U.S. patent application number 15/972576 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for system for thermoelectric energy generation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Incube Labs, LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew Harrison, Mir Imran, Cody Lee, Brent Nowak.
Application Number | 20180331271 15/972576 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49945527 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180331271 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imran; Mir ; et al. |
November 15, 2018 |
SYSTEM FOR THERMOELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATION
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for
generating and delivering electricity and/or hot water for combined
heat and power (CHP) using one or more fuels. In many embodiments,
the system can be used to provide efficient electrical, heating and
cooling utilities to a residential household or group of
households. Embodiments of the system can be configured for
specific heat flow, while minimizing losses and maximizing total
system efficiency. Embodiments also provide for stackable energy
generation modules allowing the system to be placed in or nearby a
residence to provide power to the residence. Embodiments also
provide a control system which can be configured to monitor
household electrical usage and dynamically regulate the system to
operate at maximum efficiency as well as sell power to an external
grid.
Inventors: |
Imran; Mir; (Los Altos
Hills, CA) ; Harrison; Matthew; (San Jose, CA)
; Nowak; Brent; (San Jose, CA) ; Lee; Cody;
(San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Incube Labs, LLC |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49945527 |
Appl. No.: |
15/972576 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13940109 |
Jul 11, 2013 |
10003000 |
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15972576 |
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13586828 |
Aug 15, 2012 |
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13940109 |
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61670558 |
Jul 11, 2012 |
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61523828 |
Aug 15, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 10/12 20130101;
Y02E 20/14 20130101; F01K 25/02 20130101; F28D 15/02 20130101; F23M
2900/13003 20130101; F23C 2900/03001 20130101; H01L 35/00 20130101;
H01L 35/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 35/30 20060101
H01L035/30; F28D 15/02 20060101 F28D015/02; F01K 25/02 20060101
F01K025/02; H01L 35/00 20060101 H01L035/00 |
Claims
1. An energy generation system, comprising: at least one energy
generation module for converting thermal energy into electrical
energy, the at least one energy generation module comprising an
energy converter configured to convert thermal energy into
electricity and a controllable heat source thermally coupled to the
energy converter; and wherein the at least one energy generation
module is structured to be stackable with other energy generation
modules.
2. The energy generation system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one energy generation module is configured to generate as much as 1
KW of electrical power.
3. The energy generation system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one energy generation module is mounted in a rack.
4. The energy generation system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one energy generation module further comprises a DC-to-AC converter
electrically coupled to a thermoelectric generator to convert a
direct current output from the thermoelectric generator to an
alternating current.
5. The energy generation system of claim 4, where the DC-to-AC
converter is further configured to step up a voltage of an output
signal from the thermoelectric generator to 120 or 220 VAC.
6. The energy generation system of claim 5, wherein the at least
one energy generation module includes a combustion chamber.
7. The energy generation system of claim 6, wherein the combustion
chamber is configured to combust natural gas.
8. The energy generation system of claim 6, wherein the
thermoelectric generator is placed in proximity to the combustion
chamber.
9. The energy generation system of claim 6, wherein the
thermoelectric generator comprises a jacket of thermoelectric
generators at least partially surrounding the combustion
chamber.
10. The energy generation system of claim 6, further comprising a
fuel inlet to provide fuel to the combustion chamber.
11. The energy generation system of claim 10, wherein the fuel
comprises oil, a petroleum-based oil or a plant-based oil.
12. The energy generation system of claim 6, further comprising: a
thermal fluid reservoir thermally coupled to the combustion chamber
for transferring heat from the combustion chamber to the
thermoelectric generator, the thermal fluid reservoir comprising a
heat transfer fluid.
13. The energy generation system of claim 12, wherein the thermal
fluid reservoir is directly coupled to the combustion chamber.
14. The energy generation system of claim 12, wherein the thermal
fluid reservoir is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric
generator by at least one high temperature heat pipe.
15. The energy generation system of claim 14, further comprising a
heat spreader positioned between the at least one high temperature
heat pipe and the thermoelectric generator to evenly spread heat
from the at least one high temperature heat pipe to the
thermoelectric generator.
16. The energy generation system of claim 12, wherein the thermal
fluid reservoir is directly coupled to a face of the thermoelectric
generator.
17. The energy generation system of claim 12, further comprising a
heat sink thermally coupled to the thermoelectric generator for
dissipating heat from the thermoelectric generator.
18. The energy generation system of claim 17, wherein the
combustion chamber, the thermal fluid reservoir, the thermoelectric
generator and the heat sink are vertically stacked.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/940,190, entitled "System for
Thermoelectric Energy Generation", filed Jul. 11, 2013, which
claims the benefit of priority of Provisional U.S. Patent
Application No. 61/670,558, entitled "System for Thermoelectric
Energy Generation", filed Jul. 11, 2012; this application is also a
Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/586,828
entitled "System and Method for Thermoelectric Energy Generation",
filed Aug. 15, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority of
Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/523,828, entitled
"System and Method for Thermoelectric Energy Generation", filed
Aug. 15, 2011; all of the aforementioned priority applications are
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate to energy generation.
