US10060296

THUMTUULUTULTITU US010060296B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 10 ,060,296 B2

Friesth (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 28 , 2018
(54) QUINTUPLE -EFFECT GENERATION ( 56 ) References Cited
MULTI-CYCLE HYBRID RENEWABLE
ENERGY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
ENERGY PROVISIONING , STORAGE
FACILITIES AND AMALGAMATED 4 ,094 , 148 A 6 / 1978 Nelson
CONTROL SYSTEM CROSS - REFERENCE 5 , 272 ,879 A * 12/ 1993 Wiggs ............ FO1K 25 / 08
TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 165/ 45
(Continued )
(71) Applicant: Kevin Lee Friesth , Fort Dodge , IA FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US )
(72 ) Inventor: Kevin Lee Friesth , Fort Dodge , IA EP
EP 0 084 815
2335813
8 / 1983
6 / 2011
(US) (Continued )
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
U . S . C . 154(b ) by 291 days. Patent Cooperation Treaty International Search Report and Written
(21) Appl. No.: 14 /613,994 Opinion of the International Searching Authority.
(Continued )
( 22 ) Filed : Feb . 4 , 2015
(65 ) Prior Publication Data
Primary Examiner - Hoang Nguyen
(74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Brick Gentry PC ; Brian
US 2015 /0143806 A1 May 28, 2015 J. Laurenzo ; Srikant Mikkilineni
Related U .S . Application Data (57) ABSTRACT
(63 ) Continuation - in -part of application No. 14 /081,271 , Provided is a consumer to industrial scale renewable energy
filed on Nov . 15 , 2013 , now Pat. No . 9,624 ,913 , and based quintuple- generation systems and energy storage
(Continued ) facility . The present invention has both mobile and station
(51) Int. CI. ary embodiments. The present invention includes energy
FO1K 3 /00 recovery , energy production , energy processing, pyrolysis ,
(2006 . 01) byproduct process utilization systems, separation process
FO3G 6 / 06 ( 2006 .01) systems and handling and storage systems, as well as an
(Continued ) open architecture for integration and development of addi
(52) U .S . CI.
CPC ...... ......... FOLK 3 /00 (2013 .01); FO1K 13 /00 tional processes, systems and applications. The system of
the present invention primarily uses adaptive metrics, bio
(2013.01 ); FO1K 13/02 (2013.01); FOIK 25/00 metrics and thermal imaging sensory analysis ( including
( 2013.01); additional input sensors for analysis ) for monitoring and
(Continued ) control with the utilization of an integrated artificial intel
(58 ) Field of Classification Search ligence and automation control system , thus providing a
CPC . FO1K 3 /00 ; FO1K 13/02; FO1K 13/00 ; FO1K balanced , environmentally -friendly ecosystem .
25/00 ; FO3G 6 /067 ; FO3G 6 / 068;
(Continued ) 19 Claims, 50 Drawing Sheets
Electrical Process
Wind 7 - 104 109 Hydrogen
Solar PV Private Grid Electrol izer
QSP Solar 108
Geothermal 100 Oxygen
Hydro Electric
Energy Storage
-110102 General t 114
- 102 Generator
Grid
Grid - 108 Sterling
- 118 / 176
Engine !
Steen
Turbine
Reheat / High Temperature Cold Tenperature

Maintenance Thermal Storage Thermal Store
Heat
US 10 ,Page
060,2296 B2
Related U .S . Application Data USPC ..... 60/641 .2 –641. 4 , 641 .655, 659, 517 – 516
a continuation - in - part of application No. 14 /267,580 , See application file for complete search history .
filed on May 1 , 2014 . (56) References Cited
(60 ) Provisional application No.61/727, 108, filed on Nov . U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
15 , 2012, provisional application No. 61/859, 377 , 5 ,293,748 A * 3/1994 Flanigan
" sal . ... .. .. . . F25B 9 / 14
filed on Jul. 29 , 2013 , provisional application No . 60 /517
61/877 ,467 , filed on Sep . 13 , 2013 , provisional 5 ,465,708 A * 11/ 1995 Goebel FO3G 6 / 06
application No . 61/886 ,213 , filed on Oct. 3 , 2013 , 126 /635
provisional application No. 61/896 ,039, filed on Oct . 5,507 ,158 A * 4/1996 Bernier ................... F25B 17 /08
62 /480
26 , 2013 , provisional application No. 61 /926 ,372 , 6 ,311,513 B1 * 11/2001 Tang .................... F25B 15 /008
filed on Jan . 12 , 2014 , provisional application No. 62/476
61/ 954 ,178 , filed on Mar. 17 , 2014 , provisional 6 ,655,137 B1* 12 /2003 Sardari . ...... .... BO1D 53 /8668
application No. 61/972 ,365 , filed on Mar. 30 , 2014 , 60 /280
provisional application No.62/010,784 , filed on Jun. 7 ,877 ,999 B2 * 2/2011 Nuel .............. FO2G 1 /043
11 , 2014 . 60 /398
7,954 ,321 B2 * 6 / 2011 Shinnar ..................... FO3G 6 / 04
165 / 902
(51) Int. Cl. 8 ,056 ,334 B2 * 11/2011 Corbett , Jr. ........... B29C 43/027
F244 2 /54 (2006 .01) 264 / 239
FOIK 13 /02 ( 2006 .01) 2004/ 0058249 A1 * 3/2004 Cai ..... ............ HO1M4298/0221
F03G 7 / 04 ( 2006 . 01) / 248
FOIK 13 /00 ( 2006 .01 ) 2010/0252028 A1 * 10 /2010 Mierisch ............. . . . . FO1K 3 / 12
FO1K 25 /00 (2006 .01) 126 /640
F241 2 /07 (2006 .01) 2011/0049992 Al* 3/2011 Sant'Anselmo ........ FO3D 9 /007
307/64
F243 2 / 14 ( 2006 .01) 2011/0204717 A1* 8/2011 Shaffer .................. G06Q 40 /04
F243 2 / 18 ( 2006 .01) 307/ 18
F244 2 /52 ( 2006 .01 ) 2012 /0100062 A1 4 / 2012 Nakamura et al.
F28D 20 /00 (2006 .01) 2012 /0122017 Al * 5 /2012 Mills ..................... FO1K 23 /064
F02G 1 /043 ( 2006 .01) 429 / 504
F243 2 / 46 2012/0159942 A1* 6 /2012 Klassen ................ FO2G 1/0435
( 2006 .01) 60 / 522
(52 ) U .S . CI. 2012/ 0171943 A1 * 7 / 2012 Dunnavant ....... HO5K 7 /20745
CPC ............. F03G 6 / 067 ( 2013.01); FO3G 6 /068 454/ 184
( 2013.01); FO3G 7 /04 ( 2013 .01); F243 2 /07
(2013 . 01 ); F242 2 / 14 (2013 .01) ; F242 2 / 18 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(2013 .01) ; F242 2 /5241 ( 2013 .01); F24J GB 1 530 126 10 / 1978
2 /541 (2013 . 01 ); F28D 20 /0039 ( 2013 .01 ) ; WO WO2010092584 8 /2010
FO2G 1 /043 (2013 . 01) ; F241 2 /461 (2013 .01); WO WO2011011831 2 / 2011
F24J 2002/ 5462 (2013.01); YO2E 10 /41 WO WO2011 /077248 6 / 2011
( 2013 .01); YO2E 10 /45 (2013. 01 ); YO2E 10 / 46 WO WO2011077248 6 / 2011
( 2013 .01); YO2E 10 /47 ( 2013 .01); YO2E 20 / 14
(2013 .01 ) ; YO2E 60 /142 (2013 .01) ; YO2E OTHER PUBLICATIONS
70 /30 ( 2013 .01) ; YO2P 80 /24 (2015 .11) The extended European Search Report of the Patent Cooperation
(58 ) Field of Classification Search Treaty International Search Report and Written Opinion of the
CPC ......... FO3G 7 / 04 ; F28D 20 /0039 ; F243 2/ 541; International Searching Authority.
F243 2 /5241; F243 2 / 18 ; F243 2 / 14 ; F24J Invitation to Pay Additional Fees including Communication Relat
2 / 07 ; F24J 2002/ 5462 ; F243 2 / 461; YOZE ing to the Results of the Partial International Search of the Inter
60/ 142 ; YO2E 10 /41 ; YO2E 70 /30; YO2E national Searching Authority.
20 / 14 ; YO2E 10 /47 ; YO2E 10 /46 ; F02G
1 /043 * cited by examiner
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U . S . Patent Aug . 28 , 2018 Sheet 25 of 50 US 10 ,060,296 B2
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U .S . Patent Aug. 28, 2018 Sheet 26 of 50 US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
Liquids Bio
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U . S . Patent Aug. 28, 2018 Sheet 27 of 50 US 10 , 060, 296 B2

178 178
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U .S . Patent Aug. 28, 2018 Sheet 29 of 50 US 10 , 060,296 B2

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U .S . Patent Aug. 28, 2018 Sheet 32 of 50 US 10 ,060,296 B2
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U . S . Patent Aug . 28 , 2018 Sheet 33 of 50 US 10 , 060,296 B2

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U . S . Patent Aug.28, 2018 Sheet 34 of 50 US 10 ,060,296 B2

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U . S . Patent Aug.28, 2018 Sheet 35 of 50 US 10,060 ,296 B2
175 172
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U . S . Patent Aug . 28 , 2018 Sheet 39 of 50 US 10 , 060,296 B2
171
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U . S . Patent Aug. 28 , 2018 Sheet 41 of 50 US 10 , 060, 296 B2

178 178
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US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
QUINTUPLE - EFFECT GENERATION SYSTEM ; from U .S . patent application Ser. No . 14 /267,580
MULTI-CYCLE HYBRID RENEWABLE filed May 1, 2014 and entitled AUTOMATED HYBRID
ENERGY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED AQUAPONICS AND BIOREACTOR SYSTEM INCLUD
ENERGY PROVISIONING , STORAGE ING PRODUCT PROCESSING AND STORAGE FACILI
FACILITIES AND AMALGAMATED 5 TIES WITH INTEGRATED ROBOTICS , CONTROL SYS
CONTROL SYSTEM CROSS -REFERENCE TEM , AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM ; from
TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Ser. No. PCT/US14 /
36410 filed May 1 , 2014 and entitled AUTOMATED
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED HYBRID AQUAPONICS AND BIOREACTOR SYSTEM
APPLICATIONS 10 INCLUDING PRODUCT PROCESSING AND STORAGE
FACILITIES WITH INTEGRATED ROBOTICS , CON
This application claims priority from U .S . Provisional TROL SYSTEM , AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYS
Application Ser. No . 61/ 727 , 108 filed Nov. 15 , 2012 and TEM : and from U . S . Provisional Application Ser. No .
entitled HYBRID WIND SOLAR HYDROGEN AMMO 62/010 ,784 filed Jun. 11 , 2014 and entitled QUINTUPLE
NIA REGENERATE SYSTEM ; from U . S . Provisional 15 EFFECT GENERATION MULTI- CYCLE HYBRID
Application Ser. No. 61/859,377 filed Jul. 29 , 2013 and PEN
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED
entitled DISTRIBUTED HYBRID ENERGY GENERAL ENERGY PROVISIONING . STORAGE FACILITIES
TION , STORAGE SYSTEM AND INTEGRATED MONI- AND AMALGAMATED CONTROL SYSTEM . The con
TOR , ANALYSIS AND CONTROL SYSTEM ; from U . S . tents of U . S . Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/727 , 108 ,
Provisional Application Ser. No . 61/877 ,467 filed Sep . 13, 20 U . S . Provisional Application Ser. No . 61/859, 377, U .S .
2013 entitled DISTRIBUTED HYBRID ENERGY GEN Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/877,467 , U .S . Provi
ERATION , STORAGE SYSTEM AND INTEGRATED sional Application Ser. No . 61/ 886 ,213 , U . S . Provisional
MONITOR , ANALYSIS AND CONTROL SYSTEM ; from Application Ser. No. 61/896 , 039 , U . S . application Ser. No.
U .S . Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/886 , 213 filed Oct. 14 /081, 271, Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Number
3 , 2013 entitled HYBRID SOLAR TRIGENERATION 25 PCT/US13 / 70313 . U . S . Provisional Application Ser. No .
SYSTEM BASED MICROGRID CCHP PROVIDING 61/ 926 ,372 , U . S . Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 /954,
HEATING , COOLING , ELECTRICAL GENERATION 178 , U . S. Provisional Application . Ser.No.61/972,365, U .S .
AND ENERGY STORAGE USING AN INTEGRATED application Ser. No . 14 / 267, 580 , Patent Cooperation Treaty
AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR MONITOR , ANALYSIS Application Number PCT/US14 /36410 , and U . S . Provi
AND CONTROL ; from U . S . Provisional Application Ser. 30 sional Application Ser. No . 62 /010 ,784 are hereby incorpo
No. 61/896 ,039 filed Oct. 26 , 2013 entitled HYBRID TRI rated in their entireties by reference .
GENERATION SYSTEM BASED MICROGRID CCHP
PROVIDING HEATING , COOLING , ELECTRICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
GENERATION AND ENERGY STORAGE USING AN
INTEGRATED AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR MONI- 35 The present invention relates to a highly scalable mobile
TOR , ANALYSIS AND CONTROL ; from U . S . application and stationary Quintuple - effect generation renewable energy
Ser. No . 14 /081,271 filed Nov. 15, 2013 entitled HYBRID system and energy storage systems. The present invention
TRIGENERATION SYSTEM BASED MICROGRID also relates to processes of capturing and converting energy
COMBINED COOLING , HEAT AND POWER PROVID - and monitoring said processes. More specifically, the inven
ING HEATING , COOLING , ELECTRICAL GENERA - 40 tion relates to elements encompassing distributed energy
TION AND ENERGY STORAGE USING AN INTE generation , including hybrid wind and solar energy genera
GRATED AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR MONITOR , tion , energy transfer, energy conversion , energy storage ,
ANALYSIS AND CONTROL ; from Patent Cooperation energy provisioning intelligent software and hardware inter
Treaty Application Ser. No . PCT/US13 /70313 filed Nov . 15 , facing offering energy monitoring, analysis and building
2013 entitled HYBRID TRIGENERATION SYSTEM 45 automation / interfacing /control. Said elements include, but
BASED MICROGRID COMBINED COOLING , HEAT are not limited to , Stirling engines , absorption cooling
AND POWER PROVIDING HEATING , COOLING , systems and associated storage systems.
ELECTRICAL GENERATION AND ENERGY STORAGE
USING AN INTEGRATED AUTOMATION SYSTEM BACKGROUND
FOR MONITOR , ANALYSIS AND CONTROL ; from U . S . 50
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/926 ,372 filed Prior art thermal energy sources consisted primarily of
Jan . 12 , 2014 and entitled AUTOMATED HYBRID AQUA - Gas Turbines, Microturbines , Reciprocating Engines, Steam
PONICS AND BIOREACTOR SYSTEM INCLUDING Turbines, Nuclear Power Plants , Radioisotope Thermal
PRODUCT PROCESSING AND STORAGE FACILITIES Generator, Geothermal, Stirling Engines, Fuel Cells and
WITH INTEGRATED ROBOTICS , CONTROL SYSTEM , 55 other thermal input sources operating in conjunction with
AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM ; from U . S . Pro combined heating and power (CHP ). The preferred method
visional Application Ser.No. 61/954, 178 filed Mar. 17 , 2014 of the present invention encapsulates a Stirling engine and
and entitled ULTRAGRID QUAD -EFFECT GENERA absorption cooling system and an associated storage system
TION MULTI CYCLE HYBRID RENEWABLE ENERGY with integrated control system into an amalgamated energy
SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED ENERGY PROVISION - 60 ecosystem .
ING , STORAGE FACILITIES AND AMALGAMATED Prior art energy and thermal sources consisted primarily
CONTROL SYSTEM ; from U . S . Provisional Application of gas turbines, microturbines , reciprocating engines, steam
Ser. No . 61/972 , 365 filed Mar. 30, 2014 and entitled turbines, nuclear power plants, radioisotope thermal genera
ULTRAGRID QUAD -EFFECT GENERATION MULTI tor, geothermal, boilers, Stirling engines, fuel cells, thermal
CYCLE HYBRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM 65 solar systems, and other thermal input sources , all of which
WITH INTEGRATED ENERGY PROVISIONING , STOR - generally used single cycle systems. These were generally
AGE FACILITIES AND AMALGAMATED CONTROL accepted in prior art as a controlled and semi controlled
US 10 , 060,296 B2
method of creating usable work with an energy input, these input to expand the available temperature band , additionally
methods are well documented in prior art and typically electrical generational energy may be stored as chemical
related information and supporting literature is readily and energy storage as a medium for enhanced overall system
publicly available . Prior art single cycle implementations all efficiency, energy utilization and expanded energy storage
suffered from lower efficiency and substandard performance 5 capability .
to include non - optimized design and development. Prior art Typically , thermal transfer methods such as thermosi
typically used steam as a primary medium to transfer phons, heat pipes and heat exchangers using transfer medi
thermal energy , steam suffers from low density thereby ums such as molten salt, water , water/ glycol, steam and
equating to lower thermal transfer yields and efficiency other phase change materials typically require the use of
compared to other direct methods. The present invention ' s 10 pumps and compressors for pressure as the general accepted
preferred embodiment offers a reliable thermalmanagement methods of applications and processes to communicate
system that is comprised of connections such as a thermo thermal energy from point to point. Additionally, thermosi
siphon for low thermal transfer use , heat pipe for high phons and heat pipes may be substituted for the above
thermal transfer use, thermal exchanger using thermal trans - methods for transfer and communication of thermal energy .
fer mediums such as steam , water and glycol mixture , oil or 15 Prior art typically uses cooling towers for wet and dry
molten salt, a combination of these systems and components cooling. Fans powered by electrical energy. The preferred
may be used for thermal temperature management of the method of the present invention uses Stirling engines using
thermal generational source . The preferred embodiment thermal waste heat to provide input basis for rotational
provides enhanced waste heat reclamation and energy recy - energy generation for the cooling fan and using waste heat
cling thereby gaining additional efficiency. 20 for supply to absorption cooling for higher efficiency of the
Each sequential prior art so called enhancement such as Stirling usage of the cold thermal input and to facilitate
what is commonly but mistakenly referred to as combined higher cooling capacity of the cooling tower using waste
cycle systems (CCS) was based on flawed design logic by heat to cold via absorption cooling.
inclusion of faulty and trouble prone prior art methods with The preferred method of the present invention will extend
non -optimized nor monetized integrated solutions , prior art 25 efficiencies and performance enhancements by inclusion and
typically included and incorporated a great many inefficient integration to previously installed prior art systems and
standalone applications and processes in prior art implemen - devices such as nuclear power plants, coal power plants,
tations thereby perpetrating substandard performance and natural gas power plants , geothermal power plants , radio
similarly low operational efficiencies and associated char - isotope thermal generators and other applications that use
acteristics . 30 thermal intensive applications that generate thermal energy
Mobile methods of prior art would include automobiles, typically use steam powered systems, typically and gener
trucks, trains and ships using mechanical driven applica - ally using steam turbines. These systems commonly use dry
tions, stationary methods of prior art would include non - and wet cooling towers at the detriment of expunging usable
mobile applications such as pumps, compressors , genera thermal energy through the cooling towers steam release or
tors , these lists are not to be considered exhaustive . The 35 associated cooling system typically by using additional
items listed above are only provided as examples of asso energy to power the circulation cooling fans, water pumping
ciated applications of fuel or energy driven forces for the and steam control system and excessive and water released
expressed purpose of demonstrating enhancement and as steam in many area 's is a needed commodity not always
extension of functionality of integration with prior art meth readily available in bulk as is the case with wet cooling, or
ods of creating processes and applications to do work . 40 as in the case of dry cooling the excessive energy usage with
The preferred embodiment is encompassed within the the circulations cooling fans , coolant pumps and steam
encapsulation of a unified analysis, monitor, control and control systems. Steam systems also suffer from deteriora
energy provisioning system , Stirling engine , absorption tion of their system components and pipes from the caustic
cooling , thermal storage and enhancing system efficiency effects ofwater stripped of suspended solids or pH balancing
from recycling and reclamation processes of thermal waste 45 additives when converted to steam and its highly corrosive
energy which defines a clear and present advantage to define properties increasing operations and maintenance costs .
the preferred method of the present invention over prior art Prior art design of a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Gen
and its implementations. erator (RTG ) is simple by the standards of nuclear technol
Prior art did in fact advance single cycle generations ogy : the main component is a sturdy container of a radio
systems to use a secondary cycle , mistakenly named , tar- 50 active material (the fuel). Typically, thermocouples where
geted and narrowly envisioned as a combined cycle system . placed in the walls of the container, with the outer end of
This type of system added a secondary generation method , each thermocouple connected to a heat sink . Radioactive
typically using steam generation from thermal communica - decay of the fuel produces thermal energy as heat which
tion of waste heat as its process for the purpose of using flows through the thermocouples to the heat sink , generating
inefficient steam turbines, increased capital cost ratios , 55 electricity in the process .
expensive operations and management, increased water Typically , prior art RTG implementation uses a thermo
demand and usage from local supplies, the technology also couple which is a thermoelectric device that typically was
carries with it an explosion risk and potential for injury to used to convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy
employees from related operational risks. Prior art use of using the well- established “ Seebeck effect” . The application
combined cycles typically used energy usage level inputs as 60 primarily consists of two kinds of metal, potentially com
leverage against increase in total efficiency gains at depre - prised of semiconductors in which both can conduct elec
ciated advancement of energy usage efficiency . The pre - tricity . These conductors are typically connected to each
ferred method of the present invention additional advantage other in a closed loop topology . If the two junctions of these
to prior art comprises the application and processes of the conductors are at different temperatures, an electric current
preferred embodiment to expand and enhance value added 65 will typically be found flowing in the loop.
advantages over prior art in that excess thermal energy to Prior art RTG ' s generally use thermoelectric couples or
thermal energy storage with hot and cold thermal energy “ thermocouples” to convert thermal energy from the radio
US 10 ,060,296 B2
active material thermal reaction for conversion into elec Subsequently , this air cools the condenser coil at a lower
tricity . Generally, thermocouples are very reliable and have temperature than if the rejected heat had not entered the
a relative long lifespan , they are however also highly inef exhaust airstream . During the heating seasons, the system
ficient; efficiencies above 10 % have generally never been works in a reverse mannerism . Instead of discharging the
achieved and most RTGs have efficiencies between 3 - 7 % 5 heat into the exhaust airstream , the system draws thermal
and sustained power output also is a huge limiting factor. energy from the exhaust airstream in order to pre -heat the
Research has been done with objectives to improve effi - incoming air. It is at this point that the air passes through a
ciency by using other technologies to generate electricity primary unit and then into the controlled space . With this
from the available thermal energy . The ultimate goal is that type of system , it is normal, during the cooling seasons , for
by achieving higher efficiency would translate into less 10 the exhaust air to be cooler than the ventilation air and ,
radioactive fuel is required to generate the same amount of during the heating seasons, warmer than the ventilation air.
power , and therefore a lighter overall weight for the gen - It is for this reason the system works very efficiently and
erator. This is a critically important factor in spaceflight effectively . The Coefficient of Performance (COP ) will
launch , drone and other prototype development and associ- greatly increase as the conditions become more extreme and
ated cost considerations . 15 additional benefit and efficiency from the increased system
A thermionic converter — an energy conversion device loads when communicated from thermal storage enhances
which relies on the principle of thermionic emission can overall value and annual energy savings.
achieve efficiencies between 10 - 20 % , but requires higher Energy recovery ventilation (ERV ) systems are similar to
temperatures than those at which standard RTGs typically HRV systems but they transfer water vapor carried as
operate . Other potentially extreme radioactive isotopes 20 moisture in the form of humidity as well as heat energy ,
could also have been used to provide power, but short thereby controlling humidity levels . In the case of the
half-lives make these unfeasible. Several space- bound summer season , they can remove some of the water vapor
nuclear reactors have previously used thermionics , but from the moisture -laden outdoor air before it is brought
nuclear reactors are generally too heavy to use on most small indoors; in the case of the winter season , they can transfer
area implementations . 25 moisture in the form of humidity as well as heat energy to
Dynamic generators can provide power at a multiple of the incoming colder, dryer outdoor air. An air - to -air heat
times higher than the conversion efficiency of prior art exchanger, generally installed in a roof space, recovers heat
RTGs. The preferred method of the present invention con - from the internal air before it is discharged to the outside ,
sists primarily of a next- generation radioisotope- fueled and warms the incoming air with the recovered heat. The
power source called the Stirling Radioisotope Generator 30 efficiency of an ERV system is the ratio of energy transferred
( SRG ) that uses free - piston Stirling engines coupled to between the two air streams compared with the total energy
alternators or a generator for the purpose of converting transported through the heat exchanger. A heat recovery
thermal energy to electricity . SRG prototypes demonstrated ventilation system is not a heating system , but it is typically
an efficiency of around 20 % . The use of non -contacting able to recover between 65- 95 % of the heat from the exhaust
moving parts , non - degrading flexural bearings , and a lubri- 35 air before it is discharged to outside .
cation - free and hermetically sealed environment has, in test Energy recovery ventilation (ERV ) is the energy recovery
units, demonstrated no appreciable degradation over years process of exchanging the energy contained in typical con
of operation . Past experimental trials and corresponding trolled units and building area air and using it to treat
results demonstrate that an SRG could continue running for whether in summer would precool or in winter preheat the
decades with little or no maintenance . Vibration can be 40 incoming outdoor ventilation air in enclosed units, residen
eliminated as a concern by implementation of dynamic tial and commercialHVAC systems. For instance , during the
balancing or use of dual-opposed piston movement. Poten - warmer seasons, the system pre -cools and dehumidifies
tial applications of a Stirling radioisotope power system while humidifying and pre -heating in the cooler seasons.
include exploration and science missions to deep -blue sea The benefit of using energy recovery is the ability to meet
probes, drones and submarines , deep - space , space probes , 45 the appropriate ventilation & energy standards, while
landers, rovers , which would include bases on the Moon , improving indoor air quality and reducing total energy
Mars and other potential stationary bases. The preferred requirements and associated HVAC equipment capacity
method of presentation advantage over prior art through its requirements.
use of available thermal input into a Stirling engine and Desalination is known and generally accepted in prior art
absorption cooling to widen the available thermal tempera - 50 as a controlled and semi controlled environment for desali
ture band and increase usage of this temperature band nation and is well documented in prior art and typically
thereby increasing efficiency and its advantage . related information and supporting literature is readily and
Liquid desiccant technology to perform dehumidification publicly available. This apparatus can produce drinking
has been in use since the 1930s . A liquid desiccant is simply water on an ultra large scale , at a price that is truly
a liquid that has a high affinity for water (naturally absorbs 55 competitive with pumping from a reservoir or ground well
moisture from the air) and is used as a drying agent. A or deep well aquifer, and produces no brine effluent to be
desiccant refers to any substance that has a high affinity for disposed of due to the preferred method of the present
water (hygroscopic ) and is used as a drying agent. invention of evaporation , distillation , processing, separation
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV ) and Energy Recovery of associated minerals and components from ocean and seas
Ventilation (ERV ) systems are typically ducted ventilation 60 water sources .
systems generally consisting of two fans — one to draw air in Many different types and methods have been developed
from outside and one to remove stale internal air . Through - and used over centuries of its use for fresh water supplies
out the cooling season , the system works to cool and and as a method for salt extraction . Fresh water and salt are
dehumidify the incoming, outside air. This is primarily two essential elements required for a typical cycle of life for
accomplished by the system taking the rejected heat and 65 the survival of all living creatures which is including
sending it into the exhaust airstream to recycle the thermal humans. The primary sources of salt is generally mined from
energy . rocks or extracted from sea water from the oceans and seas .
