EP2406837A2 - Système de combustion destiné à générer de la chaleur et de l'énergie - Google Patents

Système de combustion destiné à générer de la chaleur et de l'énergie

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Publication number
EP2406837A2
EP2406837A2 EP10713109A EP10713109A EP2406837A2 EP 2406837 A2 EP2406837 A2 EP 2406837A2 EP 10713109 A EP10713109 A EP 10713109A EP 10713109 A EP10713109 A EP 10713109A EP 2406837 A2 EP2406837 A2 EP 2406837A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
power
combustion
heat
thermo
source
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10713109A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ali Asghar Enkeshafi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alpcon AS
Original Assignee
Alpcon AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alpcon AS filed Critical Alpcon AS
Publication of EP2406837A2 publication Critical patent/EP2406837A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
    • H10N10/13—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the heat-exchanging means at the junction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23M—CASINGS, LININGS, WALLS OR DOORS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, e.g. FIREBRIDGES; DEVICES FOR DEFLECTING AIR, FLAMES OR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS; SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION APPARATUS; DETAILS OF COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F23M2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for combustion chambers
    • F23M2900/13003—Energy recovery by thermoelectric elements, e.g. by Peltier/Seebeck effect, arranged in the combustion plant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23M—CASINGS, LININGS, WALLS OR DOORS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, e.g. FIREBRIDGES; DEVICES FOR DEFLECTING AIR, FLAMES OR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS; SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION APPARATUS; DETAILS OF COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F23M2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for combustion chambers
    • F23M2900/13004—Energy recovery by thermo-photo-voltaic [TPV] elements arranged in the combustion plant

Definitions

  • Combustion system for generating heat and power
  • the present invention relates to a combustion system for generating heat and power.
  • DE 4028375 discloses a method and system for converting heat into electrical energy.
  • the system for carrying out the method is provided with a heat source and an energy converter in form of a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG).
  • TEG Thermoelectric Generator
  • the heat system is designed for a catalytic combustion.
  • thermophotovoltaic cells are positioned such that a fraction of infrared radiation emitted by the combustion is absorbed by the thermovoltaic cells.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a combustion system that has a high energy efficiency and at the same time is able to operate at high temperatures.
  • a combustion system for generating heat and power comprising a combustion chamber having a combustion source, a Thermo Electrical Unit having a high temperature region and a low temperature region, characterized in that the Thermo Electrical Unit comprises a first heat element being arranged in the combustion chamber such that in use heat emitted from the combustion source is absorbed by the heat element and transmitted to the high temperature region whereby power is generated by the Thermo Electrical Unit.
  • Thermoelectric Generator is controlled directly by the combustion parameters in order to avoid damage of the Thermoelectric Generator.
  • a Thermo Electrical Unit should be construed as a device adapted to convert a temperature difference between a high temperature region in the Thermo Electrical Unit and a low temperature region in the Thermo Electrical Unit into power.
  • Combustion source should be construed as a source that during combustion emits heat and radiation.
  • the Thermo electrical Unit may further comprise a first thermo electric element and a heat sink adapted to in use cool the low temperature region of the first thermo electric element. This provides for a higher temperature difference and thus a higher power output. Furthermore the heat sink sees to that the Thermo Electrical Unit is cooled thus preventing damage thereof and further allowing higher temperatures during combustion.
  • the Thermo electrical Unit may furthermore comprise a second thermo electric element and a second heat element adapted to in use absorb heat from the combustion chamber and to transmit the heat to a high temperature region of the second thermo electric element.
  • a second thermo electric element and a second heat element adapted to in use absorb heat from the combustion chamber and to transmit the heat to a high temperature region of the second thermo electric element.
  • the first thermo electric element and the second thermo electric element be arranged symmetrically around the heat sink, which pro- vides for a more compact design of the Thermo Electrical Unit, and or the first heat element and the second heat element may be arranged symmetrically around the heat sink.
  • the first heat element and the second heat element abut in an acute angle. This provides a more narrow design of the Thermo Electrical Generator thereby allowing that more Thermo Electrical Units can be arranged in the combustion chamber.