More particularly, embodiments described herein related to a system
and a method for generating electricity from a heat source. Still
more particularly, embodiments described herein related to a system
and a method for controlling electricity generation from a heat
source.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Thermal energy is one of the most common forms of energy
existing in nature and may result from processes such as
combustion. Heat is a form of thermal energy which results from the
transfer of thermal energy from a system having a higher
temperature to a system having a lower temperature. Thermoelectric
generators (TEGs), or thermoelectric devices, are devices that are
capable of directly converting heat into electricity. TEG modules,
which can be in the form of a strip, can be attached to stoves,
fireplaces, or furnaces to harvest thermal energy for providing
electricity as a supplement or an alternative source. Current TEG
strips have somewhat helped to alleviate wasted heat by converting
the wasted heat into electricity; however, current applications of
TEGs are rudimentary and not fully effective. Their efficiency is
subject to various environmental settings,
[0004] In North America, it is common to use natural gas to
generate hot water and/or hot air for domestic uses. In fact,
nearly 70% of single family homes use natural gas for heating
purposes. Besides being abundant, natural gas has an advantage over
petroleum or coal, as natural gas burns cleanly without producing
harmful chemicals like sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide into the
air. Although natural gas and electricity in a given local area are
regularly provided by the same energy company, they are typically
sold and delivered to households as two separate products using two
separate delivery infrastructures (e.g., power lines vs. gas
lines). The inability of end customers to easily convert one
product into another, results in economic and engineering
inefficiencies. Therefore, it is beneficial to enable a user to
selectively generate electricity from a controllable heat
source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by
way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and
in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an energy generation
system;
[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an
energy generation module;
[0008] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2A;
[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of another embodiment of an
energy generation module;
[0010] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3A;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a multiple module configuration for an
energy generation system, according to one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an energy generation system with wireless
remote control ability, according to embodiments described
herein;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a mobile application of an energy
generation system, according to embodiments described herein;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a remote application of an energy
generation system, according to embodiments described herein;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a test rig system for
testing TEG modules;
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of an energy generation
system with a closed hot thermal loop, a recycled water cooling
loop, and a heat-powered refrigeration loop for efficiency
maximizing recuperation;
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
energy generation system with a central burning chamber and one or
more stackable energy generation modules for energy
recuperation;
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the stackable energy
generation modules of FIG. 10;
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a single stackable
modularized energy generation module;
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of an energy generation
system utilizing a thermal reservoir and heat pipe technology for
increased thermal flow efficiency;
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a gravity forced energy
generation system utilizing a thermal fluid reservoir;
[0022] FIG. 15A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of jet
impingement cooling on the energy generation modules;
[0023] FIG. 15B illustrates an overview of the embodiment of jet
impingement cooling on the energy generation modules, as
illustrated in FIG. 15A;
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates a simplified embodiment of the energy
generation system as shown in FIG. 13;
[0025] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
energy generation module utilizing a thermal reservoir and heat
pipes;
[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
an energy generation system with water cooling and a radiator for
heat rejection into the atmosphere;
[0027] FIG. 19A illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of an energy generation module;
[0028] FIG. 19B illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of
the energy generation module of FIG. 19A;
[0029] FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of yet another
embodiment of an energy generation system;
[0030] FIG. 20B illustrates an isometric view of a casing for the
energy generation system of FIG. 20A;
[0031] FIG. 20C illustrates a perspective view of the casing of
FIG. 20B in conjunction with the energy generation system of FIG.
20A;
[0032] FIG. 21A is an isometric view illustrating a residential
installment of an embodiment of an energy generation system;
and
[0033] FIG. 21B is a cutaway isometric view of the embodiment of
FIG. 21A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for the use of
a controllable heat source to generate electricity. Many
embodiments provide an energy generation module comprising a
controllable heat source, one or more jackets of thermoelectric
devices, and heat conducting fluids. The fluids may be configured
and positioned to conduct heat from and/or to the jackets and may
be placed to surround all or a portion of the jackets and/or to lie
in between the jackets. According to various embodiments, the
energy generation module can be used to convert heat, for example,
from a gas combustion chamber (also described herein as a
combustor), into electricity. In particular embodiments, the energy
generation system can have one or more energy generation modules, a
direct current to alternating current (DC to AC) converter, and a
control module to selectively generate electricity based, at least
in part, on load demand and a supply condition(s) of the local
power grid. According to yet another embodiment, a method for
generating electricity using an energy generation system having a
plurality of energy generation modules with controllable heat
sources is disclosed to selectively generate electricity based at
least in part on information about load demand and a supply
condition of the local power grid. The information on load demand
can include one or more of the following parameters: current load
demand, a rate of change of load demand, a moving average of the
load demand, a time averaged load demand over a select time period,
a comparison of current load demand to historical load demand
(e.g., for a given hour, a given week day, a calendar day, etc.),
wherein the comparison can be a ratio, a weighted ratio, a
derivative and/or integration function. Further, any one of the
preceding parameters of load demand can be for the user's
household, a local power grid (e.g., a neighborhood, city or the
like) or a larger regional power grid (e.g., a metropolitan area,
county, state, region or larger). Similarly, the information on the
supply condition can include or more of the following parameters: a
current supply condition, a rate of change of the supply condition,
a moving average of the supply condition, a time averaged supply
condition over a select time period (e.g., over an hour, day, week,
month, or year), a comparison of the current supply condition to a
historical supply condition (e.g., for a given hour, a given day, a
calendar day, a given week, etc.), where the comparison can be a
ratio, a weighted ratio, a derivative and/or integration function.
As similarly described above for load demand, the parameters of the
supply condition can be for the user's household, a local power
grid (e.g., a neighborhood, city or the like) or a larger regional
power grid (e.g., a metropolitan area, county, state, region or
larger).
[0035] Still further, some embodiments described herein are
configured to enable a user, such as an individual home owner, to
generate electricity with high efficiency from a controllable heat
source, for example, a natural gas combustor. In the following
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will be appreciated that these embodiments may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures
and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the exemplary embodiments described herein.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an energy generation
system 100. The energy generation system 100 includes a natural gas
input 110, a cold water input 120, an electricity output 130, a hot
water output 140, and an exhaust output 150. The energy generation
system 100 also includes one or more thermoelectric energy
generation modules (EGMs) 160, a control module 170, a DC-to-AC
converter 180, and water cooler 190. The one or more EGMs can be
coupled to the natural gas input 110 and the cold water input 120.
According to one or more embodiments, the energy generation system
100 can be configured to control the one or more EGMs 160 to
convert heat from a controllable heat source (for example, by
burning the natural gas supplied by the natural gas input 110) into
electricity.
[0037] According to various embodiments, the EGM(s) 160 are coupled
to the natural gas input 110 for fuel gas, and to the cold water
input 120 for coolant. According to one embodiment, the EGM 160
includes a controllable heat source, at least a first jacket of
thermoelectric devices (or TEGs) and at least a first heat
conducting fluid contacting all or a portion of the outer side of
the first jacket to create a temperature difference or gradient
(.DELTA.T) over a portion of the jacket of thermoelectric devices.
Typically, the temperature gradient will be between the inside wall
of the jacket (the hot side) and the outside wall (the cool side).