US 10 ,060,296 B2
Maximum consumption of salt is in its natural form after Concrete is a composite material composed of coarse
being produced from oceans, seas or mined directly from granular material the aggregate and/ or filler embedded in a
rock formations . Salt is needed in regulating the fluid hard matrix ofmaterial the cement and /or binder that fills the
balance or water content of body . Through time, awareness space among the aggregate particles and glues them
about the use and potential abuse of salt has grown tremen - 5 together. The word concrete comes from the Latin word
dously and the demand for refined iodized salt has increased " concretus” which means compact or condensed , the perfect
dramatically over the last few years. Salt cravings may occur passive participle of “ concrescere” , from “ con ” which
as a result of trace mineral deficiencies or due to the means together and “ crescere ” which means to grow .
deficiency of sodium chloride itself. Modern structural concrete differs from Roman concrete
Salt is important for preservation of life , but misuse and 10 and
in two important details . First, its mix consistency is fluid
homogeneous, allowing it to be poured into forms rather
overconsumption can cause serious health problems, such as than requiring hand -layering together with the placement of
high blood pressure and inflammation , more so from those aggregate , which , in Roman practice , often consisted of
individuals who are genetically predisposed to hypertension . rubble. Second , integral reinforcing steel gives modern
Diets high in salt also known as sodium , tied to hypertension
pension 1515 concrete assemblies great strength in tension , whereas
and heart risk in some studies , may also worsen diseases Roman concrete could depend only upon the strength of the
caused by abnormal immune response , laboratory research concrete bonding to resist tension.
suggests. Concrete is widely used for making architectural struc
In recent studies, mice fed high -salt diets had a more tures, foundations, brick /block walls, pavements , bridges /
severe version of an animal form of multiple sclerosis , an 20 overpasses , highways, runways, parking structures , dams,
autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system . pools/reservoirs, pipes, footings for gates, fences and poles
Additional studies show the cells interact with the body to and even boats . Concrete is used in large quantities almost
promote inflammation . Additionally , autoimmune diseases , everywhere mankind has a need for infrastructure . The
illnesses such as psoriasis and asthma in which the system amount of concrete used worldwide in a ton for ton com
that protects the body from invaders wrongly attackshealthy 25 parison is typically twice that of steel, wood , plastics, and
cell from excessive salt intake. aluminum combined . Concrete ' s use as a material com
Desalination , desalinization or desalting refers to one of monly exceeds all others and is only exceeded by use of
several processes that are used to remove a desired amount naturally occurring freshwater.
of salt and other minerals from saline water , brine and Concrete is also the basis of a large commercial industry.
seawater. Typically, desalination may also refer to the 30 Globally , the ready -mix concrete industry, the largest seg
removal of salts and minerals from soil . Generally, seawater m ent of the concrete market, is projected to exceed $ 100
is desalinated to produce fresh water, commonly referred to billion in revenue by 2015 . Given the size of the concrete
as potable water which is suitable for human and animal industry, and the fundamental way concrete is used to shape
consumption or used for crop irrigation . Some potential the infrastructure of the modern world , it is difficult to
byproducts of seawater desalination if separated and pro - 35 overstate the role this material plays today .
cessed are salt, gypsum , magnesium chloride , magnesium There are many types of concrete available , created by
sulfate , potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide , boron and varying the proportions of the main ingredients below . In
bromine, the above list is not exhaustive , and this does not this way or by substitution for the cementitious and aggre
reflect the entire list of recoverable salts and minerals from gate phases , the finished product can be tailored to its
oceans and seas . 40 application with varying strength , density, or chemical and
Desalination is the method to access fresh water used in thermal resistance properties . “ Aggregate ” consists of large
countries that lack natural fresh water supplies and addi- chunks of material in a concrete mix , generally a coarse
tionally used aboard many sea going ships and submarines . gravel or crushed rocks such as limestone , or granite , along
Most current efforts with desalination , recycling surface with finer materials such as sand . " Cement" , commonly
runoff and wastewater processing are typically focused on 45 Portland cement, and other cementitious materials such as
developing cost-effective ways of providing fresh potable fly ash and slag cement, serve as a binder or a Ligare for the
water for hydration and irrigation . Along with and including aggregate.
wastewater which is one of the few rainfall -independent Water is then mixed with this dry composite, which
water sources . produces a semi-liquid that workers can shape ( typically by
Data Center prior art and past design approach imple - 50 pouring it into a form or mold ). The concrete solidities and
mentations generally maintained the philosophy of filling hardens to rock -hard strength through a chemical process
the room to capacity with components and then attempt best called hydration . The water reacts with the cement, which
effort using the best -knownmethods available to cool it and bonds the other components together , creating a robust,
provide emergency power for backup purposes . Typically, sturdy and stone -like material. “ Chemical admixtures” are
data centers were designed for tight spacing and for air flow 55 added to achieve varied properties . These ingredients may
through the floor , up through the data center cases and out speed or slow down the rate at which the concrete hardens ,
through the top which was then vented from the room and impart many other useful properties . “ Reinforcements ”
through ducts . Prior art typically used large air conditioners are often added to concrete . Concrete can be formulated with
or mechanical chillers , then efforts to use more imaginative high compressive strength , but always has lower tensile
methods using what worked well in the past with the use of 60 strength . For this reason , it is usually reinforced with mate
evaporative cooling system , this was paired with an external rials that are strong in tension (often steel or more recently
airside economizer by bringing in colder air from outside with composites ).
which cools the facility and the data center computers , the “ Mineral admixtures” are becoming more popular in
weakness of this system is the extremely low density of air , recent decades. The use of recycled materials as concrete
more so in its highly limited thermal energy transfer ability 65 ingredients has been gaining popularity because of increas
and the rapidly changing outside temperatures greatly affect- ingly stringent environmental legislation , and the discovery
ing performance and efficiency. that such materials often have complimentary and valuable
US 10 , 060 ,296 B2
10
properties. The most conspicuous of these are fly ash , a emissions with carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide most
by - product of coal -fired power plants, and silica fume, a prevalent. The preferred method of the present invention
byproduct of industrial electric arc furnaces . The use of integration of emissions capture , sequestering and reuse
these materials in concrete reduces the amount of resources creates an environmental friendly solution while reducing
required , as the ash and fume act as a cement replacement. 5 the carbon footprint over prior art.
The preferred method of the present invention uses gypsum Prior art defined a process called Hall-Héroult electrolysis
and ash from desalination to monetize both applications and which is the typical production route for primary process
their associated efficiency over prior art . This displaces some
and commonly used method for aluminum production . This
cement production , an energetically expensive and environ process uses an electrolysis cell which is typically made of
mentally problematic process , while reducing the amount of 10 a steel shell with a series of insulating linings of refractory
industrial waste that must be disposed of. materials. The cell consists of a brick - lined outer steel shell
The required mixture depends on the type of structure or
as a container and as support structure . Comprised within the
object being built, how the concrete is mixed and delivered ,
shell, consists of cathode blocks are cemented together by
and how it is placed to form the structure or mold the object.
f cement in 15 ramming paste . Basis for the top of the cell lining is in
Portland cement is the most common type of cement in 15 ram
general usage today for modern day construction . It is acontact with the molten metal which then acts as the
basic ingredient of concrete , mortar and plaster. It consists of cathode. The molten electrolyte must be maintained at high
a mixture of oxides of calcium , silicon and aluminum . temperature inside the cell to prevent solidification . The
Portland cement and similar materials are made by heating prebaked anode is typically made of carbon , generally in the
limestone (a source of calcium ) with clay and grinding this 20 form of large sintered blocks suspended in the electrolyte .
product ( called clinker) with a source of sulfate (most Typically , a single Soderberg type of electrode or a prede
commonly gypsum ) . termined number of prebaked carbon blocks which are
A brick is a block , or a single unit of a ceramic material generally used as the anode, while the principal formulation
used in masonry construction . Typically, bricks are stacked and the fundamental reactions occurring on their surface are
together or laid as brickwork using various kinds ofmortar 25 normalized for consistent energy distribution and produc
to hold the bricks together and make a permanent structure . tion .
Bricks are typically produced in common or standard sizes An aluminum smelter consists of a large number of cell
in bulk quantities . They have been regarded as one of the and typically referred to as pots in which the electrolysis
longest lasting and strongest building materials used process takes place . A typical small smelter may contain
throughout recorded history . 30 anywhere from as little as 40 pots which may be used in
In the general sense , a “ brick ” is a standard - sized weight- small facilities and though the largest proposed smelters are
bearing building unit. Bricks are laid in horizontal courses, up to sixty - five times that capacity which has approached
sometimes dry and sometimes with mortar. When the term near 2 ,500 pots in major smelting facilities , each pot typi
is used in this sense , the brick might be made from clay, cally produces approximately one ton of aluminum produc
lime-and - sand , concrete , or shaped stone. In a less clinical 35 tion a day . Smelting is operated as a batch process , with the
and more colloquial sense , bricks are made from dried earth , aluminum metal deposited at the bottom of the pots and
usually from clay -bearing subsoil. In some cases, such as periodically transferred away for final processing. Energy
adobe, the brick is merely dried . More commonly it is fired supplies must be consistent and constantly available .
in a kiln of some sort to form a true ceramic . Prior art suffers The hot blast temperature can be from 900° C . to 1300°
from inefficiency during kiln process which is a substantial 40 C . ( 1600° F . to 2300° F .) depending on the stove design and
energy requirement. Prior art additionally was not able to condition . The temperatures they deal with may be 2000° C .
benefit from which the preferred method of the present to 2300° C . ( 3600° F . to 4200° F .). Oil, tar , natural gas ,
invention uses coils and heat exchangers to recover waste powdered coal and oxygen can also be injected into the
energy for enhanced efficiencies of all included thermal furnace at a tuyere level in the furnace area to combine with
energy intensive application and processes. Prior art lacked 45 the coke to release additional energy and increase the
thermal energy storage systems to benefit efficiency from percentage of reducing gases present which is necessary to
thermal energy recovery and thermal energy reuse . increase productivity. In the second stage , known as steel
Prior art of brick and block making application and making , impurities such as sulfur , phosphorus, and excess
processes typically was never fully or partially automated carbon are removed and alloying elements such as manga
due to its inherent design and deployment flaws. The pre - 50 nese , nickel, chromium and vanadium are added to produce
ferred method of the present invention uses metrics , bio - the exact steel required . Steel mills then turn molten steel
metrics and thermal imaging technologies of analysis ,moni- into blooms, ingots , slabs and sheet through casting, hot
toring and control of the brick making process using rolling and cold rolling.
amalgamated with artificial intelligence and automation An integrated steelmill has all the functions for primary
including robotics to reduce or eliminate injuries and 55 steel production : A ) iron making (conversion of ore to liquid
enhanced uptime, productivity and enhanced volume. iron ); B ) steelmaking ( conversion of pig iron to liquid steel),
Aluminum smelting is the process of extracting aluminum casting (solidification of the liquid steel); C ) roughing
from its oxide , alumina , generally by the Hall -Héroult rolling /billet rolling (reducing size of blocks ); and D ) prod
process however alumina is extracted from the ore bauxite uct rolling ( finished shapes ). The principal raw materials for
by means of the Bayer process at an alumina refinery . This 60 an integrated mill are iron ore , limestone, and coal (or coke )
is an electrolytic process as such an aluminum smelter uses or a replacement carbon input. These materials are charged
tremendous amounts of electrical energy; they tend to be in batches into a blast furnace where the iron compounds in
located very close to huge energy generation stations , often the ore give up excess oxygen and become liquid iron . At
hydro - electric ones . Additionally , they are located near intervals of a few hours, the accumulated liquid iron is
ocean and seaports with amajority of smelter 's use imported 65 tapped from the blast furnace and either cast into pig iron or
alumina. A very large amount of carbon is typically used in directed to other vessels for further steelmaking operations .
this process , often resulting in significant amounts of GHG Historically the Bessemer process was a major advancement
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
11 12
in the production of economical steel, but it has now been method of processing and each method produces distinct
entirely replaced by other processes such as the basic products and feedstocks for co -products and their associated
oxygen furnace . production .
Cast iron is iron or a ferrous alloy which has been heated While the wet milling process is capital intensive with
until it liquefies , and is then poured into a mold to solidify . 5 potentially higher operating costs , the ability to produce a
It is usually made from pig iron . The alloy constituents affect variety of products can be valuable offset in dealing with
volatile markets . The wetmilling process results in slightly
its color when fractured : white cast iron has carbide impu lower ethanol yields than a traditional dry milling process
rities which allow cracks to pass straight through . Grey cast since some of the fermentable starch exits the process
iron has graphitic flakes which deflect a passing crack and 10 attached to the saleable co -products .
initiate countless new cracks as the material breaks . The Corn wet -milling process is designed to extract the
Carbon (C ) and silicon (Si) are the main alloying ele highest use and value proposition from each component of
ments , with the amount ranging from 2 .1 -4 wt % and 1-3 wt the corn kernel, the preferred method of the present inven
% , respectively . Iron alloys with less carbon content are tion comprises the process beginning with the corn kernels
knownternary
alloys as steelFe. While
— C — Sithisalloys
technically makes ofthese
, the principle cast base
iron 15 aqueous
being soaked in large tanks called steep tanks in a dilute
sulfur dioxide solution , additionally the preferred
solidification is understood from the binary iron carbon embodiment uses thermal energy input from storage to assist
phase diagram . Additionally , ceramics can be added for high in softening corn kernels and to eliminate any bacteria that
performance alloy use . Since the compositions of most cast may be present that could contaminate and degrade further
irons are around the eutectic point of the iron -carbon system , 20 steps in the process. The softened kernel is then processed to
the melting temperatures closely correlate, usually ranging remove the germ which is further processed to remove the
from 1, 150 to 1, 200° C . ( 2 ,100 to 2 , 190° F .), which is about high - value corn oil. The Germ Meal remaining after the oil
300° C . (572° F.) lower than the melting point of pure iron . is extracted and marketed for animal feed use .
The preferred method of the present invention to enhance Following germ removal, the remaining kernel compo
efficiency communicating thermal energy from thermal 25 nents are separated to remove the fiber. The fiber is then
energy storage for the purpose of preheating and heating the combined with the evaporated , concentrated and dried steep
thermal intensive cast iron processes . liquor and other co -product streams to produce Corn Gluten
Cast iron tends to be brittle , except for malleable cast Feed . The starch and gluten protein subsequently pass
irons. With its relatively low melting point, good fluidity, through the screens and the starch - gluten slurry is sent to
capability , excellent machinability , resistance to deforma- 30 centrifugal separators where the lighter gluten protein and
tion and wear resistance , cast irons have become an engi - the heavier starch are separated . The gluten protein is then
neering material with a wide range of applications and are concentrated and dried to produce Corn Gluten Meal, a 60 %
used in pipes ,machines and automotive industry parts, such protein feed . Animal feeds corn gluten feed (CGF) and corn
as cylinder heads (declining usage ), cylinder blocks and gluten meal ( CGM ). For purposes defined within CGF and
gearbox cases (declining usage ). It is resistant to destruction 35 its processed plankton (blue green algae ) additives will be
and weakening by oxidation ( rust). referred to as enhanced feed grains (EFG ) . The preferred
Enzymes are proteins, which act as catalysts . Enzymes method of the present invention incorporates using waste
lower the energy required for a reaction to occur , without thermal energy and waste CO2 generation for plankton
being used up in the reaction. Many types of industries, to inputs which yields vertical markets compared to prior art
aid in the generation of their products, utilize enzymes. 40 expulsion of both with little or no reclamation or recycling
Examples of these products are ; cheese , alcohol and bread . to benefit the same.
Fermentation is a method of generating enzymes for indus - Some of the starch is then washed and dried or modified
trial purposes . and dried . These starch products are marketed to the food ,
Fermentation involves the use of microorganisms, like paper, and textile industries. The remaining starch can be
bacteria and yeast to produce the enzymes. There are two 45 processed into products such as high fructose sweeteners or
methods of fermentation used to produce enzymes . These ethanol. Typically , an average bushel of corn yields 31. 5 lbs .
are submerged fermentation and solid - state fermentation of Starch , 12 .5 lbs. of Gluten Feed , 2 . 5 lbs. of Gluten Meal
Submerged fermentation involves the production of and 1.6 lbs . of Corn Oil.
enzymes by microorganisms in a liquid nutrient media . The Ethanol is considered a quasi- renewable energy source
enzymes are recovered by methods such as centrifugation , 50 due to fact that the energy is partially generated by using a
for extra - cellularly produced enzymes and lysing of cells for resource , sunlight, which cannot be depleted , it must be
intracellular enzymes. Many industries are dependent or noted however that the planting , fertilizing and harvesting
interdependent on enzymes for the production of their process requires vast amounts of energy that typically came
goods. Industries that use enzymes generated by fermenta from non - renewable sources .
tion are the brewing , wine making, baking, cheese produc - 55 Creation of ethanol starts with photosynthesis causing a
tion and other uses requiring breakdown ofmaterials. feedstock , such as sugar cane or a grain such as maize
Corn milling process is approximately 20 % of the annual (corn ), or even switch grass to grow . These feedstocks are
corn harvest is currently used by industrial corn processors processed via milling or cellulosic processes into ethanol. It
to produce a variety of products such as sweeteners , can be made from petroleum products via catalytic hydration
starches , oils , ethanol and animal feeds . The great majority 60 of ethylene with sulfuric acid as the catalyst. Ethanol may
of the remainder is fed to livestock , poultry & fish . This also be obtained via ethylene or acetylene , from calcium
versatile grain is comprised of four primary components that carbide , coal, oil gas , and other sources. Petroleum derived
make manufacturing of a variety of products and byproducts nonrenewable based ethanol ( synthetic ethanol) is chemi
possible . Corn 's typical components are Starch (61 % ), Corn cally identical to bio - ethanol and can be differentiated only
oil (4 % ), Protein ( 8 % ) and Fiber (11 % ) approximately 65 by radiocarbon dating.
16 % of the corn kernel' s weight is moisture . The preferred Bio - ethanol is usually obtained from the conversion of
embodiment involves corn wet milling as the primary carbon -based feedstock . Agricultural feedstocks are consid
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
13 14
ered renewable because they get energy from the sun using derived from Polyacrylonitrile (PAN ) are turbostratic ,
photosynthesis, provided that all minerals required for whereas carbon fibers derived from mesophase pitch are
growth ( such as nitrogen and phosphorus ) are returned to the graphitic after heat treatment at temperatures exceeding
land. Ethanol can be produced from a variety of feedstocks 2200° C . Turbostratic carbon fibers tend to have high tensile
such as sugar cane, bagasse, Miscanthus, sugar beet, sor- 5 strength , whereas heat -treated mesophase -pitch -derived car
ghum , grain , switchgrass , barley , hemp, kenaf, potatoes, bon fibers have high Young' s modulus (i.e ., high stiffness or
sweet potatoes, cassava , sunflower, fruit, molasses, corn , resistance to extension under load ) and high thermal con
Stover, grain , wheat, straw , cotton , other biomass, as well as ductivity .
many types of cellulose waste and harvestings, whichever Carbon fiber is most notably used to reinforce composite
has the best well- to -wheel assessment. 10 materials , particularly the class of materials known as car
Carbon fiber is a type of woven carbon filament. For the bon fiber or graphite reinforced polymers . Non -polymer
rigid composite material made from carbon fiber used in materials can also be used as the matrix for carbon fibers .
aerospace and other applications are commonly combined Due to the formation of metal carbides and corrosion
composite formed by introduction of a Carbon fiber rein considerations, carbon has seen limited success in metal
forced polymer matrix . 15 matrix composite applications. Reinforced carbon - carbon
Prior art Carbon fiber, alternatively graphite fiber, carbon (RCC ) consists of carbon fiber-reinforced graphite , and is
graphite or CF, is a material consisting of fibers typically used structurally in high -temperature applications . The fiber
about 5 - 10 um in diameter and primarily composed mostly also finds use in filtration of high - temperature gases , as an
of carbon atoms. To produce carbon fiber, the carbon atoms electrode with high surface area and impeccable corrosion
are bonded together in crystals that are more or less aligned 20 resistance, and as an anti- static component. Molding a thin
parallel to the long axis of the fiber as the crystal alignment layer of carbon fibers significantly improves fire resistance
gives the fiber high strength - to - volume ratio (making it of polymers or thermoset composites because a dense ,
strong for its size ). Several thousand carbon fibers are compact layer of carbon fibers efficiently reflects heat. The
bundled together to form a tow , which may be used by itself use of carbon fiber composites is commonly used as a direct
or woven into a fabric. 25 replacement for aluminum from many commercial applica
The properties of carbon fibers , such as high stiffness , tions in favor of other metals because of galvanic corrosion
high tensile strength , low weight, high chemical resistance , issues .
high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion . Due Precursors for carbon fibers are polyacrylonitrile ( PAN ),
to these advantages the popularity and growing interest is a rayon and pitch . Carbon fiber filament yarns are used in
groundswell of effort and investment, this stems from indus- 30 several processing techniques : the direct uses are for
tries such as aerospace , civil engineering, military, and prepregging, filament winding, pultrusion , weaving, braid
motorsports, along with host of other competition sports . It ing, etc. Carbon fiber yarn is rated by the linear density
is worth while noting however that Carbon Fiber is rela - (weight per unit length , i. e . 1 g / 1000 m = 1 tex ) or by number
tively expensive when compared to similar fibers, such as of filaments per yarn count, in thousands. For example , 200
glass fibers or plastic fibers . 35 tex for 3 , 000 filaments of carbon fiber is three times as
Carbon fibers are usually combined with other materials strong as 1 , 000 carbon filament yarn , but is also three times
to form an advanced composite material. When combined as heavy . This thread can then be used to weave a carbon
with a plastic resin and wound or molded it forms carbon fiber filament fabric or cloth . The appearance of this fabric
fiber reinforced polymer (often referred to as carbon fiber ) generally depends on the linear density of the yarn and the
which has a very high strength -to -weight ratio usually 40 weave chosen . Some commonly used types of weave are
compared to the characteristics of steel that is also extremely twill , satin and plain . Carbon filament yarns can also be
rigid although Carbon Fiber is somewhat brittle . Special knitted or braided .
note may be taken however that it can demonstrated that Pyrolysis is the heating of an organic material, such as
Carbon Fibers when composed with other materials, such as biomass , in the absence of oxygen . Pyrolysis is the chemical
with graphite and graphene to form carbon - carbon compos - 45 decomposition is induced in organic materials by heat in the
ites , which have a very high heat tolerance . There are a host absence of oxygen . Organic materials are transformed into
of other additives such as titanium and other bonding gaseous components and a solid residue ( coke) containing
elements that can enhance the characteristics of the sought fixed carbon and ash . Typical Pyrolysis Process is formally
composite requirements . defined as chemical decomposition induced in organic mate
A6 um diameter carbon filament can be compared to the 50 rials by heat in the absence of oxygen . In practice , it is not
diameter of a human hair. Each carbon filament thread is a possible to achieve a completely oxygen - free atmosphere ;
bundle of many thousand carbon filaments. A single such actual pyrolytic systems are operated with less than stoi
filament is a thin tube with a diameter of 5 - 8 micrometers c hiometric quantities of oxygen . Because no oxygen is
and consists almost exclusively of carbon . The atomic present the material does not combust but the chemical
structure of carbon fiber is similar to that of graphite , 55 compounds (i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin ) that
consisting of sheets of carbon atoms ( graphene sheets ) make up that material thermally decompose into combus
arranged in a regular hexagonal pattern , the difference being tible gases and charcoal.
in the way these sheets interlock . Graphite is a crystalline Most of these combustible gases can be condensed into a
material in which the sheets are stacked parallel to one combustible liquid , called pyrolysis oil or bio -oil, though
another in regular fashion . The intermolecular forces 60 there are some permanent gases such as CO2, CO , H2, light
between the sheets are relatively weak Van der Waals forces , hydrocarbons. Typically, pyrolysis of biomass produces
giving graphite its soft and brittle characteristics . three products: one liquid, bio -oil, one solid , bio - char and
Depending upon the precursor to make the fiber, carbon one gaseous ( syngas ). The proportion of these products
fiber may be turbostratic or graphitic, or have a hybrid depends on several factors including the composition of the
structure with both graphitic and turbostratic parts present. 65 feedstock and process parameters . Some oxygen will be
In turbostratic carbon fiber the sheets of carbon atoms are present in any pyrolytic system , nominal oxidation will
haphazardly folded , or crumpled , together. Carbon fibers occur. If volatile or semi- volatile materials are present in the
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waste , thermal desorption will also occur. Pyrolysis is an would operate at lower temperature and with less air supply
emerging technology . Although the basic concepts of the than would be required for combustion . Molten salt process
process have been validated , the performance data for an may also be used for waste pyrolysis. These processes are
emerging technology are not yet fully appreciated . described in the following sections:
Bio -oil is a dense complex mixture of oxygenated organic 5 Rotary Kiln
compounds. It has a fuel value that is generally 50 - 70 % that The rotary kiln is a refractory -lined , slightly -inclined ,
of petroleum bases fuels and can be used as boiler fuel or rotating cylinder that serves as a heating chamber.
upgraded to renewable transportation fuels . Using the above Fluidized Bed Furnace
method of the present invention consists of separation The circulating fluidized bed uses high - velocity air to
promoting pure product outputs with high quality when 10 circulate and suspend the waste particles in a heating loop
compared to convention bio - oil processed by prior art sys - and operates at temperatures up to 430° C . ( 800° F .).
tems. It density is > 1 kg L - 1 , much greater than that of Molten Salt Destruction
biomass feedstock , making itmore cost effective to transport Molten -salt destruction is another type of pyrolysis . In
than biomass . molten -salt destruction , a molten salt incinerator uses a
All pyrolysis -based feedstock production follows the 15 molten , turbulent bed of salt, such as sodium carbonate , as
same basic pattern . It ' s similar in concept and chemistry to a heat transfer and reaction / scrubbing medium to destroy
the epochal processes that produced petroleum , just taking hazardous materials . Shredded solid waste is injected with
place over a much shorter time. Biomass such as corn air under the surface of the molten salt. Hot gases composed
Stover, sawdust, or switch grass or other ag or biomass primarily of carbon dioxide, stream , and unreacted air
material is subjected to high pressure and heat in an oxygen - 20 components rise through the molten salt bath , pass through
free atmosphere . The material decomposes, without com a secondary reaction zone , and through an emission gas
busting, into water plus carbon -rich gases , solids, and liq - recycle and cleanup system before discharging to the atmo
uids. sphere . Other pyrolysis by -products react with the alkaline
The gas portion , mostly a mixture of H2 and CO called molten salt to form inorganic products that are retained in
syngas, can be used as fuel or further processed into hydro - 25 the melt. Spentmolten salt containing ash is tapped from the
carbons . The solid , known as coke or char, is around 90 % reactor, cooled and recycled .
carbon and was usually and generally burned to provide heat The word farming in the sense of an agricultural land
for the process, the preferred method of the present inven - holding derives from the verb " to farm ” a revenue source ,
tion uses renewable energy generational input whereas coke whether taxes, customs, rents of a group ofmanors or simply
has a higher value usage when provided as the preferred base 30 to hold an individualmanor by the feudal land tenure of “ fee
carbon product such as the coke in the combined steel and farm ” . The word is from the medieval Latin noun “ firma”
aluminum production and recycling facility . The liquid , meaning " a fixed agreement, contract” , from the classical
known as pyrolysis oil, is a mixture of oxygenated hydro - Latin adjective “ firmus ” which means " strong, stout, firm ."
carbons that can be chemically reduced to create a gasoline In the medieval age , virtually all manors and major estates
like fuel. 35 and noblemen were engaged in the business of agriculture,
Ethanol fermentation and pyrolysis aren 't the only many included their own blacksmiths and other sub skill
energy - related uses for biomass. Cogeneration can burn the classes to provide bases to be supportive of their farming
material to generate steam turbine heat. Gasification can efforts which was typically a principal revenue source , as
convert it into syngas, which can be processed into liquid such to hold a manor and become a noblemen by the tenure
fuels using Fischer - Tropsch chemistry, an expensive but 40 of “ fee farm ” became synonymous with the practice of
established industrial process . agriculture itself. Farm control and land ownership has
Pyrolysis generally yields a higher- value end product per traditionally been a key indicator of status and power ,
pound of biomass than cogeneration and can be transformed especially in Medieval European agrarian societies.
to a liquid more cost effectively than gasification and liq - Typically , a farm is an area of land commonly referred to
uefied to the quality of drop - in fuels and bio created lubri- 45 as agriculture or water commonly referred to as aquaculture,
cations. The preferred method of the present invention of either of these may include various structures and substruc
renewable thermal energy for pyrolysis forms a primary tures that are primarily devoted to the practice of producing
solution for use of biomass for renewable lubrication and and managing food ( i.e . produce , grains, and animals such as
char and /or coke production and reduction and/ or elimina - livestock or aquatic species. It is the basic production
tion of the need for use of fossil fuels for energy or as 50 facilities used for food production and or generation . Gen
component feedstock required for modern chemical basis erally, a farm may be owned and operated by a single
and production . individual, family, community , corporation or a company. A
Pyrolysis of organic materials produces combustible typical farm can be a scale any size from a fraction of an acre
gases , including carbon monoxide , hydrogen and methane, to several or tens of thousands of acres.
and other hydrocarbons. If the off-gases are cooled , liquids 55 A business producing tree fruits , berries, syrups or nuts is
condense producing an oil/ tar residue and contaminated called an orchard ; a vineyard produces grapes . The stable is
water. Pyrolysis typically occurs under pressure and at used for operations principally involved in the training of
operating temperatures above 430° C . (800° F .). The pyroly - horses. Stud and commercial farmsbreed and produce other
sis gases require further treatment. It should be noted that animals and livestock . A farm that is primarily used for the
this thermal range is well within the range of solar thermal 60 production ofmilk , cream or cheese and other dairy products
energy production range which would equate that no exter - is typically called a dairy farm . Additional specialty farms
nal energy generation would be needed using stored thermal include aquaponics which can be aeroponics or hydroponics
energy as the energy input basis. for the growth of plants or aquaculture otherwise referred to
Conventional thermal treatment methods , such as rotary as an aquatic farm or a fish farm , which would raise fish in
kiln , rotary hearth furnace , or fluidized bed furnace , are used 65 pens and tanks to grow as a food source , and tree farms,
for waste pyrolysis. Kilns or furnaces used for pyrolysis , which grow trees for sale for transplant, lumber, or decora
potentially for incineration would be physically similar but tive use.
