EP4646783A1 - Energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus and process - Google Patents

Energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus and process

Info

Publication number
EP4646783A1
EP4646783A1 EP24752483.8A EP24752483A EP4646783A1 EP 4646783 A1 EP4646783 A1 EP 4646783A1 EP 24752483 A EP24752483 A EP 24752483A EP 4646783 A1 EP4646783 A1 EP 4646783A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
energy
reaction chamber
electrodes
extraction source
transformation
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP24752483.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Carlo Miglietta
Dario Calzavara
Marco ARRU
Fabrizio Petrucci
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.)
Prometheus SpA
Original Assignee
Prometheus SpA
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 Prometheus SpA filed Critical Prometheus SpA
Publication of EP4646783A1 publication Critical patent/EP4646783A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02N—ELECTRIC MACHINES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H02N11/00—Generators or motors not provided for elsewhere; Alleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
    • H02N11/006—Motors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of apparatus for supplying power using fluids.
  • the invention has been developed with particular regard to an apparatus and a process for the transformation, generation and storage of energy.
  • the document US2006042251 A1 describes a power generator which uses an arc electrolysis process.
  • the generator comprises a reaction chamber which performs the function of a high-voltage electrolytic cell, the purpose of which is to provide electrical energy to the fluid contained in it by means of high-voltage electric arc pulses.
  • This produces a hot steam which is subsequently used to cause the rotation of a conventional turbine in order to produce electromechanical energy.
  • an inductor is applied in order to recover part of the energy dispersed during the reaction in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
  • the document WO2022180413A1 describes a system for producing work by means of heating and pressurization of an electrolytic fluid owing to a reaction chamber provided with a pair of electrodes.
  • the process consists in heating the electrolytic solution by means of the Joule effect so as to lower the electrical permeability and raise temperature thereof. Once the necessary phase transition temperature is reached, steam bubbles start to form inside the liquid. The process continues until the difference in potential is such that it ionizes the steam, creating “plasma bubbles”. Said bubbles, by energizing and de-energizing the matter present, result in the emission of photons which, being absorbed by the liquid itself and by the walls of the chamber, heat the latter.
  • Each of the apparatus for supplying power using fluids of the known type has, however, a number of limitations and drawbacks. For example, none of these apparatus manages to achieve an overall output which is generally satisfactory compared to the energy introduced into the apparatus.
  • the general object of the present invention is to provide an energy transformation, generation and storage apparatus and process able to activate, by means of the passage of an electric charge, a chemical-nuclear transformation of an extraction source, obtain from the change in state of an extraction source (which is solid, liquid, gas and in some cases plasma) pressure and temperature increases which can be converted into work, and achieve a favourable balancing during transformation of the energy introduced into the system, so as to obtain an overall performance which is favourable compared to that of hydrocarbon-powered internal combustion engines.
  • FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention with a pair of electrodes
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber shown in Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a spark plug
  • - Figure 4 is a first cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber shown in Figure 3;
  • - Figure 5 is a second cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber shown in Figure 3;
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram view of an energy accumulator according to the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram view of an embodiment of a discharge device according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a variable-configuration spark gap according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of spark gap according to Figure 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention which has a reactor with a double reaction chamber.
  • the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus comprises a reactor, indicated generally by 1 , in turn comprising at least one reaction chamber 2.
  • the reaction chamber 2 defines within it a sealed space, namely a space which is isolated externally from the pressure point of view and is particularly suitable for receiving an energy extraction source, for example a fluid at room temperature, as will become clearer below.
  • the reaction chamber 2 is not a high-pressure receptacle.
  • the reactor 1 comprises at least one pair of electrodes, an anode 60 and a cathode 62, the ends 61 , 63 of which are arranged facing the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2.
  • the electrodes 60, 62 are particularly suitable for applying electrical energy to the energy extraction source contained within the reaction chamber, as will become clearer below.
  • Each electrode 60, 62 is movably engaged with the reaction chamber 2 so as to be selectively displaced along a longitudinal direction towards and away from the other electrode.
  • the pair of electrodes forms part of a spark plug 4 inserted inside an opening 6 formed in one of the walls of the reaction chamber 2.
  • the spark plug 4 is arranged so that the terminal projects outside the reaction chamber 2 and the electrodes face the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2.
  • the reaction chamber 2 further comprises a pair of apertures 18, 19 formed in its bottom portion and in fluid communication via a conduit 21 with the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2 so as to allow, during use, the entry and exit of a fluid into/from the reaction chamber.