  • the combustion system may further comprise a plurality of Thermo Electric units. This provides for more power to be produced.
  • the plurality of Thermo Electric Units may be arranged in a circle in the combustion chamber. This allows more suitable and simple assembly form and easy mounting in a traditional tubular combustion chamber.
  • At least one first heat element may be positioned in a high temperature section in the combustion chamber that in use operates between 400 0 C and 550 0 C preferably around 500 0 C and or at least one first heat element is positioned in a medium temperature section in the combustion chamber that in use operates between 200 0 C and 350 0 C preferably around 300 0 C. This provides for a high temperature difference between the high temperature region and the low temperature region in the Thermo Electrical Unit thus providing for a higher power output. By positioning the first heat elements in various temperature sections in the combustion chamber heat from the combustion may be used more efficiently.
  • the system may further comprise a radiation converter operable to convert radiation into power, the radiation converter arranged in optical communication with the combustion source such that in use a part of the radiation emitted from the combustion source it converted into power. In this way more energy originating from the heat from the combustion may be used.
  • a radiation converter should be conceived as a device adapted to transform radiation into power, such a converter could e.g. be a photovoltaic cell, such as a solar cell.
  • the radiation converter may e.g. be adapted to convert radiation varying from infrared light to visible light i.e. in the spectrum varying from 400 nm to 1000 nm, e.g. in the spectrum from 400 nm to 700 nm, or in the spectrum varying from 700 nm to 1000 nm.
  • the photovoltaic cell is adapted to absorb visible light. This requires a higher combustion temperature.
  • a heat sink be arranged on the opposite side of a radiation absorbing side of the photovoltaic cell. In use this cools down the photovoltaic cell thus preventing it from being damaged by the heat from the combustion.
  • a screen may be positioned between the radiation converter and the combustion source, such that in use part of the heat is absorbed by the screen. This provides that part of the heat is absorbed by the screen but at the same time it allows that part of the radiation is still transmitted to the radiation converter. Thus the combustion can be operated at higher temperatures without damaging the radiation converting means.
  • a screen should be conceived as an optical component adapted to allow part of the radiation emitted from a combustion source to be transmitted, the screen further being adapted to absorb heat.
  • a plurality of radiation converters are arranged around the combustion source. This allows that more power can be generated.
  • the heat sinks are adapted to in use be cooled by cooling water. This is an effective way of leading heat away, and further the cooling water will be heated during use, and the heated cooling water may e.g. be used in a household in to warm up e.g. water in a hot water tank.
  • combustion system further comprises a transformation unit adapted to convert power generated by the combustion system to be compatible with power delivered by a grid. This provides for the generated power to be delivered to e.g. a household.
  • a grid should be conceived as a power network which may support all or some of the following three distinct operations: power generation, power transmission and power distribution.
  • the transformation unit may further be adapted to transmit power to the grid. This allows for more efficient use of the generated power. It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combination of features recited in the above.
  • another objective of the present invention is to provide a system comprising a device capable of converting heat into electricity.
  • the purpose of said system is to generate electricity and distribute said electricity accordingly.
  • Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method for operating such a system comprising said device.
  • the invention relatesto a system for generating and supplying power, said system being adapted to be connected to a first power source, said first power source being a power network, said system comprising at least one power generation device arranged to be, when in a mounted state, in thermal contact with a hot fluid supply line and a cold fluid supply line, said device being adapted to generate power when fluid is running through at least the hot fluid supply line, a second power source, said second power source being a power storage device, said power being generated by the power generation device, a controller configured to determine the source that supplies power as a function of the quantity of power stored in the power storage device.
  • This power may originate from the power generation device, said device being in thermal contact with the fluid supply lines. In this way, the temperature gradient between the fluid supply lines may provide for power generation. Power generated in the said device may subsequently be stored in the power storage device and, later on, supplied to said load. As an alternative, necessary power may be supplied from the power network. In order to determine which power source should be used, a measurement of power level in the power storage device may be performed. This information may thereupon be used to enable the suitable power source to supply power.
  • the system may supply power from the power source that is most appropriate. Said controller may determine that power supplied originates from the power storage device when the quantity of power stored in said device exceeds a predetermined value. In this way, whenever possible, the necessary power may be supplied from the power storage device.