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Desalination, Distillation, Evaporator, Steel Mill , Mini surface and /or reflector as is the case with thermal solar
Mill, Plastics and Polymer component production , Carbon technologies to concentrate the solar energies on the afore
Fiber production , Cast Iron production , TARDUS Defense mentioned solar collector surface . Solar energy striking the
system , Absorption Cooling, Cold Storage , Dry Storage collection surface is converted into photovoltaic generated
Fast Freeze System , Wind turbines , solar generators, thermal 5 electrical energy or as thermal generated heat for direct use ,
solar, photovoltaic solar, chemical and thermal energy stor - transfer and /or storage . However, the variable nature ofwind
age , Stirling applications and processes , chiller, refrigera and availability of solar energy may interfere with baseload
tion, heating and air conditioning, water heating, distillation , and/or on - demand generation of electricity , generated prod
water purification and desalination systems, electrical regen - ucts and byproducts from wind and solar energy . For
eration using various types of fuel, chemical and thermal 10 example , energy storage using chemical and thermal tech
sources in various designs and configurations for providing niques may be required to offset fluctuations in electricity ,
an energy generation responds to fulfill energy needs to products and byproducts generated from wind and solar
include other processes and separation applications and power and/or maintain reliable electric and or thermal
processes are well known in prior art. It is envisioned that energy provisioning service and /or in a private and public
the electrical wiring , liquid , semi liquid and solid material 15 electrical grid .
transfer conduits may consist of conduits , ducts , pipes, Thermal Energy Storage ( TES ) can be provisioned via
hoses, pneumatic tubing, conveyer belts, or any means of thermal energy transfer fluids and mediums generated from
connecting loops and circuits , conveying solid and / or semi- solar thermal and/ or electrical and or chemical reaction
solid matter . collector systems and /or from thermal conversion is accom
However, prior art of the above systems and devices, 20 plished by action of chilling mechanisms, particularly spe
particularly when said referenced inventions are physically cial, non -compressors based , absorption chillers and other
deployed they generally are not planned , established or devices configured to absorb , dissipate or transfer thermal
orchestrated to benefit from higher efficiency as integral energy transference into low temperature thermal energy
components as elements in an integrated multi-level control storage . Additionally, thermal energy can be generated via
system environment by forming a complete and essential 25 transference from a heating and /or cooling element or other
logical cycle or in otherwise would be referred to as an derived application processes to initiate thermal conveyance
energy ecosystem , generally systems are planned for a to a medium , additionally as a method for electrical energy
deployment with an efficiency basis as an independent to thermal energy storage technique.
device with subpar system design performance . Thermal Energy On -Demand is made available from
Deployment of prior art had required higher part count, 30 Thermal Energy Storage Systems pumping thermal transfer
increased manufacturing costs , increased assembly costs, fluids for direct use as a thermal energy production of a
increased transportation costs, increased subpart count and service such as providing thermal energy for a space heating ,
more costly parts with larger custom parts inventory water heater or other thermal intensive applications and
required , overlapping and duplicated subsystems, frequent operations can be used to cool other units and areas within
problematic maintenance and repair costs , rising levelized 35 units , such as water directed to the aquaculture unit or the
cost of energy and products production , additionally causes atmosphere of the aeroponics unit , cold storage or fast freeze
higher operating expenses, grid energy connection and storage . This process can be conducted via fluid to thermal
transfer line losses . transfer device such as a Stirling engine and/ or steam turbine
Prior art smart grid designs and integrations primarily use and/or thermal intensive applications usage and /or through a
smart meters on consumer connections to monitor usage . 40 secondary thermal transfer liquid for storage and reuse of
Improving upon previous art of smart grid implementation waste thermal energy .
of the current invention is effectuated via monitoring usage , Commercial Grid Backup Energy Reserve also called
identifying the energy usage sources through device data commercial grid - scale energy storage refers to the methods
transmitting , manual consumer input and from its common used to store energy on a commercial grid scale within a
electrical signal fingerprint, storing profile data sets , 45 commercial ' s energy power grid . Energy is stored during
responding with appropriate energy assumptions from times when production from energy generation components
extracted usage profiles , analysis of time of day usage for exceeds localized energy consumption and the stores are
enhanced energy load response for power quality and energy used at times when consumption exceeds available baseload
availability to enhance grid stability . production or establishes a higher baseline energy require
Wind energy technology is typically used to convert 50 ment.
kinetic energy from wind into mechanical energy and/ or In this way , energy production need not be drastically
electricity . To extract wind power, a wind turbine may sealed up and down to meet momentary consumption
include a rotor with a set of blades and a rotor shaft requirements, production levels are maintained at a more
connected to the blades . Wind passing over the rotor con consistently stable levelwith improved energy quality. This
nected blades may cause the blades to turn and the rotor 55 has the advantage that energy storage -based power plants
shaft to rotate . In addition , the rotating rotor shaft may be and /or thermal energy can be efficiently and easily operated
coupled to a mechanical system that performs a mechanic a t constant production levels .
task such as pumping water, atmosphere gas separation In particular, the use of commercial grid - connected inter
compressors, providing rotational energy to generate elec - mittent energy sources such as photovoltaic and thermal
tricity . Alternatively , the rotor shaft may be connected to an 60 solar as well as wind turbines can benefit from commercial
electric generator that converts the rotational energy into grid energy thermal storage . Energy derived from solar and
electricity , which may subsequently be used to power a wind sources are inherently variable by nature , meaning the
consumer, commercial or industrial device , and /or electrical amount of electrical energy produced varies with time, day
grid . of the week , season , and random environmental factors that
Solar energy technology is typically used to convert 65 occurs in the variability of the weather.
radiated light energy from the sun into thermal energy and/ or In an electrical power grid and /or thermal intensive sys
photovoltaic electricity. To extract solar power, a collection tems with energy storage , energy sources that rely on energy
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generated from wind and solar must have matched commer - average over the year, generally the fan cycling control will
cial grid scale energy storage regeneration to be scaled up activate the fan about 15 % of the time without coincident
and down to match the rise and fall of energy production heating or cooling demand .
from intermittent energy sources . Thus , commercial grid Past prior art and its implementation was generally mis
energy storage is the one method that the commercial can 5 matched components not planned nor integrated in such a
use to adapt energy production to energy consumption , both way to eliminate material and component overlap , reducing
of which can vary over time. This is done to increase efficiency and greatly increasing installation and mainte
efficiency and lower the cost of energy production and/or to nance
sealed
costs . Building enclosures must be “ built tightly
and then ventilated correctly for health , comfort and
integrate and facilitate the use of intermittent energy 10 environmental ventilation requirements . To control an envi
sources .
Thermal energy storage most commonly uses molten salt properly maintainedsystem
ronmental control , itmust be an enclosed system and
. Eliminating leaks which cause pres
mixture as a high temperature transfer and storage medium sure issues must be eliminated to allow easy control air flow
which is used to store heat collected by a solar collection exchange between the inside stale air and the outside fresh
system , Diogas generated thermal input or by electrical 15 air source . It must be noted however that a tightly sealed
generated thermal storage injection . Thermal energy storagebuilding enclosure or control area requires both mechanical
consisting of commonly available substances and storage ventilation and pollutant and organism source control which
mediums, for example water frozen into ice to store energy are required to ensure that there is reasonable indoor air
as a cold temperature storage medium . quality and removal of pollutants and allergens from inside
Stored energy can be used to generate electricity or 20 the building, house or control area .
provide thermal energy during inadequate solar and /or wind Heat recovery ventilation (HRV ) and energy recovery
energy generation availability or during extreme weather ventilation (ERV ) systems are ducted ventilation systems
events . Thermal efficiencies over one year of 99 % have been typically consisting of two fans , one to draw air in from
predicted . Thermal Energy Storage System has shown that outside and one to remove stale internal air. An air -to - air
the electricity into storage to electricity -out round trip 25 thermal energy exchanger commonly called a heat
efficiency ) in the range of 75 to 93 % using enhanced energy exchanger, generally installed in a roof space , recovers
recovery systems. thermal energy from the internal air before it is discharged
Prior art Stirling Radioisotope Generators (SRG ), typi- to the externally , and thermal exchanges with the incoming
cally used free- piston Stirling engines coupled to alternators air with the recovered thermal energy.
or a generator for the purpose of converting thermal energy 30 Typically, environmental control systems effectuate
to electricity . Stirling engines are a known heat engine that changes to temperature , humidity and air quality of the
have higher efficiency than steam -based systems which can ambient air within the controlled area . Such amalgamated
convert thermal energy into electricity . The RPS program is systems include heating , cooling , dehumidification , humidi
developing Stirling technology for possible use in future fication , ultra - violet light, air filtration and ventilation is
space missions. NASA had previously planned to complete 35 generally inefficient and lacking in environmental quality .
development of two Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Gen - Furthermore , since some of the potential cooling power of
erator (ASRG ) units, unfortunately for energy development the typical air- conditioner system is misused for dehumidi
overall the decision to discontinue development of an ASRG fication , the cooling capacity of the air conditioner is sig
system occurred in late 2013 . NASA ' s Glenn Research nificantly reduced , and loaded performance is heavily
Center continues development and testing of free piston type 40 degraded .
Stirling engine technology for potential use by current and Prior art methods used isolated processes and applications
future space exploration missions. Inside a free piston of the various system with their mechanisms and their
Stirling engine with linear generator, a moving piston is support components create instances such as there was an
driven by the heat of a fuel source . The piston would move increase in capacities, but the overall performance of the
a magnet back and forth through a coil of wire as a linear 45 system and its increased energy use efficiency was relatively
generator to generate electrical current in the wire . poor.
Because the process used to convert thermal energy into Typically, in liquid desiccant type dehumidifier systems,
electricity , known as the Stirling cycle , is more efficient than moisture must be transferred from the cooled dehumidifier
the thermoelectric and photovoltaic solar powered systems, sump to the heated evaporator sump. Since the moisture is
generators using Stirling technology could provide a more 50 in the form of a low concentration desiccant, this is per
efficient means of producing power for spacecraft than formed by pumping or otherwise transferring the desiccant.
existing power systems. Prior art implementations of ASRG Since the desiccant also contains desiccant ions which acts
and the original type of SRG prototypes typically demon - as a drying agent it must be therefore returned to the cooled
strated a much lower efficiency and lower power generation dehumidifier sump to maintain the desiccant ion level
from inherent design flaws than can be achieved with the 55 required for dehumidification . This is generally achieved in
preferred embodiment of the present invention . dehumidification mode by allowing sumps in the cooled
All buildings and targeted areas needing environmental dehumidifier sump and heated sump of the evaporator
control require controlled mechanical ventilation , or the section that are interconnected via ducts with a common
function of controlled and purposeful introduction of out - wall between the two sumps that constrains communications
door air to the intended conditioned control space . Build - 60 and only allows very controlled transfer and limited bidi
ings , homes and controlled environmental areas intention - rectional flow to occur naturally while also forming a
ally seal buildings for a higher degree of air quality and thermal stratification between the sumps without the need
environmental control.Most air quality standards and guide for pumps or other means of circulation .
lines however specify that nearly 30 % of the control area air Molten - carbonate fuel cells (“MCFC " ) are high -tempera
space must be recirculated each hour. An air handler typi- 65 ture fuel cells that operate at temperatures of 600° C . and
cally with an efficient fan will operate on a 33 % minimum above . The high operating temperature of Solid Oxide Fuel
duty cycle including calls for heating and cooling. On Cells (“ SOFC ” ) make SOFCs and MCFC 's suitable candi
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dates for application waste energy recovery and recycling absorbent or specific porous filter materials for the purpose
for use with Stirling heat engines and absorption cooling or of provisioning pure or nearly pure oxygen input to the fuel
additional energy recovery devices or as combined cooling, cell .
freezing, heat and power system with optional rotational Solid oxide fuel cells have a wide variety of applications
energy output, which further increases overall fuel and 5 from use as auxiliary power units in vehicles to stationary
system efficiency . power generation with outputs from 100 W to 20 MW
achieving a near efficiency of a SOFC device up to the
In thermodynamics, the term endothermic describes a previously theoreticalmark of 60 % and exceeding that mark
process or reaction in which the system absorbs energy from with the inclusion
its surroundings in the form of heat. The term was coined by of preferred embodiment. The higher
ved
Marcellin Berthelot from the Greek roots " endo ” , derived 10 operating temperature make SOFCs suitable candidates for
from the word " endon ” which means “ within ” and the root the preferred embodiment using application and processes to
“ therm ” which means " hot." The intended use and sense is include a Stirling engine which is an endothermic device and
that of a reaction that depends on absorption or taking in heat amalgamated with an additional recovery device consisting
primarily of an absorption cooling system to enable a system
if it is to proceed for work . The opposite of an endothermic 1515 . for combined cooling , freezing , heating and power function
process is an exothermic process , one that releases, “ radi ality (CCFHP ) with system integration to a unified analysis ,
ates” energy in the form of heat. monitor, control and energy provisioning system , which
| A SOFC is an exothermic electrochemical conversion further increases overall system efficiency, redundancy and
device that produces electricity directly from oxidizing a reliability .
fuel. Fuel cells are characterized by their electrolyte mate - 20 A solid oxide fuel cell is made up of four layers , three of
rial; the SOFC has a solid oxide or ceramic , electrolyte . which are ceramics (hence the name). A single cell consist
Advantages of this class of fuel cells include high efficiency, ing of these four layers stacked together is typically only a
long -term stability , fuel flexibility , low emissions, relatively few millimeters thick . Hundreds of these cells are then
low system cost and with thermal energy generation for connected in series to form what most people refer to as an
thermal waste energy recovery and potential for system 25 “ SOFC stack ” . The ceramics generally used in SOFCs do
efficiency gains . The largest potential disadvantage is the not become electrically and ionically active until they reach
high operational temperatures which can result in longer very high temperature and as a consequence the stacks have
start -up times along with mechanical and chemical compat- to run at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1,000° C .
ibility issues . The preferred method of the present invention Reduction of oxygen into oxygen ions occurs at the cathode.
introduces thermal waste energy recovery , thermal storage 30 These ions can then diffuse through the solid oxide electro
and controlled energy communication for additional usage lyte to the anode where they can electrochemically oxidize
for enhanced efficiency , this will also reduce and potentially the fuel. In this reaction , a water byproduct is given off us
eliminate long startup times . well as two electrons . These electrons then flow through an
Solid oxide fuel cells are a class of fuel cells characterized external circuit where they can do work . The cycle then
by the use of a solid oxide material as the electrolyte . SOFCs 35 repeats as those electrons enter the cathode material again .
use a solid oxide electrolyte to conduct negative oxygen ions Typically , most of the downtime of a SOFC stems from
from the cathode to the anode. The electrochemical oxida - the mechanical balance of plant, the air preheater, pre
tion of the oxygen ions with hydrogen or carbon monoxide reformer and /or ammonia cracker, afterburner, water heat
thus occurs on the anode side . SOFC ' s typically operate at exchanger, anode tail gas oxidizer, and electrical balance of
very high temperatures, typically between 500 and 1 ,000° C . 40 plant, power electronics , hydrogen sulfide sensor and fans .
Recent advances allow lower high range temperatures to be Internal thermal energy generation from the SOFC for
used such as the preferred embodiment of the present reforming and cracking leads to a large decrease in the
invention . At these temperatures , SOFCs do not require balance of plant costs in designing and building of a full
expensive noble metals such as a platinum catalyst material system . The planar fuel cell design geometry is the typical
with its limited availability to initiate electrochemical reac - 45 sandwich type geometry employed by most types of fuel
tions, as is currently necessary for lower-temperature cells , where the electrolyte is sandwiched in between the
extremely expensive fuel cells such as PEMFCs, and are not electrodes .
vulnerable to carbon monoxide catalyst poisoning but suffer Concerning the ceramics primarily monolithic ceramics
from efficiency optimization , PEMFC ' s suffers from diffi- have attractive properties like high stiffness, strength , sta
culties with exposure to freezing and moisture control 50 bility athigh temperatures , making them useful for biomedi
system vulnerability, damage to the fuel cell from contami cal, electronic, automotive , industrial, defense and space
nations, expenses and efficiency loss from energy use from applications. However, monolithic ceramics tend to be
methods to remove impurities from atmospheric air input for brittle , mechanically unreliable and poor electrical conduc
oxygen supplies. tor, which limits their use . In order to improve these prop
However, vulnerability to sulfur poisoning has been 55 erties , ceramic matrix composites have been developed .
widely observed and the sulfur must be removed before There has been a considerable amount of research reported
entering the cell through the use of adsorbent beds or other in the literature on fiber -ceramic composites .
means . The preferred method of the present invention may Hydroxylamine nitrate has generally been produced by
use hydroxyl ammonium nitrate and / or triethanol ammo- one of several processes utilizing hydroxylamine sulfate and
nium nitrate and/or a mixture of them to include water as the 60 converting it to the end product by processes such as
fuel input basis which has hydrogen and oxygen in its electrodialysis or a cation - exchange process . Some pro
chemical matrix as a high - density fuel with relatively easy cesses produce aqueous hydroxylamine from hydroxylam
storage methods as a liquid fuel. Alternately a method of the monium sulfate . However, heretofore none have been found
present invention is use of the rotational energy for provid - which produce the aqueous hydroxylamine salts by neutral
ing energy to pressure swing absorption device (PSA ) or an 65 ization of the corresponding acid , without causing sponta
air separation unit (ASU ) which can use thermal input using neous decomposition upon addition of the concentrated acid .
distillation , an additional method would entail the use of Conversely , addition of the hydroxylamine to nitric acid
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
23 24
causes spontaneous decomposition of the product HAN , system , all of these concerns and issues are allayed or
even when the nitric acid has been diluted to less than about removed and open a verticalmarket for processed products
50 % by weight. are created enhancing financial viability .
Hydroxylamine nitrate has several commercial applica - The traditional process used in these operations is vacuum
tions, such use as the component or one of the components 5 distillation which is essentially the boiling of water at less
of a liquid fuel. It is in this application a highly purified form than atmospheric pressure and thus a much lower tempera
of the compound is required , especially when it is to be ture than normal. This is because the phase change energy
employed as a fuel where the hydroxyl ammonium nitrate required for boiling of a liquid occurs when the vapor
(HAN ) solution is stable in an aqueous solution , but must be pressure equals the ambient pressure and vapor pressure
completely free of transition metal elements , such as iron 10 increases with temperature. Thus, because of the reduced
and copper. temperature , low -temperature “ waste” heat from electrical
The hydroxylamine salt produced by the electrolytic power and in the preferred method of the present invention
processes of the prior art can be converted to hydroxylamine of “ waste” thermal energy from Stirling engine generation
nitrate at low solution strength and in an impure state . The or other thermal “ waste” thermal energy from industrial
double displacement reaction employed requires an electro - 15 processes can be reclaimed .
chemical cell that has a plurality of compartments and The principal competing processes use membranes to
requires anion exchange membranes and/ or bipolar mem - desalinate, principally applying reverse osmosis technology .
branes . The draw back and disadvantage of this design Membrane processes use semipermeable membranes and
requires significant capital costs and extremely high energy pressure to separate salts from water. Reverse osmosis plant
costs . 20 membrane systems typically use less energy than thermal
Processing costs of desalinating sea water (infrastructure , distillation , which has led to a reduction in overall desali
energy and maintenance) are generally higher than the nation costs over the past decade . Desalination remains
alternatives (fresh water from rivers, reservoirs , aquifers or energy intensive, however, and future costs will continue to
groundwater, water recycling and water conservation tech - depend on the price of both energy and desalination tech
niques), but alternatives are not always applicable such as 25 nology.
area effects from low rain fall , low snow accumulations Quintuple - generation is the process of using excess ther
and/ or droughts. Expected water acquisition costs for 2013 mal from energy generation for another task : in this case the
range from 50 cents to 1 US dollar per cubic meter, chart in production of potable water from seawater or brackish
FIG . 1 . Energy consumption of sea water desalination can be groundwater in an integrated , or "multi - purpose ” , facility
potentially as low as 3 kWh per cubic meter, this is similar 30 where a power plant provides the energy for desalination .
to the energy consumption of existing fresh water supplies Alternatively , the facility 's energy production may be dedi
transported over extreme distances , but this does equate too cated to the production of potable water ( a stand -alone
much higher costs than typically seen with local fresh facility ), or excess energy may be produced and incorpo
potable water supplies which use approximately 0 .2 kWh or rated into the energy grid (a true Quintuple - generation
less per cubic meter when and if said water is available . 35 facility ) or as the preferred method of present invention
The laws of physics will determine minimum energy communicates excess thermal energy to thermal energy
consumption for sea water desalination of approximately 1 storage for later use.
kWh per cubic meter, this would exclude pre - filtering and Quintuple -generation takes various forms, and theoreti
intakeloutfall pumping and post- filtering if necessary from cally any form of energy production could be used . How
heavier than normal contamination levels. Less than 2 kWh 40 ever, the majority of current and planned prior art and
per cubic meter has been achieved with existing reverse current day cogeneration type of desalination plants use
osmosis membrane technology, leaving limited scope for either fossil fuels or nuclear power as their source of energy .
further energy reductions. Estimated , supplying all domestic The advantage of multi-purpose facilities is they can be
water by sea water desalination would increase US Domes more efficient in land use , energy consumption , thusmaking
tic energy consumption by around 10 % , which is approxi- 45 desalination a more viable option for potable drinking water.
mately about the amount of energy used by a commonly Additionally , the current trend in multi-purpose facilities
used domestic refrigerator. is in design of hybrid configurations , in which permeate
Distilling of Sea Water has been , by and large, extremely from a reverse osmosis desalination component is mixed
cost prohibitive , very precarious operational histories, and with distillate from thermal desalination . Basically, two or
known to potentially be environmentally unfriendly . Both 50 more desalination processes are combined along with power
distillation and reverse osmoses systems return concentrated production , with the preferred method of the present inven
brine along with sometimes , other added chemicals used to tion even higher efficiencies, production yields and revenue
de - foam , reduce scale or kill plant growth , to be disposed of, streams can be achieved with inclusion and amalgamation of
usually pumped back into the ocean increasing salinity and additional steps and stages with the associated processes and
hot zones. These issues have caused great concern from the 55 applications.
high potential for damage to the ocean environmental eco Factors that generally determine the costs for desalination
system . Prior art and other commonly used methods of include capacity and type of facility , location , feed water,
making drinking water may potentially pose additional labor , energy, financing, and concentrate disposal . Desali
threats and the potential for damage which needs to also nation stills now control pressure, temperature and brine
include the cost of disposing of the byproduct brine effluent. 60 concentrations to optimize efficiency . It is worth noting that
In addition to the environmental concerns that the desalini- costs are falling, and generally positive about the technology
zation process poses , the high costs and lack of availability for affluent areas in proximity to oceans, desalinated water
of required energy sources associated with either distillation may be a solution for some water - stress areas .
or Reverse Osmoses processes have essentially limited or Typically , with prior art desalination methods and pro
eliminated the wide spread use . The preferred method of the 65 cesses produce large quantities of a concentrate , which may
present invention with its included processes and applica - be increased in temperature , and contain residues of pre
tions are embodied as an ocean or sea water distillation treatment and cleaning chemicals , their reaction byproducts,
US 10, 060 ,296 B2
25 26
and heavy metals due to corrosion . Chemical pretreatment through the heat exchangers in the stages and warms up via
and cleaning are a necessity in most desalination plants, regeneration . When it reaches the brine heater it already has
which typically includes the treatment against biofouling , nearly the maximum temperature . In the brine heater , an
scaling , foaming and corrosion in thermalplants, and against amount of additional thermal energy is added . After the
biofouling, suspended solids and scale deposits in mem - 5 brine heater, the water flows through valves back into the
brane plants . stages which have ever lower pressure and temperature . As
Prior art failed attempts to limit the environmental impact it flows back through the stages the water is now called
of returning the brine with its increased salinity and its concentrate otherwise generally referred to as brine, to
increased temperature to the seas or oceans, attempts to distinguish it from the inlet water. In fact, at each stage , as
dilute the concentrate and its temperature with another 10 the brine enters , its temperature is above the boiling point at
stream of water entering the ocean , such as the outfall of a the pressure of the stage , and a small fraction of the brine
wastewater treatment or power plant. While seawater power water boils (“ flashes " ) to steam thereby reducing the tem
plant cooling water outfalls are not as fresh as wastewater perature until equilibrium is reached . The resulting steam is
treatment plant outfalls , salinity and temperature is only a little hotter than the feed water in the heat exchanger. The
slightly reduced . With medium to large power plant and 15 steam cools and condenses against the heat exchanger tubes ,
desalination plant, the power plant's cooling water flow is thereby heating the feed water as described earlier in a
likely to be at least several times larger than that of the regenerative fashion enhancing operational efficiency .
desalination plant. Another method to reduce the increase in The total evaporation in all the stages is up to approxi
salinity is to mix the brine via a diffuser in a mixing zone . mately 15 % of the water flowing through the system ,
For example , once the pipeline containing the brine reaches 20 depending on the range of temperatures used . With increas
the sea floor, it can split into many branches, each releasing ing temperature there are growing difficulties of scale for
brine gradually through small holes along its length . Mixing mation and corrosion . 120° C . appears to be a maximum
can be combined with power plant or wastewater plant thermal energy input, although scale avoidance may require
dilution . thermal input temperatures below 70° C .
Brine is denser than seawater due to higher solute con - 25 The feed water carries away the excess latent heat of the
centration . The ocean bottom is most at risk because the condensed steam , maintaining the low temperature of the
brine with its increased salinity and temperature sinks and stage . The pressure in the chamber remains constant as equal
remains there long enough to damage the ecosystem . Care - amounts of steam is formed when new warm brine enters the
ful reintroduction can minimize this problem but does not stage and steam is removed as it condenses on the tubes of
eliminate the damage to the environment. Prior art 's typical 30 the heat exchanger. The equilibrium is quite stable , because
oceanographic conditions off the coast allow for rapid if at some point more vapor forms, the pressure increases
dilution of the concentrated increased temperature byprod - therefore reduces evaporation and increases condensation .
uct, thereby only able to minimize the harm to the environ - In the final stage the brine and the condensate has a
ment. temperature near the inlet temperature . The brine and con
Some methods of desalination , particularly in combina - 35 densate are then pumped out from the low -pressure field
tion with evaporation ponds and solar stills ( solar desalina - within the stage to the ambient pressure . The brine and
tion ), do not discharge brine. They do not use chemicals in condensate still carry a small amount of thermal energy that
their processes nor the burning of fossil fuels . They do not is recovered from the system when they are discharged via
work with membranes or other critical parts, such as com the regenerator. The thermal energy recovery helps make up
ponents that include heavy metals , thus do not cause toxic 40 for this loss .
waste ( and high maintenance ). The thermal energy added in the brine heater in prior art
The disadvantage of this method is the salts and contami- usually comes in the form of hot steam from an industrial
nants are leftover and will require cleanup and reclamation process co - located with the desalination plant. The steam is
may also draw unwanted attention from environmental allowed to condense against tubes carrying the brine. The
agencies to the waste buildup and potential damage from 45 preferred method uses a fluid medium due to the reduced
waste leaching into water tables . Currently, approximately loss from the enhanced density.
50 % of the world 's sea salt production still relies on fossil The energy that makes possible the evaporation is all
energy sources . present in the brine as it leaves the heater. The reason for
Multi-stage flash distillation (MSF) is a water desalination letting the evaporation happen in multiple stages rather than
process that typically uses thermal energy to distill sea water 50 a single stage at the lowest pressure and temperature , is that
by flashing a portion of the water into steam , typically this in a single stage , the feed water would only warm to an
is done with multiple stages of what are essentially coun - intermediate temperature between the inlet temperature and
tercurrent regenerative heat exchangers . Multi - stage flash the heater, while much of the steam would not condense and
distillation plants generally produce about 60 % of all desali the stage would not maintain the lowest pressure and tem
nated water in the world . 55 perature. Plants of this nature typically operate at 23 - 27 kWh
The plant has a series of effect spaces also called stages, per cubic meter which is approximately 90 MJ per cubic
each containing a heat exchanger and a condensate collector. meter of distilled fresh water.
The sequence has a cold end and a hot end while interme Because the colder salt water entering the process Coun
diate stages have intermediate temperatures. The stages have tercurrent exchange otherwise referred to as a regenerator,
different pressures corresponding to the boiling points of 60 counter flows with the saline waste water /distilled water,
water at the stage temperatures. After the hot end there is a relatively little thermal energy leaves in the outflow - most
container called the brine heater. The preferred method of of the heat is picked up by the colder saline water flowing
the present invention communicates required thermal energy toward the heater and the energy is recycled .
from thermal storage with an as needed and on demand for In addition ,MSF distillation plants , especially large ones,
multi- flash distillation energy input needs. 65 are often paired with power plants in a cogeneration con
When the plant is operating in steady state , feed water at figuration . Waste heat from the power plant is used to heat
the cold inlet thermal temperature flows, or is pumped , the seawater, providing cooling for the power plant at the
US 10 , 060,296 B2
27 28
same time. This reduces the energy needed by one -half to industrial processes and in producing potable water. The
two - thirds, which drastically alters the economics of the result is that the solute is retained on the pressurized side of
plant, since energy is by far the largest operating cost of the membrane and the pure solvent is allowed to pass to the
MSF plants . Reverse osmosis, MSF distillation 's main com other side. To be “ selective ,” this membrane should not
petitor, requires more pretreatment of the seawater and more 5 allow large molecules or ions through the pores (holes ), but
maintenance , as well as energy in the form of work ( elec - should allow smaller components of the solution (such as the
tricity , mechanical power ) as opposed to cheaper low - grade solvent ) to pass freely .
waste heat. In the normal osmosis process, the solvent naturally
Multiple-effect distillation (MED ) is a distillation process moves from an area of low solute concentration (High Water
often used for sea water desalination . It consists of multiple 10 Potential), through a membrane , to an area of high solute
stages or " effects” . In each stage the feed water is heated by concentration (Low Water Potential) . The movement of a
steam in tubes. Some of the water evaporates , and this steam pure solvent is driven to reduce the free energy ofthe system
flows into the tubes of the next stage , heating and evapo - by equalizing solute concentrations on each side of a mem
ratingmore water. Each stage essentially reuses the energy brane , generating osmotic pressure . Applying an external
from the previous stage . The tubes can be submerged in the 15 pressure to reverse the natural flow of pure solvent, thus, is
feed water, but more typically the feed water is sprayed on reverse osmosis . The process is similar to other membrane
the top of a bank of horizontal tubes, and then drips from technology applications . However, there are key differences
tube to tube until it is collected at the bottom of the stage . between reverse osmosis and filtration . The predominant
The plant can be seen as a sequence of closed spaces removal mechanism in membrane filtration is straining, or
separated by tube walls, with a heat source in one end and 20 size exclusion , so the process can theoretically achieve
a heat sink in the other end . Each space consists of two perfect exclusion of particles regardless of operational
communicating subspaces , the exterior of the tubes of stage parameters such as influent pressure and concentration .