However, other configurations to create the temperature gradient
(.DELTA.T) are also contemplated (e.g., inside wall is the cool
side, the outside wall is the cool side, etc.). Through the
thermoelectric effect, the .DELTA.T creates a voltage difference in
the TEGs, and thereby the EGM 160 converts heat into electricity.
The heat conducting fluid can be any kind of fluid capable of heat
conducting well known in the art, for example, oil or water. In
specific embodiments, the heat transfer fluids can include one or
more of the following solutions: brine/salt solution (including
molten salt solutions), ethylene glycol based solutions, propylene
glycol based solutions, and polyalkylene glycol based solutions
(examples including UCON Heat Transfer fluids 500 and
50-HB-260-Y3). In particular embodiments, the heat conducting
solution (including its operating range and heat capacity) can be
selected based on one or more of the following: the combustion
temperature, the temperature gradient (.DELTA.T), the temperature
on the outside of the TEG, the amount or rate of heat generation by
the combustor, and/or the desired rate of cooling of the cool side
(of the TEG). Also, the heat conducting fluid (as well as a heat
conducting material described herein) can surround all or a portion
of the outside wall of the jacket. In various embodiments, the heat
conductive fluid (and/or the heat conductive material) can be in
direct contact with the jacket or otherwise thermally coupled to
the jacket through indirect contact (e.g., via another thermally
conductive material or structure) to allow for heat transfer to the
heat conducting fluid. The other thermally conductive fluid can
include a second heat conductive fluid, while the thermally
conductive structure can include for example, a heat exchanger such
as a shell and tube heat exchanger or other heat exchanger known in
the art which may use the second heat conductive fluid. The
controllable heat source can selectively generate heat in response
to a control signal. Such a control signal may be transmitted from
the control module 170 of the energy control system 100. Structures
of the embodiments of the EGM 160 are described in fuller detail
below.
[0038] In the course of energy conversion, cold water supplied by
the cold water input 120, may be used at least in part for the
coolant for the EGMs. Hot water is produced as a by-product of the
conversion, and may be directed either to the hot water output 140
for further use, or to the water cooler 190 to be cooled and
redirected to the EGM 160 for reuse as coolant. The water cooler
190 can be any kind of suitable cooler including, for example, a
compressor driven cooler such as those used in refrigeration units.
In some embodiments, the exhaust, as another by-product of the
conversion, may be directed to the exhaust output 150 to be
released into the atmosphere. In other embodiments, the exhaust can
be used as a heat source for heating purposes, for example, for
heating hot water. In still other embodiments carbon dioxide (CO2)
from the exhaust can be filtered out using for example, lithium
hydroxide or other CO2-sorbent material known in the art such as
various zeolite materials. In various embodiments, system 100 may
include one or more CO2 monitors in the exhaust output to monitor
the amount of CO2 vented to the atmosphere. The CO2 monitoring
process can be used for one or more of the following purposes: CO2
cap and trade, modifying a parameter of the combustion process
(e.g., fuel to air ratio) to reduce the amount of CO2, or to divert
the exhaust stream through a CO2 absorbing material and/or enable a
CO2 absorbing process or module.
[0039] In many embodiments, the main product of the energy
conversion is electricity, which typically is in the form of direct
current (though in some embodiments, it may be in the form of
alternating current). The electricity is directed from the EGM 160
to the DC-to-AC converter 180 (which is electrically coupled to EGM
160) to become alternating current, and is then directed to the
electricity output 130. In some other embodiments, the direct
current can be directed to the electricity output 130, and the
DC-to-AC converter 180 can be omitted. Additionally, other
electrical devices 180 can be employed to modify electricity output
130. Such electrical devices can include for example, a transformer
to step up or step down the voltage of output 130 for power
transmission to a local power grid (e.g., up to 10 to 20 miles
away) or a remote power grid (e.g., hundreds of miles away) with
the step up or step down adjusted accordingly.
[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of one embodiment 200 of an
energy generation module (EGM). The EGM 200 can include a
controllable heat source 210, a plurality of thermoelectric
generators (TEGs) 220, and a heat conducting layer 230. The
controllable heat source 210 can burn natural gas as fuel to create
heat. The heat conducting layer 230 may be placed in proximity to
the controllable heat source 210 so as to at least partially
surround the heat source 210, so that the heat from the
controllable heat source 210 is efficiently transferred to the heat
conducting layer 230. The heat conducting layer 230 can be filled
with a heat conducting fluid, like oil or water (that can be sealed
within layer 230), or can simply be a heat conducting material,
(for example, copper or other heat conducting metal) or can include
a combination of heat conductive fluid and heat conducting
material. In particular embodiments, the heat conducting layer 230
can have a corrugated or other textured surface so as to increase
the surface area of layer 230 and thus, the amount/rate of heat
transfer. The plurality of TEGs 220 may form a jacket to surround
all or a portion of the heat conducting layer 230, so that the
inner side of the jacket of TEGs are heated. The TEGs can be linked
together in the jacket by various metals, polymers or carbon fiber
materials which can be rigid or flexible. The materials which link
the TEGs together are heat tolerant and may also be thermally
insulating to prevent thermal cross talk between TEGs as discussed
in further detail herein. Alternatively, the linking materials may
have a selected amount of thermal conductivity. The jacket can be
pre-formed to have a specific shape or may comprise flexible
materials allowing it to be shaped as desired. The heated inner
side of the jacket of TEGs and the outer cooler side of the jacket
of TEGs result in a temperature difference or gradient (.DELTA.T),
which can be used to drive the TEGs to generate electricity. Also,
the plurality of TEGs 220 can be symmetrically distributed around
the perimeter of heat conducting layer 230 and/or heat source 210.
Various asymmetric distributions are also considered. Also in
various embodiments, TEGs 220 can be distributed in a pattern
whereby they are separated by thermally insulating wells as is
discussed in greater detail herein.
[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section view of the embodiment
200 shown in FIG. 2A. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the heat
conducting layer 220 and the jacket of the plurality of TEGs 230
are placed in proximity to the controllable heat source 210 so as
to at least partially surround the heat source 210 for better
conversion efficiency.