  • this power originally is a result of a thermal gradient between the fluid supply lines, i.e. heat conversion into electricity, it may as such offer a positive contribution in the efforts to convert a low quality energy form into a higher quality, and thus more usable, energy form.
  • the power network may, in fact, be viewed as a back-up power source that should be used only when the quantity of power stored in said device drops below a predetermined value. As power available from the power network typically originates from fossil fuels, then a significant positive environmental effect may be achieved. Should the power network be required to supply power, then the changeover from the power storage device is seamless and instantaneous.
  • Said power generation device may be a thermoelectric generator.
  • Said system may comprise a device adapted to increase the power voltage supplied by said power generation device and arranged to supply power to said power storage device.
  • a DC-DC converter may be used.
  • said DC-DC converter By using said DC-DC converter the power voltage may be stepped up to an appropriate value.
  • By introducing said DC-DC converter it may be assured that a stable voltage is supplied to the power storage device, regardless of the value of the power voltage generated by said thermoelectric generator. This renders the overall system more stable.
  • Said system may comprise a power inverting device arranged to supply power.
  • Power may originate either from the power storage device or from the power network.
  • Said power may, furthermore, be converted, i.e. its type may be changed, if necessary, and subsequently supplied to said load. This renders the overall system more versatile and usable in a wide range of applications.
  • Said controller may control relay means, said relay means being arranged to be in an open state when power supplied originates from the power storage device. In this way, it may be achieved that power network is prevented from supplying power when the quantity of power stored in the power storage device exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, a simple and robust regulation of the origin of power supply may be obtained.
  • Said system may comprise at least one current direction control means.
  • current flow may be restricted to one direction only.
  • a simplified system regulation may be achieved.
  • system components may be protected from damage in case of system failure.
  • the invention relates to a method for operating a system, said method comprising generating power by means of a thermoelectric generator, determining a source that supplies power as a function of the quantity of power stored in a power storage device, said source being chosen from a group comprising said power storage device and a power network and supplying said power.
  • the method allows, as has been discussed above in view of the system, that the power may at all times be supplied to e. g. a load.
  • This power may originate from the thermoelectric generator, said device being in thermal contact with the fluid supply lines. In this way, the temperature gradient between the fluid supply lines may provide for power generation. Power generated in the said device may subsequently be stored in the power storage device and, later on, supplied to said load. As an alternative, necessary power may be supplied from the power network. In order to determine which power source should be used, a measurement of power level in the power storage device may be performed. This information may thereupon be used to enable the suitable power source to supply power to said load.
  • the system may supply power from the power source that is most appropriate.
  • said method is comprising arranging relay means in such a way that said power storage device is enabled to supply power when the quantity of power stored in the device exceeds a predetermined value.
  • said relay means may be arranged to be in an open state.
  • the necessary power may be supplied from the power storage device.
  • power generated by the device that is adapted to generate power may be supplied. Since this power originally is a result of a thermal gradient between the fluid supply lines, i.e. heat conversion into electricity, it may as such offer a positive contribution in the efforts to convert a low quality energy form into a higher quality, and thus more usable, energy form.
  • the power network may, in fact, be viewed as a back-up power source that should be used only when the quantity of power stored in said device drops below a predetermined value. As power available from the power network typically originates from fossil fuels, then a significant positive environmental effect may be achieved.
  • said method is comprising increasing the voltage of the generated power and supplying said power to the power storage device.
  • the power voltage may be stepped up to an appropriate value.
  • a stable voltage is supplied to the device adapted to store power, regardless of the value of the power voltage generated by said thermoelectric generator. This renders the overall system more stable.
  • said method is comprising adapting at least the value of said power prior to supplying it.
  • the value of the power may be suitably modified.
  • the power may originate either from the device adapted for power storage or from the power network. Said power may, furthermore, be converted, i.e. its type may be changed, if necessary, and subsequently supplied to the load. This renders the overall system more versatile and usable in a wide range of applications.
  • Fig. 1 is a cross section of a combustion system.
  • Fig. 2 is a bottom view A-A of the combustion system in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a water cooled heat sink with two photovoltaic cells.
