GB2508581A - Solar steam generator using graphene foam - Google Patents

Solar steam generator using graphene foam Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2508581A
GB2508581A GB1218326.5A GB201218326A GB2508581A GB 2508581 A GB2508581 A GB 2508581A GB 201218326 A GB201218326 A GB 201218326A GB 2508581 A GB2508581 A GB 2508581A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
chamber
foam
steam
graphene foam
graphene
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Withdrawn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
GB1218326.5A
Other versions
GB201218326D0 (en
Inventor
Gideon St Wan Kukard
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1218326.5A priority Critical patent/GB2508581A/en
Publication of GB201218326D0 publication Critical patent/GB201218326D0/en
Publication of GB2508581A publication Critical patent/GB2508581A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B27/00—Instantaneous or flash steam boilers
    • F22B27/16—Instantaneous or flash steam boilers involving spray nozzles for sprinkling or injecting water particles on to or into hot heat-exchange elements, e.g. into tubes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/006—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method using solar heat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
    • F22B37/02—Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler
    • F22B37/04—Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler and characterised by material, e.g. use of special steel alloy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
    • F24S10/40—Solar heat collectors using working fluids in absorbing elements surrounded by transparent enclosures, e.g. evacuated solar collectors
    • F24S10/45—Solar heat collectors using working fluids in absorbing elements surrounded by transparent enclosures, e.g. evacuated solar collectors the enclosure being cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
    • F24S10/80—Solar heat collectors using working fluids comprising porous material or permeable masses directly contacting the working fluids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S70/00—Details of absorbing elements
    • F24S70/10—Details of absorbing elements characterised by the absorbing material
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F21/00—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials
    • F28F21/02—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of carbon, e.g. graphite
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Engine Equipment That Uses Special Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

A steam generating device 1 comprises an enclosed chamber 2 with a translucent wall section, graphene foam 5 in the chamber, application means 7 to apply water to the foam surface in the chamber, and a chamber steam outlet 9. In use solar energy is applied to the foam in the chamber through the translucent wall section, and heat from the foam turns water applied to the foam into steam, which can exit under pressure through the chamber steam outlet. The chamber and graphene foam may each be cylindrical, with the foam adjacent an inner surface of the chamber. The chamber may comprise an evacuated double-walled glass construction 4. Water may be applied to an inner surface of the foam by spray nozzles 6. The water application means and/or steam outlet may comprise a one-way valve 7A. A solar focusing device (Y figure 1) may be used to focus sunlight onto the graphene foam.

Description

Title: Steam Generating Device The present invention relates to a steam generating device, and especially a steam generating device which derives energy from solar power. -According to the present invention there is provided a steam generating device comprising: a) an enclosed chamber with a translucent wall section, b) graphenefoam in the chamber, c) application means to apply water to the foam surface in the chamber, and d) a chamber steam outlet, iii use solar energy can be applied to the foam in the chamber through the translucent wall section, and heat from the foam turning water applied to the foam into steam which can exit under pressure through the chamber steam outlet.
Preferably the graphene foam lies adjacent the inside surface of the wall section.
Preferably the enclosed chamber is of translucent glass. Preferably the enclosed chamber is formed from a double wall of glass with an evacuated cavity between the double wall.
Preferably the enclosed chamber is cylindrical. Preferably the graphene foam is cylindrical and lies adjacent the inside of the cylindrical chamber.
Preferably the application means is provided by one or more spray nozzles. The spray nozzles may apply water to the inside wall of the cylindrical graphene foam.
The steam outlet andlor application means may include a one way valve.
The invention also relates to a solar generator comprising the above defined steam generating device in combination with a solar focussing device to focus sunlight onto the graphene foam surface.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view, and Figure 2 shows a cross section view of Figure 1.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a steam generating device 1.
Device 1 has an enclosed chamber formed from a translucent cylindrical tubular glass wall 2 with a sealed end 2A and art open end 2B closed by an end cap 3.Cylindical wall 2 is formed from a double wall with an evacuated cavity 4 between the double wall to insulate thermally the inside of the chamber from the outside.
A cylindrical tube 5 of graphene foam with open ends is placed inside the glass waIl 2 with its outer surface adjacent the inner surface of the glass wall 2.
Application means in the form of spray nozzles 6 apply water to the inner wall of the graphene tube S through water pipe 7 leading through end cap 3. A one way valve 7A is provided to prevent water in pipe 7 from passing back up pipe 7 out of the device when pressure in the chamber exceeds the water supply pressure. Spray nozzles 6 are ranged in a cylindrical array, and a cylindrical filler plug 8 sits within the array to reduce the air capacity in the chamber.
A chamber steam outlet pipe 9 extends out of the chamber through end cap 3. Although only one pipe is shown, more than one may be used. A one way valve may be provided In use solar energy from the sun X focussed by lens Y can be applied to the graphene foam in the chamber through the translucent walls, and heat from the foam turns water applied to the foam surface into steam which can exit under pressure through the chamber steam outlet 9. The steam can be used, inter alia, to drive a turbine or heat water as is well known in the art.
The steam generator of the invention may be used as part of a solar generator comprising the steam generator in combination with a solar focussing device to focus sunlight from sum X onto the graphene foam. In practice the device may be surrounded by heliostats or the like to focus sunlight all around the foam tube.
The glass wall 2 may be formed of fused quartz glass which can withstand high temperatures.
The graphene is an exceptionally good heat conductor and is able to transfer heat from its surface to water sprayed on the graphene.
The graphene foam 5 may be designed to maximise solar heat absorption and maximise the surface are in contact with water applied to it.
The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above.
Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