[0042] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of another embodiment 300 of
an energy generation module (EGM). In this and related embodiments,
the EGM 300 can include a controllable heat source 310, a first
jacket of thermoelectric devices (TEGs) 320, a first heat
conducting fluid 330, and optionally, a heat source housing 305. In
some embodiments, the EGM 300 further includes a second jacket of
TEGs 340, and a second heat conducting fluid 350 as is explained in
more detail below. Still further, the controllable heat source 310
can selectively generate heat in response to a control signal,
which may be generated by a control module such as control module
160 in FIG. 1.
[0043] The first jacket of TEGs 320 has an inner side and an outer
side. According to one or more embodiments, the inner side of the
first jacket 320 is placed in proximity to the controllable heat
source 310 so as to at least partially surround the heat source 310
to absorb heat, for example, by conduction or other forms of heat
transfer (e.g., convection, etc.). In some embodiments, it may
completely surround the heat source. The outer side of the first
jacket 320 is surrounded by the first heat conducting fluid 330.
The first heat conducting fluid 330 can act as coolant or heat
dissipation agent, and thereby create a temperature difference or
gradient (.DELTA.T) between the inner and the outer side of the
first jacket of TEGs 320, which in turn becomes the source of
electricity generation. In one embodiment, the first heat
conducting fluid 330 is oil (e.g., a petroleum-based oil, though
other oils are considered as well including e.g., various synthetic
oils, including silicone based oil). In other embodiments, the
first heat conducting fluid 330 is water. Also, various solutes can
be added to water (e.g., salt,) to increase its heat capacity.
[0044] In some embodiments, the second jacket of TEGs 340 is
selected and positioned so as to more completely absorb the heat
generated from the controllable heat source 310. In such
embodiments, the second jacket of TEGs 340 is placed as enclosure
for the first conducting fluid 330 so that the inner side of the
second jacket 340 at least partially surrounds the first heat
conducting fluid 330 and absorbs heat from fluid 330. The second
heat conducting fluid 350 can also be placed to at least partially
surround the outer side of the second jacket 340 to cool down the
outer side of the second jacket 340 and to create .DELTA.T, so that
the second jacket of TEGs 340 further generates electricity. In
various embodiments employing a first and a second jacket of TEGs
320 and 340, a series of heat conducting conduits (not shown) can
be thermally coupled to one or both of jackets 320 and 340 (either
directly or indirectly) so as to concentrate or otherwise enhance
heat transfer between jackets 320 and 340. The heat conducting
conduits can be used alone or in combination with heat transfer
fluid 330. In particular embodiments, the heat conducting conduits
can comprise various heat conducting metals known in the art and/or
high heat capacity liquids (e.g., oil, water or salt water). In
various embodiments, one or both of energy generating jackets 320
and 340 can have a rectangular or a cylindrical shape configured to
enhance heat transfer from one or more of: i) heat source 310 to
first heat conducting fluid 330 and first jacket 320; ii) first
heat conducting fluid 330 and second jacket 340; and iii) between
second jacket 340 and second heat conducting fluid 350. Other
shapes are also considered for enhancing heat transfer between one
or more of the above elements. Additionally, one or both of jackets
320 and 340 can have a corrugated, ribbed or other textured surface
(either inside, outside or both) for enhancing heat transfer, for
example, to first heat transfer fluid 330, or to second heat
transfer fluid 350. Thus, in particular embodiments, one or both of
jackets 320 and 340 can have a corrugated or ribbed rectangular or
cylindrical shape. The number, shape and depth of the corrugations
can be selected to achieve a particular amount of heat transfer
and/or conduction coefficient between one or more of first fluid
330 and first jacket 320 as well as second jacket 340 and second
fluid 350.
[0045] Optionally, the heat source housing 305 can be placed
between the first jacket of TEGs 320 and the controllable heat
source 310 to protect the inner side of the jacket 320 against
carbon accumulation from incomplete and/or inefficient combustion,
which may happen when the natural gas (or other fuel) does not burn
completely. The heat source in housing 305 can be made of materials
with high heat conducting properties (e.g., coefficient of
conduction), for example, copper, to ensure high heat transfer
efficiency from the heat source 310 to the first jacket 320.
[0046] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross sectional view of the embodiment
300 shown in FIG. 3A. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the optional heat
source housing 305, the first jacket of TEGs 320, the first heat
conducting fluid 330, the second jacket of TEGs 330, and the second
heat conducting fluid 340, are all placed in proximity to the
controllable heat source 310 so as to at least partially surround
the heat source 310 for better heat-to-electricity conversion
efficiency. It should be appreciated for simplicity sake, the
proper seals are omitted from FIGS. 3A and 3B; however, a person
having ordinary skill in the art will understand that any suitable
seals or enclosures with high heat conductivity can be used to
properly contain the heat conducting fluids. It should also be
appreciated that the number of jackets of TEGs and layers of heat
conducting fluids depicted in these and other figures are arbitrary
and need not be the same. In some embodiments, the number of
jackets is not equal to the number of layers of heat conducting
fluids. FIG. 3B also shows a configuration where the TEGs in second
jacket 340 are separated by thermally insulated wells to prevent
conduction or other thermal cross talk between TEGs which may
resulting in a decrease in temperature gradient .DELTA.T.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a multiple module configuration for an
energy generation system (EGS) 400, according to one embodiment.
The EGS 400 may include a natural gas input 410, a cold water input
420, an electricity output 430, a hot water output 440, and one or
more exhaust outputs 450. The energy generation system 400 may also
include a plurality of thermoelectric energy generation modules
(EGMs) 460(1)-460(n), a control module 470, a DC-to-AC converter
480, a water cooler 490, and optionally, a battery 405. The
plurality of EGMs 460 may be coupled to the natural gas input 410
and the cold water input 420. In an embodiment, the energy
generation system 400 can control the plurality of EGMs 460 to
convert heat from a controllable heat source, for example, by
burning the natural gas supplied by the natural gas input 410, to
electricity in a manner similar to the EGS 100 of FIG. 1 described
above. The operations of the EGMs 460 are similar to the EGM 160 of
FIG. 1, and are not redundantly described herein. However, the
operations of the control module 470 are now explained in more
detail.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the control module 470 may
include a load/supply sensing input 475 to monitor load/supply
condition, and may be coupled to the controllable heat sources of
the plurality of EGMs 460 to transmit control signals. The control
module 470 may be configured to (i) monitor at least a load demand
of the system and a supply condition of a local power grid; (ii)
determine when to generate electricity and at what capacity based
on the results of the monitoring; and (iii) adjust one or more heat
sources (e.g., by increasing a natural gas flow rate) of the
plurality of energy generation modules based on the determination.