( n ) and the interior of the tubes in stage (n + 1 ) . Each space Moreover, reverse osmosis involves a diffusive mechanism
has a lower temperature and pressure than the previous so that separation efficiency is dependent on solute concen
space, and the tube walls have intermediate temperatures 25 tration , pressure , and water flux rate . Reverse osmosis is
between the temperatures of the fluids on each side . The most commonly known for its use in drinking water puri
pressure in a space cannot be in equilibrium with the fication from seawater, removing the salt and other effluent
moules .
temperatures of the walls of both subspaces . It has an materials from the water molecules
intermediate pressure . Then the pressure is too low or the Osmosis is a natural process. When two liquids of differ
temperature too high in the first subspace and the water 30 ent concentration are separated by a semipermeable mem
evaporates . In the second subspace , the pressure is too high brane , the fluid has a tendency to move from low to high
or the temperature too low and the vapor condenses . This solute concentrations for chemical potential equilibrium .
carries evaporation energy from the warmer first subspace to Formally , reverse osmosis is the process of forcing a solvent
the colder second subspace. At the second subspace the from a region of high solute concentration through a semi
energy flows by conduction through the tube walls to the 35 permeable membrane to a region of low solute concentration
colder next space . by applying a pressure in excess of the osmotic pressure . The
The thinner the metal in the tubes and the thinner the largest and most important application of reverse osmosis is
layers of liquid on either side of the tube walls , the more the separation of pure water from seawater and brackish
efficient is the energy transport from space to space. Intro - waters; seawater or brackish water is pressurized against one
ducing more stages between the heat source and sink 40 surface of the membrane, causing transport of salt -depleted
reduces the temperature difference between the spaces and water across themembrane and emergence of potable drink
greatly reduces the heat transport per unit surface of the ing water from the low - pressure side.
tubes. The energy supplied is reused more times to evaporate The membranes used for reverse osmosis have a dense
more water, but the process takes more time. The amount of layer in the polymer matrix either the skin of an asym
water distilled per stage is directly proportional to the 45 metric membrane or an interfacial polymerized layer within
amount of energy transport. If the transport is slowed down , a thin - film - composite membrane where the separation
one can increase the surface area per stage , i.e . the number occurs . In most cases , the membrane is designed to allow
and length of the tubes, at the expense of increased instal only water to pass through this dense layer, while preventing
lation cost. the passage of solutes (such as salt ions). This process
Reverse osmosis plant is a processing plant where the 50 requires that a high pressure be exerted on the high concen
process of reverse osmosis takes place . An average modern tration side of the membrane , usually 2 - 17 bar (30 - 250 psi )
reverse osmosis plant needs six kilowatt -hours of electricity for fresh and brackish water, and 40 - 82 bar (600 - 1200 psi)
to desalinate one cubic meter of water . The process also for seawater , which has around 27 bar (390 psi ) natural
results in an amount of salty briny waste . The challenge for osmotic pressure thatmust be overcome. This process is best
these plants is to find ways to reduce energy consumption , 55 known for its use in desalination (removing the salt and
use sustainable energy sources and improve the process of other minerals from sea water to get fresh water ), but it has
desalination and to innovate in the area of waste manage - also been used to purify fresh water for medical, industrial,
ment to deal with the waste . Self - contained water treatment and domestic applications .
plants using reverse osmosis, called reverse osmosis water In modern cement kilns many advanced features are used
purification units , are normally used in a military context. 60 to lower the fuel consumption per ton of clinker produced .
Reverse osmosis (RO ) is a water purification technology Cement kilns are extremely large , complex , and inherently
that uses a semipermeable membrane . This membrane - dirty industrial installations, and have many undesirable
technology is not properly a filtration method . In RO , an emissions. Of the various ingredients used in concrete the
applied pressure is used to overcome osmotic pressure , a cement is the most energetically expensive . Even complex
colligative property that is driven by chemical potential, a 65 and efficient kilns require 3 . 3 to 3 .6 gigajoules of energy to
thermodynamic parameter. RO can remove many types of produce a ton of clinker and then grind it into cement. Many
molecules and ions from solutions and is used in both kilns can be fueled with flammable wastes with the most
US 10 ,060 , 296 B2
29 30
commonly used fuel source being used tires . The extremely superplasticizers include sulfonated naphthalene formalde
high temperatures and long periods of time at those tem hyde condensate, sulfonated melamine formaldehyde con
peratures allow cement kilns to efficiently and completely densate , acetone formaldehyde condensate and polycar
burn even difficult-to - use fuels . boxylate ethers.
In recent years , alternatives have been developed to help 5 Pigments can be used to change the color of concrete , for
replace cement. Products such as PLC (Portland Limestone aesthetics. Corrosion inhibitors are used to minimize the
Cement) which incorporate limestone as a material replace corrosion of steel and steel bars in concrete . Bonding agents
ment into themixture of materials , are currently being tested are used to create a bond between old and new concrete
and evaluated . This is primarily due to cement production (typically a type of polymer ). Pumping aids improve pump
being one of the largest predicted producers ( at about 5 to 10 ability , thicken the paste and reduce separation and bleeding
10 % ) of global greenhouse gas emissions. Combining water There are inorganic materials that also have pozzolanic or
with a cementitious type material forms a cement paste by latent hydraulic properties. These very fine - grained materi
the process of hydration . The cement paste glues the aggre - als are added to the concrete mix to improve the properties
gate mixture together, fills voids any contained within the of concrete (mineral admixtures ), or as a replacement for
mixture, and makes it flow more freely . A lower water - to - 15 Portland cement ( blended cements ).
cement ratio yields a stronger, more durable concrete , while Fly ash : A by -product of coal- fired electric generating
more water gives a freer - flowing concrete with a higher plants, it is used to partially replace Portland cement (by up
slump. Pure water is required to be used to make concrete to to 60 % by mass ). The properties of fly ash depend on the
eliminate bonding problems when setting or as a cause of type of coal burnt. In general, siliceous fly ash is pozzolanic ,
premature failure of the object or structure. Hydration 20 while calcareous fly ash has latent hydraulic properties.
involves many different reactions, often occurring simulta Concrete plant facility showing a Concrete mixer being
neously at the same time. As the reactions proceed , the filled from the ingredient silos. Concrete production is the
products of the cement hydration process gradually bond process of mixing together the various ingredients — water,
together the individual sand and gravel particles and other aggregate , cement , and any additives to produce concrete .
components of the concrete to form a warm solid yet soft 25 Concrete production is time- sensitive . Once the ingredients
object or structure . are mixed, workers must put the concrete in place before it
Decorative stones such as quartzite , small river stones or hardens . In modern usage , most concrete production takes
crushed glass are sometimes added to the surface of concrete place in a large type of industrial facility called a concrete
for a decorative " exposed aggregate ” finish , popular among plant, or often a batch plant.
landscape designers while allowing the cement product to be 30 In general usage, concrete plants come in two main types,
decorative , exposed aggregate adds robustness to a concrete ready mix plants and central mix plants . A ready-mix plant
walks, driveway and walls . mixes all the ingredients except water, while a central mix
Concrete is strong in compression , as the aggregate effi - plantmixes all the ingredients including water. A central mix
ciently carries the compression load . However, it is weak in plant offers more accurate control of the concrete quality
tension as the cement holding the aggregate in place can 35 through better measurements of the amount of water added ,
crack , allowing the structure to fail. Reinforced concrete but must be placed closer to the work site where the concrete
may add steel reinforcing bars, steel fibers, glass fiber, will be used , since hydration begins at the plant.
carbon fiber , composite fiber or plastic fiber to carry tensile A concrete plant consists of large storage hoppers for
loads. Use of these additives will be permanently embedded various reactive ingredients like cement, storage for bulk
in poured concrete to create a reinforced concrete structure . 40 ingredients like aggregate and water, mechanisms for the
Chemical admixtures are materials in the form of powder addition of various additives and amendments , machinery to
or fluids that are added to the concrete to give it certain accurately weigh , move , and mix some or all of those
characteristics not obtainable with plain concrete mixes. In ingredients , and facilities to dispense the mixed concrete ,
normal use, admixture dosages are less than 5 % by mass of often to a concrete mixer truck .
cement and are added to the concrete at the time of batching - 45 Modern concrete is usually prepared as a viscous fluid , so
mixing . Accelerators speed up the hydration (hardening) of that it may be poured into forms, which are containers
the concrete . Typical materials used are Ca (NO3 ) 2 and erected in the field to give the concrete its desired shape.
NaNO3. Retarders slow the hydration of concrete and are There are many differentways in which concrete formwork
used in large or difficult pours where partial setting before can be prepared , such as Slip forming and Steel plate
the pour is complete is undesirable . Typical polyol retarders 50 construction . Alternatively , concrete can be mixed into
are sugar, sucrose , sodium gluconate , glucose, citric acid , dryer, non - fluid forms and used in factory settings to manu
and tartaric acid . facture precast concrete products .
Air entrainments add and entrain tiny air bubbles in the There is a wide variety of equipment for processing
concrete , which reduces damage during freeze -thaw cycles, concrete , from hand tools to heavy industrial machinery .
increasing durability. However, entrained air entails a trade 55 Whichever equipment builders use ; however, the objective
off with strength , as each 1 % of air may decrease compres - is to produce the desired building material; ingredients must
sive strength 5 % . Plasticizers increase the workability of be properly mixed , placed , shaped , and retained within time
plastic or “ fresh " concrete , allowing it to be placed more constraints. Once the mix is where it should be, the curing
easily , with less consolidating effort. A typical plasticizer is process must be controlled to ensure that the concrete attains
lignosulfonate . Plasticizers can be used to reduce the water 60 the desired attributes . During concrete preparation , various
content of a concrete while maintaining workability and are technical details may affect the quality and nature of the
sometimes called water-reducers due to this use . Such product.
treatment improves its strength and durability characteris - When initially mixed , Portland cement and water rapidly
tics . Superplasticizers (also called high - range water - reduc - form a gel of tangled chains of interlocking crystals , and
ers ) are a class of plasticizers that have fewer deleterious 65 components of the gel continue to react over time. Initially
effects and can be used to increase workability more than is the gel is fluid , which improves workability and aids in
practical with traditional plasticizers . Compounds used as placementof the material, but as the concrete sets, the chains
US 10, 060 ,296 B2
31 32
of crystals join into a rigid structure , counteracting the foot ( 305 mm ). A relatively wet concrete sample may slump
fluidity of the gel and fixing the particles of aggregate in as much as eight inches . Workability can also be measured
place . During curing, the cement continues to react with the by the flow table test.
residual water in a process of hydration . In properly formu - Slump can be increased by addition of chemical admix
lated concrete , once this curing process has terminated the 5 tures such as plasticizer or superplasticizer without changing
product has the desired physical and chemical properties. the water-cement ratio . Some other admixtures , especially
Among the qualities typically desired , are mechanical High air -entraining admixture , can increase the slump of a mix .
strength , low moisture permeability, and chemical and volu tested- flow by
concrete , like self -consolidating concrete, is
other flow -measuring methods . One of these
metric stability.
Thorough mixing is essential for the production of uni observing how theplacing
10 methods includes
mix
the cone on the narrow end and
flows through the cone while it is
form , high - quality concrete . For this reason , equipment and gradually lifted . After mixing, concrete is a fluid and can be
methods should be capable of effectively mixing concrete pumped to the exact location where needed
materials containing the largest specified aggregate to pro relatively high compressive strength , butmuch. Concrete has
lower tensile
duce uniform mixtures of the lowest slump practical for the 15 strength . For this reason , it is usually reinforced with mate
work . rials that are strong in tension (often steel and most recently
Separate paste mixing has shown that the mixing of use of composites ). The elasticity of concrete is relatively
cement and water into a paste before combining these constant at low stress levels but starts decreasing at higher
materials with aggregates can increase the compressive stress levels as matrix cracking develops . Concrete has a
strength of the resulting concrete . The paste is generally 20 very low coefficient of thermal expansion and shrinks as it
mixed in a high -speed , shear-type mixer at a w /cm (water to matures. All concrete structures crack to some extent, due to
cement ratio ) of 0.30 to 0.45 by mass . The cement paste shrinkage and tension . Concrete that is subjected to long
premix may include admixtures such as accelerators or duration forces is prone to creep .
retarders , superplasticizers, pigments , or silica fume. The Tests can be performed to ensure that the properties of
premixed paste is then blended with aggregates and any 25 concrete correspond to specifications for the application .
remaining batch water and final mixing is completed in Different mixes of concrete ingredients produce different
conventional concrete mixing equipment. strengths , which are measured in psi or MPa. Different
High -energy mixed (HEM ) concrete is produced by strengths of concrete are used for different purposes. Very
means of high -speed mixing of cement, water and sand with low - strength ( 2000 psi or less ) concrete may be used when
net specific energy consumption of at least 5 kilojoules per 30 the concrete must be lightweight. Lightweight concrete is
kilogram of the mix . A plasticizer or a superplasticizer is often achieved by adding air , foams, or lightweight aggre
then added to the activated mixture , which can later be gates, with the side effect that the strength is reduced . For
mixed with aggregates in a conventional concrete mixer. In most routine uses, 3000 - psi to 4000 -psi concrete is often
this process, sand provides dissipation of energy and creates used . 5000 - psi concrete is readily commercially available as
high - shear conditions on the surface of cement particles . 35 a more durable , although more expensive, option . 5000 -psi
This results in the full volume of water interacting with concrete is often used for larger civil projects . Strengths
cement. The liquid activated mixture can be used by itself or above 5000 psi are often used for specific building elements.
foamed (expanded ) for lightweight concrete . HEM concrete For example , the lower floor columns of high -rise concrete
hardens in low and subzero temperature conditions and buildings may use concrete of 12 ,000 psi or more, to keep
possesses an increased volume of gel, which drastically 40 the size of the columns small. Bridges may use long beams
reduces capillarity in solid and porous materials . of 10 ,000 psi concrete to lower the number of spans
Workability is the ability of a fresh (plastic ) concrete mix required . Occasionally, other structural needs may require
to fill the form -mold properly with the desired work ( vibra high -strength concrete . If a structure must be very rigid ,
tion ) and without reducing the concrete 's quality . Workabil concrete of very high strength may be specified , even much
ity depends on water content, aggregate (shape and size 45 stronger than is required to bear the service loads . Strengths
distribution ), cementitious content and age (level of hydra - as high as 19 , 000 psi have been used commercially for these
tion ) and can be modified by adding chemical admixtures, reasons.
like superplasticizer. Raising the water content or adding Modern clay bricks are formed in one of three pro
chemical admixtures increases concrete workability . Exces - cesses - soft mud, dry press , or extruded . Normally, brick
sive water leads to increased bleeding ( surface water ) and /or 50 contains the following ingredients : Silica ( sand ) - 50 % to
segregation of aggregates (when the cement and aggregates 60 % by weight, Alumina (clay ) — 20 % to 30 % by weight,
start to separate ), with the resulting concrete having reduced Lime2 to 5 % by weight, Iron oxides7 % by weight,
quality . The use of an aggregate with an undesirable grada - Magnesia - less than 1 % by weight
tion can result in a very harsh mix design with a very low The soft mud method is the most common , as it is the
slump, which cannot readily be made more workable by 55 most economical. It starts with the raw clay , preferably in a
addition of reasonable amounts of water. mix with 25 - 30 % sand to reduce shrinkage . The clay is first
Workability can be measured by the concrete slump test, ground and mixed with water to the desired consistency . The
a simplistic measure of the plasticity of a fresh batch of clay is then pressed into steelmolds with a hydraulic press .
concrete test standards . Slump is normally measured by The shaped clay is then fired (“ burned” ) at 900 - 1000° C . to
filling an “ Abrams cone” with a sample from a fresh batch 60 achieve strength . The preferred method of the present inven
of concrete . The cone is placed with the wide end down onto tion communicates thermal energy from thermal storage for
a level, non -absorptive surface. It is then filled in three layers the purpose of providing thermal energy for preheating and
of equal volume, with each layer being tamped with a steel heating the kiln for the firing process .
rod to consolidate the layer . When the cone is carefully lifted In modern brickworks, this is usually done in a continu
off , the enclosed material slumps a certain amount, owing to 65 ously fired tunnel kiln , in which the bricks are fired as they
gravity . A relatively dry sample slumps very little , having a move slowly through the kiln on conveyors , rails, or kiln
slump value of one or two inches (25 or 50 mm ) out of one cars, which achieves a more consistent brick product. The
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bricks often have lime, ash , and organic matter added, which “ Bricks” formed from concrete are usually termed blocks,
accelerates the burning process. and are typically pale grey in color. They are made from a
An oval or circular trench is dug, 6 - 9 meteres wide , 2 - 2 .5 dry, small aggregate concrete which is formed in steel molds
meters deep , and 100 - 150 meters in circumference . A tall by vibration and compaction in either an “ egg - layer " or
exhaust chimney is constructed in the center . Half or more 5 static machine . The finished blocks are cured rather than
of the trench is filled with “ green ” (unfired ) bricks which are fired using low - pressure steam . Concrete blocks are manu
stacked in an open lattice pattern to allow airflow . The lattice factured in a much wider range of shapes and sizes than clay
is capped with a roofing layer of finished brick . In operation , bricks and are also available with a wider range of face
new green bricks , along with roofing bricks , are stacked at treatments a number of which simulate the appearance of
one end of the brick pile ; cooled finished bricks are removed 10 clay bricks.
from the other end for transport to their destinations . In the Natural stone bricks are of limited modern utility due to
middle, the brick workers create a firing zone by dropping their enormous comparative mass, the consequent founda
fuel (coal, wood , oil, debris, and so on ) through access holes tion needs , and the time- consuming and skilled labor needed
in the roof above the trench . in their construction and laying. They are very durable and
The advantage of the above design is a much greater 15 considered more handsome than clay bricks by some. Only
energy efficiency compared with clamp or scove kilns . Sheet a few stones are suitable for bricks . Common materials are
metal or boards are used to route the airflow through the granite , limestone and sandstone . Other stonesmay be used
brick lattice so that fresh air flows first through the recently (for example, marble , slate , quartzite , and so on ) but these
bunted bricks, heating the air , then through the active tend to be limited to a particular locality .
burning zone. The air continues through the green brick zone 20 For efficient handling and laying , bricks must be small
(pre -heating and drying the bricks), and finally out the enough and light enough to be picked up by the bricklayer
chimney, where the rising gases create suction which pulls using one hand (leaving the other hand free for the trowel).
air through the system . The reuse of heated air yields savings Bricks are usually laid flat and as a result the effective limit
in fuel cost. on the width of a brick is set by the distance which can
The dry press method is similar to the soft mud brick 25 conveniently be spanned between the thumb and fingers of
method , but starts with a much thicker clay mix , so it forms one hand , normally about four inches ( about 100 mm ). In
more accurate , sharper- edged bricks . The greater force in most cases , the length of a brick is about twice its width ,
pressing and the longer burn make this method more expen about eight inches (about 200 mm ) or slightly more. This
sive. allows bricks to be laid bonded in a structure which
European -style extruded bricks or blocks are used in 30 increases stability and strength (for an example, see the
single -wall construction with finishes applied on the inside illustration of bricks laid in English bond , at the head of this
and outside. Their many voids comprise a greater proportion article ). The wall is built using alternating courses of stretch
of the volume than the solid , thin walls of fired clay . Such e rs , bricks laid length - wise , and headers , bricks laid width
bricks are made in 15 -, 25 -, 30 -, 42- and 50 - cm widths. wise . The headers tie the wall together over its width . In fact,
Some models have very high thermal insulation properties, 35 this wall is built in a variation of English bond called English
making them suitable for zero - energy buildings. cross bond where the successive layers of stretchers are
The raw materials for calcium -silicate bricks include lime displaced horizontally from each other by half a brick
mixed with quartz , crushed flint or crushed siliceous rock length . In true English bond , the perpendicular lines of the
together with mineral colorants. Thematerials are mixed and stretcher courses are in line with each other.
left until the lime is completely hydrated ; themixture is then 40 A bigger brick makes for a thicker ( and thus more
pressed into molds and cured in an autoclave for two or three insulating ) wall . Historically, this meant that bigger bricks
hours to speed the chemical hardening. The finished bricks were necessary in colder climates while a smaller brick was
are very accurate and uniform , although the sharp arrises adequate , and more economical, in warmer regions . Nowa
need careful handling to avoid damage to brick (and brick days this is no longer an issue, as modern walls typically
layer ). The bricks can be made in a variety of colors ; white 45 incorporate specialized insulation materials. Bricks are used
is common but pastel shades can be achieved . This type of for building, block paving and pavement. In the USA , brick
brick is common in Sweden , especially in houses built or pavement was found incapable of withstanding heavy traffic ,
renovated in the 1970s, where it is known as “ Mexitegel” but it is coming back into use as a method of traffic calming
(Mexi Bricks ). In India these are known as fly ash bricks , or as a decorative surface in pedestrian precincts . Bricks in
manufactured using the FaL - G (fly ash , lime and gypsum ) 50 the metallurgy and glass industries are often used for lining
process . Calcium -silicate bricks are also manufactured in furnaces , in particular refractory bricks such as silica , mag
Canada and the United States, and meet the criteria set forth nesia , chamotte and neutral ( chromo -magnesite ) refractory
in ASTM C73 - 10 Standard Specification for Calcium Sili bricks. This type of brick must have good thermal shock
cate Brick (Sand - Lime Brick ). It has lower embodied energy resistance , refractoriness under load , high melting point, and
than cement based man -made stone and clay brick . 55 satisfactory porosity . The correct brick for a job can be
The fired color of clay bricks is influenced by the chemi- selected from a choice of color, surface texture , density,
cal and mineral content of the raw materials, the firing weight, absorption and pore structure , thermal characteris
temperature , and the atmosphere in the kiln . For example , tics , thermal and moisture movement, and fire resistance .
pink colored bricks are the result of a high iron content, In the process of steel production and because of the
white or yellow bricks have a higher lime content . Most 60 energy cost and structural stress associated with heating and
bricks burn to various red hues ; as the temperature is cooling a blast furnace , typically these primary steelmaking
increased the colormoves through dark red , purple and then vessels will operate on a continuous production campaign of
to brown or grey at around 1,300° C . ( 2 ,372° F .). Calcium several years duration . Even during periods of low steel
silicate bricks have a wider range of shades and colors, demand , it may not be feasible to let the blast furnace grow
depending on the colorants used . The names of bricks may 65 cold , though some adjustment of the production rate is
reflect their origin and color, such as London stock brick and possible . Integrated mills are large facilities that are typi
Cambridgeshire White . cally only economical to build in 2 , 000, 000 ton per year
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
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annual capacity and up . Final products made by an inte their lower aspect ratio , spheroids are relatively short and far
grated plant are usually large structural sections, heavy from one another, and have a lower cross section vis-a -vis a
plate , strip , wire rod , railway rails, and occasionally long propagating crack or phonon . They also have blunt bound
products such as bars and pipe. aries , as opposed to flakes, which alleviates the stress
Cast iron is made by re -melting pig iron , often along with 5 concentration problems faced by grey cast iron . In general,
substantial quantities of scrap iron , scrap steel, lime stone , the properties ofmalleable cast iron are more like mild steel.
carbon ( coke ) and taking various steps to remove undesir - There is a limit to how large a part can be cast in malleable
able contaminants . Phosphorus and sulfur may be burnt out iron , since it is made from white cast iron .
of the molten iron , but this also burns out the carbon , which Ductile east iron or nodular is a more recent development.
must be replaced . Depending on the application , carbon and 10 Minute amounts of magnesium or cerium added to these
silicon content are adjusted to the desired levels , which may alloys slow down the growth of graphite precipitates by
be anywhere from 2 - 3 . 5 % and 1 - 3 % respectively . Other b onding to the edges of the graphite planes . Strict control of
elements are then added to the melt before the final form is other elements and timing, allows the carbon to separate as
produced by casting . Iron is sometimes melted in a special spheroidal particles as thematerial solidifies. The properties
type of blast furnace known as a cupola , but more often 15 are similar to malleable iron , but parts may be able to cast
melted in electric induction furnaces or electric arc furnaces . with considerably larger molded sections .
After melting is complete, the molten iron is poured into Converting captured and sequestered CO2 into products
a holding furnace or ladle. The preferred method of the such as chemicals, plastics, fuels, building materials, and
present invention stems from using thermal energy commu other commodities is both an environmental friendly method
nicated from thermal energy storage to enhance energy 20 and economically advantageous . Incorporation into existing
efficiency , additional efficiency can be obtained with the polymer (plastics ) formulations results in packaging foams
preferred method of the present invention recycling and with higher tensile strength and load -bearing capacity , and
recover of waste heat through use of heat exchangers and adhesives and coatings with improved adhesion , cohesive
coils near the furnace to collect the waste thermal energy for strength , and “ weatherabilty ” properties, such as UV- and
communication to storage . 25 water - resistance . Capital requirements and operational costs
Cast iron 's properties are changed by adding various to produce the non - fossil fuels polymers closely mirror
alloying elements , or alloyants. Next to carbon , silicon is the conventional production costs , and the products demonstrate
most important alloyant because it forces carbon out of increased strength and environmental resistance relative to
solution . The only over very important alloy is inclusion of existing polymers . The production scope is a diverse range
ceramic which makes for a very high performance alloy 30 of applications, including flexible , rigid , and microcellular
combination with the silicon which is commonly used in packaging foams, thermoplastics, polyurethane adhesives
cylinders and other high performance applications. Instead and sealants , and coating resins for food and beverage cans.
the carbon forms graphite which results in a softer iron , Each carbon filament is produced from a precursor poly
reduces shrinkage , lowers strength , and decreases density. mer such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN ), rayon , or petroleum
Sulfur , when present, forms iron sulfide, which prevents the 35 pitch . For synthetic polymers such as PAN or rayon , the
formation of graphite and increases hardness. The problem precursor is first spun into filament yarns, using chemical
with sulfur is that it makes molten cast iron sluggish , which and mechanical processes to initially align the polymer
causes short run defects . To counter the effects of sulfur , atoms in a way to enhance the final physical properties of the
manganese is added because the two form into manganese completed carbon fiber. Precursor compositions and
sulfide instead of iron sulfide. The manganese sulfide is 40 mechanical processes used during spinning filament yarns
lighter than the melt, so it tends to float out of the melt and may vary among manufacturers . After drawing or spinning,
into the slag . the polymer filament yarns are then heated to drive off
Grey cast iron is characterized by its graphitic microstruc - non - carbon atoms ( carbonization ), producing the final car
ture , which causes fractures of the material to have a grey bon fiber.
appearance. It is the most commonly used cast iron and the 45 The carbon fibers filament yarnsmay be further treated to
most widely used cast material based on weight. Most cast improve handling qualities , and then wound on to bobbins.
irons have a chemical composition of 2 .5 - 4.0 % carbon , Synthesis of carbon fiber from Polyacrylonitrile ( PAN ) 1 )
1 - 3 % silicon , and the remainder is iron . Grey cast iron has Polymerization of acrylonitrile to PAN 2 ) Cyclization during
less tensile strength and shock resistance than steel, but its low temperature process 3 ) High temperature oxidative
compressive strength is comparable to low and medium 50 treatment of carbonization (hydrogen is removed ). Follow
carbon steel. ing this process, graphitization starts when nitrogen is
White cast iron is a type of cast iron that displays white removed and chains are joined into graphite planes . A
fractured surface due to the presence of cementite . With a common method of manufacture involves heating the spun
lower silicon content ( graphitizing agent) and faster cooling PAN filaments to approximately 300° C . in air, which breaks
rate , the carbon in white cast iron precipitates out of themelt 55 many of the hydrogen bonds and oxidizes the material.
as the metastable phase cementite , Fe3C , rather than graph The oxidized PAN is then placed into a furnace , the
ite . The cementite which precipitates from the melt forms as preferred method of the present invention uses thermal
relatively large particles , usually in a eutectic mixture , energy from thermal energy storage to provide pre -heat and
where the other phase is austenite (which on cooling might heating of the furnace, having an inert atmosphere of a gas
transform to martensite ). 60 such as argon , and heated to approximately 2000° C ., the
Malleable iron starts as a white iron casting that is then preferred method of the current invention also would include
heat treated at about 900° C . ( 1 ,650° F .) . The preferred the use of heat exchangers and coils near the furnace for the
method of the present invention stems from using thermal purpose of recycling and recovery of thermal waste energy
energy communicated from thermal energy storage to for the purpose of communicating to thermal energy storage
enhance energy efficiency . Graphite separates out much 65 enhancing overall system efficiencies , this thermal energy
more slowly in this case , so that surface tension has time to induces graphitization of thematerial, changing the molecu
form it into spheroidal particles rather than flakes. Due to lar bond structure . When heated in the correct conditions ,
US 10 , 060 ,296 B2
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from the preferred method of the present invention thermal by cells into the external environment), they remain in the
energy is communicated to the furnace to enforce these fermented mixture after the biomass has been removed . The
chains to bond side - to - side ( ladder polymers ), forming nar biomass can be recycled as a feed additive once dried or may
row graphene sheets which eventually merge to form a be used fertilizer if it is treated with lime to inactivate the
single , columnar filament. The result is usually 93 - 95 % 5 microorganisms and stabilize it for storage and application .
carbon . Lower - quality fiber can be manufactured using pitch The enzymes in the remaining broth are then concentrated
or rayon as the precursor instead of PAN . The carbon can by evaporation , membrane filtration or crystallization
become further enhanced , as high modulus, or high strength depending on their intended application . If pure enzyme
carbon , by heat treatment processes . Carbon heated in the preparations are required , they are usually isolated by gel or
range of 1500 -2000° C . (carbonization ) exhibits the highest 10 ion exchange chromatography. Certain applications require
tensile strength (820 , 000 psi, 5 ,650 MPa or N /mm²), while solid enzyme products , so the crude powder enzymes are
carbon fiber heated from 2500 to 3000° C . (graphitizing) made into granules to make them more convenient to use .
exhibits a higher modulus of elasticity (77 ,000,000 psi or Sometimes liquid formulations are preferred because they
531 GPa or 531 kN /mm²). are easier to handle and dose along with other liquid
Directed -Energy Weapon System (DEWS ) is a weapon 15 ingredients . Enzymes used in starch conversion to convert
system that emits energy or energy accelerated projectile glucose into fructose are immobilized , typically on the
aimed at a specified target in a determined or projected surfaces of inert granules held in reaction .
direction or flight path of an intended target. DEWs of prior Fermentation in liquid media is of two types depending
art have typically been categorized by the frequency in upon the mode of operation : A . Batch fermentation , B .
which they operate such as RF (for radio frequency ) and 20 Continuous fermentation . Batch reactors are simplest type of
such as Laser, which is a weapon based on the type of energy mode of reactor operation . In this mode, the reactor is filled
discharge . with medium and the fermentation is allowed to proceed .
