/48
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
60/670 |
International
Class: |
F01K 23/06 20060101
F01K023/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 24, 2008 |
AU |
2008904976 |
Claims
1. A distributed power generation system for surface transport,
including: a primary power generation device including a gas steam
turbine to generate energy for said surface transport; a secondary
power generation device; an energy storage device to store energy
received from the primary and/or secondary power generation device;
an elongate drive shaft to be driven by said energy from said
primary and/or secondary power generation and/or energy storage
device; and a torque converter operatively associated with the
primary and/or the secondary power generation device, to assist the
capture of energy from said drive shaft during a power generation
phase; and a connection means to deliver said torque to wheels of
said surface transport to urge said surface transport into
motion.
2. The distributed power generation system for surface transport
according to claim 1, wherein said primary power generation device
includes: a compressor operable to receive a gas; a combustion
chamber to receive and ignite a fuel; a turbine to rotate the drive
shaft; the heated gas leaving said turbine being directed past the
outside of said combustion chamber to add heat to said heat
exchanger for heating a liquid, said gas passing through a second
turbine operatively associated with the compressor and venting said
gas from said system through a second heat exchanger, said gas
passing through a third turbine acting in cooperation with said
first turbine.
3. The distributed power generation system for surface transport
according to claim 2, wherein the gas leaving the second turbine is
returned to the combustion chamber.
4. The distributed power generation system for surface transport
according to claim 2, wherein the gas leaving the second turbine is
exhausted from the system.
5. The distributed power generation system for surface transport
according to claim 2, wherein said heated liquid from the heat
exchanger is adapted to drive a steam turbine.
6. The distributed power generation system for surface transport
according to claim 1, wherein said system includes a means to store
excess energy in a power storage unit and transmit said excess
energy to other surface transport as it passes power transmission
zones.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a renewable energy,
distributed power generation system for surface transport for the
movement of freight and passengers, and in particular a system to
store and generate power thereby reducing the amount of fossil
fuels used by surface transport and fossil or nuclear fuels used
for power generation. The power plant (gas/steam generator)
described is typically for a distributed power generation system
either surface mounted or integrated into surface transport. The
potential/kinetic energy of surface transport is used to generate
power and transfer this power to and from a power storage unit
(PSU) either on board the vehicle or autonomously located.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Surface transport has advantages such that it can deliver
goods and services to any location without the need of major
infrastructure. However, there is a need for surface transport to
be more efficient in its use of fuel and energy consumption to
ensure it remains cost effective. Further, with the increasing
concern of global warming, high demand for oil and geo-political
issues, more efficient, clean power generation systems are
desirable.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need to reduce the fossil/nuclear
fuel consumed per unit of freight for surface transport. There is
also a need to capture energy that is being lost from existing
systems and/or the ability to transfer excess power between surface
transport and power storage units.
[0004] One such system is to target a reduction in fuel and wasted
energy lost in the stopping phase of surface transport (i.e.
braking) and to store/transmit excess energy at declines on descent
and reuse that energy at inclines on a climb.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially
overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of
the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] There is firstly disclosed herein a distributed power
generation system for surface transport, including:
[0007] a primary power generation device including a gas steam
turbine to generate energy for driving said surface transport;
[0008] a secondary power generation device including an electrical
generator; to generate energy for driving said surface
transport;
[0009] an energy storage device to store energy received from the
primary and/or secondary power generation devices;
[0010] a connection means connected to wheels of said surface
transport and to deliver torque from said wheels to a power storage
unit;
[0011] an elongate drive shaft to convert and transfer energy from
the surface transport in a power generation phase; and
[0012] a torque converter/hydro-static drive to cooperate with said
shaft to capture energy during the power generation phase.
[0013] Preferably, the connection means delivers torque to an
onboard power storage device to be used by the surface transport in
motion or transmitted to a power grid.
[0014] Preferably, the primary power generation devices
includes:
[0015] a compressor operable to receive a gas;
[0016] a combustion chamber to receive and ignite a fuel;
[0017] a turbine to rotate the drive shaft; and wherein
[0018] heated gas leaving said turbine is directed past the outside
of said combustion chamber to add heat to a heat exchanger for
heating a liquid, said gas passing through a second turbine
cooperating with the compressor, the gas leaving the second turbine
and returned to the combustion chamber or vented from said system
through a second heat exchanger.
[0019] Preferably, the vented gas passes through a third turbine
operating in cooperation with the first turbine.
[0020] Preferably, the gas leaving the second turbine is returned
to the combustion chamber.
[0021] Preferably, the gas leaving the second turbine is vented
from the system.
[0022] Preferably, the heated liquid from the heat exchanger is
adapted to drive a steam turbine.