According to some embodiments, the control module 470 can further
monitor the buying prices for natural gas and electricity in making
the determination on whether it is economically profitable to
generate electricity, and if so, how much electricity is to be
generated.
[0049] Therefore, when the power supply from the local power grid
is not enough (e.g., during summer or during a power outage), the
control module 470 is operable to generate electricity. That is to
say, the EGS 400 can generate electricity when the load demand of
the system is greater than the supply condition of the local power
grid, meaning the EGS 400 is operating as a supplemental power
source. Furthermore, there are certain times when it makes economic
sense for the user to generate his or her own electricity from gas
rather than buying electricity from the local power company.
Therefore, in some embodiments, the control module 470 is operable
to generate electricity when the cost of generating electricity
using the EGS 400 is lower than the cost of buying electricity
directly from a local or other power company.
[0050] Still further, in some places in North America, there are
policies of repaying the users if they are to put electricity back
onto the local power grid. Therefore, in some embodiments, the
control module 470 further monitors a selling price for
transmitting electricity back to the local power grid, and the
control module 470 is operable to generate electricity when the
cost of generation electricity is lower than the selling price for
transmitting electricity back to the grid.
[0051] In alternative or additional embodiments, the battery 405
can be placed in the EGS 400. The battery 405 can be used for
backup and/or power supplement purposes. In specific embodiments,
because there is a transition delay in the process from burning
natural gas to generate heat, and then in converting the heat into
electricity, the battery 405 can be configured to support the
electrical power demands put on EGS 400 by users during this
transition time. The battery 405 may be charged when the
electricity generated from the EGMs 460 is higher than the load
demand, and may be configured to release energy when the load
demand is higher than the electricity generated from the EGMs 460.
For embodiments the EGS 400 having a battery 405, the control
module 470 can be further configured to store electricity in the
battery (e.g., by directing a charging current to the battery under
a charging regimen tailored to the specific battery chemistry,
e.g., lead acid, lithium ion, etc.) during a first transition time
in which an output from the plurality of energy generation modules
is higher than what is designated by the control module, and then
to release electricity from the battery during a second transition
time in which the output from the plurality of energy generation
modules is lower than what is designated by the control module.
[0052] Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the EGS 400 with
control module 470 can dynamically generate electricity based, at
least in part, on load/supply demand 475. The control module 470
can sense load conditions and accurately control energy generation.
The control module 470 can control natural gas combustion (e.g.,
turn it off and on and control the rate) and/or adjust the flow
rates of liquid in achieving its electricity generation targets.
Advantageously, the EGS 400 can enable a user to efficiently
convert natural gas into electricity.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an energy generation
system 500 with wireless remote control ability, according to
embodiments described herein. The EGS 500 is essentially the same
as the EGS 400 of FIG. 4, except that the EGS 500 is equipped with
a wireless communication circuit 510 coupled to its control module
(not shown). With the wireless communication circuit 510, the
control module can receive remote control commands to make
adjustment to energy generation operations. The remote control
commands can come from a centralized mission control, or other
suitable sources including, for example, a user's personal digital
assistance (PDA), personal computer, laptop, or a smart phone.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a mobile application of an energy
generation system 600, according to embodiments. The EGS 600 may be
mounted onto a mobile platform, for example, a truck. The EGS 600
may be suitable for a temporary field application. For example, in
a natural gas farm environment where there is an ample supply of
natural gas but lack of electricity, the EGS 600 can convert
natural gas into electricity for use.
[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a remote application of
an energy generation system 700, according to one or more
embodiments. Similar to the application of the EGS 600 of FIG. 6,
one or more EGS(s) 700 can be installed at a remote site where
ample supply of natural gas can be found, for example, a natural
gas farm, sewage plant, farm, or an oil drilling platform. In use,
the EGS 700 can convert natural gas found in such locations in
electricity which can either be used at the remote site (e.g.,
natural gas farm, sewage plant, etc.) or transmitted using power
lines or other electric power transmission means known in the art
for commercial/residential use.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a test rig system for
testing TEG modules. A natural gas supply 808 is regulated through
a control valve 807, a high pressure regulator 806, a flame
arrestor 805 and an oxidizer 804 to be combusted in a burner 800.
The heat flows from the burner 800's chamber to TEG modules 801,
which are cooled by water supplied from a water flow inlet 802 to a
water flow outlet 803. If the TEG modules 801 can perform (e.g.,
generate electrical energy) within predetermined specifications,
the TEG modules 801 successfully pass the test.
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of an energy generation
system 900s with a closed thermal loop (formed by flows 908 and
910), a recycled water cooling loop (formed by flows 911, 913, 914
and 915), a heat-powered refrigeration cooling loop (formed by
flows 916, 918, 920 and 921), and a recuperated gas combustion
process (formed by flows 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 906 and 907).
Element 900 is a cold fuel and air flow. Element 901 is an
evaporator which may correspond to a water and/or ammonia based
evaporator and may be used to cause heat flow 900 to form a mid
temperature fuel plus air flow 902. Element 903 is a thermal
recuperator which is used to convert heat flow 900 into a hot fuel
and air flow 904 which is then sent to a combustor/combustion
chamber 905. Combustor 905 may correspond to a gas combustor or an
oil based combustor configured to burn petroleum based oil,
alternative plant-based fuel oils (e.g., recovered cooking oil,
corn oil, soybean oil, etc.) as well as methanol, ethanol or other
combustible alcohol known in the art. Recuperator 903 is heated by
the hot exhaust flow 906 from chamber 905. Recuperator 903 is also
used to cool hot exhaust 906 to a cold exhaust 907 allowing the
system to be placed nearby a residence without excessive heating of
a residence exterior and/or placed within a room of the residence
without excessive heating of the room (in particular embodiments,
the recuperator can be configured to emit exhaust gases at
temperature below 90, 85, 80, 75 or even 70.degree. F. with lower
temperatures contemplated). In these and related and related
embodiments recuperator 903 may correspond to a counter flow heat
exchanger (e.g., horizontal flat panel, vertical flat panel or
modular panel) whereby heat from hot exhaust 906 is exchanged with
mid temperature fuel air flow 903. Combustion chamber 905 may be
used to heat a thermal fluid received which is then sent as heated
thermal fuel flow 908 to heat TEGs in the energy generation module
909. Once the heat from hot thermal fluid flow 908 is passed to the
TEGs in modules 909, the thermal fluid exists as a cold thermal
flow 910 which is then sent back to be heated by combustion chamber
905. The thermal fluid in thermal fluid flow 909 may correspond to
one or more of oil (petroleum or synthetically based), brine
solution, molten salt or molten metal.