  1. CLAIMS1. A steam generating device comprising; a) an enclosed chamber with a translucent wall section, b) graphene foam in the chamber, c) application means to apply water to the foam surface in the chamber, and d) a chamber steam outlet, in use solar energy can be applied to the foam in the chamber through the translucent wall section, and heat from the foam turning water applied to the foam into steam which can exit under pressure through the chamber steam outlet.
  2. 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the graphene foam lies adjacent the inside surface of the wall section.
  3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the enclosed chamber is of translucent glass.
  4. 4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the enclosed chamber is formed from a double wall of glass with an evacuated cavity between the double wall.
  5. 5.A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosed chamber is cylindrical.
  6. 6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the graphene foam is cylindrical and lies adjacent the inside of the cylindrical chamber.
  7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the application means is provided by one or more spray nozzles.
  8. 8. A device according to claim 6 and 7, wherein the or each spray nozzle may apply water to the inside wall of the cylindrical graphene foam.
  9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the steam outlet and/or application means includes a one way valve.
  10. 10. A steam generating device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
  11. 11. A solar generator comprising a steam generating device according to any preceding claim in combination with a solar focussing device to focus sunlight onto the graphene foam surface,
GB1218326.5A 2012-10-12 2012-10-12 Solar steam generator using graphene foam Withdrawn GB2508581A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1218326.5A GB2508581A (en) 2012-10-12 2012-10-12 Solar steam generator using graphene foam

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1218326.5A GB2508581A (en) 2012-10-12 2012-10-12 Solar steam generator using graphene foam

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201218326D0 GB201218326D0 (en) 2012-11-28
GB2508581A true GB2508581A (en) 2014-06-11

Family

ID=47324671

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1218326.5A Withdrawn GB2508581A (en) 2012-10-12 2012-10-12 Solar steam generator using graphene foam

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2508581A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2511024A (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-08-27 Gideon St Wan Kukard Solar heater or generator
WO2016105309A1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2016-06-30 Güloğlu Fikret Solar power unit having spraying mechanism

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110120452A1 (en) * 2009-11-20 2011-05-26 Miles Mark W Solar flux conversion module
US20110120451A1 (en) * 2009-11-20 2011-05-26 Miles Mark W Device for harnessing solar energy with vapor insulating heat transfer core
US20110271951A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2011-11-10 Murthy Krs Composite material compositions, arrangements and methods having enhanced thermal conductivity behavior
GB2501713A (en) * 2012-05-01 2013-11-06 Gideon Sta Wan Kukard Solar heat exchanger utilising graphene foam

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110271951A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2011-11-10 Murthy Krs Composite material compositions, arrangements and methods having enhanced thermal conductivity behavior
US20110120452A1 (en) * 2009-11-20 2011-05-26 Miles Mark W Solar flux conversion module
US20110120451A1 (en) * 2009-11-20 2011-05-26 Miles Mark W Device for harnessing solar energy with vapor insulating heat transfer core
GB2501713A (en) * 2012-05-01 2013-11-06 Gideon Sta Wan Kukard Solar heat exchanger utilising graphene foam

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2511024A (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-08-27 Gideon St Wan Kukard Solar heater or generator
WO2016105309A1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2016-06-30 Güloğlu Fikret Solar power unit having spraying mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201218326D0 (en) 2012-11-28

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)