  • Fig. 4 is a cross section view of the thermoelectric units in section B-B and section C-C of the combustion system in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is an exploded view and a perspective view of a thermoelectric unit in the medium temperature section.
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric unit in the high temperature section.
  • Fig. 7 is the water management in connection with the combustion system when implemented in a household.
  • Fig. 8 is the electrical management for the power output of the combustion system when implemented in e.g. a household.
  • Fig. 9 shows schematically a system for generation and supply of power according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates diagrammatically a system for generation and supply of power according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 11 shows a thermoelectric generator that is mounted on fluid supply lines according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 12 shows a flow-chart of a method of operating a system for generation and supply of power according to one embodiment of the present invention :
  • Fig. 1 shows a combustion system according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fuel is supplied by the fuel inlet 1 to a combustion source, such as an emitter 2 in form of a ceramic cylindrical emitter coated e.g. a Yb203.
  • the fuel is a carbonaceous fuel, such like natural gas.
  • the emitter 2 is positioned in a combustion chamber with a cylindrical shape.
  • the emitter 2 is surrounded by a first screen 3 in form of a cylindrical glass screen and a second screen 4 also in form of a cylindrical glass screen.
  • a number of photovoltaic cells 6 are arranged around the emitter 2 such that during combustion light is radiated by the emitter 2 through the screens 3 and 4 to the photovoltaic cells 6.
  • the photovoltaic cells are cooled by heat sinks 5.
  • the photovoltaic section of the combustion chamber is shown in greater details in Fig. 2.
  • combustion temperatures be between 1800-2000 0 C in the photovoltaic section, such that visible light is emitted by the emitter 2.
  • the first screen 3 and the second screen 4 absorb part of the heat from the combustion such that the temperature on the photovoltaic cells 6 is around 90 0 C on the absorbing surface.
  • the heat sinks 5 see to that the 5 warmed up photovoltaic cells 6 are cooled, in order to avoid damage of the photovoltaic cells 6.
  • heat is transported from the high temperature section to a number of high temperature thermo electric elements 107 via a number of high temperature heat elements 112.
  • the medium and high temperature section can be studied in greater details in Fig.4.
  • the heat flows further downstream to a heat exchanger 17, in the presently illustrated example an air-water heat 25 exchanger, and thereafter out via a heat outlet distribution cap 18.
  • Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of section A-A of the combustion section shown in Fig. 1.
  • the emitter 2 is positioned in the centre and surrounded by a first screen 3 and a second screen 4 e.g. in form of cylindrical glass screens.
  • Photovoltaic cells 6 are
  • the photovoltaic cells 6 are in the presently illustrated case arranged in an octagonal around the emitter 2 but other arrangements that resemble a circle such as a hexagonal could be used. This has
  • the photovoltaic cells 6 are in used cooled by cooling water cooled heat sinks 5 that are connected by water connection tubes 20.
  • a water inlet manifold 21 supplies cooling water to the water cooled heat sinks 5 and cooling water is transported away via a water outlet manifold 22.
  • the arrows in the figure illustrate the flow direction of the cooling water when the combustion system is in use.
  • the cooling water is supplied from a water inlet manifold 21 to two diagonal opposed first water connection tubes 20 and from there the cooling water is led in two directions and in each direction led through two water cooled heat sinks 5 via a second water connection tube 20 to third water connection tubes that are connected with a water outlet manifold 22.
  • the water outlet manifold transports cooling water away from the system via two diagonal opposed third water connection tubes.
  • the cooling water flow is dimensioned such that in use there is a uniform flow of cooling water in each of the water cooled heat sinks 5.
  • Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a water cooled heat sink 5 with two photovoltaic cells 6 adapted to absorb radiation from the emitter.
  • Fig. 4 shows the cross section B-B in Fig. 1 of the medium temperature section and the cross section C-C in Fig. 1 of the high temperature section .
  • the cross section B-B In the medium temperature section heat is transported from the medium temperature section to sixteen symmetrically circular arranged thermo electric units.
  • Each of the thermo electric units has a water cooled heat sink 8 that is position between two thermo electric elements 7, 7'.