Enzymes commercially available now are generally at When the fermentation has finished the contents are emptied
economical input costs comparable in ratio to the value for downstream processing . The reactor is then cleaned ,
added chemical process and associated vertical products . 25 re - filled , re -inoculated and the fermentation process starts
Furthermore, any substantial reduction in the cost of pro - again . Continuous reactors: Fresh media is continuously
duction of enzymes will be a positive stimulus for the added and bioreactor fluid is continuously removed . As a
commercialization of enzymatic depilation . Proteases are result , cells continuously receive fresh medium and products
one of the most important groups of industrial enzymes and and waste products and cells are continuously removed for
account for nearly 60 % of the total enzyme sale. The major 30 processing . The reactor can thusbe operated for long periods
uses of free proteases occur in dry cleaning, detergents,meat of timewithout having to be shut down . Continuous reactors
processing , cheese making , and production of digestive can bemany timesmore productive than batch reactors. This
enzymes . is parity due to the fact that the reactor does not have to be
A wide range of microorganisms including them are shut down as regularly and also due to the fact that the
available commercially ; and , they have almost completely 35 growth rate of the bacteria in the reactor can be more easily
replaced chemical hydrolysis of starch in starch processing controlled and optimized .
industry . Although many microorganisms produce this In addition , cells can also be immobilized in continuous
enzyme, the most commonly used for their industrial appli - reactors , to prevent their removal and thus further increase
cation are Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquifuciens the productivity of these reactors. Continuous reactors are as
and Aspergillus niger. Amylases stand out as a class of 40 yet not widely used in industry but do find major application
enzymes , which are of useful applications in the food, in wastewater treatment. Fed batch reactor is the most
brewing, textile , detergent and pharmaceutical industries . common type of reactor used in industry . In this reactor,
Common biomass can be easily determined after simple fresh media is continuous or sometimes periodically added
drying in oven as well as in dissector and weighing by digital to the bioreactor but unlike a continuous reactor, there is no
balance . Fungal proteases are of particular importance in the 45 continuous removal. The fermenter is emptied or partially
Submerged fermentation is the cultivation of microorgan - emptied when reactor is full or fermentation is finished . As
isms in liquid nutrient broth . Industrial enzymes can be with the continuous reactor, it is possible to achieve high
produced using this process . This involves selective growing productivities due to the fact that the growth rate of the cells
carefully selected microorganisms. The preferred method of can be optimized by controlling the flow rate of the feed
the present invention comprises an artificial intelligence 50 entering the reactor.
controlled and stabilized environmental control system Production process of ethanol typically has a few basic
using adaptive metrics , biometrics and thermal imaging steps for large scale production of ethanol which are: micro
sensoring for active analysis ,monitoring and machine learn bial (yeast ) fermentation of sugars, distillation , dehydration ,
ing control providing sustainable ecosystem elements and denaturing (optional for resale tax advantage). Prior to
encompassing a high volume symmetrical fermentation 55 fermentation , some crops require saccharification or hydro
growth system while incorporating a microalgae bioreactor lysis of carbohydrates such as cellulose and starch into
and organism reactor production system . Through monitor - sugars . Saccharification of cellulose is called cellulolysis
ing the health of the enzymes through artificial intelligence ( cellulosic ethanol production ). Enzymes are used to convert
analysis , monitoring and control from thermal analysis of starch into sugar.
fermentation , reactor and bioreactor systems will modify 60 Ethanol fermentation is typically used in the ethanol
environmental settings for optimized growth and production process in which ethanol is produced by microbial fermen
through a process of machine learning algorithms. The tation of the sugar. Microbial fermentation will currently
process of harvesting enzymes from the fermentation only work directly with sugars. Two major components of
medium the microbial cells and other insolubles must be plants, starch and cellulose , are both made up of sugars , and
removed . 65 can in principle be converted to sugars for fermentation .
This process is typically performed by centrifugation . In There are three primary methods primarily consisting of the
general, most industrial enzymes are extracellular ( secreted use of sugar (e.g . sugar cane) and starch (e .g. corn ) this
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
39 40
would also include the newestmethod of which there is great substances , and for transforming medium -weight hydrocar
efforts currently addressing the area of cellulosic ethanol, bons from oil into lighter ones like gasoline . These special
where the cellulose part of a plant is broken down to sugars ized uses of pyrolysis may be called various names, such as
and subsequently converted to ethanol. The preferred dry distillation , destructive distillation , or cracking .
method of the present invention will communicate thermal 5 Pyrolysis typically also plays an important role in several
energy from thermal energy storage for the purpose of cooking procedures, such as baking, frying, grilling, and
assisting and maintaining proper fermentation temperatures. caramelizing . In addition , it is a tool of chemical analysis ,
For the ethanol to be usable as a fuel or other intended for example , in mass spectrometry and in carbon - 14 dating.
uses, the majority of the water must be removed .Most of the Many highly important chemical compounds for required
water is removed by distillation , but the purity is limited to 10 life , such as phosphorus and sulfuric acid , were first
95 - 96 % due to the formation of a low -boiling water- ethanol obtained by this very process. Pyrolysis has generally been
azeotrope with maximum (95.6 % m /m (96 .5 % v /v ) ethanol assumed to occur during catagenesis, the conversion of
and 4 .4 % m /m (3 . 5 % v / v ) water ). This mixture is called buried organic matter to fossil fuels, hence pyrolysis use of
hydrous ethanol and can be used as a fuel alone, but unlike pressure and thermal energy . It is also the basis of pyrog
anhydrous ethanol, hydrous ethanol is not miscible in all 15 raphy. In their embalming process , the ancient Egyptians
ratios with gasoline , so the water fraction is typically used a mixture of substances, including methanol, which
removed in further treatment in order to be used as fuel or they obtained from the pyrolysis of wood .
other intended uses. Pyrolysis differs from other high -temperature processes
There are basically three dehydration processes to remove like combustion and hydrolysis in that it usually does not
the water from an azeotropic ethanol/water mixture. The first 20 involve reactions with oxygen , water, or any other reagents .
process , used in many early fuel ethanol plants , is called In practice, it is not possible to achieve a completely
azeotropic distillation and consists of adding benzene or oxygen - free atmosphere . Because someoxygen is present in
cyclohexane to the mixture . When these components are any pyrolysis system , a small amount of oxidation occurs .
added to the mixture , it forms a heterogeneous azeotropic The term has also been applied to the decomposition of
mixture in vapor - liquid -liquid equilibrium , which when dis - 25 organic material in the presence of superheated water or
tilled produces anhydrous ethanol in the column bottom , and steam (hydrous pyrolysis ), for example , in the steam crack
a vapor mixture ofwater, ethanol, and cyclohexane/benzene. ing of oil.
When condensed , this becomes a two - phase liquid mixture . Pyrolysis is usually the first chemical reaction that occurs
The heavier phase, poor in the entrainer (benzene or cyclo - in the burning ofmany solid organic fuels , like wood , cloth ,
hexane ), is stripped of the entrainer and recycled to the feed , 30 and paper, and also of somekinds of plastic . In a wood fire,
while the lighter phase together with condensate from the the visible flames are not due to combustion of the wood
stripping is recycled to the second column . Another early itself , but rather of the gases released by its pyrolysis ,
method , called extractive distillation, consists of adding a whereas the flame-less burning of a solid , called smoldering,
ternary component which will increase ethanol's relative is the combustion of the solid residue ( char or charcoal) left
volatility. When the ternary mixture is distilled , it will 35 behind by pyrolysis . Thus , the pyrolysis of common mate
produce anhydrous ethanol on the top stream of the column. rials like wood, plastic , and clothing is extremely important
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic for fire safety and firefighting
material at elevated temperatures in the absence or near I n many industrial pyrolysis applications such as Charcoal
absence of oxygen or halogen . Primarily consists and production , Bio - char production , Coke production, Carbon
involves the simultaneous change of chemical composition 40 fiber production , Pyrolytic carbon production , Biofuels ,
and physical phase , and is irreversible . The word is coined Plastic waste disposal, Waste tire disposal, the process is
from the Greek -derived elements pyro " fire " and lysis done under pressure and at operating temperatures above
" separating" . 430° C . ( 806° F .). For agricultural waste , for example ,
Pyrolysis is a type of thermolysis which is commonly typical temperatures are 450 to 550° C . (840 to 1,000° F.).
observed in organic materials exposed to high temperatures . 45 The preferred method of the present invention may com
Thermal decomposition , or thermolysis, is a chemical municate thermal energy from thermal storage on demand or
decomposition caused by heat. The decomposition tempera - as needed to maintain renewable energy input and a sus
ture of a substance is the temperature at which the substance tainable method of processing .
chemically decomposes . The reaction is usually endother - Traditional air cooling has several major issues that are
mic as heat is required to break chemical bonds in the 50 typical deficiencies of air cooling systems. First, air cooling
compound undergoing decomposition . When not controlled systems are generally not very efficient due to fact the
and decomposition is sufficiently exothermic , a positive humidity in the datacenter air space is kept artificially low ,
feedback loop is created producing thermal runaway and can therefore the density of air is tremendously low , this lack of
potentially result in an explosion . Pyrolysis is one of the density creates an inefficientmass volumemovement of air
processes involved in charring wood , starting at 200 - 300° C . 55 from its propensity to dissipate flow , thereby thermal trans
( 390 -570° F .) . Typically , pyrolysis of organic substances fer inefficiencies between datacenter heat sources requiring
produces gas and liquid products and leaves a solid residue cooling and exhaust to expel datacenter thermal energy ,
richer in carbon content, char or coke. Extreme pyrolysis , which can pose a problem with severely overclocked pro
the primary method of carbon fiber production is a process cessors or in particularly beefy rigs filled with multiple
in which pyrolysis leaves mostly carbon as the residue, is 60 graphics cards. Second , the heat sinks on powerful compo
called carbonization . nent coolers can get rather large and unruly putting exces
The pyrolysis process is heavily used in the chemical sive pressure on boards and connections, their size can
industry, for example, to produce charcoal, activated carbon , accentuate air flow blockage and enhance poor air flow from
methanol, and other chemicals from wood , to convert eth - reduced fluid lines for smooth air flow to effectuate efficient
ylene dichloride into vinyl chloride to make PVC , to pro - 65 thermaltransfer removal. Finally, fans are typically loud and
duce coke from coal, to convert biomass into syngas and tend to fail from blade imbalance , poor bearing construction
bio -char or bio -coke, to turn waste into safely disposable and from overheating.
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
42
Liquid cooling is a highly effective method of removing Modern liquid cooling systems use minor system pres
excess thermal energy, with the most common heat transfer surization , this typically is approximately 15 psi . This pro
fluid in desktop systems being a water and glycol mixture. cess generally raises the boiling -point of the coolant and
The advantages of water cooling over air cooling include reduces evaporation . The use of water cooling carries the
water ' s higher specific thermal energy capacity and thermal 5 risk of lower temperature vaporization from heat exposure .
conductivity. The principle used in cooling electronics and Many water based liquid cooling applications require the use
electrical components is identical to that used in an internal of a water and antifreeze mixture , typically glycol.
combustion engine, with the liquid coolant being circulated Liquid coolant in general is typically a water and glycol
by a coolant pump through a duct to thermal transfer unit, mixture for removing thermal energy from a component,
sometimes referred to as a thermal transfer block mounted to 10 machine , system or area . Liquid coolant may be recycled
the intended target to be cooled and then transferring the through a recirculating system . Recirculating systems gen
thermal energy away from the target out to the thermal erally in prior art rely upon cooling towers, evaporators and
transfer heat exchanger to dissipate the thermal energy from economizers to remove thermal energy is accomplished with
the system . Liquids allow the transfer of more thermal negligible evaporative loss of cooling water. A heat
energy communicated away from the components being 15 exchanger or condenser may separate non - contact liquid
cooled than air, making liquid cooling suitable for over - coolant from a fluid being cooled . Antifreeze also inhibits
clocking and high - performance computer applications. In corrosion from dissimilar metals and can increase the boil
comparison with air cooling , liquid cooling is also influ - ing point, allowing a wider range of water cooling tempera
enced less by the ambient temperature and little if any t ures in attempts to raise the vaporization point to a tem
influence from humidity . Liquid cooling 's comparatively 20 perature unlikely to be experienced. Its distinctive odor also
low noise - level compares favorably to thatof active cooling , alerts operators to cooling system leaks and problems that
which can become quite noisy . could typically go unattended in a water -only cooling sys
Disadvantages of liquid cooling include complexity and tem .
the potential for a coolant leak . Leaked water can damage Dairy farming is a class of agriculture , where female
any electronic components with which it comes into contact, 25 cattle , goats, or other mammals are raised for their milk ,
and the need to test for and repair leaks makes for more which may be either processed on - site or transported to a
complex and less reliable installations. An air - cooled heat dairy for processing and eventual retail safe . A centralized
sinks are generally much simpler to build , install , and dairy facility processes milk and dairy products , such as
maintain than a water cooling solution , although specific cream , butter, yogurt, cheese and ice cream . Dairy farms
water cooling kits can also be found , which may be just as 30 generally sell themale calves borne by their mothers for veal
easy to install as an air cooler. These are not limited to meat, as dairy breeds are not normally satisfactory for
cooling of CPU 's, GPU 's or short and long-term memory commercial beef production . Many dairy farms typically
however, as storage drive cooling is also possible . grow their own feed , typically including corn , alfalfa , and
While originally limited to mainframe computers , liquid hay using the manure as fertilizer for the above crops .
cooling has become a practice largely associated with over - 35 Specific species pre -processing for when the targeted
clocking in the form of either manufactured kits , or in the species is harvested for commercial purposes, they initially
form of do- it-yourself setups assembled from individually need some preprocessing to be readied safely for delivery to
gathered parts . The past few years have seen an increase in the next part of the product process chain in a fresh and
the popularity of liquid cooling in pre -assembled , moderate undeteriorated condition . Typicalhandling and processes are
to high performance , desktop computers . Additionally , a 40 transferring the targeted species from grow out areas to the
sealed or " closed -loop ” system will typically incorporating holding area in the processing area .
a small pre - filled radiator, fan , and water block simplify the Further processing and handling may commence such as
installation and maintenance of water cooling at a slight cost sorting and grading , skinner, bleeding , gutting and washing ,
in cooling effectiveness relative to larger and more complex cutting, chilling, storing the chilled processed species. The
setups . 45 number and order in which these operations that are under
Traditional water cooling versus the preferred method of taken differ with the various targeted species and the type of
the present invention consists a hybrid air and closed - loop processing needed for the finished product.
chilled liquid coolant cooling system . Typically , liquid cool- Targeted species preservation techniques are required to
ing is generally combined with air cooling , using liquid prevent product spoilage , reducing waste from product trim
cooling for the higher thermal energy components , such as 50 ming and lengthen shelf life . There are processes designed
CPUs, GPUs, short and long -term memory , storage drives, to inhibit the activity of spoilage bacteria and the metabolic
voltage regulator modules (VRMs), and even power sup- changes that result in the loss of product quality . Spoilage
plies can be water - cooled . This can be accomplished while bacteria are the specific bacteria that produce the unpleasant
retaining the simpler and cheaper air cooling for less odors and flavors associated with spoiled product. Targeted
demanding component and system cooling and for general 55 species will normally host a variety of bacteria that are not
datacenter thermal energy removal. spoilage type of bacteria , and most of the bacteria present on
More recently a growing number of companies are manu spoiled product played no basis in the spoilage . For, a
facturing water -cooling components compact enough to fit bacterium to initiate and flourish , it requires the right tem
inside a computer case and shaped to fit specific mother - perature , sufficient humidity and oxygen , and surroundings
boards, power units and various components . This , and the 60 that are pH balanced but not too acidic . Various preservation
general trend to use CPU 's , GPU ' s , drives memory and techniques work by interrupting one or more of these
other thermal intensive components of higher power dissi- requirements.
pation, has greatly increased the popularity and usefulness Control of temperature with the use of ice preserves
of water cooling, although only a very small select group of products during processing and extends shelf life by lower
computers users such as gamers and video editors , and 65 ing the temperature . As the temperature is decreased , the
special effects professionals use liquid coolant - cooled sys - metabolic activity in the product from microbial or autolytic
tems. processes can be reduced or eliminated . This is achieved by
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refrigeration where the temperature is dropped to about 0° ging, dehorning, loading , medical operations, vaccinations
C ., or freezing where the temperature is dropped below - 18° and hoof care , as well as training for agricultural shows and
C. preparations.
Poultry farms are devoted to raising chickens (egg layers Cattle for example once they obtain an targeted - level
or broilers ), turkeys, ducks , and other fowl, generally for 5 weight, those on a range or grow lots are then transferred to
meat or eggs. Eggs are typically produced on large egg a feedlot to be fed a specialized animal feed which consists
ranches on which environmental parameters are well con - of corn byproducts (derived from ethanol production ), bar
trolled . Chickens are exposed to artificial light cycles to ley, and other grains as well as alfalfa , cottonseed meal, and
stimulate egg production year-round . In addition , it is a premixes composed of micro - ingredients such as vitamins ,
common practice to induce molting through carefulmanipu- minerals, chemical preservatives , antibiotics, fermentation
lation of light and the amount of food they receive in order products , and other essential ingredients that are purchased
to further increase egg size and production . from premix companies , usually in sacked form , for blend
On average , a chicken lays one egg a day, but not on every ing into commercial rations. Because of the availability of
day of the year. This varies with the breed and time of year. 16 these products, a farmer who uses his own grain can
In 1900 , average egg production was 83 eggs per hen per formulate his own rations and be assured his animals are
year. In 2000 , it was well over 300 . In the United States, getting the recommended levels of minerals and vitamins .
laying hens are butchered after their second egg laying Aquaculture is the cultivation of the natural produce of
season . In Europe , they are generally butchered after a single water (fish , shellfish , algae and other aquatic organisms).
season . The laying period begins when the hen is about 20 The term is distinguished from fishing by the idea of active
18 -20 weeks old (depending on breed and season ). Males of human effort in maintaining or increasing the number of
the egg -type breeds have little commercial value at any age , organisms involved , as opposed to overfishing and overbur
and all those not used for breeding ( roughly fifty percent of den wild stocks and creating imbalance of the natural
all egg -type chickens) are killed soon after hatching . ecosystem . Subsets of aquaculture include Mariculture
Specific species pre - processing for when the targeted 25 ( aquaculture in the ocean ); Algaculture (the production of
species is harvested for commercial purposes , they initially kelp seaweed and other algae ); Fish farming (the raising of
need some preprocessing to be readied safely for delivery to catfish , tilapia and crawfish in freshwater and brackish
the next part of the product process chain in a fresh and ponds or salmon in marine ponds ); and the growing of
undeteriorated condition . Typical handling and processes are cultured pearls. Extensive aquaculture is based on local
transferring the targeted species from grow out areas to the 30 photosynthetic production while intensive aquaculture is
holding area in the processing area . based on fish fed with an external food supply .
Further processing and handling may commence such as Confinement and overcrowding of animals results in a
sorting and grading , skinner , bleeding , gutting and washing, lack of exercise and natural locomotory behavior, which
cutting, chilling, storing the chilled processed species . The weakens their bones and muscles . An intensive poultry farm
number and order in which these operations that are under - 35 provides the optimum conditions for viral mutation and
taken differ with the various targeted species and the type of transmission with thousands of birds crowded together in a
processing needed for the finished product. closed , warm , and dusty environment is highly conducive to
The land and buildings of a farm are called the " farm - the transmission of a contagious disease . Selecting genera
stead ” . Large animal enterprises where livestock are raised tions of birds for their faster growth rates and higher meat
on rangeland are typically called ranches. Where livestock 40 yields has left birds ' immune systems less able to cope with
are raised in confinement on feed produced elsewhere , the infections and there is a high degree of genetic uniformity in
term feedlot is usually used and generally where final grow the population , making the spread of disease more likely .
out and finishing is completed . Further intensification of the industry has been suggested by
Intensive animal farming or industrial livestock produc- some as the solution to avian flu , on the rationale that
tion , also called factory farming , is a modern form of 45 keeping birds indoors will prevent contamination . However,
intensive farming that refers to the industrialized production this relies on perfect, fail-safe biosecurity and such mea
of livestock , including cattle , poultry ( in “ Battery cages ” ) sures are near impossible to implement.
and fish in confinement at high stocking density commonly Movement between farms by people , materials, and
referred to as pens or tanks , a practice typical in industrial vehicles poses a threat and breaches in biosecurity are
farming by agribusinesses. The main products of this indus - 50 possible . Intensive farming may be creating highly virulent
try are meat, milk and eggs for human consumption . avian flu strains. With the frequent flow of goods within and
Confinement at high stocking density is one part of a between countries , the potential for disease spread is high .
systematic effort to produce the highest output at the lowest Confinement and overcrowding of animals ' environment
cost by relying on economics of scale , modern machinery, presents the risk of contamination of themeat from viruses
biotechnology , and global trade . Factory farms hold large 55 and bacteria . Feedlot animals reside in crowded conditions
numbers of animals, typically cows, pigs , turkeys , or chick - and often spend their time standing in their own waste .
ens, often indoors, typically at high densities. The aim of the The major concentration of the industry occurs at central
operation is to produce large quantities of meat , eggs, or slaughter and meat processing plants for this phase , with
milk at the lowest possible cost. Food is supplied in place, only seven companies slaughtering and processing with
and a wide variety of artificial methods are employed to 60 monopolistic percentages of cows, sheep , pigs and chickens .
maintain animal health and improve production , such as the This concentration at the slaughter phase is in large part due
use of antimicrobial agents , vitamin supplements, and to financial and regulatory barriers that make it nearly
growth hormones. Physical restraints are used to control impossible for small slaughter plants to be built, maintained
movement or actions regarded as undesirable. Breeding or stay in business . Factory farming is no more beneficial to
programs are used to produce animals more suited to the 65 livestock producers than traditional farming because it con
confined conditions and able to provide a consistent food tributes to the overproduction that drives down prices .
product.Many routine husbandry practices involve ear tag - Through “ forward contracts ” and “ marketing agreements,"
US 10 , 060,296 B2
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meatpackers are able to set the price of livestock long before and coordinating reflector with radiator. Also included is a
they are ready for production . high -temperature thermal fluid capture loop and a medium
Many of the nation' s livestock producers would like to temperature thermal fluid capture loop as well as crescent
market livestock directly to consumers but with limited shaped cross supports allowing for unimpeded independent
USDA inspected slaughter facilities livestock grown locally 5 rotational motion of the linear parabolic reflectors . In one or
cannot typically be slaughtered and processed locally . more embodiments one or more photovoltaic cells are
The fullest extent of the advantage the preferred method attached to one or more of the parabolic reflectors . Thermal
of present invention can be realized and monetized from its energy captured by the present embodiments are directed to
amalgamation of energy input, energy usage , waste energy sub -systems or to one or more thermal storage vessels that
recycling, reuse and finally capturing higher efficiencies 10 include one or more of the following : high -heat capacity ,
from optimized performance to reach near theoretical medium - heat capacity , low -heat capacity , working fluid and
achievable levels . Removing prior art deficiencies and inef- cold storage . The present embodiments also incorporate and
ficiencies from prior arts attempts at flawed implementation utilize a computerized control system that intelligently
to answer a need with a typically individualized answer or monitors , controls and re -allocates captured energies and
solution while fulfilling only a narrow segment of the need 15 sub -system conversion and utilization processes by utilizing
in question versus the preferred method of the present machine learning based on previous user input and/ or one or
invention fulfilling a solution to meet the needs and the more defined rules . The computerized control system of the
query while offering answers and solutions to questions and present embodiments may also include one ormore biomet
issues created from the sequence of fulfilling the initial need ric and/or thermal imaging sensor to determine necessary
or query . The preferred method of the present invention 20 re - allocations and utilization of the sub -system processes .
examines not only the initial needs and questions but Objectives of the present invention include, but are not
attempts to provide additional answers and solutions to limited to :
complex consequences created by fulfillment of the initial One object of the present invention is to greatly enhance
needs and queries as a complete and robust solution . the localized energy generation by utilizing localized renew
25 able energy generation and localized energy storage for on
SUMMARY demand availability thereby lowering expensive commercial
grid energy metered use .
The present embodiments relate to techniques formobile second object of the present invention is to provide a
and stationary, localized distributed energy generation , stor production facility that is based on symbiotic relationship
age, and utilization systems. Furthermore , the present 30 with optimized emulation of the natural energy generation to
embodiments relate to thermal solar systems for thermal use cycles.
energy generation and using the stored thermal and /or third object of the present invention is to provide a
chemical and electrical energy to subsequently generate device wherein multiple components may be associated and
electricity and thermal energy on demand for heating, cool- interconnected with applications to one another to enhance
ing and thermal energy intensive applications. Also , the 35 efficiency and power production capabilities . This is effec
present embodiments incorporate a Stirling engine designed tuated by combining element processes to reduce losses by
with additional efficiencies due to cylinder design , place - combining device element cycles and applications of mate
ment and thermal stratification with the addition of a cold rial usage , thermal and electrical energy electrical demands .
source loop . Additionally, the Stirling engine may include an A fourth object of the present invention is to reduce
additional thermal loop allowing waste heat from the 40 system component non -beneficial and redundant manufac
Stirling cycle to be utilized , thereby increasing efficiency, to turing and construction material requirements .
produce byproduct chemicals , feedstock , or various other fifth object of the present invention is to reduce system
substances . Furthermore , the chemicals produced by the components count and area use requirements and greatly
system may be utilized to further increase efficiencies of the increases the ratio of production generated in consideration
system , often in conjunction with the thermal energies form 45 to system component install costs further than previously
the system to power such things as absorption cooling possible , due to the improvement of hybrid integration and
systems, distillation systems, feedstock production systems, generation .
desalination systems, pyrolysis systems, ethanol production A six object is to enable high efficiency by enabling
systems, fermenters, graphene production systems, carbon thermal storage for heat and cold storage providing for on
fiber production systems, cast iron refinement systems, 50 demand availability versus prior art usage of inefficient
aluminum refinement systems, solid - oxide fuel cells, radiant usage by increased startup and shutdown energy require
heating loops, radiant cooling loops , compressors , electro - ments of generation on demand of individual component
lyzers, applications and processes.
The present embodiments include a Stirling engine uti- A seventh object is the inclusion of energy generation ,
lizing at least one driveshaft , generator, bearings , and a 55 storage , component and area cooling and / or heating require
compression side cylinder, power piston , regenerator, dis - ments into a single system solution ; recycle thermal energy
placer side cylinder, and piston . The Stirling engine of the from other processes waste heat to enhance efficiency and
present embodiments also includes an over -sized high -heat reduce system energy input requirements .
thermal loop interfacing with the displacer side cylinder and An eighth object is to recycle generated waste heat energy
an ice - water loop interfacing with the compression side 60 to use stored water supplies in closed loop coolant system to
cylinder. A further loop may be included to capture waste reduce subsystem requirements and maintenance .
heat not utilized by the Stirling engine of the present A ninth object is to recycle generated waste heat for
embodiments to be utilized elsewhere within the system to ground water and waste water reclamation and purification
increase the overall efficiency of the system . Also included while reducing input energy requirements .
in the present embodiments is a solar thermal collector 65 A tenth object is to recycle generated waste heat for
utilizing one or more parabolic reflectors, linear receivers potential use in desalination while reducing input energy
have a high -temperature and medium - temperature absorber requirements .
US 10 ,060,296 B2
47 48
An eleventh object is to recycle regenerated waste heat for FIG . 6a -4 is a close -up perspective view according to one
use in distillation while reducing input energy requirements . or more examples of an embodiment of a motor and gear for
A twelfth object is to recycle regenerated waste heat for the carriage apparatus in accordance with the present inven
use as replacement for thermal processing of water for tion .
heating water for usage and storage for on demand avail - 5 FIG . 66 - 1 is a schematic according to one or more
ability while reducing input energy requirements. examples of an embodiment of a solar -thermal collector in
A thirteenth object is to provide potable water from accordance with the present invention .
localized unprocessed water sources or contaminated public FIG . 66- 2 is a schematic according to one or more
water provisioning. examples of an embodiment of a solar photo voltaic appa
A fourteenth object is to store thermal energy to enable 10 ratus in accordance with the present invention .
scalable commercial mass energy storage. FIG . 60-1 is a schematic according to one or more
A fifteenth object is to use locally generated biomaterial examples of an embodiment of an overall view and details
as localized input for higher level product production . of the ultra -light , cable - truss -bridge structure of the collector
A sixteenth object is to use stored thermal energy for
conversion into localized thermal application use for on 15 15 in FIG
accordance with the present invention .