[0023] Preferably, the steam turbine is located co-axially with the
gas turbine inside the combustion chamber surrounded by the first
heat exchanger.
[0024] Preferably, the system includes a means to store excess
energy in a power storage unit and transmit said excess energy to
other surface transport.
[0025] Preferably, the system includes a means to store energy in a
power storage unit and transmit said excess energy to a track or
roadside power storage unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a distributed power generation system of an
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a distributed power generation system of a further
embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 shows one location of a distributed power generation
device on a is vehicle; and
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a power transmission system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] There is schematically depicted in the drawings, a
distributed power generation system 1, for surface transport such
as a vehicle 4 including a primary power generation device 3 to
generate energy for said vehicle 4. The primary power generating
device 3 includes a drive (gas/steam) turbine (see FIG. 1) where
the steam turbine is preferably integrated as a gas/steam turbine
or separate with a heat exchanger integrated into the gas turbine
or the like. The gas turbine 3 (see FIG. 2) is a thermally powered
turbine device. The steam turbine is a typical steam device. A
secondary power generation device 5 (see FIG. 3) includes an
electrical generator/traction motor 7 to generate power in the
power generation (stopping) phase storing this power roadside,
trackside or on board in the power (pack) storage unit or to use in
the power grid as demand requires or by other vehicles to use the
energy in negotiating a gradient. The wheels 9 deliver torque via
traction motors or a connection means (drive shaft) 8 to the power
storage unit 2.
[0032] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the primary power generation
device 3 includes a compressor 10 operable to receive a gas. The
gas direction is shown by the arrows 11. A combustion chamber 12
receives and ignites a fuel. A turbine 13 receives the heated gas
from the combustion chamber 12 and rotates the shaft 14. The gas
leaving the turbine 13 is directed past the outside of the
combustion chamber 12 in ducting or the like to add heat to the
heat exchanger 23 forming the wall of the combustion chamber 12 for
heating liquid to operate a steam turbine. The gas passing through
a second turbine 15 operatively associated with the compressor 10
is integrated as an outer ring of the compressor 10 which activates
the compressor 10. The gas leaving the second turbine is returned
to the combustion chamber or wherein the gas is vented away from
the system 1; passing a heat exchanger 23 in the exhaust section.
The steam turbine may be co-axial with the gas turbine and located
with in the gas turbine combustion chamber surrounded by a heat
exchanger. Secondary effects of the reverse flow exhaust system and
heat exchangers will lower turbine noise and reduce exhaust gas
temperatures to acceptable levels. A variable geometry air inlet
and a variable geometry exhaust will be incorporated to assist in
optimizing the fuel air mix and maximize energy transfer to the
heat exchanger 23 which drives the steam turbine. It should be
understood that the system can work equally on the prime
mover/locomotor and/or the load carrying devices, be integrated
into many other parts of the surface transport, or be mounted
roadside or trackside.
[0033] In FIG. 4 is shown a power transmission system 20 for a
vehicle 4. The system 1, at item 2 on FIG. 3, provides onboard
energy storage during the power generation process. In extended
power generation phases (downhill) this energy would have to be
stored in a power storage unit mounted roadside, trackside or a
power (pack) storage unit used in the power grid as demand requires
by other vehicles to use the energy in negotiating a gradient or
the like 2. An overhead power line 22 or the like would be required
to transmit the energy between vehicles 4. An Energy Management
Control Computer (EMC.sup.2.TM. not shown) would be used. This
would include a GPS and an elevation (potential energy) algorithm
assessing the onboard power required at trip planning or the end of
power usage or power generation phases of a vehicle 4. That is, the
vehicle 4 expends energy downhill and draws that energy in the
uphill phase. Semi-trailers and rolling stock (rail cars) or the
like will require a push algorithm to ensure the safety of the
(truck/tractor/locomotor). This would constitute for road transport
a slight flex in the draw pin measured by laser/light or a device
which would dictate the amount of acceleration required by the
trailer(s) to balance push/pull on the preceding vehicle 4 and for
rail the amount of push or pull depending on the phase of
operation. Using the distributed power system 1 where the dual
turbines 13, 15 are enclosed by a liquid heat exchanger 23 or the
like, a second steam turbine (not shown) is also used to generate
power. The combustion chamber 12 and the heat exchanger 23 in the
reverse flow exhaust would have to produce sufficient heat to
provide steam. The system EMC.sup.2.TM. sets a burn start time and
duration to generate sufficient energy to efficiently continue the
journey, minimizing energy usage.