[0058] Chamber 905 may also be used to a heat boiler 919 which may
correspond to a water or ammonia based boiler 919. In the latter
embodiments an ammonia vapor stream 920 is sent to a refrigeration
condenser 922 (which may be located outside) and used to produce a
liquid ammonia stream 921 which is then sent back to evaporator
901. For either water or ammonia embodiments, boiler 919 may be
supplied with water or ammonia stream 918 from an absorber vessel
917 which captures and stores liquid water or ammonia received as a
liquid flow 916 (water or ammonia) from evaporator 901.
[0059] Energy generation module (EGM) 909 comprising TEG stacks may
generate electrical energy from the temperature difference between
flows 908 and 914. The created DC electrical potential is boosted
and alternately inverted by a converter 923 to 120 or 220V AC, and
is then outputted to an outlet 924 for use with household
appliances. Excessive heat from the energy generation system 900s
can be rejected to the atmosphere from refrigeration condenser 922
and/or from combustion exhaust 907. In specific embodiments, the
excessive heat may be used to produce a hot water outlet 913 to the
consumer's house. In these and related embodiments, a cold water
inlet 911 stream is sent to a two way selector valve 912 which is
used to send a cold water stream 914 to TEG stacks in EGM 909 where
it is heated by the waste heat from the stacks to produce a hot
water outflow 915 sent back to the two way selector valve 912,
where it may be directed to hot water outlet 913, or as a hot water
stream 916 sent to evaporator 901. In some embodiments, the cold
water inlet stream 914 may first pass through a filter 911f. Also,
in some embodiments, hot water outlet 913 may include an internal
burner or other heating element 913e to boost the water
temperature.
[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
energy generation system with a central burning chamber 1000 with a
thermal loop 1000A seated inside for use with one or more EGMs
1003. As shown in the figure, the burning chamber 1000 is also
vertically oriented with respect a vertical axis (not shown) of
EGMs 1003. While the burning chamber is shown centered or otherwise
substantially centrally aligned with the center of EGMs 1003 other
non-centered positions of the burning chambers are also considered.
A thermal recuperator 1001 rests above the central burning chamber
1000 to pre-heat the incoming combustible fuel. The EGMs 1003 can
be made into sub-modularized stackable modules configured to be
mounted into an EGM rack or chassis 1002. Stackability of the EGMS
1003 can be achieved through a variety of means, for example,
through the selection of the size and shape of the EGM 1003 as well
as through the use of one or more fittings 1005 in the body 1004 of
the EGM which fit into slots 1006 in chassis 1002 as shown in FIG.
10. In these and related embodiments, the EGMs 1003 can be
structured to not only be stackable and modularized to allow for
the easy addition or removal of an individual EGM 1003 from rack
1002, but also constructed to reduce thermal or electrical cross
talk between adjacent EGMS. This can be accomplished by the
selection of the spacing between adjacent EGMS 1003 (the spacing
can be selected to minimize heat transfer between EGGMs by
conduction, radiation, etc., and can be in a range e.g., from 0.5
to 4 inches) as well as through the use of aerogel or other thermal
and/insulation material and/or insulating structure that is placed
within or around each EGM. The selected insulation material may
also be lubricous to facilitate easy insertion or removal of EGM
1003 from the rack 1002. Such embodiments allow for the ready
customization of an energy supply system to meet the needs of a
particular residence as well as for the rapid addition or removal
of a particular EGM for service and/or for changing power
requirements.
[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates a plurality of stackable EGMs 1100 that
are embodiments of the stackable EGMs of FIG. 10. A stackable EGM
1100 may include a cold water inlet 1102 and a hot water outlet
1103 for water circulation, and includes a thermal fluid inlet 1105
and thermal fluid outlet 1104 for a cross-flow (e.g., counter
current flow) of thermal fluids. The EGM 1100 generates DC
electrical power and can be connected to state measuring devices,
such as thermocouples, thermistors and/or flow meters, through a
connector 1101. It may also be coupled to a DC to AC converter
similar to other such converters described herein (not shown in
this embodiment) for conversion of DC power to AC power, for
example 120 or 220 volts AC.
[0062] FIG. 12 illustrates a single stackable modularized EGM 1200
that is an embodiment of the stackable EGM 1100 of FIG. 11. A
thermal fluid panel 1202 transfers heat from itself through a
plurality of TEGs 1203 to a cooling fluid panel 1201. The thermal
fluid (e.g., from the thermal fluid inlet 1105 of FIG. 11) is
recycled and re-cooled.
[0063] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of an energy generation
system 1300s. As illustrated in FIG. 13, cold fuel 1300 is
pre-heated through a recuperator 1301 and becomes hot fuel 1302,
and the hot fuel 1302 is combusted in the combustion chamber 1303.
The heat generated from the combustion is transferred onto a
thermal fluid reservoir 1304. Exhaust gases 1313 generated from the
combustion is passed back through the recuperator 1301 to transfer
heat to the incoming fuel, and is finally rejected into the
atmosphere through a cold exhaust 1314. Thermal energy is
transferred from the thermal fluid reservoir 1304 through one or
more high temperature heat pipes 1305 to a plurality of TEGs 1306.