. 60 - 2 is a schematic according to one or more
demand availability and usage .
examples
A seventeenth object is to use stored chemical energy for the structureof an alternative embodiment of an overall view of
conversion to electrical and thermal energy. of a collector in accordance with the present
An eighteenth object is to reduce the carbon footprint for invention .
electrical and thermal generation . 20 FIG . 6d is a schematic according to one ormore examples
A nineteenth object is to reduce the carbon footprint for of an embodiment of an overall view of the solar thermal
localized energy consumption . collectors, reflector, and solar photovoltaic panel in accor
A twentieth object is to enable a localized renewable dance with the present invention .
energy ecosystem for generation , storage and regeneration . FIG . 6e is an illustration according to one or more
In addition , other objectives will be apparent from the 25 examples of an embodiment of the absorber field unit and
figures and description herein below . reflector panels as well as the carriage apparatus and further
illustrates the operation of the travel and rotate mechanism
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS of the tracking apparatus in accordance with the present
invention .
FIG . 1 is a flowchart according to one or more examples 30 FIG . 7 is a flowchart according to one or more examples
of an embodiment of electrical process in accordance with of an embodiment depicting the common connections of the
the present invention . Hydrogen Energy Renewable Operated Energy Station
FIG . 2 is a flowchart illustrating the outputs in accordance (“ HEROES ” ) in accordance with the present invention .
with the embodiment of FIG . 1 . FIG . 8 is a flowchart according to one or more examples
FIG . 3 is a schematic according to one or more examples 35 of an embodiment of a multi - effect refrigeration process in
of an embodiment of a stratified thermal storage vessel in accordance with an embodiment.
accordance with the present invention . FIG . 9 is a flowchart according to one or more examples
FIG . 4 is a flowchart according to one or more examples of an embodiment of the common installation connections of
of an embodiment of a thermal solar process in accordance a Renewable Energy Aluminum Plant (“ REAP ” ) and a
with the present invention . 40 Renewable Energy Steel Plant (“ RESP ” ) in accordance with
FIG . 5a is an overall schematic view according to one or the present invention .
more examples of an embodiment of a Stirling engine block FIG . 10 is a block diagram according to one or more
of cylinders in accordance with the present invention . examples of an embodiment of the improved smart grid ,
FIG . 5b is a schematic according to one ormore examples ULTRAGRIDTM , layers in accordance with the present
of an embodiment of a section end view of a single set of 45 invention .
Stirling engine cylinders with dual pistons in accordance FIG . 11 is a flowchart according to one or more examples
with the present invention. of an embodiment of the thermal system according with the
FIG . 5c is a schematic according to one or more examples present invention .
of an embodiment of a section end view of a single set of FIG . 12 is a block diagram of the ULTRAGRIDTM layers
Stirling engine cylinders in accordance with the present 50 utilized with the fuel cell (“ FESTE ” ) system in accordance
invention . with one or more embodiments of the present invention .
FIG .5d is a schematic according to one or more examples FIG . 13 is a flowchart illustrating the Base Renewable
of an embodiment of a cross- sectional view of a Stirling Generation System Process in accordance with one or more
engine with dual pistons in accordance with the present embodiments of the present invention .
invention . 55 FIG . 14 is a flowchart illustrating the Thermal Solar
FIG . 5e is a schematic according to one or more examples Stirling Engine Process System in accordance with one or
of an embodiment of a cross - sectional view of a Stirling more embodiments of the present invention .
engine piston in accordance with the present invention . FIG . 15 is a flowchart illustrating the Aquaponics Process
FIG . 6a - 1 is a schematic according to one or more System in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the
examples of an embodiment of an absorber field unit 60 present invention .
(“ AFU ” ) in accordance with the present invention . FIG . 16 is a flowchart illustrating the Thermal Solar /
FIG . 6a - 2 is a top elevation view according to one or more Steam Turbine Process System in accordance with one or
examples of an embodiment of an AFU with reflector panels more embodiments of the present invention .
in accordance with the present invention . FIG . 17 is a flowchart illustrating the Thermal Multi
FIG . 6a- 3 is a schematic according to one or more 65 Cycle Steam Turbine/ Stirling Energy Process System in
examples of an embodiment of a carriage apparatus and accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
motor in accordance with the present invention . invention .
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49 50
FIG . 18 is a block diagram in accordance with one or FIG . 39 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the
more examples of an embodiment of the data center system ULTRAGRIDTM _ RECIP Process in accordance with one
of the present invention . or more embodiments of the present invention .
FIG . 19 is a block diagram of a cement plant system FIG . 40 is a flowchart illustrating the Base Renewable
according to one or more embodiments of the present 5 System for Liquid and Gas Production with Feedstock
invention . Extraction Process in accordance with one or more embodi
FIG . 20 is a flowchart illustrating the Base Renewable ments of the present invention .
Generation System for Electrical, Thermal Energy Genera FIG . 41 is a flowchart illustrating the Renewable Energy
tion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the Chemical Production System Process in accordance with
present invention 10
FIG . 21 is a block diagram of a cast iron plant system oneFIGor .more 42 is
embodiments of the present invention .
a block diagram illustrating the desalination
according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention . and byproducts processing system in accordance with one or
FIG . 22 is a block diagram of a plastic/ bio -plastics plant more embodiments of the present invention .
FIG . 43 is a block diagram of the brick and block plant
system according to one ormore embodiments ofthe present 15 system
invention . according to one or more embodiments of the present
FIG . 23 is a block diagram of a carbon fiber plant system invention .
according to one or more embodiments of the present FIG . 44 is a block diagram of the aluminum plant system
FIG . 24 is a block diagram of a pyrolysis plant system 20 invention .
according to one or more embodiments of the present FIG . 45 is a block diagram of the steel plant system
contien
FIG . 25 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the invention .
ULTRAGRIDTM _ Aquaponics Process in accordance with FIG . 46 is a block diagram of the renewable energy
one or more embodiments of the present invention . 25 ethanol - enhanced DDGS plant system according to one or
FIG . 26 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the more embodiments of the present invention .
ULTRAGRIDTM _ Pig /Cattle Farming Process in accor FIG . 47 is a flowchart illustrating the Combustion
dance with one or more embodiments of the present inven Energy — Thermal Stirling Engine (“ CEREAL ” ) Process in
tion . accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
FIG . 27 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the 30 invention .
ULTRAGRIDTM _ Dairy Process in accordance with one or FIG . 48 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the
more embodiments of the present invention . ULTRAGRIDTM _ CEREAL Process in accordance with
FIG . 28 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the one or more embodiments of the present invention .
ULTRAGRIDTM _ Data Center Process in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention . 35 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG . 29 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the
ULTRAGRIDTM _ TDNS Process in accordance with one or The following included description of the present inven
more embodiments of the present invention . tion has a primary core generation element that is comprised
FIG . 30 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the of the solar thermal component 106 . Potential additional
ULTRAGRIDTM _ RESP Process in accordance with one or 40 integration includes hybrid wind and /or photovoltaic solar
more
m embodiments of the present invention . power energy 107 generating devices. For example, the
FIG . 31 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the preferred embodiment of the solar thermal component 106
ULTRAGRIDTM _ REAP Ammonia Process in accordance of the present invention integrates a photovoltaic solar panel
with one or more embodiments of the present invention . 107 on top of the uppermost reflector 130 . Supplemental
FIG . 32 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the 45 thermal energy will be achieved from digester provided bios
ULTRAGRIDTM _ REPO Process in accordance with one or gas burner thermal generation . These devices form the key
more embodiments of the present invention . quintessential embodiment, integral for establishment of the
FIG . 33 is a flowchart illustrating the Thermal Engine distributed energy generation source to effectuate the other
Radio Isotope Thermal Generator (“ RTG ” ) System Process elements of the system . This provides energy generation
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present 50 source provisioning for electrical, chemical and grid con
invention . nection , bidirectional networked data communication and
FIG . 34 is a schematic illustrating the RESEERVS Pro - control for interconnection and interoperability.
cess with a dual energy crossover recovery system and air The following included description makes references to
control system in accordance with one ormore embodiments the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illus
of the present invention . 55 tration of the preferred embodiment. However, such
FIG . 35 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the embodiment does not represent the full scope of the inven
ULTRAGRIDTM _ RESEERVS Process in accordance with tion . The subject matter which the inventor does regard his
one or more embodiments of the present invention . invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed
FIG . 36 is a flowchart illustrating the Fuel Cell Energy — in the claims of this specification .
Stirling Thermal Engine (“ FESTE " ) Process in accordance 60 The present invention forms a system defined by a set of
with one or more embodiments of the present invention . integrated processes for the production and storage of elec
FIG . 37 is a flowchart illustrating the RTG FESTE Pro - trical, chemical and thermal energy . Production and process
cess in accordance with one or more embodiments of the ing of thermal energy is typically for the purpose of thermal
present invention . energy vessel storage and geothermal storage 100 for later
FIG . 38 is a block diagram illustrating the layers of the 65 use . Other objects , features, and advantages of the present
ULTRAGRIDTM _ Pyrolysis Process in accordance with one invention will be readily appreciated from the following
or more embodiments of the present invention . descriptions and listed improvements .
US 10 , 060 ,296 B2
51 52
The description in the above sections and the following is and can used as a distributed energy source for grid power
presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and provisioning close to customers , eliminate transportation
use the embodiments , and is provided in the context of a costs , enhance power quality from its controlled environ
particular application and its requirements. Various modifi- ment, recycles energy wastes , and helps conserve energy
cations to the disclosed embodiments will be readily appar- 5 resources.
ent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles As depicted in FIG . 10 , the present invention relates to a
defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and system and method of sustainable amalgamation of indus
applications without departing from the spirit and scope of tries that vertically integrates highly unique ULTRA
the present disclosure . Thus, the present invention is not GRIDTM 194 connected and controlled system design with
limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the 10 green energy sources and energy storage 110 . This invention
widest scope consistent with the principles and features has particular application to inclusion of additional indus
disclosed herein . tries and its associated processes and applications to form
It is a principal object and advantage of the present symbiotic systems using the previous description and out
invention to maximize renewable energy as opposed to grid lines listed above that are for illustrative purposes the
connected fossil and nuclear fuel sources for energy gen - 15 invention described previously above and described herein
eration systems. Renewable energy is a term of art used to after with reference to this application . This is achieved by
describe power derived from environmentally friendly inclusion of an artificial intelligence and machine learning
sources of energy including renewable (or regenerative ), control system with active interfacing of adaptive biomet
non - polluting energy sources. (No source can be completely rics, thermal imaging sensory and additional sensors for
non -polluting, since any energy source requires an input of 20 detection product contaminations, product quality assurance
energy which creates some pollution .) Specific types of tracking of all methods, applications and product, can be
renewable energy include wind power, solar power, hydro - quickly and easily be identified and analyzed to provide
power, geothermal power, and biomass /biofuel power. additional information for the control system . However, it
As depicted in FIG . 1 , it is another object and advantage will be appreciated that this invention may find use in
of the present invention to use renewable energy sources 112 25 alternate applications, such as breeding crustaceans or other
instead of non -renewable energy sources in a Quintuple - aquatic species and /or growth of any other suitable plant.
generation system set- up to create the electrical energy, Production of thermal energy is based on the premise that
heating and cooling to operate an integrated system , which fluctuation of generational inputs is acceptable due to inher
can greatly reduce the costs in operating and maintaining entdesign adaptations that maximize production during high
such a system while using recycling to recover thermal 30 energy generation availability and can scale downward or
energy from heat exchangers and coils for communication of enter standby mode to match input limitations from lower
energy to an energy storage facility. Quintuple - generation generational capacity periods. However, generational output
CCFRHP ( also known as combined cooling, freezing , rota of the renewable energy technologies may fluctuate from
tional energy , heat and power ) refers to the combined inherent variations in environmental changes and effectual
production and utilization of electricity and heat energy , 35 actions. Furthermore , such fluctuations may prevent the
where the heat energy and cold energy are used as a renewable energy generation technologies from balancing
combined energy source for Stirling engine 116 generation energy generation with energy demand (e .g ., grid electrical
of rotational energy as a common energy source for all demands , thermal applications and components ). As a result,
rotational energy intensive application and processes. the systems may incur costs associated with operating and /or
This "waste heat” is typically created as a byproduct 40 shutting down electric generators powered by other formsof
during an industrial process. Instead of releasing this heat energy (e .g ., hydrogen , ammonia , thermal, coal, natural gas,
into the surrounding environment ( and essentially treating hydroelectric power 102 , nuclear power ) in response to
this heat energy as waste heat ), a quintuple -generation changes in electric demand and / or fluctuations in the supply
system will harness this heat energy for further thermal of renewable generated power. To reduce such costs and /or
storage input and future uses . Such uses would include 45 increase the reliability of renewable power, the system of
absorption cooling 121 for refrigeration 172 and cold stor - FIG . 1 may store energy from the renewable energy gen
age 124 . Quintuple - generation systems allow for the use of eration and subsequently generate energy in the form of
a higher percentage of energy obtained from an energy electrical and thermal, hydrogen and ammonia from the
source . This translates into energy conservation , and thus stored energy based on electric demand . First, the energy
savings to the user of the trigeneration system , since less of 50 may be stored in a chemical storage system 183 such as
the energy needs to be used to obtain the same amount of hydrogen , ammonia and other stored gases (e.g . Argon ,
useful energy from the energy source ( as compared to a Helium , Neon , etc . ) .
system that does not harness the waste heat ). Second , the energy may be stored as heat in a high -heat
The efficiency of a trigeneration system increases when capacity thermal storage system 125 (e.g . molten salt, etc .).
the heating or cooling that is obtained from an energy source 55 Low -heat- capacity working fluid may additionally be placed
is utilized close to where the heating or cooling is created into an insulated storage vessel to retain the heat in short
and harnessed . Further, the heat energy can be in the form of term stored low -heat - capacity fluid and/or to use external
hot water or steam when not used for space heating , for thermal input to maintain usable low -heat- capacity fluid
example . It is a further object and advantage of the present capability. To generate electricity from the stored energy, a
invention to exploit such renewable energy in a Quintuple - 60 chemical-transfer mechanism , energy generation may selec
generation facility, where the renewable energy could be tively transfer chemical from storage to provide on demand
utilized to its fullest potential thereby using less energy and energy generation .
passing off the savings to the user of such a facility . Additionally heat -transfer mechanism , energy generation
It is another object and advantage of the present invention may selectively transfer heat from thermal storage to pro
to provide an ULTRAGRIDTM 194 connected and operated 65 vide on demand energy generation . Heat energy without
system that is grid independent and can operate almost conversion can be used to initiate Stirling engine thermal
anywhere (e .g., an open lot in a city or a field in the country ), energy input 116 . Once heat is transferred , heat may also
US 10 ,060 ,296 B2
53 54
boil a working fluid (e.g ., due to the low boiling point of To generate electricity from the stored energy , the chemi
working fluid ), generating and steam and/or vapor that is cal and / or heat from the associated storage of low -heat
used to rotate rotor blades of a turbine. Turbine and /or capacity fluid may be selectively transferred from the low
Stirling engine 116 usable work energy may then be used to heat- capacity fluid to the working fluid . For example , a
drive an electric generator that supplies electricity to a load , 5 thermally insulating component may be disposed between
or other uses for example such as providing rotational and/or the low -heat-capacity fluid and the working fluid to retain
linear energy for a pump or compressor and/ or thermal the heat in the low -heat-capacity fluid . During periods of
energy to a thermal intensive application . low solar and /or low wind and /or high electrical demand , the
Such on -demand generation of energy from stored renewth 10 transfer theinsulating
thermally component may be repositioned to
able energy may additionally reduce costs associated with working fluid through athethermally
heat from low -heat-capacity fluid to the
the operation of other power stations to offset fluctuations in such as a metal surface , a manifold , a conductive
conductive
component
rod , and /or
energy generation from renewable energy. Along the same a radiator.
lines , the use of mechanical elements ( e .g ., rotation -trans Finally, the transferred heat in the working fluid is used to
mission mechanism and/or linear transmission mechanism um 15 generate electricity .More specifically, the working fluid may
and /or specifically could be rotor blades and /or gas and /or be associated with a low boiling point, such that the transfer
working fluid activated pistons), low -heat -capacity fluid and ofheat from the low -heat-capacity fluid to the working fluid
friction to store the energy may provide cost savings over quickly boils the working fluid . Vapor and /or Steam from the
conventional energy storage mechanisms such as batteries boiled working fluid may then be used to rotate a turbine ' s
and / or pumped -storage hydroelectricity 102 . In other words, 20 rotor blades, and the turbine may be used to drive a
the system of FIG . 4 may facilitate the effective , economical, rotational device for usable work .
and /or reliable generation of electricity and other thermal The preferred embodiment for the hybrid energy genera
intensive applications with renewable energy . tion system consists of two core elements , one element
FIG . 4 shows heat -transfer mechanism in accordance with consists of the thermal solar energy collection modules with
an embodiment. As mentioned above , heat -transfer mecha - 25 an associated centrally located absorber for thermal collec
nism may enable the selective transfer of heat from low - tion and the other element is the thermal energy storage
heat- capacity fluid to working fluid . Heat- transfer mecha - system for quintessential heat and cold based storage .
nism and /or device may include a thermally conductive The preferred embodiment for the central thermal solar
component such as a thermally insulated pipe and a ther - system is modular design construction , consisting of rows of
mally insulating component. Thermally conductive compo - 30 rectangular panels with parabolic shape and a central axis on
nent may include a metal surface , manifold , conductive rod , each row , giving them the ability to track the sun and focus
radiator , and /or other structure that facilitates heat transfer reflected light onto the closest absorber.
mechanism . Conversely , thermally insulating component The preferred embodiment for the horizontally mounted
may include a vacuum -insulated panel and/ or other ther - thermal solar absorber consists of a pipe like structure to be
mally insulating material or structure. 35 mounted parallel above the horizontally mounted solar panel
To retain heat in low -heat - capacity fluid , thermally insu - segments 136 and absorb the focused solar energy from the
lating component may be positioned between low -heat- panels below . The absorber will itself also has a rectangular
capacity fluid and working fluid , as shown in FIG . 4 . (Note panel with parabolic shape mounted above the absorber to
that the positions of components and may be interchanged .) cause reflected solar energy from the below panels that
Because low -heat -capacity fluid is also enclosed in an 40 extends past the absorber to be reflected upon the top of the
insulated vessel ( e .g ., thermal insulated storage vessel 196 absorber to cause efficiency enhancement with a nearly
of FIG . 3 ), energy may be effectively stored in low -heat- 360 - degree solar contact upon the absorber surface .
capacity fluid as long as thermally insulating component Referring again to the drawings, FIGS . 6a - 1 and 6a - 2
prevents low -heat- capacity fluid from thermally contacting shows a schematic view of a Thermal Solar Field Unit 1000
thermally conducting component and/ or working fluid . 45 (“ TSFU ” ), comprised of multiple rows of reflectors 130 ,
To transfer heat from low -heat- capacity fluid to working between two adjacent AFU dual collectors 164 elevated by
fluid , thermally insulating component may be redirected to a suspension cable bridge 132 (FIGS. 6c -1 and 6C -2 ). FIGS.
enable thermal contact between low -heat - capacity fluid and 66 - 1 and 6b - 2 shows a schematic of ground base supports
working fluid through thermally conducting component. 134 with a mounting bracket and the reflector 130 (FIG .
Once thermal contact is made between low -heat- capacity 50 6b - 1 ) and / or photovoltaic panel 154 (FIG . 6b - 2 ).
fluid and thermally conducting component, heat may be A multitude of AFUs aligned parallel with the reflector
transferred from low -heat-capacity fluid to working fluid . panel 136 rows and connected to respective high tempera
FIG . 2 shows a flowchart illustrating the process of ture and medium temperature loops comprises one Energy
generating rotational and /or linear energy to provide usable Generation Module (“ EGM ” ) . A multitude of EGMs com
work torque , for example to activate a pump or generator 55 prises the Solar Thermal Array Conversion System
114 in accordance with an embodiment . In one or more (“ STACS” ) Field . Based on optimization strategies , the
embodiments, one or more of the steps may be omitted , reflectors 130 may target either of the two dual collectors
repeated , and /or performed in a different order. Accordingly, 164 on the edges of the TSFU . Pending on which side of the
the specific arrangement of steps shown in FIG . 2 should not targeted dual collector 164 the reflector panel 136 is located
be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments . 60 in relationship to the sun ' s position , there are Passive solar
Next, an insulated pressure vessel may be used to retain heat 129 and Contra 128 arranged solar reflectors 130 . The
in the low - heat- capacity fluid . The rotating blades and Passive solar reflectors 129 are on the same side of the dual
insulated vessel may thus facilitate the storing of energy collector 164 as the sun. The Contra arranged solar reflectors
from the renewable energy in the low -heat- capacity fluid . 128 are on the opposite side of the collector 164 in rela
The stored energy may then be used to generate electricity 65 tionship to the sun . Similarly, the collector 164 that is on the
and thermal energy based on energy demand associated with " sun ' s side” of the TSFU may be referred to as Passive solar
energy requirements . dual collector 164 . The dual collector 164 that is on the
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opposite side of the sun may be referred as Contra arranged FIG . 6c -1 is an overall side view of the ultra -light,
solar collector . Contra solar reflectors 128 target Passive pre -stressed cable supported , truss-bridge structure of the
solar dual collectors 164 and vice -versa . dual collector 164 . The tension - cable structure 156 provides
FIG . 6e illustrates one embodiment of the rotating solar support with a suspension cable bridge 132 given the
reflector panel 136 assembly . It illustrates the junction of 5 required rigidity of the large -span bridge . The suspension
two adjacent reflector panels 136 in a row of connected cable truss bridge 132 structure will provide bottom support
reflector panel structures . The reflective panel surface is a for the flexible suspended cable supports . FIG . 6C- 2 provides
parabolic slightly curved mirror adhered to a supportive direct attachment of the dual collector 164 to the truss
platform . The supportive platform consists of a truss- bridge bridge structure as an alternative embodiment of the present
type support structure 138 comprised of longitudinal beam 10 invention .
140, cross beams 142, trusses 144 and crescent - like end - The solar absorber is comprised of a single and /or a
pieces 146 . This circular -arch - shaped crescent provides the multitude of pressurized working fluid tubes , high tempera
rotational freedom to the reflector 130 around the center of ture absorber tubes 160 and medium temperature absorber
its symmetry . As provided in FIG . 6a - 1 and in further detail tubes 162 ; freely laid over and supported on suspended
in FIG . 6a- 3, the rotational axis 147 is co -aligned with the 15 guy -wire cables . The supporting portion of the cable is
center of gravity of the reflector panel 136 structure to covered with rolling beads of cylindrical or oval shape
provide smooth , balanced rotation for the tracking mecha - forming a rolling "beaded necklace ” type support for the
nism . The crescent is formed from the support structure 138 tube. In the center of the absorber , a rolling pin supports the
(FIG . 6a - 1 ) . It is also contemplated that the longitudinal tubes such that thermal expansion is not prevented by
beams 140 can be utilized as rail guides for an automatic or 20 friction or other force of resistance on the side , bottom or
semi- automatic cleaning system for the reflector panels 136 . any other area .
In such an embodiment a cleaner is contemplated that can be A lightweight yet durable sheet material with a high
transferred between longitudinal beams 140 without human emissivity surface is used for the secondary reflector 130 .
intervention by the ULTRAGRID 194 artificial intelligence The parabolic reflector profile is uniquely shaped to provide
system or by being manually moved from a set of beams 140 25 optimum ratio of aperture -to - absorber width , as well as to
to the next. It is contemplated that the cleaning system capture and to entrap most, if not themajority of all reflected
would include arms with one or more wheels or rollers to energy . The function and benefits of the choice for the
connect and automatically move along the longitudinal absorber and its coating are : emissivity ; reduction of mass
beams 140 on either side of the reflector panels 136 . The flow friction of working fluids , convective heat losses of the
arms elevate and support a cleaning machine with one or 30 collector ; resistance to high temperatures; low cost; and
more brushes and cloth tufts or similar cleaning elements to simple maintenance . The flow distribution and control of the
polish and wipe debris from the reflector panels 136 as the thermodynamic properties of the fluid throughout the
armsmove down the length of the longitudinal beams 140 . absorber grids of the EGM is of a key importance for high
The two -adjacent reflector panel 136 structures are con - thermal efficiency of the solar 106 energy generation .
nected via flex - fit sleeves 153 . The reflector panel 136 35 The preferred method of positioning and orienting the
structure attached to one end of the reflector panel 136 reflector 130 and/ or photovoltaic panels 154 and the field of
structure freely slide into a sleeve 153 attached to the other travel of reflected energy of the collection area is continually
end of the adjacent reflector panel 136 . The flex - fit drive maximized and optimized for highest efficiency. Thermal
sleeve connection transfers rotational torque from one panel panels are rotated with a fixation of reflected energy upon an
136 structure to another panel 136 structure and allows for 40 elevated linear receiver comprising primarily of a dual
longitudinal thermal expansion . The driving sleeve 153 is absorber 164 and associated reflector 130 and / or radiator
one component and embodiment of positioning and orient- having a high temperature and medium temperature thermal
ing system of the reflector panel 136 row . The drivetrain of fluid flow loop capture . Crescent like cross supports 142 at
the tracking system is mounted on the support structure 138 . intervals along the support rails offer stable reflector panel
A single function electrical step -motor 148 is the drive of the 45 support and wind stabilization while allowing reflector panel
train . It provides rotational drive. As shown in FIGS . 6a - 3 rotation to occur unimpeded and providing for clearance of
and 6a - 4 . The rotational tracking movement of the reflector potential seasonal snow and ice buildup . The parabolic
panel 136 is executed via a gear 150 or sprocket driven optimal aperture curvature of the reflector panels 136 are
system with a roller chain 152 secured to the circumference fixed for each row of the field allowing for optimized mass
of the panel gear 150 ( FIG . 6a - 3 ) and a corresponding gear 50 production and ease of shipping, handling, installation and
151 attached to the step -motor 148 (FIG . 6a - 4 ) . cleaning .
FIGS. 6b - 1 and 6b -2 further illustrates an end carriage A lightweight, medium temperature collector- absorber
assembly providing support and drive for a connected reflec - 162 structure is mounted via physical connection to the
tor 130 . A middle carriage assembly provides support and upper reflector 130; a cable -suspension -bridge 132 supports
drive for two connected reflectors 128 , 129 . Guiding for the 55 the absorber; a guyed cable hanger supports the centrally
carriage on the rail is provided by a bearing 149 with a base mounted high temperature collector-absorber 160 . Guyed
support for thermal panel 130 ( FIG . 66 - 1 ) or photovoltaic cable array cross supports connected to each medium tem
panel 154 ( FIG . 6b - 2 ). The side rails provides the stability perature absorber 162 connected via the outside connection
and the supporting crescent shaped cross supports 146 for points contributes to additional support and stabilization
security of the reflector structure in case of strong winds. 60 while reducing impacts to horizontal reflector energy col
Part of this wind protection system is the drive sleeve 153 lection mass area . This design allows for a modular
that connects reflector panels 136 securing them to the approach to layout design for highly flexible system scaling.
carriage through the bearing mount in case of lift from wind Alternately a truss support system can be mounted from the
flows. Additionally , it is contemplated that the above ground to support the AFU . This type of solar thermal
described assembly can be further enhanced by utilizing a 65 collectors 126 shall herein be referred to as Compact Linear
photovoltaic panel 154 mounted above the top -most thermal Parabolic Reflectors (" CLPR ” ) and are used for their sim
solar reflector 128 , 129 . plicity and cost effectiveness . They are fields of parabolic or
US 10 , 060 ,296 B2
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quasi -parabolic reflector 130 “ strips” (long and narrow 136 rows have a new , dual absorber 164 and an absorber
panels ) arranged in parallel rows and oriented to a common mounted reflector panel 136 for reducing overspread of
dual collector 164 and/ or absorber with common reflectors reflected concentrated light on a single absorber while
130 located at a certain height above the reflector field . allowing the second medium temperature absorber 162 to
Reflector 130 panels can be directly exchanged for Photo - 5 enhance direct thermal reflection energy collection and from
voltaic panels 154 of similar size to provide localized radiated thermal energy from the primary high temperature
electrical generation for localized energy needs. absorber 160 . The present application thus describes an
The dual collector 164 and /or absorber is a pipe- like , long additionally seamless method of integrating photovoltaic
and narrow structure , aligned in parallel with the rows of cells by interchanging, as a direct replacement for parabolic
reflectors 130 designed to collect the energy from the 10 reflector panels 130 , to provide local electrical generation
reflector field . Dual collectors 164 and/ or absorbers collect supply and /or energy to charge batteries for activating
the reflected energy from multiple reflector 130 rows on tracking motors 148 , flow valves , other electrical -powered
each of its sides. For discussion purposes the basic unit of sensor components and / or control systems. This option
the field is defined as two adjacent dual collectors 164 with would eliminate the need for remote power for system
the attached third top reflector 130 and the bottom reflectors 15 functions .
130 below them . In theory any bottom reflector 130 can The present application thus describes an additional
serve any of the four collectors 164 . Multitudes of these method of integrating remote electrical components with a
absorber field units (" AFU ” ) — lined up in parallel with the localized energy generation source , battery backup and
reflector rows make up the solar collector field area , rep - wireless interface and control. The present application thus
resenting its cyclic linear layout symmetry . 20 describes an additional method of integrating remote elec
The known reflectors have a single axis or degree of trical components with a localized energy generation source ,
freedom that is a pivotal, rotational motion along their battery backup and wired interface and control with the need
longitudinal axis. A tracking system rotates the reflectors for only wired control signal connections, which reduces or
and follows the sun ' s apparentmovement. The orientation of eliminates the need for installation and maintenance of
the mirrors is such that the reflected incident sunlight 25 electrical lines for remote power .