  • the water cooled heat sinks 8 are supplied with cooling water from a manifold arranged around the circle of the thermo electric units (not shown in the figure).
  • Each of the thermo electric elements 7, 7' adjoins on their opposite side a medium temperature heat element 12, 12'.
  • the thermo electric units in cross section C-C are arranged in a similar manner.
  • thermoelectric unit shows an exploded view of a thermoelectric unit and a perspective view of a mounted thermoelectric unit.
  • the thermo electric unit has a water cooled heat sink 8 with a rectangular cross-section that is symmetrical positioned between two thermo electric elements 7, 7' likewise with like rectangular cross-sections, such that in a mounted position the surface area of a low temperature region of the thermo electric element 7, 7' and the water cooled heat sink 8 overlap.
  • the thermo electric elements adjoin on their opposite second side a medium temperature heat element 12.
  • the medium temperature heat element 12 has a fist heat transmitting part with a surface area that in a mounted position overlaps and extends the surface of the high temperature region of the thermo electric elements 7.
  • the medium temperature heat element 12 further has a second elongated, heat absorbing, part that is connected with the first heat transmitting part via an intermediate part.
  • the medium temperature heat elements 12, 12' are adapted to absorb heat from the medium energy heat section and transport it to the high temperature region of the thermo electric element 7, 7' such that in use the high temperature region of the thermo electric element 7, 7' is heated, and the low temperature region of the thermo electric element 7, 7' is cooled by the water cooled heat sink 8, thereby creating a potential difference between the first and the second side of the thermo electric element 7,7'. In this way power is generated.
  • the high and medium temperature heat elements 12, 12', 112, 112' are e.g.
  • the high and medium temperature heat elements 12, 12', 112, 112' are e.g. nickel plated or chromium plated.
  • Each of the medium temperature heat elements 12, 12' is designed such that during use it has a surface temperature about 250 0 C on the heat transmitting part and such that the heat transport to the thermo electric element 7, 7' is equal to the heat transport to the heat sink 8.
  • the surface area of the medium temperature heat elements 12, 12' is e.g. between 80-100 cm 2 such as around 90cm 2 .
  • Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of a high temperature thermo electric unit adapted to be positioned in the high temperature section of the combustion chamber.
  • a similar construction of the medium thermoelectric units is used in the construction of the high temperature thermoelectric units, though with the difference that the high temperature thermoelectric units are adapted to be used at high temperatures, e.g. the materialof a thermo electric element 107, 107' may be like the one described in EP 1 828 880.
  • the high temperature heat elements 112, 112' are adapted to transport larger amounts of heat.
  • the high temperature heat elements 112, 112' have a larger surface area of the second elongated, heat absorbing, part than the medium temperature heat elements 12, 12'.
  • Each of the high temperature heat elements 112, 112' is designed such that during use it has a surface temperature maximum of 400 0 C on the heat transmitting part that the heat transport to the thermo electric element 7, 7' is equal to the heat transport to the heat sink 8.
  • the surface area of the high 5 temperature heat element 112, 112' is e.g. between 220cm 2 and 270 cm 2 such as 240cm 2 .
  • Fig. 7 shows the water management system when the combustion system is implemented e.g. in a household. Cooling water is supplied to a water inlet
  • a thermo switch 27 can be adjusted to open when the cooling water has a certain temperature e.g. 85°C.
  • the cooling water is then led through a pipeline system into a hot water tank 38 where heat from the pipeline is exchanged to the water in the hot water tank 38. In this way the
  • a pump 31 is used to regulate the cooling water flow by input from a thermo switch 29 that measures the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 38. When the temperature of the water in the hot water tank decreases to a certain adjustable temperature e.g.
  • the water pump 31 circulates the cooling water and when it exceeds the adjustable temperature it stops circulation of the cooling water. Consequently the water in the hot water tank 38 is warmed up and can be used for various purposes e.g. direct hot water supply 34 and to heat up a water in e.g. a radiator system 36, thus utilizing the heat from the combustion more effectively.
  • the photovoltaic cells 6 and the Thermoelectric Units are cooled by a gas.
  • Fig. 8 shows the power management for the power output of the combustion 35 system.