The cold sides of the TEGs 1306 are cooled by a low constant heat
flux or a constant temperature heat pipe 1307. The temperature heat
pipe 1307 is then cooled by a water-cooled heat sink 1308. Cold
water 1309 passes through the heat sink 1308 and absorbs the heat
from the heat sink 1308. The resulting heated water can be used as
a dynamic hot water source 1310 for the consumer's use. Excessive
heat can also be taken away from the heat sink 1308 using natural
air flow (e.g., via convection) to the atmosphere 1311. As an
alternative or in addition to natural flow, the heat sink can be
cooled from air flow driven by a fan 1312 which may be placed in
proximity to heat sink 1308. Control of the fan can be driven using
one or more control modules described herein which are coupled to
thermal couples or other temperature sensors placed on or in
proximity to the heat sink.
[0064] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a gravity forced energy
generation module system 1400s. As illustrated in FIG. 14, cold
fuel 1400 is pre-heated through a recuperator 1401 and becomes hot
fuel 1402. The hot fuel 1402 is combusted in a burner 1403.
Preheating of the fuel serves to improve combustion and efficiency
as well as fuel flow for more viscous fuel oils. The heat generated
from the combustion is then transferred onto/into a thermal fluid
reservoir 1404, which in turn transfers heat to a plurality of TEGs
1407. The thermal fluid can comprise one or more high heat capacity
fluids such as oil, silicone oil, polyalkylene glycol based
solutions, brine solution, molten salt or molten metal and the
like. The TEGs 1407 generate electricity and are cooled in a
similar fashion as that shown in FIG. 13. Also, hot exhaust from
burner 1403 is sent to recuperator 1401 where it is cooled (e.g.,
by a heat exchange with cold fuel 1300) and then vented to the
atmosphere in the form of cold exhaust 1406. In use, this and
related configuration for energy generation system 1400s improves
efficiency of the system (e.g., efficiency of energy conversion)
and reduces the thermal load to the ambient environ allowing the
system to placed indoors or close to a residence without the need
for excessive cooling.
[0065] FIG. 15A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of jet
impingement cooling of the energy generation modules 1500. FIG. 15B
illustrates an overview of the embodiment of jet impingement
cooling of the energy generation modules 1500, as illustrated in
FIG. 15A. Cold water is impinged from a cold water inlet 1502 onto
a plurality of TEGs 1500 through gravity fed and/or pump induced
flow. The cold water (the flow of which is labeled as 1503 in FIG.
15A) takes away heat 1501 from the TEGs 1500. In this
configuration, the cooling water 1503 can experience a reduced
temperature rise so that it requires less water flow and thus pump
work than a system without jet impingement cooling thereby
improving the efficiency of the system.
[0066] FIG. 16 illustrates a simplified embodiment of the energy
generation system as in FIG. 13. As illustrated in FIG. 16, cold
fuel 1600 is pre-heated through a recuperator 1601 and becomes hot
fuel 1602. The hot fuel 1602 is combusted in a combustion chamber
1603, and the heat generated from the combustion is transferred
onto thermal fluids contained in a thermal fluid reservoir 1604.
The heat is then transferred with a high temperature heat pipe 1605
to one or more EGMs 1606. The heat pipe 1605 can transfer heat with
high efficiency. The EGMs 1606 are cooled by a heat sink 1607,
which can be cooled with either a cooling fluid 1608 or with
ambient heat rejection (e.g., air-cooled), or a combination of the
two. The heat sink my comprise a thermally conductive structure
(e.g., metal) having a selected thermal mass, and/or a heat
transfer liquid, (e.g., water, salt solution, Freon or like liquid)
or a combination of both. Ambient heat rejection can be enhanced by
improving air circulation around the heat sink 1607 through use of
a fan 1614. If the cold cooling fluid 1608 used for cooling is
water, then the water may be heated during the heat sink cooling
process, and the heated water can be used as a source of hot water
1609 for consumer use. The remaining, excessive heat is rejected to
the ambient environment (e.g., the atmosphere 1615). Also, hot
exhaust from burner 1610 is sent to recuperator 1601 where it is
cooled (e.g., by a heat exchange with cold fuel 1600) and then
vented to the environment/atmosphere 1615 in the form of cold
exhaust 1611. The EGMs 1606 produce DC electrical power which is
boosted and alternately inverted by a converter 1612 to either 120
V AC electrical power for normal household use or 220 V AC
electrical power for use by one or more appliances.
[0067] FIG. 17 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an
energy generation module system 1700s utilizing a thermal reservoir
1703 and heat pipes 1704. A pre-heated fuel inlet 1700 injects
pre-heated fuel into a combustion chamber 1702, which combusts the
fuel and heats up a thermal fluid reservoir 1703. Exhaust gases
resulted from the combustion vent through a recuperator (not shown
in FIG. 17) to a hot exhaust outlet 1701. One or more high
temperature heat pipes 1704 are submerged in the thermal fluid
reservoir 1703, thus creating an even heating distribution from the
reservoir 1703 to the heat pipes 1704. The heat pipes 1704 transfer
heat efficiently from one end to another end of the pipe at a
selected temperature or heat flux. Depending on the embodiment,
this temperature or heat flux can be either actively controlled
(e.g., by sensors and switches) or statically controlled (e.g., by
choices of materials when designing). The heat pipes 1704 reject
the heat to a heat spreader 1705 that disperses the heat evenly
over TEG modules 1706 so to improve the efficiency of energy
conversion by the TEG modules. Heat spreader 1705 can be fabricated
from various conductive metals (e.g., copper, etc. and can have a
shape and size to match that of one or more TEG modules 1706. Atop
the TEGs 1706 is a heat sink 1709, which is cooled by forced
convection of ambient air. The heat sink 1709 may also include
water cooling lines 1707 and 1708 to dynamically heat water. The
EGMs 1706 can be sized for a specific amount power generation
(e.g., for all or a portion of the needs of a single home or
multiple homes). According to some embodiments, multiple EGMs
(e.g., modules 1706) can be grouped to provide incremental power
increases for larger consumer demands.
[0068] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
an energy generation module system 1800s with water cooling and a
radiator 1800 for heat rejection into the atmosphere. With the
excess of rejected heat, a portion of that heat can be converted
directly into mechanical energy through the use of a Sterling
engine or other heat powered devices (not shown) for use of fans,
pumps and valves that reside in the system to increase total system
efficiency.