[0034] The system 1 uses power generation, storage and power
transmission. To measure generated energy and send this information
to Power Rail/Road (PRR.TM.) when in cell range or at power
transmission zones via internet protocols (IP) and to produce a
power bill of the energy generated or consumed. The EMC.sup.2.TM.,
for a city transit the power pack is powered to a predetermined
level to accelerate, for example, 100 t to 100 km/hr and retain 25%
energy--or power needs are optimized for the journey profile with
inputs from EMC.sup.2.TM.. Power storage units will be an integral
part of the system both in built up and isolated areas.
[0035] The EMC.sup.2.TM. plots the planned course predicting and
optimizing engine/turbine burn times, relative to power
transmission zones, and the optimum energy upload/download at power
transmission zones. The EMC.sup.2.TM. would receive regular
database updates for the most recent power transmission zone
completion for journey planning to optimize routes and the
EMC.sup.2.TM. saves previous routes and optimizes route power
management profiles based on newly constructed power transmission
zones (this information is updated wirelessly or by power
transmission zones via Internet Protocol (IP)). The device will be
capable of impulse (very high rate) power transmission at
transmission zones. The power (pack) storage unit may be a contra
rotating, high energy fly wheel using magnetic bearings to reduce
energy loss through friction, hydro mechanical or other
efficient/applicable power storage unit. A drive shaft/power
take-off (PTO) from the vehicle engine and also the load carrying
device, will generate electricity through a generator/electric
motor. Power generation may be augmented by a hydrostatic
drive/torque converter 6 to ensure maximum energy capture
transmitting this energy through an accumulator to a final drive to
the power (pack) storage unit 2. Traction control on wheels 9 will
signal differential locks to maximize power generation (stopping
phase) and acceleration. Integrated drive gear (IDG) will be built
into generator/electric drive motors to ensure optimum motor
revolution over varying vehicle speeds. Vehicle accelerator and
foot brake will demand a g-force acceleration/deceleration
augmented by an acceleration/deceleration signal transferred to the
power generator/s to sequence the amount of energy required in the
acceleration phase and the amount of power generation in the
stopping phase. EMC.sup.2.TM. will transmit energy requirements
(upload/download) at power transmission zones say every 200 kms on
level transits and on both uphill and downhill transits. A fast
deploying hydraulic/electrical Power Transmission Contact (PTC),
FIG. 4, to overhead or side transmission lines 22 will facilitate
very fast rate power transmission to and from the vehicle 4, power
storage unit 2. In road and/or on vehicle light/radar distance
measuring equipment to position the PTC for accurate power line
targeting. A PTC pressure sensor will be incorporated to assist in
optimum power line/PTC contact.
[0036] Preferably an Energy Management Control Computer
(EMC.sup.2.TM.) which has two components, a power management system
such that when energy is scheduled for storage in the power storage
unit and another entity demands power then power on demand is
directed to the device demanding the energy or if there is excess
energy that this energy is directed by the energy management system
for storage in the power storage unit and vice versa. Power storage
units will include but not be limited to a. Fly wheel or, b. Hydro
power generation and storage system. [0037] a. The fly wheel PSU
(power storage unit) may be a contra-rotating fly wheel with
various configurations of generator/drive motors, the one to accept
power through the drive and the other to generate power when
demanded and include an integrated power management system. [0038]
b. The hydro electrical system will use the potential energy of
water to store power the challenge being to enhance the energy in
energy out equation to reduce inefficiencies and maximize the power
generated compared to the energy stored. [0039] I. The hydro power
generation and storage unit may include: [0040] a. a constructed
power storage tower, or [0041] b. by using suitable terrain with
reservoirs and piping between them to provide sufficient power
generation/storage as demand may require. [0042] II. To achieve
this, a Focused Turbine Drive Technology system (FTDT.TM.) will be
employed where injector nozzles are used to specifically target
receptacles on the turbine drive shaft, receptacles will be
positioned to receive the injected water as the previous one
rotates out of the injector flow. [0043] III. The hydro power
generation and energy storage device will include integrated dual
axial flow generator/lift pumps to ensure efficient water
flow/power storage. Suitable redundancy will be included in this
system to enable efficient maintenance with minimal/no
downtime.
[0044] Such a system 1 would provide fuel savings per unit of
payload on surface transport and the storage and transmission of
power, autonomous navigation by rail freight/passenger cars to the
destination avoiding lengthy delays in switching yards. Lower
labour costs and the primary power generation turbines have only
two primary moving parts each compared to an internal combustion
engine (ICE) resulting in lower maintenance costs and longer mean
time between failure. Also, efficient primary generation when
incorporating the steam turbine. The gas turbine can use many
different fuels with minimum adjustment and ultimately hydrogen a
clean energy.
[0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
* * * * *