  • power is generated by the photovoltaic section 9, by the high temperature thermo electric units in the high temperature section 15 and by the medium temperature thermo electric units in the medium temperature section 16.
  • the power generated by the photovoltaic cells is converted in a first converter 40 e.g. in form of a 100 Watt DC to DC converter, and the power generated by the high respectively medium temperature thermo electric units is converted in a second converter 41 e.g. in form of a 500 Watt DC to DC converter.
  • the converted power of the first and second converter is send to a power bridge comprising a super capacitor 42 e.g. in form of a 24V Super Capacitor 42.
  • the power is passed to an inverter 43 that transforms the power to comply with the power supplied by the grid 44.
  • the power can thereby be delivered and consumed by e.g. a household 45 or it can be delivered to the grid 44. As an example it is ensured during the conversions that the voltage levels and the phases of the inverter 43 and the grid 44 are compatible so as to allow the inverter 43 to be coupled to the grid 44.
  • Fig. 9 shows schematically a system for generation and supply of power 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a power generation device 4 is arranged to be in thermal contact with hot and cold fluid supply lines 5, 6.
  • said fluid is water.
  • said device is a suitably mounted thermoelectric generator 4.
  • a thermal contact between the heat source, in this case hot water via the hot water supply line, and the thermoelectric generator 4 is ensured.
  • the thermoelectric generator 4 is electrically connected with a battery 8 via a DCDC converter 10.
  • Said battery 8 is, furthermore, electrically connected to a power network 12 via relay means situated in a casing 14.
  • said casing 14 contains a controller.
  • the battery 8 supplies power to a power inverter 16.
  • the power network 12 is electrically connected to said power inverter 16.
  • the system may, as an alternative, operate without the said DC-DC converter 10. Consequently, this requires a very careful sizingof the thermoelectric generator 4 in order to at all times provide substantially the same power voltage to the battery 8.
  • Said battery 8 may, when suitable, be replaced by another power storage device, such as super capacitor.
  • the super capacitor is a type of capacitor with very high electrical energy storage capacity.
  • the relay means and the controller are integrated in one device.
  • a device could be an over-under voltage relay.
  • the heat required by the thermoelectric generator 4 to produce power may be provided by a steam or hot air supply line.
  • An evaporating liquid gas or liquid hydrogen may be used as a cold source.
  • one section of the fluid supply lines 5,6 may be exchanged and the suitable piping setup comprising a thermoelectric generator 4 may be introduced.
  • Said piping setup will be more thoroughly described below with reference to Fig. 11.
  • the hot water starts flowing through a supply line 5.
  • the temperature gradient to which the thermoelectric generator 4 is thereby exposed renders possible for power to be generated.
  • the DC-DC converter 10 is used in order to ensure that the power supplied to the battery 8 at all times has substantially the same voltage. Power generated in the thermoelectric generator 4 is stored in the battery 8, with the purpose of supplying it to a load (not shown) when required.
  • Power may originate either from the battery 8 or from the power network 12. Said power may, furthermore, be converted, if necessary.
  • the above actions may be carried out by means of the power inverter 16.
  • a person's daily consumption of hot water corresponds to about 3 kWh.
  • this gives rise to 135 Wh that are supplied to the battery 8.
  • the battery 8 may be adapted for 24 V OCcurrent. In the above cirumstances it takes approximately five days to fully charge the battery 8.
  • Such a battery when fully charged, typically has a capacity of around 720 W. Power generated in this way may be used for various applications. By way of example, it may be used to power light sources in a household.
  • the necessary power may, whenever possible, be supplied from the battery 8.
  • Said power is, as it has been explained above, generated by the thermoelectric generator 4. Since this power originally is a result of the thermal gradient, i.e. heat has been converted into electricity, it may as such offer a positive contribution in the efforts to convert a low quality energy form into a higher quality, and thus more usable, energy form.
  • the power network 12 may be viewed as a backup power source that should be used only when the quantity of power stored in the battery 8 drops below a predetermined value. As power available from the power network 12 typically originates from fossil fuels, then a significant positive environmental effect may be achieved. Should the power network 12 be required to supply power, then the changeover from the battery 8 is seamless and instantaneous. Consequently, a power loss may be avoided.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates diagrammatically a system for generation and supply of power 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system 2 generates power by means of a thermoelectric generator 4.