  • a closing element (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the conduit 21 allows the sealed isolation of the inner space of the reaction chamber 2.
  • the reactor 1 also comprises an energy transformation system configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electrical energy is applied.
  • the reaction chamber 2 comprises an opening 11 on one end thereof, closed by a partition 23 engaged with the reaction chamber 2 and arranged superimposed on said opening 11 .
  • the reactor 1 comprises again a partition 23, but may also comprise a connection plate 7 arranged superimposed on one end of the reaction chamber and particularly suitable, during use, for engaging the reaction chamber with a second reaction chamber or a support structure or an actuator.
  • the connection plate 7 comprises an opening 9 opposite the opening 11 and the partition 23.
  • the partition 23 is made of a resilient and elastic material so as to be able to deform following the application of a force and return into the initial configuration once application of said force ceases. As will become clearer below, the deformation of the partition 23 allows useful work to be extracted from the reactor 1 of the present invention.
  • the reaction chamber 2 further comprises an outlet opening 14, which can be selectively closed, for allowing the recovery of any non-used gas.
  • the reactor 1 may also comprise other devices engaged with the reaction chamber 2.
  • the reactor 1 may comprise a pressure detector 12 or a temperature gauge or other type of detection device, inserted inside a further opening 10 formed in the walls of the reaction chamber 2 and facing with one of their ends the sealed inner space.
  • the energy transformation system configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electric energy is applied may also comprise an actuator or a thermocouple 16, or other type of energy conversion device, inserted inside a further opening formed in the walls of the reaction chamber 2, and facing with one of their ends the sealed inner space.
  • the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 also comprises a system for storing and supplying electrical energy comprising an energy accumulator 20 and an electrical discharge device 30.
  • the electrical energy storage and supply system is designed to be connected to an electrical network (220 volts) via a variable transformer able to output, for example, but not exclusively, a maximum voltage of 280 V and a current of 20 A.
  • the energy accumulator 20 comprises a voltage booster 22 and a storage system 24.
  • the voltage booster 22 comprises a voltage multiplier rectifier circuit used to convert an alternating voltage (AC) into a direct voltage (DC).
  • AC alternating voltage
  • DC direct voltage
  • the voltage booster 22 is composed of a diode voltage multiplier rectifier circuit which uses a series of diodes or capacitors which are cascade-connected in order to obtain direct output voltage which is a multiple of the peak voltage of the input alternating wave.
  • the storage system 24 comprises a bank of high-voltage ceramic capacitors.
  • the capacitor bank can be modulated in terms of its capacity: it is possible to obtain capacities of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 pF by assembling pairs of capacitors in succession.
  • the maximum supportable voltage is 2000 V.
  • the storage system is therefore able to store up to 200 Joules of energy.
  • At the output of the storage system there is a voltage divider with special resistances for high-voltage use, which allows the output amplitude to be attenuated in order to measure the value thereof via an acquisition board.
  • the energy accumulator 20 may also comprise a measurement board 26 connected to the accumulation capacitor 24 and designed, during use, to detect a voltage signal emitted by the storage block.
  • the measurement board 26 comprises a galvanic isolation barrier formed by an analog-signal optoisolator and an AC/DC voltage converter with isolation.
  • the energy to be output during an energy transformation and generation process according to the present invention is stored in the energy accumulator 20 and then discharged via a driven “controlled switch”.
  • the switch is represented by the discharge device 30.
  • the electrical discharge device 30 comprises:
  • T1 a transformer 38 (T1 ) connected to the trigger 32
  • spark gap 40 (SG2) connected to the transformer 38.
  • a trigger is understood as meaning any device able to selectively close an electric circuit when predetermined conditions are present.
  • a trigger could be a switch which is activated when a predetermined pressure force is exerted on it or a spark gap activated when a predetermined amount of voltage is accumulated between the electrodes.
  • the spark gap 40 may be a variable-distance spark gap in which the distance between the two electrodes may be selectively modified.
  • the elements and connections described above configure the electrical discharge device in two sections.
  • the first section defined “trigger section”
  • the second section defined “power section”
  • the energy accumulator 20 and the electrical discharge device 30 are both connected to the spark plug 4.
  • the energy accumulator 20 is connected to one of the two electrodes 60, 62 arranged inside the reaction chamber 2 and the electrical discharge device 30 is connected to the other one of the two electrodes 60, 62 arranged inside the reaction chamber 2.