" redirects” to one of the high heat collector and/or absorber Prior art also allowed losses from the remainder of the
160 of a dual collector 164 at the edges of the absorber field energy not directly hitting the collector and/ or absorber to be
unit ( AFU ), thereby each reflector panel row is " fixated ” to radiated into the atmosphere . Additionally, prior art suffered
a dual collector 164. Some of the known prior art technolo - losses from the reduced temperature distribution on the top
gies havemechanical linkages connecting the rows of reflec - 30 20 - 35 % of the absorber having less energy from no concen
tors into a single tracking array . trated reflection for absorption .
The present invention 's approach ensures that the rotation An additional benefit of the absorber -mounted reflector
angle of each row in the array is focused for optimal panel 136 is to cause overspread sunrays from the reflector
emissivity of energy reflection and that all mirrors in the field below to be redirected and reflect upon the top surface
linear row are focused to the same dual collector 164 . Some 35 of the primary high temperature absorber 160 . Creating a
prior art technologies prefer a North - South alignment of the normalized thermal distribution over the entire surface area
rows, while other prior art prefer East -West alignment of the when compared to prior art, which effectuated only 70 % of
field . To describe the location as well as the orientation of the bottom section and up part of the sides of an absorber
the reflector rows in reference to the collectors , the follow - surface with thermal energy from the below reflector panel
ing terminology is used : Contra arranged solar 128 rows are 40 field .
the rows that are on the opposite side of the tracked collector The rotating rows of the present invention have the ability
relative to the sun (on the polar side of the collector in the to adjust and optimize their position between two dual
East -West aligned field or West -Side reflectors during the collectors 164 and the top reflector 130 unit such that the
morning in the North -South aligned field ). The Contra reflected sunlight from the field as a whole is maximized
arranged solar reflectors 128 have a larger " common ” sur- 45 throughout the day and throughout the year. The present
face area exposed to the sun 's rays . Therefore , they have application further describes the carriage rail apparatus of
higher optimum reflection potential. Passive solar rows 129 the expanded travel reflector panels . This device provides
are the rows on the same side as the sun relative to the the linear and rotational mobility of the reflector panel
tracked collector (equatorial side of the East-West aligned structure as well as the tracking and positioning required for
field or the East- side reflectors during the morning hours and 50 maximizing the reflected energy of the AFU . The present
the West reflectors during afternoons for the North - South application further describes the ultra - light, high - efficiency
aligned field ). The Passive solar 129 rows have typically less collector -absorber structure . The assembly has a simple
exposed normal surface, thus they are less than optimal. common replication for mass manufacturing, advantageous
As illustrated in FIG . 6d , the purpose of the collectors 164 for construction and field erection .
is to maximize the absorbed solar 106 radiation by capturing 55 The features of the collector are: wide aperture , optimized
the maximum energy from the reflector panels 136 and by curvature of the secondary reflector surface , suspension
minimizing the radiation and convection losses of the dual cable bridge absorber supports , rolling -bead cable suspen
collector system . Thermal transfer mediums and working sion of absorber and pre -stressed cable -bridge support struc
fluids such as molten salt, oil, water, water/ glycol mixture ture . The present application further describes the crescent
and/ or other liquid mediums is circulated through the high 60 like cross support 142 rail of the reflector 130 . The gravi
temperature 160 and medium temperature 162 absorber as tational center line of the reflector panel 136 structure is in
the heat transfer (or working ) fluid . The absorber surfaces of the rotational center 147 of the panel rail. The parabolic
the collectors are in effect, absorber surfaces, since the curvature of the reflector 130 is a normalized standard for
collected solar 106 heat is directly used for high temperature each row of the AFU . The present application further
and low temperature thermal energy use and storage 110 . 65 describes the flow distribution and control method of the
The present application thus describes an expanded travel, high temperature and medium temperature generation sys
ultra -compact reflector panel field , where the reflector panel tems. Each absorber of a collector comprises a single tube.
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The field comprises a multitude of absorber grids. Optimal Referring to FIG . 8 a schematic of the quad absorption
control of the thermodynamic conditions (pressure , tempera - refrigeration system is shown . In a quad effect absorption
ture , velocity and phase ) throughout the entire thermal grid refrigeration system , solution flows from an absorber to the
is provided for by a localized monitor, analysis and control first 228 , second 230 , third 232 and fourth 234 generators
system with interconnectivity and ULTRAGRIDTM 1945 connected in parallel. Solution exiting the first generator 228
compatibility . returns to the multi - absorber system . Solution exiting the
The disclosed embodiments provide a method and system second generator 230 flows to a third generator 232 which
for generating thermal energy in the form of thermal heat flows second
to the fourth generator 234 connected in series with the
generator 230 . Refrigerant vapor from each genera
energy or communicated to a chiller and / or cooling process 10 tor is condensed in a respective condenser 236 . The fourth
169 for cold based thermal storage . A solar power from solar condenser 242 exchanges
collection system , wind power may be collected by a wind tor 232 , the third condenserthermal 240
energy with third genera
exchanges thermal energy
turbine , geothermal power may be collected from a geother
mal power plant 100 , hydroelectric power may be collected with the second generator 230 and the second condenser 238
exchanges energy with the first generator 228 .
from a hydroelectric power generation source 102 or grid 15 The preferred invention cooling system 125 includes an
connected to collect power from available grid energy improved multi- effect, multi-stage absorption refrigeration
sources. system , more particularly to obtain increased efficiency
The preferred embodiment for the Thermal Energy Stor- refrigeration effect stages relative to the quantity, quality,
age (TES ) system consists primarily of a high temperature pressure and temperature of the available thermal energy
storage vessel 118 , medium temperature storage vessel 120 20 input. This is effectuated through strict observation to a tight
and a low temperature storage vessel 122 . Additional range of thermal energy input temperature bands as each
improvement is the addition of a forth thermal storage vessel band affects steps and stages with relationships directly
consisting primarily for hot water storage that doubles as a coupled to a particular stage and level of cooling . This can
waste energy thermal storage . The preferred embodiment be examined and compared with a typical, yet generic , one
uses high temperature stored thermal energy as energy input 25 size fits all common approach of prior art . Prior art using
for an ammonia - based cooling process 166 to initiate and inefficient non -optimized effect stages with generally unbal
provide temperature support energy for low temperature anced and excessive thermal, liquid and gas loading on an
storage vessel energy input 122 . individual or on a multiple component basis type of design
The preferred embodiment uses high temperature stored for conventional chiller or refrigeration systems.
thermal energy as energy input for a heating process to 30 Themulti -effect, multi- stage absorption refrigeration sys
initiate and provide temperature support energy for space tem may comprise a multi-stage regenerator -condenser sys
heater, room , area or building heating system . tem and multi-stage evaporator- absorber system provided
The preferred embodiment uses low temperature stored with a pressure elevating devices and pressure controls there
thermal energy as energy input for an active cooling process between . The preferred embodiment of the current invention
168 to initiate and provide temperature support energy for 35 utilizes a cooling system 125 consisting of quad effects
central air conditioning and cooling 173 . The preferred and / or with potentially additional effects stages based on
embodiment uses low temperature stored thermal energy as available thermal energy temperature. Refrigeration systems
energy input for an active cooling process 168 to initiate and of this type consist and primarily employ : a plurality of heat
provide temperature support energy for refrigeration appli exchangers, a plurality of generators 228 , 230 , 232 , 234 , a
ances, walk - in refrigerators , wine storage areas, box and 40 plurality of condensing units 236 , 238 , 240, 242 , a plurality
water cooling. The preferred embodimentuses low tempera - of evaporators 244 to which refrigerant is metered by a
ture stored thermal energy as energy input for an active plurality of variable orifice expansion valves and a plurality
cooling process 168 to initiate and provide temperature of absorbing units .
support energy for freezer appliances , walk - in freezers, box A multi -effect absorption refrigeration system is provided
freezers 174. 45 with a plurality of condenser couplings and a parallel or
The preferred embodiment consists of a Stirling cycle series circuit for feeding the refrigerant- containing absor
using the available stored high temperature thermal energy bent solution through the ultra - high , high , intermediate ,
to initiate gas and /or working fluid expansion for the gen - medium , low temperature generators in a quintuple effects
eration of rotational and/ or linear movement. The preferred refrigeration system or high , intermediate , medium , low
embodiment consists of a Stirling cycle using the available 50 temperature generators configuration in a quad effect design
stored low temperature thermal energy to initiate gas and/ or optimization of a multi-effect system . Additional absorption
working fluid contraction for the generation of rotational effects stages may be realized with higher input tempera
and / or linear movement. The preferred embodiment uses tures by potential construction of adding corresponding
generated rotational and /or linear movement applied to a corrosion resistance in response to additional effects higher
generator 114 for the production of electrical energy . The 55 temperature , pressures , liquid and gas corrosiveness . The
preferred embodiment uses generated rotational and /or lin - coupling of components will enhance the internal recovery
ear movement applied to a pump or compressor for the of thermal energy within the system , given the ability to
pressurization and communication of liquids , gases and /of effectively communicate thermal energy between compo
working fluid . nents within the system and thereby increase the system 's
The preferred embodiment uses recycled thermal waste 60 overall thermal efficiency thereof.
heat from the Stirling cycle as energy input for a heating in a quad effect absorption refrigeration system , solution
process to initiate and provide temperature support energy flows from an absorber to the first 228 , second 230 , third 232
for space heater, room , area or building heating system as and fourth 234 generators connected in parallel. Solution
well as water heating applications . Another embodiment exiting the first generator 228 returns to the multi-absorber
with less efficiency and not optimum performance would 65 system . Solution exiting the second generator 230 flows to
entail the usage of a steam engine in place of a Stirling a third generator 232 which flows to the fourth generator 234
process engine. connected in series with the second generator 230 . Refrig
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erant vapor from each generator is condensed in a respective intelligent machine learning system . The core energy gen
condenser 236 . The fourth condenser 242 exchanges thermal erating device envisioned that shall hereby referred and
energy with third generator 232 , the third condenser 240 designated as a Solar Thermal Array Conversion System
exchanges thermal energy with the second generator 230 (STACS) 106 . This is effectuated by fully accommodating
and the second condenser 238 exchanges energy with the 5 and promoting the usage of all available usable thermal
first generator 228 . energy collection be thermally communicated into heat
In another embodiment, utilizing a quintuple effect energy storage and/ or transference to cold energy storage
absorption refrigeration system , solution flows from an 124.
absorber to the first, second, third , fourth and fifth generators Another improvement is using commercial grid scale
connected in parallel. Solution exiting the first generator 10 electrical energy surplus via electrical derived thermal gen
returns to the multi -absorber system . Solution exiting the eration for commercial grid scale thermal storage . This
second generator flows to a third generator which flows to enables storage in the hundreds and potentially thousands of
the fourth generator which flows to a fifth generator con - kilowatt hours , expandable to megawatts hours of term
nected in series with the second generator. Refrigerant vapor storage , energy available on demand.
from each generator is condensed in a respective condenser. 15 Another improvement is with ability to store excess wind
The fifth condenser exchanges thermal energy with the and /or photovoltaic solar electrical energy 107 as commer
fourth generator, the fourth condenser exchanges thermal cial grid scale thermal energy storage 125 , the excess
energy with third generator, the third condenser exchanges electrical energy which is now stored as thermal energy can
thermal energy with the second generator and the second be used as an active or as an on -demand energy source for
condenser exchanges thermal energy with the first generator. 20 energy generation for commercial grid baseload or can be
Additional effect stages can be added using the above used to meet high peak demand load needs for load stability
teachings in response to an increase in additional input and voltage stability and localized power quality commer
temperatures and increased cooling requirements. cial grid efficiency .
Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) inte - Another improvement of the present invention is the
gration provides software and hardware based integrated 25 complete integration of localized onsite thermal and geo
control, data acquisition and processing for grid manage thermal energy storage 100 can be used as an on - demand
ment 188 , energy generation system , hydrogen generation energy source for energy generation for thermal storage
system 180 , ammonia production system 182, energy regen - maintenance heat generation , grid baseload , intermediate
eration system , performance tuning, power monitoring 184 , baseload peaking support or can be used to meet high peak
frequency matching 186 and control system redundancy . 30 demand load needs for load stability , frequency matching
This is combined with machine learning for automated 186 and voltage stability and grid efficiency .
maintenance scheduling for enhanced uptime availability. Another improvement is integration and inclusion of
The system additionally offers a secured SCADA integration compatibility with the ULTRAGRIDTM system 194 , which
solution for data interfacing for local and remote visual comprises a complete line of consumer and commercial
overview , monitoring and control. Additionally , the system 35 products and services for maximizing energy generation ,
provides active condition monitoring of system components storage and provisioning for end use . Enhanced efficiencies
and sensors for health monitoring, identify changes and and energy stability through localized commercial grid
trends to optimize overall performance, monitor alert levels , provisioning systems are realized through a combined soft
update and contact maintenance of pending issues for a ware and hardware solution . Additionally , other device
proactive maintenance scheduling approach before faults 40 power and control systems can be substituted .
occur. Another improvement is ULTRAGRIDTM 194 is designed
As depicted in FIG . 12 , commercial Grid management in layers of components potentially consisting of energy
system integration provides intelligent control of energy generation , energy storage 110 , energy provisioning, grid
generation for load matching 190 and projected require - layer, consumer layer and end user component layer. Using
ments of the load generation system for higher generated 45 layering will allow for simple logic integration , flexible
energy utilization . Active monitoring and control of regen - information access, adaptability and expandability, rapid
eration energy systems for backup and base load provision - response , quick and easy installation , robust and secure
ing to prevent brownouts from lack of energy generation operation .
availability . Smart grid interfacing 192 and monitoring for Another improvement is integration and inclusion of
energy generation and energy use projections. 50 compatibility with external software packages such as with
As illustrated in FIG . 13 , energy generation system inte - the ULTRAGRIDTM system 194 , which comprises a com
gration provides intelligent interfacing of generation sys - plete line of consumer and commercial products and ser
tems and load provisioning systems. Interaction of data vices for maximizing efficiencies and energy stability
between systems allows stable grid power control with less through enterprise utility grid provisioning systems from a
power spikes while increasing uptime availability promoting 55 combined software and hardware solution . Additionally ,
maximum efficiency of energy processing and storage sys - other device power and control systems can be substituted .
tems. Energy storage 110 locally integrated bridges com - Software for consumers allows for local and remote use to
munication from energy generation sources to intragrid analyze and control personal energy use and enables inte
control 109 for power conversion based on variable input gration into the ULTRAGRIDTM ZH1 home control and
energy to thermal storage systems 125 . Energy storage 60 security system 194 . Hardware for consumers comprises of
system 110 integration enables maximum energy generator standalone plugin adapters namely the ULTRAGRIDTM Z1
with optimized energy collection . Mission critical response allows common household appliances to be plugged in
times for the highest efficiency and safety levels . allowing them to become smart appliances. Additionally ,
The present invention consists of a core renewable energy other currently available control devices can be substituted
device for energy generation , processing , initiate energy 65 for compatibility and continuity.
transfer and energy storage 110 with a common shared Another improvement would involve ULTRAGRIDTM
intelligent interactive energy generation system 178 and user sensor data monitored and stored from ULTRAGRIDTM
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63 64
ZA1 enabled smart devices such as televisions, refrigerators reduce losses from inefficient and unnecessary conversion
and like user owned appliances , uses a common data inter and transference , thereby increasing efficiency and promot
face and network . ing reduced energy needed and materials required for cool
Further improvement the system will monitor other ing applications and processes. Combining the localized
STACS grid connected sites for grid energy load balancing 5 systems into an efficient primary commercial grid energy
for nominal load provisioning to enable reserve capacity system versus prior art needing and usingmultiple electrical
generation capability for power quality and energy avail- and thermal distribution systems and transformation con
ability enhancement. Additionally , the system will monitor nections and conversions creating additional energy loss and
STACS thermal storage grid connected sites for grid energy efficiency with each connection .
load balancing for nominal load provisioning to enable 10 As illustrated in FIG . 9 , the preferred embodiment is
reserve capacity generation capability . accomplished by facilitating electrical, thermal as well as
Further improvement will allow loss of an energy gen chemical interactions and energy conversions through inter
erator' s power to be reallocated and provisioned from local connecting a hybrid wind 104 and solar energy generation
ized storage to an online and available status, this assist system . Alternatively, geothermal 100, hydroelectric 102
mode from the local system and other active system nodes 15 and other grid energy connected input sources may be
is initialized in response to ULTRAGRIDTM command and substituted .
control activation to prevent localized grid collapse and Primary embodiment efficiencies and cost effectiveness is
power quality fluctuations. A further improvement is the made possible from its quintessential energy generation
inclusion of ULTRAGRIDTM compatibility allowing com - capability from the improved and inclusive hybrid energy
munication from all sites and manages their status from a 20 generation system and paired with its waste heat recovery
primary centralized command and control, integrated net - system using reclaimed energy to actualize and realize the
work operations center. Through the interconnected net- maximum benefits of using all available system resources .
worked data control systems and subsystems 108 that which Maximizing infrastructure utilization to achieve lowest pos
will allow directing energy where and when needed and sible levelized cost of energy is achieved by monetizing
offering beneficial recycling and reclamation of waste 25 capital intensive fixed assets while reducing overlap and
energy and heat. needless redundant processes. Produces substantially
Another improvement is enhanced on consumer power reduced investment capital requirements, encapsulated by
quality and grid stabilization during diurnal cycle with its enhancing greater return on invested capital expenditures .
variation and seasonal balancing requirements . This is effec - As depicted in FIG . 9 , the disclosed embodiments provide
tuated by using localized consumer distributed thermal 30 a system that generates electricity and heat energy for the
storage during prime-time energy usage which occurs natu - purpose and production of electricity and thermal applica
rally during daytime hours . This can be supplemented to tion use . During operation , the system uses the hybrid mix
maintain optimum availability and reliability via external of wind 104 and solar to maximize day and night time
grid energy to thermal conversion during off peak hours. electrical and thermal energy generation . Connection is
Another improvement is the reduction or complete elimi- 35 made to an intragrid 109 for internal industrial usage or as
nation of overlapping and redundant subsystems, reducing an external grid energy supplier. Additionally, geothermal
part counts and excess energy usage from elimination of 100 and hydroelectric 102 or external sources can be used
duplicated systems and subsystems 108 . The prior art for electrical energy generation input .
depended primarily on efforts in engineering device effi Concentrated thermal solar system 126 is deployed to
ciency and decreasing manufacturing costs . These methods 40 collect thermal energy to be transferred and then stored into
are helpful but are limited in their scope and effectiveness a high temperature thermal storage system 118 . During night
due to the incremental enhancement typical to this type of time and inadequate thermal collection periods, system taps
development. The prior art relied heavily on modest evolu - its reserve of heat and cold thermal storage for application
tionary adaptations versus much more in depth radical usage or electrical energy generation . Alternatively , geother
revolutionary changes . 45 mal 100 and other electrical and chemical reaction for
As depicted in FIG . 11 , the present invention differs from thermal generation may be used for thermal energy collec
other prior art from inclusion and incorporation of thermal tion .
solar 106 , wind 104 , photovoltaic solar 107 with integration In some embodiments, selectively transferring the heat
to thermal storage and geothermal storage components 100 ; from the high -heat -capacity fluid to the working fluid
The present invention differs from other prior art systems 50 involves disposing a thermally insulating component
from the above integration through electrical generation , between the high -heat- capacity fluid and the working fluid
heat for thermal applications energy, cold for cold thermal to retain the heat in the high -heat -capacity fluid , and repo
required applications while removing redundant compo - sitioning the thermally insulating component to transfer the
nents and their processes thereby reducing energy input heat from the high -heat-capacity fluid to the working fluid
requirements . Prior art uses additional energy input to 55 through a thermally conductive component .
remove the heat to cool the areas within a consumer 's High temperature thermal storage system 118 is deployed
enclosed area thereby reducing energy usage efficiency for the primary purpose of providing on demand thermal
wherein the present invention harnesses the heat energy for energy , this thermal energy is needed for thermal application
beneficial work . and thermal to electrical conversion application use . High
The present invention uses the waste heat generated from 60 temperature thermal storage system 118 is also deployed for
the electrical generation process for use as the input energy the secondary purpose of providing thermal energy needed
as heat source for ammonia cooling 165 and vapor cooling for thermal exchange using a work fluid to cause a turbine 's
processes , water purification , desalination and water heating shaft to rotate to cause rotational work energy and/ or Stirling
application processes creating additional benefit of using cycle applications gas and/or working fluid expansion and
available expended energy versus prior art creating energy 65 contraction to cause usable work .
loss and inefficiency by its faulty design . The present The working fluid can also cause gas and/ or working fluid
invention using a common thermal and electrical grid to expansion and contraction applications to cause force on a
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piston to cause motion for the purpose of providing usable or about 15 . 56° C . (60° F .) and the low temperature storage
work . Some embodiments use rotating blades include at 122 section would hold fluid at or about 4 .44° C . (40° F .).
least one of a propeller, an impeller , one or more paddles, The specific arrangement of steps shown in FIG . 3 should
and a drum . Some embodiments use a working fluid that is not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.
associated with a low boiling point. Working fluids can then 5 Referring to FIG . 4 and FIG . 7 next, flowcharts of the
be reclaimed for energy recycling, and processed for system thermal solar process of an embodiment is shown. The
reuse . Additionally, the system deploys a cooling system and insulated vessels shown facilitate the storing of energy from
chiller system 169 to provide proper pressure and cooling the renewable energy 112 in the heat - capacity fluid . The
for localized cold storage system and for further cold stored energy may then be used to generate electricity and
temperature application requirements . 10 thermal energy based on energy demand associated with
The internals of the bottom end and top end of the Stirling energy requirements . To generate electricity from the stored
Engine cylinders 116 of the preferred embodiment are energy , the chemical and /or heat from the associated storage
differentiated from previous Stirling engine designs. The 110 of specific fluid may be selectively transferred from the
bottom end of cylinders, according to the preferred embodi specific fluid to the working fluid . For example , a thermally
ment of the present invention , does not have the top of the 15 insulating component may be disposed between the specific
connecting rod and is not attached directly to the piston . The fluid and the working fluid to retain the heat in the specific
top of the connecting rod 204 instead attaches to a “ cross - fluid . During periods of low solar 106 and/ or low wind 104
head ” 205 which rides in guide channels. A long piston rod and /or high electrical demand, the thermally insulating
then connects the crosshead 205 to the piston . This is done component may be repositioned to transfer the heat from the
so the sideways forces produced by the connecting rod 204 20 specific fluid to the working fluid through a thermally
are absorbed by the crosshead 205 and not by the piston . conductive component such as a metal surface , a manifold ,
In some embodiments , the system also uses an insulated a conductive rod and/ or a radiator.
vessel or geothermal storage 100 to retain the heat in the Finally , the transferred heat in theworking fluid is used to
low - heat- capacity fluid . In some embodiments , the ther - generate electricity . More specifically, the working fluid may
mally conductive component is component having high 25 be associated with a low boiling point, such that the transfer
thermal conductivity , such as a metal surface , a manifold , a of heat from the specific to the working fluid quickly boils
conductive rod , and a radiator. Finally , the system uses the the working fluid . Vapor and /or Steam from the boiled
transferred rotational energy to generate work or torque . working fluid may then be used to rotate a turbine ' s rotor
Additionally , some embodiments , the transferred high - blades and the turbine 176 may be used to drive a rotational
heat- capacity fluid boils the low -heat- capacity working 30 device for usable work and/ or a Stirling engine 116 may be
fluid . Rotational energy may then be generated by exposing used to create usable work from the thermal energy directly
a compressed gas and /or working fluid in a cylinder to as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15 .
expand the gas and /or working fluid to provide force to a Referring to FIG . 5a , the preferred embodiment of the
piston which then exerts the movement to a rotation on a Stirling engine 116 of the present invention is depicted . FIG .
crankshaft 202 or of linear movement of a linear generator. 35 5b depicts the overall Stirling Engine 116 cylinder arrange
Using the rotational energy or linear movement to drive ment. Furthermore , FIG . 5c depicts a section end view of a
applications or components such as a mechanical linkage , single Stirling engine 116 with two cylinder chambers .
swash plate , compressor, pump or electric generator 114 . FIGS. 5d and 5e depict a section end view of a single set of
Generated rotational and /or linear work energy is utilized Stirling engine 116 cylinders and a single piston arrange
by transferring the shaft rotation and / or linear movement to 40 ment of the Stirling Engine 116 in according to the preferred
provide a water pump the energy needed for incoming water embodiment of the present invention . The crankshaft 202 is
to become pressurized to force water through the water attached by connecting rod 204 , to a wrist pin 206 and
purification systems for example consisting of desalination , expansion piston 208 ; which said expansion piston 208
distillation , reverse osmosis and then stored in tanks and /or reciprocates in an expansion cylinder 210 . Surrounding the
elevated water tanks as an additional energy storage method 45 expansion cylinder 210 , and connected in series with it , are
for on to demand use . Next , generated rotational and/or a thermal exchanger 212 , regenerator 214 , cooler 216 and
linear work energy can be used to provide rotational and/ or sheath cylinder 218 . Beneath the cooler 216 , is a duct 220 ,
linear energy to drive compressors to establish adequate connecting said cooler 216 with compression cylinder 209 .
operating pressure . This in turn enables pressure swing Inside said compression cylinder 209 reciprocates the trans
absorption 123 to function properly , this process allows 50 posed compression piston . As shown in FIGS. 5b and 5d , the
separating, isolating and storing gases and / or working fluid compression piston comprises an outer cylindrical portion ,
as an additional energy storage method 110 for on demand rings 222, conic section 224 and head gasket seal 226 .
use . Lastly, generated rotational and / or linear work energy . The preferred embodiment of the present invention con
can be used to provide rotational and / or linear energy to sists primarily of rows of transposed compression piston and
drive generators to provide electrical energy production . 55 cylinders for the single engine twin cylinder Gamma Stirling
This energy can then be transferred into the internal grid engine 116 . This allows for engine configurations in a linear
network for system use for additional hydrogen production “ V ” , double “ V ” , “ W ” and /or radial type piston arrange
through powering electrolyzers 113 or made available as a ment. A single connection on the crankshaft 202 may be
grid energy supplier. attached to one or more connecting rods 204 ; one connection
Referring to FIG . 3 , a stratified thermal energy storage 60 going into each of the like - aligned cylinders. In the hot side
vessel 196 is shown . In an embodiment of the present cylinder 212 is a conventional expansion piston 208 ,
invention , medium and low temperature thermal energy attached by a wrist pin 206 to its respective connecting rod
fluids can be stored in the same storage vessel 110 . The use 204 . The engine' s thermal exchanger 212 , regenerator 214
of a thermocline 200 with separated medium and low and cooler 216 are arranged in an annular design around this
temperature loop interfaces is required as illustrated . In an 65 cylinder 212 .
embodiment of the present invention it is contemplated the In the compression side cylinder 209 is a conventional
medium temperature storage section 120 would hold fluid at compression piston , attached by a wrist pin 206 to its
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respective connecting rod 204 . The engine' s cooler 216 may m ented . Furthermore , one or more harmonic balancers ,
be arranged internally and/ or as an annular design around crank pully damper, torsional damper , etc .may be optionally
this cylinder , during scaling the cooler 216 may be moved connected to the crankshaft 202 of the Stirling engine 116 to
to inline with the compression cylinder 209 . An object of the reduce torsional vibrations and the noise associated with it .
present invention is the development of a generic Stirling 5 Similarly , one or more balance shafts may be utilized in the
cycle in which the thermal chambers may be of identical Stirling engine 116 to , again , reduce vibrations and vibra
design with mass production , but primarily in which cylin - tional noise .
der wall is kept thin to reduce material usage requirements An additional method is the inclusion of a rotary disc
and weight, lastly while maintaining reduced energy input valve (more commonly used in motorcycle two cycle inter
requirements . In the multi- cylinder Stirling cycle thermal 10 nal combustion engines 254 ), which may be used for higher
engine 116 described , the cylinders are arranged in two pressure builds when built between the compression and
rows. The cylinders of one row are staggered relative to the displacer cylinder gas exchange pathways. This may also be
cylinders of the other row and the longitudinal center axis of accomplished when exchanged in a pathway between the
one row forms an angle with the longitudinal center axis of cylinders with a standard combustion engine type intakel
the cylinders of the other row . Additional rows and layouts 15 exhaust valve using the crankshaft 202 with a lobe or with
may be added up to and including a multiple row radial the addition of a camshaft to provide the timing and work to
engine design . open the valve . FIG . 47 illustrates the additional combustion
Close to the crankshaft 202 is the inner portion of the engine integrated into the processes of the present invention .
cylinder, comprising a large bore in which the compression Similarly , FIG . 48 depicts the necessary controlmodules and
piston ring ( s ) 222 and /or seal( s ) rides . The connecting conic 20 communication with the network operation and mater opera
section 224 incorporates a port communicating directly to tion control centers for the integration of a combustion
the cooler 216 . Beyond the conic section 224 is a small bore engine .