  • the thermoelectric generator 4 is electrically connected with a battery 8 via a DC-DC converter 10 and a current direction control means 18.
  • said control means may be a diode 18.
  • Said battery 8 is, furthermore, electrically connected to a power network 12 via relay means 20. Operation of said relay means 20 is controlled by a controller 22.
  • relay means 20 and the controller 22 are typically situtated in a common casing (not shown).
  • the power network 12 as well as the battery 8 are electrically connected to a power inverter 16.
  • Another diode 18 is arranged between the battery 8 and the power inverter 16.
  • the system with a reduced number of components may be envisaged.
  • the system 2 may, with regard to its components, be customized in many different ways, depending on load requirements. Consequently, power supplied to the load may have different voltage values and both AC-and DCcurrents are envisageable.
  • thermoelectric generator 4 power is generated by a thermoelectric generator 4.
  • the thermoelectric generator 4 will generate power whose value will range between 5 and 20 V. This value will depend on the magnitude of the temperature difference.
  • the power will subsequently be supplied to a DC/DC converter 10.
  • the DC/DC converter 10 converts this power to a steady voltage of 27 V and supplies it, via a diode 18, to a battery 8.
  • the diode 18 prevents current from flowing in an undesired direction.
  • a controller 22 is configured to use the information obtained by said measurement and determine the source that supplies power.
  • a signal is sent to the relay means 20. Consequently, said relay means 20 are set to a closed state, enabling thereby power supply from a power network 12.
  • the power network 12 supplies a 230 V AC-current that may, in this embodiment, be modified to e.g 24 V, and supplied to a load.
  • the current direction control means 18 is adequately arranged.
  • Relay means 20 are subsequently set to the open state and the electrical connection between power network 12 and the power inverter 16 is interrupted.
  • a fully charged battery 8 is a prerequisite for relay means 20 to be switched. Henceforth, the battery 8 delivers the power.
  • the system 2 is capable of supplying power to a load simultaneously with loading the battery 8. By providing said system 2 it may be achieved that power may at all times be supplied to the load. This power may originate from the thermoelectric generator 4 and subsequently be stored in the battery 8. As an alternative, necessary power may be supplied from the power network 12. In order to determine which power source should be used, a measurement of power level in the battery 8 may be performed. This information may thereupon be used to enable the suitable power source to supply power to said load. In this way, the system may supply power from the power source that is most appropriate.
  • the above-mentioned functionality is achieved using relay means 22. Thus, a simple and robust regulation of the origin of power supply may be obtained.
  • the power voltage may be stepped up to an appropriate value. In this way, it may be assured that a steady voltage having a constant value is supplied to the battery 8 regardless of the value of the power voltage generated. This renders the overall system more stable.
  • the current flow may be restricted to one direction only.
  • a simplified system regulation may be achieved.
  • components may be protected from damage in case of system failure.
  • the value of the power may be suitably modified.
  • Said power may, furthermore, be converted, if necessary, and subsequently supplied to the load. This renders the overall system more versatile and usable in a wide range of applications.
  • Fig. 11 shows a thermoelectric generator 4 that is mounted on fluid supply lines 5, 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the flowing direction of the fluids are indicated by arrows.
  • said thermoelectric generator 4 comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements 24 that are, in this embodiment, arranged in pairs. Typically, said thermoelectric elements 24 are connected in series. Each element 24 is positioned in such a way that its two faces are in thermal contact with cold and hot water supply line 5, 6 respectively. As it may be seen, the cold water supply line 6 forks into two cold water supply conduits 25, 26. This arrangement provides for each thermoelectric element 24 to be sandwiched between the cold water supply conduit 25 and the hot water supply line 5. At least the surfaces that are in direct contact with the thermoelectric elements 24 are usually made in a material that promotes heat transfer and, accordingly, has large specific heat capacity, such as aluminium.
  • hot water supply line 5 It is equal lyenvisageable for hot water supply line 5 to fork into two hot water supply conduits.
  • thermoelectric elements 24 may be arranged between the two supply lines.