  • FIGS 8 and 9 show one of the embodiments of a variable-configuration spark gap comprising a main frame 100.
  • the frame 100 comprises two housing structures 102, 104, inside each of which two electrodes 106, 108 are arranged.
  • the first housing structure 102 comprises a through-hole 103 inside which a first electrode 106 is arranged and fixed.
  • the second housing structure 104 comprises a through-conduit 105 inside which a second electrode 108 is slidably arranged.
  • the second housing structure 104 also comprises an actuator connected to the second electrode 108 and designed, during use, to move the second electrode inside the through-conduit 105.
  • the actuator is a roller wheel 101 comprising a through-hole, the outer surface of which is threaded
  • the second electrode 108 comprises an outer surface which is also threaded. Both one end 107 of the first electrode 106 and one end 109 of the second electrode are arranged facing each other inside the space situated between the two housing structures 102, 104.
  • the actuator 101 is able to move the second electrode 108 in two opposite directions so as to reduce or increase the distance between the two ends 107, 109 of the two electrodes 106, 108.
  • the energy accumulator 20 may be supplied by an independent accumulator such as an electric battery or a supercapacitor, namely not connected to an external electricity network.
  • the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 also comprises an electronic system comprising, for example, but not exclusively, a microprocessor and a rewritable memory unit.
  • the electronic system is connected to the electrical system and to the mechanical components described above and comprises electronic components so as to be able to, during use:
  • the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprises two reactors 1 , T, each comprising a respective reaction chamber 2, 4.
  • the two reaction chambers 2, 4 are adjacent to each other and communicate so as to create an overall inner space consisting of two respective inner spaces.
  • one or both the reaction chambers 2, 4 may comprise a resilient and elastic partition, while the remaining technical characteristics are identical to those described above for the reaction chamber 2 alone and, therefore, will not be repeated here in detail for the sake of brevity.
  • the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprises an electrical system and an electronic system as described above.
  • the present invention also relates to a process for the transformation, generation and storage of energy.
  • the process comprises a first step of providing/assembling an energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprising a reaction chamber 2 as described above.
  • the process comprises a second step during which a predetermined quantity of the energy extraction source is inserted inside the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2 via the aperture 18 and the conduit 21.
  • the predetermined quantity of fluid, forming the energy extraction source must be such as to allow the total immersion of the electrodes in the said fluid, so that they are located in a homogeneous and isotropic environment.
  • the energy extraction source consists of water, H 2 O, varyingly enriched with salts, for example sodium chloride, NaCI or sodium sulphate, Na 2 SO 4 , or other substances, for example metals, oxides, etc., in various concentrations.
  • the energy extraction source may also consist of sea water, subjected beforehand to a filtering process able to eliminate any carbon compound residues.
  • the process comprises, between the first step and the second step described above, a step in which at least one of the two electrodes 60, 62 arranged inside the reaction chamber 2 is moved so as to modify the distance between the anode 60 and the cathode 62.
  • the process comprises a third step in which the trigger 32, driven by the coil 36, generates an instantaneous current discharge which, via the coupling due to the transformer 38, allows boosting of the voltage value.
  • the voltage value to be applied depends on the material/fluid forming the energy extraction source and the distance between the two electrodes.
  • the spark gap 40 following a sudden difference in potential generated by the discharge of the trigger 32, ionizes the air contained inside the reaction chamber 2, allowing the passage of the discharge current of the energy accumulator 20 via the electrodes of the reactor.
  • the electrical rigidity is understood as meaning the difference in potential beyond which the interposed material becomes conductible or the maximum difference in potential within which the interposed material does not conduct, and is measured in V/m or more commonly kV/mm.
  • the temperature value of the energy extraction source is equivalent to the ambient temperature value or ranges between 23°C and 27°C.
  • the break in the electrical rigidity closes the electric circuit formed by the energy accumulator 20, the electrical discharge device 30 and the energy extraction source, allowing the charge accumulated in the energy accumulator 30 to flow into the energy extraction source itself.
  • the trigger 32 and the spark gap 40 are in fact switches able to close an electric circuit for fractions of a second.
  • a variable-configuration spark gap it is possible to modify the distance of the electrodes 106, 108 so as to set a predetermined voltage value at the terminals able to overcome the dielectric resistance of the air situated in between.