[0069] With simultaneous reference to both FIGS. 17 and 18,
according to one embodiment, the system combusts residential
natural gas and heats up the high temperature heat pipes up to
about 1000.degree. C. The heat pipes then transport the heat over
an area covered by thermo-electric generators. The thermo-electric
generators are designed to create an electric potential when a
temperature gradient exists between the cold and hot interface. The
cold interface is kept cool to about 90.degree. C. through means of
active water cooling (e.g., through jet impingement as described
above). The heated water can be used for household use, be utilized
to pre-heat any incoming fuel, and/or be used to power heat-driven
mechanical pumps and fans. The remaining excessive heat is rejected
to the environment. According to particular embodiments, the system
is designed to minimize energy losses and maximize total combined
heat and power (CHP) efficiency through the appropriate use of
thermal insulation (e.g., poured aerogel) and energy re-uses (e.g.,
hot water or heated air) made available to the consumer. According
to some embodiments, the system is modularized into 1 KW energy
generation modules. These modules can simply be grouped together to
create higher power output systems with appropriate sizing of the
coolant, recuperation and circulation systems. According to certain
embodiments, aerogel is positioned to create a thermal insulation
barrier between all the components where heat loss is undesirable
to avoid unnecessary energy losses.
[0070] FIG. 19A illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of an energy generation module system 1900s. FIG. 19B illustrates a
perspective view of the embodiment of the energy generation system
module shown in FIG. 19A. In this module, a recuperator 1901 is
included in a EGM module having a form factor 1909, where pre-mixed
cold fuel 1900 enters the recuperator 1901. The cold fuel 1900 then
is heated up and combusted from a burner 1908 inside the combustion
chamber 1903. The heat generated from the combustion of fuel 1900
is transferred directly onto one or more high temperature heat
pipes 1907. According to embodiments, the thermal characteristics
of the heat pipes 1907 can be selected to efficiently transfer and
disperse heat evenly over a spread of TEGs 1904. The TEGs 1904 are
cooled with jet impinged cooling water inlet 1905 and outlets 1906.
The cooling water flow rate is controlled heat rejection radiators,
pumps and fans within the system in the manners described
above.
[0071] FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of yet another
embodiment of an energy generation module system 2000. FIG. 20B
illustrates an isometric view of a casing 2012 for the energy
generation system of FIG. 20A. Casing 2012 is desirably configured
to protect one more or embodiments of the energy generation systems
described herein from the elements allowing them to be placed in
the outside environment. FIG. 20C illustrates a perspective view of
the casing 2012 of FIG. 20B in conjunction with the energy
generation system of FIG. 20A. The system 2000 takes in natural gas
from a natural gas inlet 2006, premixes the natural gas with air,
and recuperates energy in manners described above (the recuperator
is not shown in this embodiment though). Specifically, the system
combusts the pre-heated mixture in a combustor 2007 and transfers
the heat to the energy generation modules (EGM) 2008 in order to
produce heat and electrical power. The exhaust gases 2005g
generated from the combustion are vented through an exhaust outlet
2005. Typically the electrical output from EMGs 2008 is DC and may
be converted to 220 VAC electrical power via a converter 2003 where
it is available to the consumer for home or other use at an
electrical outlet 2009. Cold water, which comes from cold water
inlet 2001, is also heated during the process of cooling down the
EGMs 2008, and the resulting hot water is available for the
consumer at hot water outlet 2002. Other excessive heat may be
rejected to the atmosphere from air circulation (e.g., via vent air
2004). In particular embodiments, the EGMS 2008 may also be cooled
by one or more heat sinks 2010 directly or otherwise thermally
coupled to EMG 2008. Heat sinks 2010 may correspond to other heat
sinks described herein. Heat sinks 2010 may be cooled by one or
more fans 2011 and/or by vent air 2004 flowing through casing 2012
by means of one or more vents 2013 which may be located in top 2014
or side portion 2015 of casing 2012. In some embodiments top
portion 2014 can be removable to provide access to one more
components of system 2000 described above.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 21A and FIG. 21B, according to one or
more embodiments, an energy generation system 2100 can be
configured to be installed outside a residential home or other
residence 2101. The energy generation system 2100 may be placed
adjacent, otherwise near the residence as is shown in the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B. In particular
embodiments it may be placed in close proximity to a washer dryer
to supply hot water to the washer as well as use waste heat for the
dryer. Alternatively, it may be placed some distance away, for
example 50 or 100 yards, to minimize the likelihood of any fumes
from a combustor or heat from the TEGs adversely affecting the
safety of the residence. It may also be buried in the ground and/or
placed in a concrete or other protective structure.
[0073] Various embodiments of the energy generation systems
described herein can be used provide efficient electrical, heating
and potentially cooling utilities to a household residence or other
building. Particular embodiments of the energy generation system
can be designed around very specific heat flows, while minimizing
losses and maximizing total system efficiency. Embodiments of the
invention also provide control systems which can be configured to
monitor household electricity usage and dynamically regulate
embodiments of the energy generation system to operate at maximum
efficiency.
[0074] Conclusion
[0075] The foregoing description of various embodiments of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed. Many modifications, variations and
refinements will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art.
For example, various embodiments of the energy generation systems
can be sized and otherwise adapted for placement in variety of
locations within or outside of a residence or other building. They
may also be configured to be used as backup generators in
hospitals, schools, and power plants (e.g., nuclear power plants)
to supply power for mission critical operations, for example for
the running of pumps for water purification, medical use or nuclear
generators. They may be also be configured to be used with a
variety of heat sources in addition to combustion sources such as
solar, geothermal or other hot water heat source.
[0076] Elements, characteristics, or acts from one embodiment can
be readily recombined or substituted with one or more elements,
characteristics or acts from other embodiments to form numerous
additional embodiments within the scope of the invention. Moreover,
elements that are shown or described as being combined with other
elements, can, in various embodiments, exist as standalone
elements. Hence, the scope of the present invention is not limited
to the specifics of the described embodiments, but is instead
limited solely by the appended claims.
* * * * *