Power generation system

Abstract

A thermal plasma generator may be used in conjunction with at least one thermal to electric converter, such as a solid state thermal to electric energy to electric converter. A micropipe heat pump extracts heat from the at least one thermal to electric energy device, which in turn may convert the heat into electrical power. The power generation system may be disposed within a vehicle, and provide electrical power for propelling the vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 613,921, Filed Sep. 28, 2004.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates generally to power generation systems and thermal management in power generation systems, and relates more particularly to a thermal and electrical power generation core component incorporating a hydrogen plasma engine, suitable for use in a wide range of applications. The present disclosure still further relates to a unique heat pump for use in a hydrogen plasma engine power generation system, and for thermal management in various other devices and processes. BACKGROUND [0003] Power generation and availability are integral to the functioning of modern society, touching virtually every aspect of daily life. With the continuing depletion of fossil fuel resources, and the increased economic and environmental costs of their use, recent decades have seen an intensification of the search for viable a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a power generation system whereby thermal energy may be converted to electrical energy in an efficient and practicable manner.

[0023] It is still a further object of the present disclosure to provide a means to reduce losses in thermal energy storage devices by insulating the thermal storage unit with a super insulator to minimize heat loss.

[0025] It is still a further object of the present disclosure to provide a means to increase the thermal energy density of the heat transfer fluid within the hydrogen thermal plasma generation system.

Problems solved by technology

While such sources as wind, solar, tidal and nuclear energies are often presented as potential means for meeting society's energy needs, the implementation and commercialization of such technologies has been slow.

Alternative energy sources have failed to yet develop on a large scale due largely to the fact that they are economically unviable, or for various safety and other reasons.

Not only is the generator system relatively complex and unwieldy, such systems tend to be quite large and are typically suitable only for large-scale power generation facilities or vehicles.

Accordingly, Cox suffers from many of the same problems associated with conventional power generation systems, namely, scarcity of resources required to operate the device and potentially undesirable emissions.

While Edelson presents a design showing promise in certain narrow applications, the concepts disclosed therein are not capable of meeting the multiplicity of demands required of large scale, efficient and commercially viable power generation technologies.

In other words, while certain known systems present important steps toward achieving society's energy goals, most if not all still fall short of the mark.

While Bass provides some promise in the narrow application of recovering energy from exhaust gases, the heat transfer capabilities of the thin heat transfer support structure inherently limit the system's efficiency.

While Cummings represents one early, and perhaps somewhat effective example of a thermoelectric drive system in a motor vehicle, it is not without its own inherent problems, particularly with respect to efficiency and lack of simplicity.

One problem in particular in providing a thermoelectric power generation system that can potentially solve society's energy needs relates to energy losses in the transformation of thermal energy to electrical energy, and poor efficiency in moving thermal energy within a power generation system.

Developing high efficiency in creation and transfer of heat within a power generation system has also been a challenge.

Still other impediments to commercially viable thermoelectric power generation include the often high cost of the thermal fuel source itself, and harmful emissions which may be produced when generating heat therefrom.

Still further, engineers have found development of compact and efficient thermal to electric converters a continuing challenge.

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