  • the trigger 32 and the spark gap 40 are arranged in the discharge device 30 so that, on the one hand, the spark is generated in the chamber which in turn breaks the dielectric of the energy extraction source and in sequence the discharge circuit of the storage capacitors 24 is opened with the charge which flows through the already ionized energy extraction source. By so doing, it is possible to cause the flow of a large quantity of electric charge, concentrating it in micro-fractions of a second and in a millimetric space.
  • the combination of the discharge of the break in electrical rigidity and the flow of the charge from the energy accumulator 20 generates a pressure wave within the energy extraction source inside the reaction chamber 2.
  • the intensity of the pressure wave depends on the difference in potential applied to the spark gap 40 (of the order of kV), but may be optimized in order to obtain an applied energy ratio (or power) and wave which are optimal for the desired work extraction.
  • the pressure curves obtained are repeatable and can be used for extraction of useable work from the energy extraction source to which electric energy is applied. Since the extractable energy source, formed by water varyingly enriched with salts or other substances, is an uncompressible liquid, the pressure wave pushes the water towards the walls of the reaction chamber 2 and in particular towards the resilient and elastic partition 23, deforming it. This variation results in work generation. At the end of expansion of the pressure wave, the resilient partition 23 returns to its original form.
  • the energy transformation system configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electric energy is applied, namely instantaneous or mechanical actuator devices, able to transform the pressure wave into work, such as pistons, deformable bellows, etc.
  • the process involves the repetition of the steps described above in which the pressure wave is generated, a given number of times, with a predetermined frequency, so as to a create a succession of steps for transformation of energy into work.
  • This reaction generates final molecules of H2 or 02 in gaseous form.
  • the process according to the present invention comprises finally a last step in which washing of the reaction chamber 2 is performed by means of the thrusting force of a new extraction source. This also allows the gas to be extracted by means of cooling of the supply circuit.
  • the process comprises a first step of providing/assembling an energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprising two reaction chambers 2, 4 as described above.
  • the process comprises all the steps described above.

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  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
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Abstract

An energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus comprises a reaction chamber (2) defining within it a sealed space suitable for receiving an extraction energy source, a pair of electrodes (60, 62) whose ends (61, 63) are arranged facing the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber (2), and an energy transformation system (23, 16) configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electrical energy is applied. The apparatus also comprises an energy accumulator (20) connected to one of the two electrodes (60, 62) and an electrical discharge device (30) connected to the other one of the two electrodes (60, 62).

Description

Title
Energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus and process
Description
The present invention relates to the field of apparatus for supplying power using fluids. The invention has been developed with particular regard to an apparatus and a process for the transformation, generation and storage of energy.
Numerous examples of apparatus for supplying power using fluids are known. For example, the document US2006042251 A1 describes a power generator which uses an arc electrolysis process. The generator comprises a reaction chamber which performs the function of a high-voltage electrolytic cell, the purpose of which is to provide electrical energy to the fluid contained in it by means of high-voltage electric arc pulses. This produces a hot steam which is subsequently used to cause the rotation of a conventional turbine in order to produce electromechanical energy. In order to make this process more efficient, an inductor is applied in order to recover part of the energy dispersed during the reaction in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The document WO2022180413A1 describes a system for producing work by means of heating and pressurization of an electrolytic fluid owing to a reaction chamber provided with a pair of electrodes. The process consists in heating the electrolytic solution by means of the Joule effect so as to lower the electrical permeability and raise temperature thereof. Once the necessary phase transition temperature is reached, steam bubbles start to form inside the liquid. The process continues until the difference in potential is such that it ionizes the steam, creating “plasma bubbles”. Said bubbles, by energizing and de-energizing the matter present, result in the emission of photons which, being absorbed by the liquid itself and by the walls of the chamber, heat the latter.
Each of the apparatus for supplying power using fluids of the known type has, however, a number of limitations and drawbacks. For example, none of these apparatus manages to achieve an overall output which is generally satisfactory compared to the energy introduced into the apparatus.
The general object of the present invention is to provide an energy transformation, generation and storage apparatus and process able to activate, by means of the passage of an electric charge, a chemical-nuclear transformation of an extraction source, obtain from the change in state of an extraction source (which is solid, liquid, gas and in some cases plasma) pressure and temperature increases which can be converted into work, and achieve a favourable balancing during transformation of the energy introduced into the system, so as to obtain an overall performance which is favourable compared to that of hydrocarbon-powered internal combustion engines.
In view of this object, the Applicant has had the idea of providing an energy transformation, generation and storage apparatus and process as defined in the independent claims.