  • thermoelectric generator 4 with the corresponding water supply lines 5, 6, as depicted in Fig. 11, are part of a dedicated kit that is to be retrofitted onto existing water pipes upon removing a section of said pipes.
  • said kit may be incorporated in new water supply line installations.
  • the system may only comprise the thermoelectric generator that is to be arranged in direct thermal contact with the existing water pipes.
  • thermoelectric generator 4 should be able to produce approximately 55 W in order to provide the required 135 W of 24 V OCcurrent, given a normal hot water consumption pattern.
  • the appropriate number of element pairs is needed in order to suitably size the thermoelectric generator 4.
  • Even element pairs, or individual elements as described above, having different capacities may be used.
  • the number and the capacity of the particular thermoelectric element 24, implicitly even the capacity of the thermoelectric generator, may be customized in order to satisfy load requirements as well as hot water consumption patterns.
  • Fig. 12 shows a flow-chart of a method of operating a system for generation and 10 supply of power 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the opening of a hot water tap causes power to be generated in a thermoelectrical generator 4.
  • this power is stepped up by a DC-DC converter 10, whereupon, in step 420, it is supplied to a battery 8.
  • the power voltage level of the battery 8 is measured.
  • Step 430 is 15 performed on a continuous basis.
  • Information gathered by said measurement is received as an input signal by a controller 22 in step 440.
  • the purpose of said controller 22 is to control the operation of the system 2.
  • the controller 22 determines, in step 450, which power source should supply power.
  • a signal is sent from the controller 22 to relay means 20 20 in step 460, whereupon said relay means 20 are suitably arranged in step 470.
  • Power is thereafter supplied, either by the battery 8, step 471, or by the power network 12, step 472.
  • power supplied originates from the 25 battery 8 when the quantity of power stored in said battery 8 exceeds a predetermined value. It is desirable to supply power from the battery 8 whenever possible. Should the power network 12 be required to supply power, then the changeover from the battery 8 is seamless and instantaneous.
  • thermoelectric generator 4 If battery 8 is fully charged, the load doesn't require power to be supplied and electricity may potentially be generated in the thermoelectrical generator 4, due to the hot fluid running through the supply line 5 then the thermoelectric generator 4 is typically set in a state where it doesn't generate any power. A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that not all steps described above may be necessary in order to successfully operate said system.

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  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Control Of Combustion (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système de combustion destiné à générer de la chaleur et de l'énergie. Le système de combustion comprend une chambre de combustion comportant une source de combustion (2), et une unité thermoélectrique comportant une région à température élevée et une région à basse température. L'unité thermoélectrique comprend un premier élément chauffant (12, 112) disposé dans la chambre de combustion, de telle sorte que lors de l'utilisation, la chaleur émise à partir de la source de combustion (2) est absorbée par l'élément chauffant (12, 112) et transmise vers la région de température élevée, générant ainsi de l'énergie au moyen de l'unité électrique.
EP10713109A 2009-03-11 2010-03-11 Système de combustion destiné à générer de la chaleur et de l'énergie Withdrawn EP2406837A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA200900333 2009-03-11
DKPA200900344 2009-03-12
PCT/DK2010/050058 WO2010102634A2 (fr) 2009-03-11 2010-03-11 Système de combustion destiné à générer de la chaleur et de l'énergie

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EP2406837A2 true EP2406837A2 (fr) 2012-01-18

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WO (1) WO2010102634A2 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7567238B2 (ja) 2020-07-10 2024-10-16 日本電気株式会社 発電装置

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4028375A1 (de) 1990-09-07 1992-03-12 Abb Patent Gmbh Verfahren und vorrichtung zur energiegewinnung
US5551992A (en) 1992-06-30 1996-09-03 Jx Crystals Inc. Thermophotovoltaic generator with low bandgap cells and hydrocarbon burner
US7523286B2 (en) 2004-11-19 2009-04-21 Network Appliance, Inc. System and method for real-time balancing of user workload across multiple storage systems with shared back end storage
JP4872741B2 (ja) * 2007-03-22 2012-02-08 トヨタ自動車株式会社 熱電発電装置

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Title
See references of WO2010102634A2 *

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