Further characteristic features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following description, provided by way of example with reference to the attached drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention with a pair of electrodes;
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber shown in Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a spark plug;
- Figure 4 is a first cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber shown in Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a second cross-sectional view of the reaction chamber shown in Figure 3;
- Figure 6 shows a schematic block diagram view of an energy accumulator according to the present invention;
- Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram view of an embodiment of a discharge device according to the present invention;
- Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a variable-configuration spark gap according to the present invention;
- Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of spark gap according to Figure 8; and
- Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention which has a reactor with a double reaction chamber.
Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the attached figures. Each example is provided merely by way of illustration of the invention and is understood as not being a limitation thereof. For example, the technical characteristics shown or described since they form part of one embodiment may be integrated within, or associated with, other embodiments in order to produce a further embodiment. It is understood that the present invention will be inclusive of these modifications and variants.
It is emphasized moreover that the present description is not limited in its application to the constructional and layout details of the components are described below using the attached figures. The present invention may envisage other embodiments and be realized or implemented in practice with technically equivalent characteristics. The terms used below have a purely descriptive purpose and must not be regarded as being limiting.
The energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reactor, indicated generally by 1 , in turn comprising at least one reaction chamber 2.
The reaction chamber 2 defines within it a sealed space, namely a space which is isolated externally from the pressure point of view and is particularly suitable for receiving an energy extraction source, for example a fluid at room temperature, as will become clearer below. The reaction chamber 2 is not a high-pressure receptacle. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reactor 1 comprises at least one pair of electrodes, an anode 60 and a cathode 62, the ends 61 , 63 of which are arranged facing the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2. The electrodes 60, 62 are particularly suitable for applying electrical energy to the energy extraction source contained within the reaction chamber, as will become clearer below. Each electrode 60, 62 is movably engaged with the reaction chamber 2 so as to be selectively displaced along a longitudinal direction towards and away from the other electrode.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the pair of electrodes forms part of a spark plug 4 inserted inside an opening 6 formed in one of the walls of the reaction chamber 2. The spark plug 4 is arranged so that the terminal projects outside the reaction chamber 2 and the electrodes face the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2.
The reaction chamber 2 further comprises a pair of apertures 18, 19 formed in its bottom portion and in fluid communication via a conduit 21 with the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2 so as to allow, during use, the entry and exit of a fluid into/from the reaction chamber. Preferably, a closing element (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the conduit 21 allows the sealed isolation of the inner space of the reaction chamber 2.
The reactor 1 also comprises an energy transformation system configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electrical energy is applied. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reaction chamber 2 comprises an opening 11 on one end thereof, closed by a partition 23 engaged with the reaction chamber 2 and arranged superimposed on said opening 11 .
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the reactor 1 comprises again a partition 23, but may also comprise a connection plate 7 arranged superimposed on one end of the reaction chamber and particularly suitable, during use, for engaging the reaction chamber with a second reaction chamber or a support structure or an actuator. In this case, the connection plate 7 comprises an opening 9 opposite the opening 11 and the partition 23.
The partition 23 is made of a resilient and elastic material so as to be able to deform following the application of a force and return into the initial configuration once application of said force ceases. As will become clearer below, the deformation of the partition 23 allows useful work to be extracted from the reactor 1 of the present invention.
The reaction chamber 2 further comprises an outlet opening 14, which can be selectively closed, for allowing the recovery of any non-used gas.
With particular reference to the embodiment shown in all of Figures 1 to 5, the reactor 1 may also comprise other devices engaged with the reaction chamber 2. For example, the reactor 1 may comprise a pressure detector 12 or a temperature gauge or other type of detection device, inserted inside a further opening 10 formed in the walls of the reaction chamber 2 and facing with one of their ends the sealed inner space.
The energy transformation system configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electric energy is applied may also comprise an actuator or a thermocouple 16, or other type of energy conversion device, inserted inside a further opening formed in the walls of the reaction chamber 2, and facing with one of their ends the sealed inner space.
Obviously, the number of devices and their type, the corresponding openings formed in the walls of the reaction chamber and their position, must not be regarded as being limiting in nature, but may widely vary with respect to that described here without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.
The energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 according to the present invention also comprises a system for storing and supplying electrical energy comprising an energy accumulator 20 and an electrical discharge device 30. The electrical energy storage and supply system is designed to be connected to an electrical network (220 volts) via a variable transformer able to output, for example, but not exclusively, a maximum voltage of 280 V and a current of 20 A.
With particular reference to Figure 6, the energy accumulator 20 comprises a voltage booster 22 and a storage system 24. According to the present embodiment, the voltage booster 22 comprises a voltage multiplier rectifier circuit used to convert an alternating voltage (AC) into a direct voltage (DC). In particular, it is composed of a diode voltage multiplier rectifier circuit which uses a series of diodes or capacitors which are cascade-connected in order to obtain direct output voltage which is a multiple of the peak voltage of the input alternating wave.
The storage system 24 comprises a bank of high-voltage ceramic capacitors. The capacitor bank can be modulated in terms of its capacity: it is possible to obtain capacities of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 pF by assembling pairs of capacitors in succession. The maximum supportable voltage is 2000 V. The storage system is therefore able to store up to 200 Joules of energy. At the output of the storage system there is a voltage divider with special resistances for high-voltage use, which allows the output amplitude to be attenuated in order to measure the value thereof via an acquisition board.
According to a possible embodiment, the energy accumulator 20 may also comprise a measurement board 26 connected to the accumulation capacitor 24 and designed, during use, to detect a voltage signal emitted by the storage block. The measurement board 26 comprises a galvanic isolation barrier formed by an analog-signal optoisolator and an AC/DC voltage converter with isolation. With this configuration it is possible to “uncouple” the reference voltages of the acquisition section from those of the power system, while allowing conditioning (filtering and amplification) of the acquired signal and allowing the output to be connected to an analog-signal conditioning board or an oscilloscope.
As will emerge more clearly below, the energy to be output during an energy transformation and generation process according to the present invention is stored in the energy accumulator 20 and then discharged via a driven “controlled switch”. The switch is represented by the discharge device 30.
With particular reference to Figure 7, the electrical discharge device 30 comprises:
- a trigger 32 (SG1 ) powered at 12 V by a battery 34,
- a coil 36 connected to the trigger 32,
- a transformer 38 (T1 ) connected to the trigger 32, and
- a spark gap 40 (SG2) connected to the transformer 38.
The term “trigger” is understood as meaning any device able to selectively close an electric circuit when predetermined conditions are present. For example, but not exclusively, a trigger could be a switch which is activated when a predetermined pressure force is exerted on it or a spark gap activated when a predetermined amount of voltage is accumulated between the electrodes.
According to a particularly advantageous feature, the spark gap 40 may be a variable-distance spark gap in which the distance between the two electrodes may be selectively modified.
The elements and connections described above configure the electrical discharge device in two sections. The first section, defined “trigger section”, is supplied with 12 volts and comprises the trigger 32, while the second section, defined “power section”, comprises the spark gap 40.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the energy accumulator 20 and the electrical discharge device 30 are both connected to the spark plug 4. In general, the energy accumulator 20 is connected to one of the two electrodes 60, 62 arranged inside the reaction chamber 2 and the electrical discharge device 30 is connected to the other one of the two electrodes 60, 62 arranged inside the reaction chamber 2.
Figures 8 and 9 show one of the embodiments of a variable-configuration spark gap comprising a main frame 100. The frame 100 comprises two housing structures 102, 104, inside each of which two electrodes 106, 108 are arranged. The first housing structure 102 comprises a through-hole 103 inside which a first electrode 106 is arranged and fixed.
The second housing structure 104 comprises a through-conduit 105 inside which a second electrode 108 is slidably arranged. The second housing structure 104 also comprises an actuator connected to the second electrode 108 and designed, during use, to move the second electrode inside the through-conduit 105. In the embodiment, the actuator is a roller wheel 101 comprising a through-hole, the outer surface of which is threaded, and the second electrode 108 comprises an outer surface which is also threaded. Both one end 107 of the first electrode 106 and one end 109 of the second electrode are arranged facing each other inside the space situated between the two housing structures 102, 104.
During use, the actuator 101 is able to move the second electrode 108 in two opposite directions so as to reduce or increase the distance between the two ends 107, 109 of the two electrodes 106, 108.
According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the energy accumulator 20 may be supplied by an independent accumulator such as an electric battery or a supercapacitor, namely not connected to an external electricity network.
The energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 according to the present invention also comprises an electronic system comprising, for example, but not exclusively, a microprocessor and a rewritable memory unit. The electronic system is connected to the electrical system and to the mechanical components described above and comprises electronic components so as to be able to, during use:
- measure and manage the energy introduced into the reaction chambers;
- measure voltages applied to parts of the electrical system;
- measure an input power value;
- manage the electric pulses for activating a reaction;
- manage a pulse frequency;
- manage the electrodes (in one or more series) and a potential (voltage) difference value.
These functions may be achieved with any configuration of electronic circuits of the known type, or by means of a combination thereof, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. According to a further embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 10, the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises two reactors 1 , T, each comprising a respective reaction chamber 2, 4. The two reaction chambers 2, 4 are adjacent to each other and communicate so as to create an overall inner space consisting of two respective inner spaces. In this case, one or both the reaction chambers 2, 4 may comprise a resilient and elastic partition, while the remaining technical characteristics are identical to those described above for the reaction chamber 2 alone and, therefore, will not be repeated here in detail for the sake of brevity.
In this embodiment, the energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprises an electrical system and an electronic system as described above.
The present invention also relates to a process for the transformation, generation and storage of energy.
In a first embodiment, the process comprises a first step of providing/assembling an energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprising a reaction chamber 2 as described above.
The process comprises a second step during which a predetermined quantity of the energy extraction source is inserted inside the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber 2 via the aperture 18 and the conduit 21. The predetermined quantity of fluid, forming the energy extraction source, must be such as to allow the total immersion of the electrodes in the said fluid, so that they are located in a homogeneous and isotropic environment.
According to this embodiment the energy extraction source consists of water, H2O, varyingly enriched with salts, for example sodium chloride, NaCI or sodium sulphate, Na2SO4, or other substances, for example metals, oxides, etc., in various concentrations. The energy extraction source may also consist of sea water, subjected beforehand to a filtering process able to eliminate any carbon compound residues.
According to one of the modes of implementation of the present invention, the process comprises, between the first step and the second step described above, a step in which at least one of the two electrodes 60, 62 arranged inside the reaction chamber 2 is moved so as to modify the distance between the anode 60 and the cathode 62.
The process comprises a third step in which the trigger 32, driven by the coil 36, generates an instantaneous current discharge which, via the coupling due to the transformer 38, allows boosting of the voltage value.
The voltage value to be applied depends on the material/fluid forming the energy extraction source and the distance between the two electrodes.
The spark gap 40, following a sudden difference in potential generated by the discharge of the trigger 32, ionizes the air contained inside the reaction chamber 2, allowing the passage of the discharge current of the energy accumulator 20 via the electrodes of the reactor.
In particular, the increase in voltage at the terminals of the electrodes creates a break in the electrical rigidity. The electrical rigidity (Er) is understood as meaning the difference in potential beyond which the interposed material becomes conductible or the maximum difference in potential within which the interposed material does not conduct, and is measured in V/m or more commonly kV/mm.
According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the temperature value of the energy extraction source is equivalent to the ambient temperature value or ranges between 23°C and 27°C. The break in the electrical rigidity closes the electric circuit formed by the energy accumulator 20, the electrical discharge device 30 and the energy extraction source, allowing the charge accumulated in the energy accumulator 30 to flow into the energy extraction source itself.
The presence of the energy accumulator 20 and the discharge device 30 as described above is fundamental for the purposes of the present invention.
The trigger 32 and the spark gap 40 are in fact switches able to close an electric circuit for fractions of a second. In particular, in the case of a variable-configuration spark gap, it is possible to modify the distance of the electrodes 106, 108 so as to set a predetermined voltage value at the terminals able to overcome the dielectric resistance of the air situated in between. The trigger 32 and the spark gap 40 are arranged in the discharge device 30 so that, on the one hand, the spark is generated in the chamber which in turn breaks the dielectric of the energy extraction source and in sequence the discharge circuit of the storage capacitors 24 is opened with the charge which flows through the already ionized energy extraction source. By so doing, it is possible to cause the flow of a large quantity of electric charge, concentrating it in micro-fractions of a second and in a millimetric space.
The combination of the discharge of the break in electrical rigidity and the flow of the charge from the energy accumulator 20 generates a pressure wave within the energy extraction source inside the reaction chamber 2. The intensity of the pressure wave depends on the difference in potential applied to the spark gap 40 (of the order of kV), but may be optimized in order to obtain an applied energy ratio (or power) and wave which are optimal for the desired work extraction.
The pressure curves obtained are repeatable and can be used for extraction of useable work from the energy extraction source to which electric energy is applied. Since the extractable energy source, formed by water varyingly enriched with salts or other substances, is an uncompressible liquid, the pressure wave pushes the water towards the walls of the reaction chamber 2 and in particular towards the resilient and elastic partition 23, deforming it. This variation results in work generation. At the end of expansion of the pressure wave, the resilient partition 23 returns to its original form.
Obviously it is possible to envisage different embodiments of the energy transformation system configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electric energy is applied, namely instantaneous or mechanical actuator devices, able to transform the pressure wave into work, such as pistons, deformable bellows, etc.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the process involves the repetition of the steps described above in which the pressure wave is generated, a given number of times, with a predetermined frequency, so as to a create a succession of steps for transformation of energy into work.
During the process, whenever a current, at a certain voltage, flows into the mixture of water and salts, or other substances, electrolysis with breakage of the water molecules occurs.
This reaction generates final molecules of H2 or 02 in gaseous form.
The process according to the present invention comprises finally a last step in which washing of the reaction chamber 2 is performed by means of the thrusting force of a new extraction source. This also allows the gas to be extracted by means of cooling of the supply circuit.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the process comprises a first step of providing/assembling an energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus 1 comprising two reaction chambers 2, 4 as described above.
The process comprises all the steps described above.

Claims

Claims
1 . An energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus comprising:
- a reaction chamber (2) defining within it a sealed space suitable for receiving an energy extraction source,
- a pair of electrodes (60, 62) whose ends (61 , 63) are arranged facing the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber (2),
- an energy transformation system (23, 16) configured to extract usable work from the energy extraction source to which electrical energy is applied, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises:
- an energy accumulator (20) connected to one of two electrodes (60, 62) and comprising a voltage booster (22) and a storage system (24) and,
- an electrical discharge device (30) connected to the other of the two electrodes (60, 62) and comprising a trigger (32) connected to a battery (24), a coil (36) connected to the trigger (32), a transformer (38) connected to the trigger (32), and a spark gap (40) connected to the transformer (38).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that each electrode (60, 62) is movably engaged with the reaction chamber (2) so as to be selectively displaced along a longitudinal direction towards and away from the other electrode (60, 62).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a pair of apertures (18, 19) in fluid communication via a conduit (21 ) with the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber (2).
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the energy transformation system comprises an opening (11 ) formed on one end of the reaction chamber (2), and a partition (23) engaged with the reaction chamber 2 and arranged superimposed on said opening (11 ).
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the storage system (24) comprises a bank of high-voltage ceramic capacitors.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the spark gap (40) is a variable-configuration spark gap.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the variable-configuration spark gap (40) comprises two housing structures (102, 104) within each of which two electrodes (106, 108) are arranged, the second housing structure (104) comprising a through-conduit (105), within which the second electrode (108) is slidingly arranged, and an actuator connected to the second electrode (108) and suitable for moving the second electrode (108) within the through-conduit (105).
8. An energy transformation, generation and storage process comprising the steps of:
(a) providing an energy transformation, generation and storage apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7,
(b) inserting an energy extraction source inside a reaction chamber (2), called a reaction chamber (2), by defining within it a sealed space suitable for receiving said energy extraction source and comprising a pair of electrodes (60, 62) whose ends (61 , 63) are arranged facing the sealed inner space of the reaction chamber (2),
(c) storing energy within a storage system (24) connected to one (62) of the pair of electrodes (60, 62),
(d) generating an initial electrical discharge within the reaction chamber (2) so as to create a break in the electrical rigidity of the energy extraction source, and
(e) discharging the energy stored in the storage system (24) inside the energy extraction source via the electrodes (4) in a predetermined time interval,
(f) generating a pressure wave in the energy extraction source, and (g) extracting usable work from the pressure wave generated in the energy extraction source.
9. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises the step of:
- generating H2 and 02 molecules in gaseous form.
10. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the steps (b) to (f) are repeated a predetermined number of times and with a predetermined frequency.
EP24752483.8A 2023-07-18 2024-07-17 Energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus and process Pending EP4646783A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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IT102023000014970A IT202300014970A1 (en) 2023-07-18 2023-07-18 APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE FOR GENERATION, TRANSFORMATION AND STORAGE OF ENERGY
PCT/IB2024/056916 WO2025017487A1 (en) 2023-07-18 2024-07-17 Energy generation, transformation and storage apparatus and process

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US3796463A (en) * 1970-10-20 1974-03-12 Environment One Corp Process and apparatus for mining by hydroelectric pulsed liquid jets
US20060042251A1 (en) 2004-08-30 2006-03-02 Villalobos Victor M Arc-electrolysis steam generator with energy recovery, and method therefor
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