(relative to the large bore previously described ) outer por - The engine lubrication system for the cylinder , piston ,
tion of the compression cylinder 209, which essentially piston rings 222, rod bearing and potentially for valves , if
extends the cylinder to accommodate the long connecting 25 used , is designed to deliver clean oil at the correct tempera
rod 204 . This outer portion of the cylinder will absorb the ture and pressure to every part of the engine. The oil is
side loading of the piston due to connecting rod angularity. sucked out the sump into the pump, being the heart of the
As used herein , “ inner” and “ outer” refer to a component's system , then forced through an oil filter and pressure feed to
relative proximity to the crankshaft 202 , which is the center the main bearings and to the oil pressure gauge. From the
of the engine 116 . 30 main bearings, the oil passes through feedholes into drilled
The compression piston is transposed so that its seal is passages in the crankshaft 202 and onto the big -end bearings
farther from the crankshaft 202 than are its wrist pin 206 and of the connecting rod 204. The cylinder walls and piston pin
side - load bearing portions. The piston comprises a large bearings are lubricated by oil fling dispersed by the rotating
diameter inner portion which carries the ring(s ) 222 and /or crankshaft 202 . The excess oil is scraped off by the lower
seal(s ) with a loading and wear area . A conic section 224 35 ring 222 in the piston . The excess oil then drains back to the
connects the inner portion of the piston with a cylindrical sump, where the heat is dispersed to the surrounding air .
outer portion of a smaller diameter, which contains a sealed When the crankshaft journals become worn , the engine will
wrist pin 206 and a wear area . Sufficient clearance or other have low oil pressure and throw oil throughout the inside of
relief means is provided in the outer portion of the piston to the engine . The excessive splash can overwhelm the rings
permit lubrication while limiting passage of the working gas 40 222 and cause the engine to leak oil into the compression
among all parts of the cylinder at all times . chamber area of the cylinder. Worn bearing surfaces can be
Pressure release and gas transfer is accomplished through restored by simply replacing the bearing inserts . At the
the relief passage pathway heat exchanger 212 and inline moment that sufficient oil is circulated through the system
regenerator 214 for transfer to the compression side cylinder. hydrodynamic lubrication manifests and reduces the prog
This relief means may be located external to the cylinder, 45 ress of bearing wear and reduction in cylinder wall friction
rather than in the cylinder piston . The diameter of this outer and heating.
portion of the piston is as tight a clearance and as small a Piston rings 222 provide a sliding seal preventing leakage
tolerance as possible , consistent with the loads it must bear, of the fuel/air mixture and exhaust from the combustion
to minimize the dead volume ratio associated with it and its chamber into the oil sump during compression and combus
relief means. To facilitate good dynamic balance , the com - 50 tion . Secondly , they keep oil in the sump from leaking into
pression piston is designed to have the samematerial mass the combustion area , where it would contaminate the work
as the expansion displacer piston 208 , which is counterbal- ing fluid transfer. Between the piston rings 222 and the
anced on the crankshaft 202 . The offset staggered linear cylinder wall of a well -maintained engine , hydrodynamic
arrangement of cylinders in rows will allow the system to lubrication exists . This is essential for the lowest friction and
use a common crankshaft 202 and allow the cylinder block 55 wear. In the top and bottom dead center where the piston
to be a continuous sandwiched cylinder block to house , stops to redirect, the film thickness becomes minimal and
support and /or encase all cylinders . mixed lubrication may exist.
The preferred embodiment of the current invention uses To realize a good head transfer from the piston to the
the side -by -side alignment of the displacer side cylinders for cylinder, an optimal sealing and a minimum of oil bleed , a
the benefits of allowing the use of casting the head and 60 minimal film thickness is desirable . The film thickness is
multiple cylinders as a single manufacturing piece block to kept minimal by a so -called oil control ring . This ring is
simplify sealing the engine, allow for a much higher power situated beyond the piston rings 222 so that the surplus of oil
engine with a linear offset diagonal rows of cylinders and to is directly scraped downwards to the sump. The oil film left
enhance mass manufacturing capabilities while still using a on the cylinder wall by the passage of this ring is available
single crankshaft design . Additionally, with the placement of 65 to lubricate the following ring . This process is repeated for
displacer and compression cylinders 209 of the current successive rings 222 . On the up stroke the first compression
design , separate heads for each cylinder can be also imple - ring is lubricated by the oil left behind on the cylinder wall
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during the down stroke. Leakage of the gas from the which the compression piston ring 222 and /or seal rides. The
compression chamber into the oil sump results in perfor connecting conic section 224 incorporates a port communi
mance degradation . This is the reason why, despite frequent cating directly to the cooler 216 . Beyond the conic section
replenishment of oil, maintenance consisting of an oil 224 is a small bore (relative to the large bore previously
change may remain essential. The multi- cylinder Stirling 5 described ) outer portion of the compression cylinder 209 ,
engine 116 of this invention provides a simple and practical which essentially extends the cylinder to accommodate the
method to improve the performance and life of a multi- long connecting rod 204 . This outer portion of the cylinder
cylinder, multi- piston Stirling engine 116 without at the will absorb the side loading of the piston due to connecting
same time increasing its complexity or decreasing its rod angularity . The compression piston comprises a large
mechanical efficiency. It is generally accepted and agreed 10 diameter inner portion which carries the ring 222 and / or seal
upon that the double - acting two piston Stirling engine is one and a small wear area . A conic section 224 connects this
of the most desirable forms of Stirling for high energy inner portion with a cylindrical outer portion of a smaller
applications, having demonstrated both simplicity and good diameter containing a sealed wrist pin 206 and a large wear
performance . Such Stirling engines may be designed in a area . To facilitate suitable dynamic balance , this piston is
variety of forms, for example , cylinders may be arranged in 15 designed to have the same physical mass as the expansion
a single and multiple row linear, inline “ V ” , double “ V ” , piston 208 , which is counterbalanced on the crankshaft 202 .
“ W ” and radial layout type piston engine design configura Reversing the Stirling cycle and providing energy input in
tions. the form of linear or rotational input will allowing a Stirling
One of the most desirable arrangements is the double “ V ” cycle thermal engine 116 to perform a cooling application
type engine , in which the cylinders are generally located 20 process. Instead of cooling the compression side and pro
radially off of a standard crankshaft connection . This layout viding a heat source applied to the displacer side otherwise
provides simplicity and strength , proper piston phasing for known as the displacement side, a thermal transfer
the Stirling cycle and excellent dynamic balance . There is a exchanger 266 is used in replacement of a heat exchanger
tradeoff that occurs with respect to the connecting rods 204. 212 and heat input, consisting of a device such as a ther
Namely , as the connecting rods 204 are made proportionally 25 mosiphon or other past prior art thermal transfer methods for
longer, the longer cylinder stroke causes the heads to be the purpose of cooling an appliance , storage space or sub
placed farther apart, thus requiring larger plenums and heat stance of gas and /or liquid . This cooling process may be
exchangers 212 , with increased performance -robbing dead used for refrigeration 172 or can extend to provide super
volume ratio , that evolves from the space between them . The cooling or cryo - cooling level temperatures to liquefy gases
other factor is the choice of optimal efficiency compact heat 30 or for providing the cooling of such substances or other
exchangers 212 and connecting plenums will be left with thermal required applications .
non -optimal performance due to short connecting rods 204 , The preferred method of the present invention sets forth
and the design that has efficient long connecting rods 204 its primary advantage and novelmethod over prior art above
will be left with non -optimal performance due to large dead applications and processes with physically connected pre
volume ratio in the heat exchangers 212 and associated 35 heaters 213 and heating system elements 171, heat exchang
plenums. ers and regenerators 214 in its reclamation and recycling of
The present invention discloses a new form of Stirling waste thermal energy for use , reuse, storage and /or conver
engine compression piston and cylinder 209 that will allow sion and storage. This energy is used by thermal intensive
the engine designer to incorporate compact heat exchangers applications such as with Stirling cycle engines which use a
212, efficient regenerator 214 , plenums and efficient long 40 portion of the thermal energy for the generation of rotational
connecting rods 204 , on the double “ V ” type Stirling engine energy, for use in such applications such as rotation work
116 . The present invention Stirling engine 116 is a trans - needed for input into a generator 114 , pump or compressor.
posed compression piston and cylinder 209 for the double Waste heat recycled from this process may be used in a
“ V ” type two piston engine which allows the cylinders 209 , second level of reuse of available waste energy as thermal
210 to be connected by compact heat exchangers 212 and 45 energy input into secondary lower heat threshold thermal
transfer channels , while retaining the use of mechanically intensive applications such as Stirling engine cycle 116 with
efficient long connecting rods 204 . a reduced temperature differential which would then use a
In one example , a crankshaft 202 is mounted in a bore that portion of the thermal energy input for the generation of
transversely intersects two cylinders 209 , 210 arranged rotational energy for us in such applications such as rotation
wherein one of said cylinders extends vertically from the 50 work needed for input into a generator , pump or compressor.
crankshaft 202 bore and the other extends horizontally. Each The present embodiments relate to a highly scalable
crank throw on the crankshaft 202 is attached with one of the mobile and stationary Quintuple -effect generation renew
two connecting rods 204 , one going into each of the two able energy system and energy storage systems 110 . Prior art
cylinders 209 , 210 . In the vertical cylinder is a conventional thermal energy sources consisted primarily of Gas Turbines ,
expansion piston 208 , attached by a wrist pin 206 to its 55 Microturbines , Reciprocating Engines, Steam Turbines 176 ,
respective connecting rod 204 . The engine' s heater 212 , Nuclear Power Plants , Radioisotope Thermal Generators ,
regenerator 214 and cooler 216 are arranged in an annular Geothermal 100 , Boilers, Stirling Engines 116 , Fuel Cells,
fashion around this cylinder. During Stirling engine design Thermal Solar Systems 106 and other thermal input sources
scaling , the cooler section 216 is moved from inline with the operating in conjunction with combined heating and power
displacer cylinder 210 to inline with the compression cyl- 60 (CHP ) . The preferred method of the present invention
inder 209 to allow more mass volume contact without encapsulates a thermal energy sources with a Stirling engine
incurring excessive dead space ratio creation as shown in the 116 , absorption cooling system 121, an associated storage
included Stirling engine cutout ( FIG . 5c ) described below . system and integrated control system into an amalgamated
The horizontal compression cylinder 209 has two concentric energy ecosystem .
bores along a common extended axis, with a conic section 65 The preferred method of the present invention is to be
224 connecting them . Close to the crankshaft 202 is the referred to as Quintuple Effect Generation also known as
inner portion of the cylinder, comprising a large bore in (QEG ) offers the advantages of integrating separate discov
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71
eries with enhanced benefit of a combined multi-cycle application shall henceforth be known and designated from
energy system (CMCS) amalgamated with a combined the above as elements for the features and functionality as
cooling, freezing, heating and power (CCFHP ) system with system to be known as “ULTRAGRIDTM ” 194 . More spe
optional rotational energy output. The preferred method of cifically the preferred method of the present invention
the present invention benefits from novel methods , pro - 5 consists of an ULTRAGRIDTM 194 connected , integrated
cesses and applications from inclusion of the central and controlled energy system with scalable hybrid method
embodiments of the present invention and able to addition of processes and applications incorporating vital procedures
ally build upon the strengths ofpast prior artmay hold while to promote and maintain sustainable processes and applica
removing or greatly reducing any deficiency that the isolated tions with effective energy , environmental control factors
systems might have had because of their application in a 10 and balance for efficient high yield product and byproduct
non -optimized design and configuration . production , powered with renewable energy 112 and redun
The preferred method of the present invention consisting dantbackup power 262 provided by energy storage elements
of multiple cycle generation systems using thermal energy 110 .
sources such as reciprocating engines, gas and /or steam The preferred method of the present method is to be
turbines 176 , microturbines, thermal solar systems 106 , 15 referred to as Quintuple Effect Generation or (QEG ), which
nuclear power plants, radioisotope thermal generator, geo - offers the advantages of integrating separate, individualized
thermal 100 , fuel cells 250 and Stirling engines 116 as the discoveries with the enhanced benefit of a combined multi
primary thermal energy cycle and using the preferred cycle energy system (CMOS ) amalgamated to provide a
method of the present invention for additional benefit will combined cooling, freezing, heating and power (CCFHP )
recycle thermal waste energy for additional thermal inten - 20 system with optional rotational energy output. The preferred
sive processes and applications for example additional stage method of the present invention benefits from the intended
cycles incorporating Stirling engines 116 , thermal energy strengths of prior art while introducing new integrated
storage, desalination other thermal intensive applications solutions while removing or greatly reducing any deficiency
may be integrated for additional benefit and enhanced effi - that the isolated prior art systems might have had because of
ciency . 25 their application in a non - optimized design , configuration or
The present invention provides sustainable green energy implementation.
powered production , product processing, pyrolysis, byprod The preferred method of the present invention comprises
uct processing , separation , handling and storage system , an inclusion of thermal management via energy transfer
open architecture for integration of additional processes and through use of a thermosiphon ( alt. thermosyphon ) energy
applications. System uses adaptive metrics , biometrics and 30 reclamation from direct or natural convection thermal
thermal imaging sensory analysis including additional input exchange which is a property of physics and generally refers
sensors for analysis, monitoring and control with integrated to a method of applications and processes that uses passive
automation and maintained symbiotic artificial intelligence - heat exchange based on natural convection , which circulates
controlled system providing a balanced environmental a substance (liquid , or gas such as nitrogen or air ) without
friendly based facility ecosystem . 35 the necessity of a mechanical pump. Thermosiphoning is
System forms an integrated mobile or stationary renew typically used for circulation of liquids and volatile gases in
able energy production and storage method with inclusion of heating and cooling applications, such as heat pumps, water
dedicated product processes and applications, byproduct heaters 170 , boilers and furnaces . Thermosiphons are used
processing separation processing primarily to include appli- in some liquid -based thermal heating and /or cooling systems
cations and processes such as electrolysis 278 , pyrolysis, 40 to perform such action to a liquid .
milling, smelting, baking , caking , washing, spray and drum The preferred method of the present invention comprises
drying , purification , packaging, bulk storage and dry storage an inclusion of thermal management via energy transferred
facility . The preferred method of the present invention using in a system by the evaporation and condensation of vapor,
renewable green energy sources as the primary energy such a system would then be properly classified as a heat
component input to primarily provide energy input to appli - 45 pipe . If such a system also contains other fluids , such as
cations and processes such as consisting of tri -method nitrogen , helium or air , then the heat flux density will be less
desalination , cement production , block and brick produc - than in a real heat pipe , which only contains energy for
tion , butcher, datacenter , farming , smelting , pyrolysis 264 , additional benefit versus prior art thermal management that
lubrication synthesis , plastics manufacturing, carbon fiber thermal energy waste was considered an expense to remove
production , acetic acid production , wet mill, cellulosic pro - 50 and had costs attributed to disposal of said thermal energy
cessing, other feedstock production , forge and mill facility using devices such as cooling towers 246 and radiators to
comprised of smelter , electrolyzer 113 , furnace, electrolysis exhaust excess heat to the atmosphere .
278 , distillation units, evaporator units , reverse osmosis, As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the preferred method of
absorption cooling 121 and Stirling engines 116 using the present invention would use a Stirling engine 116 using
renewable thermal energy generation , energy storage 110 55 thermal energy both hot and cold inputs and additional levels
and transfer for rotational and electrical generation , yields an or cycles of Stirling engines and absorption cooling systems
environmental friendly , scalable and sustainable renewable 121 for operating near theoretical performance levels . An
energy generation and energy storage powered system 110 . example of using the preferred method of the present
These embodiments form the basis for system scaling of invention in an existing prior art installation could consist of
size, functionality , complexity , allowance of widest array of 60 a natural gas power plant, heat generated from burning gas
variety for processing, sub processing, byproduct processing causes the turbine to rotate and generate rotational energy
and separation processes to include available natural and for communication to a generator. Waste heat is then har
manmade organic and inorganic compounds . The electronic nessed and communicated for steam generation . The gener
monitoring, identification , energy generation , baseload ated steam is pressurized and supplied as pressure and
energy load response and energy provisioning to satisfy grid 65 thermal energy to a steam turbine 176 , this energy is then
stability from supply compensation for end use requirements used to generate rotational energy which is then communi
and control element of the present invention in the current cated to a generator as electrical power. Used steam energy
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73 74
is then transferred to a dry or wet cooling system 125 to next generation with its inclusion in the heating and cooling
bring the temperature of the steam condensed down in system to provide a new level of controllability , comfort and
conversion and recycling back to water for reuse . efficiency over prior art.
The preferred method of the present invention will com - This technology has demonstrated an effective means of
municate the thermal energy from generational source to 5 reducing energy cost and heating and cooling load require
thermal energy storage or directly communicated to a ments , but has allowed for the scaling down of required
Stirling engine 116 and absorption cooling system 121 , this HVAC equipment and associated material requirements
arrangement would be used to enhance system efficiency such as smaller venting, heat exchangers and condensers.
and generate additional energy output boosting system per - 10 Additionally , this system will allow for a controlled indoor
formance by way of its enhanced output. environment to initiate and maintain a relative humidity of
The preferred method in a minimal configuration could a highly appealing and comfortable 40 % to 50 % range . This
entail only the Stirling engine 116 or include only the range can be maintained under essentially all conditions in
absorption cooling 121 to enable cooling tower performance all seasons . The only energy penalty is the power needed for
by using cold energy generation and thermal energy extrac - 16 the blower to overcome the pressure drop that is caused from
tion which will lower thermal energy threshold and allow the redirecting air flow and from the flow path restrictions and
generated cold input to counter flow and cool the remaining surface tension caused flow resistance in the system .
steam energy to enhance cooling tower performance. As illustrated in FIG . 18 , the preferred method of the
The increased efficiency of the SRG may be demonstrated present invention primary objective was to move beyond
by a theoretical comparison of thermodynamic properties. 20 industry best practice and advance an energy efficient data
The preferred method of the present invention builds upon center that could be delivered and operated below the cost of
those findings and come full circle with inclusions of a typical large enterprise datacenter to set itself apart from
technology integrations that advance and enhance the prior past prior art as the most efficient computing infrastructures
art comparison models. Typically , these calculations are can at the lowest possible cost. The design flow logic was to
and are generally oversimplified and do not account for the 25 custom design the data center with its cooling and energy
nuclear decay and its inherent thermal generation which backup with built in energy storage from the ground up ,
lowers thermal power output due to the long half - life of the custom build its software , server hardware implementations
radioisotopes used in these types of generators . Generally , to enable smooth integrations and transformations into a
the assumptions for this analysis include that systems are reliable and sustainable cloud computing offering . Differing
typically operating at steady state under the conditions 30 prior art used with the present inventions is use ofrenewable
observed in highly controlled experiment with rigid stan energy preferably with thermal energy with its use and reuse
dards which may or may not accurately reflect real world of recovered and recycled waste energy for enhanced uses
applications and processes. and purposes which especially holds value with its ability to
These types of generators 114 can be simplified in their 35 provide absorption cooling 121, the cold storage 124
single dimension analysis of a typicalheat engine to be ablem edium when necessary, and on demand for cold energy for
to compare their theoretical efficiencies to their correspond cooling purposes.
ing Carnot efficiencies. The preferred embodiment would As depicted in FIG . 19 , the preferred method of the
have the system basis be assumed to be the Stirling engine present invention may use separated and processed products
116 and generational components , to include the heat source , 40 from the above desalination and processes separating and
cooling system 125 and thermal exchanger 212. Greater processing the minerals into usable components for the
efficiency and higher generationaloutput can be achieved by purpose of the provided materials input for the manufactur
increasing the temperature band and corresponding ratio ing of cement. This preferred method of the present inven
between the hot and cold inputs of the Stirling engine 116 tion uses the above process which has the added advantage
which is the basis of the preferred embodiment. 45 over prior art of using minute transfer energy with the
The preferred method of the present invention for the inclusion of the plants being physically interconnected in
purpose of providing dehumidification using a liquid desic - their ability to transfer materials once processed to awaiting
cant will integrate a typical hydrostat which is an electrical vertical market processes as detailed above with cement
device for detecting the presence of moisture may be used to product manufacturing
monitor and control humidity levels automatically to preset 50 As shown in FIG . 20 , the preferred method of the present
levels . The system may use any form of humidifier to raise invention has the advantage over prior art with its inclusion
the moisture levels to appropriate levels that may be desired of stored thermal energy which results in electrical genera
or required . The system integrates the heating and cooling tion via steam turbine 176 or Stirling engines 116 from
unit into a single solution for ventilation improved efficiency communicated thermal input. Additional advantage of the
approaching 95 % , vast improvement is maintained in total 55 preferred method of the present invention is providing
system efficiency, reduction of material requirements and thermal energy communicated from thermal energy storage
removing redundant material requirements from an amal 125 as a backup heating source in case of grid failure and
gamated heating, cooling, humidity , air quality control sys -
enhanced uptime and reduction of potential losses, damage
tem 256 . to the pots is caused when the pots are allowed to cool from
Energy -recovery ventilators (ERVs ) are devices that 60 energy input loss which will force pots to have to be repaired
replace the stale indoor air and exchange it with fresh at significant cost if the liquid metal is allowed to solidify .
outdoor air, the process involved transfers heat and humidity Prior art of aluminum smelting applications and processes
from the outgoing exhaust air to the incoming fresh air . In typically was never fully or partially automated due to its
this way , they differ greatly from simple heat- recovery inherent design and deployment flaws. The preferred
ventilators (HRVs) that transfer heat but not moisture. The 65 method of the present invention uses metrics, biometrics and
preferred method of the present invention promotes sustain thermal imaging technologies of analysis, monitoring and
able renewable energy inputs 112 with ERV design to the control of the smelting process using amalgamated with
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artificial intelligence and automation including robotics to reuse efficiencies concurrently monetizing all energy inputs
reduce or eliminate injuries and enhanced uptime, produc - for all intended applications and processes .
tivity and enhanced volume. Prior art of cast iron applications and processes typically
Typically for reference a steel mill , mini mill or steel was never fully or partially automated due to its inherent
works is an industrial plant for the manufacture of steel and 5 design and deployment flaws. As shown in FIG . 21 , the
processing of steel and related products. Steel is an alloy of preferred method of the present invention uses metrics,
iron and carbon . It is generally produced in a two - stage biometrics and thermal imaging technologies of analysis .
process . The first stage of prior art consists of iron ore that monitoring and control of the cast iron process using amal
is reduced or smelted with coke (carbon ) or carbon input
replacement and limestone ( ash ) in a blast furnace . The 10 gamated with artificial intelligence and automation includ
. robotics
ing to reduce or eliminate injuries and enhanced
preferred method of the present invention uses stored carbon uptime, productivity and enhanced volume.
monoxide and carbon dioxide as replacement for the carbon
input. The preferred method of the present invention is the 104Theandpreferred method of the present invention uses wind
solar generated hydrogen and through ammonia
use of renewable energy for thermal generation or thermal
storage to provide thermal energy input for
for pre
pre--heating
heating, 1515 syn
synthesis for the nitrogen input and fuel provisioning, when
additionally the present invention introduces the use of combined with potassium extraction from desalination ,
electrical heat elements therefore using electricalhigh tem - majority of the nutrient inputs has been generated or pro
perature heating elements 117 to reach required tempera - duced with green renewable energy sources 112 .
tures normally generated in prior art by a blast furnace, this Currently, the first- generation processes for the produc
process is used for producing molten iron which is either 20 tion of ethanol are typically from the use of corn feedstock
cast into pig iron or carried to the next stage as molten iron . which uses only a small part of the corn plant: the corn
The preferred method of the present invention communi kernels are taken from the corn plant and only the starch ,
cates thermal energy from energy storage 110 or waste which represents about 50 % of the dry kernel mass, is
energy from a furnace to enable a Stirling engine to generate transformed into ethanol. Two types of second generation
rotational energy to provide input for pressure swing absorp - 25 processes are currently under development. The first type
tion or air separation 123 to provide oxygen to the furnace u ses enzymes and yeast fermentation to convert the plant
for higher efficiency of thermal and electrical energy gen - cellulose into ethanol while the second type uses pyrolysis
eration and usage . to convert the whole plant to either a liquid bio -oil or a
The preferred method of the present invention recycles syngas . Second generation processes can also be used with
thermal waste energy recovery from using heat exchanger 30 plants such as grasses , wood or agricultural waste material
and located coils near or around the furnace . The present such as straw . The preferred method of the present invention
invention then uses this recycled thermal energy for the would comprise using wet mill process followed by the
purpose of supplying communication to thermal storage or cellulosic process for enhanced ethanol production and
reuse of the thermal energy for Stirling engine input to inclusion of plankton reactors for blue green algae additives
generate rotational energy which is then used for pressure 35 to greatly enhance EFG product value output vastly superior
swing absorption or air separation unit 123 for oxygen in value proposition and nutritional value compared to prior
extraction which is injected into the furnace to enhance art.
furnace efficiency. Prior art of ethanol applications and processes typically
The preferred method of the present invention sets forth was never fully or partially automated due to its inherent
its primary advantage and novel method over prior art 40 design and deployment flaws. The preferred method of the
provides for normalized thermal energy balance that is present invention uses metrics, biometrics and thermal
essential for realized and optimized system wide use and imaging technologies of analysis , monitoring and control of
reuse efficiencies concurrently monetizing all energy inputs the ethanol and EFG process using amalgamated with arti
for all intended applications and processes. ficial intelligence and automation including robotics to
Prior art of steel mill applications and processes typically 45 reduce or eliminate injuries and enhanced uptime, produc
was never fully or partially automated due to its inherent tivity and enhanced volume.
design and deployment flaws. The preferred method of the As shown in FIG . 22 , the preferred method of the present
present invention uses metrics, biometrics and thermal invention processes and applications provides the basis for
imaging technologies of analysis , monitoring and control of efficient and sustainable large -scale production of a poly
the steel making process using amalgamated with artificial 50 propylene carbonate (PPC ) polymer using waste carbon
intelligence and automation including robotics to reduce or dioxide (CO2) as a key raw material input, powered by
eliminate injuries and enhanced uptime, productivity and renewable energy 112 , thermal energy and associated ther
enhanced volume. mal energy storage 125 enabling financially viability while
The preferred method of the present invention recycles using an environmental friendly method . Conventional pro
thermal waste energy recovery from using heat exchanger 55 duction of typical plastics manufacturing such as polyeth
and located coils near or around the furnace . The present ylene and polypropylene are heavily reliant on use of fossil
invention then uses this recycled thermal energy for the fuels as the necessary feedstock input.
purpose of supplying communication to thermal storage or The preferred method of the present invention has the
reuse of the thermal energy for Stirling engine input to additional benefit from connection to thermal energy storage
generate rotational energy which is then used for pressure 60 for the purpose of preheat or primary thermal energy input
swing absorption or air separation unit 123 for gas extraction which then offers the included ability to communicate
which is injected into the furnace to enhance furnace effi - recycled and recovered thermal energy for the purpose or
ciency. thermal energy storage or reuse , this offers the advantage
The preferred method of the present invention sets forth over prior art in it gains the system higher efficiency and
its primary advantage and novel method over prior art 65 reduces energy input requirements with inclusion of renew
provides for normalized thermal energy balance that is able energy generation 112 and associated thermal and gas
essential for realized and optimized system wide use and emissions processing and storage .
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The preferred method of the present invention has the content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally
additional advantage over prior art in its ability to reduce associated with conventional bio -oil post-production inte
reliance on fossil fuels and non - green energy input sources. grating fewer separation processes , reduction of harsh pro
The preferred method of the present invention using local cessing and operational conditions and recycling waste
ized renewable generated hydrogen and oxygen and seques - 5 energy from the preferred method of using stored thermal
tered gas and element inputs to create PPC polymers through energy promoting lower auxiliary input requirements . Car
the co -polymerization of CO2 and chemicals called epox bon stabilization processes to enable Biochar 280 so that it
ides. The process results in polymers containing more than can be handled safely . The integrated fast pyrolysis process
30 percent CO2 by weight. The CO2-containing polymers 264 includes biomass storage ,preparation , pretreatment, and
can be hand tailored for applications and processes with a 10 conversion , product recovery and processing to create and
broad range of end product material characteristics that may store stable isolated gases , biochar and other solids , liquids,
range from solid plastics to soft , flexible foams, depending
on the size and weight of the particular polymer chain . fuels and bio - oil fractions.
Prior art of plastics manufacturing applications and pro The preferred method of the present invention provides
or partially automated due 15 for
or a method
cesses typically was never fully or partially automated due 15 tillation of fractionating gases through cryogenic dis
to its inherent design and deployment flaws. The preferred and bio - oil vapors comprising water, fuels and
method of the present invention uses metrics , biometrics and bio -oil. The first stage separates the gases and bio - oil vapors
thermal imaging technologies of analysis , monitoring and are separated in a first stage which comprises a condenser.
control of the plastics manufacturing process using amal Separated bio -oil vapors are then fed into a condenser and
gamated with artificial intelligence and automation includ - 20 then cooled having passages for the bio -oil separated by a
ing robotics to reduce or eliminate injuries and enhanced heat conducting wall from passages for the preferred meth
uptime, productivity and enhanced volume. ods of stored cold to supply the required coolant .
As shown in FIG . 23, the preferred method of the present The coolant in the condenser of the first stage is main
invention uses renewable generated thermal energy and/ or tained at a substantially constant temperature , to condense a
drawn from thermal storage for the purpose of pre -heating 25 first liquid fraction of liquefied bio -oil elements in the
and heating for production of carbon fiber and its associated condenser of the first stage . The first liquid fraction of
components for enhanced energy efficiencies . The preferred liquefied bio - oil elements from the condenser in the first
method of the present invention recycles thermal waste stage is isolated , filtered , collected and transferred to stor
energy recovery from using heat exchanger and located coils age . The method of the present invention allows additional
near or around the carbon fiber furnace . The present inven - 30 processes for subsequently recovering further liquid frac
tion then uses this recycled thermal energy for the purpose t ions of liquefied bio - oil products.
of supplying communication to thermal storage or reuse of The yield of bio -oil is optimized when the pyrolysis
the thermal energy for Stirling engine input to generate temperature is around 500° C . and the heating rate is high
rotational energy which is then used for pressure swing (i. e. 1000° C ./s ) i.e . fast pyrolysis conditions . Under these
absorption or air separation unit 123 for gas extraction 35 conditions bio -oil yields of 60 -70 wt % of can be achieved
which is injected into the furnace to enhance furnace effi from a typical biomass feedstock , with 10 - 25 wt % yields of
ciency . bio -char. The remaining 10 -15 wt % is syngas. Processes
The preferred method of the present invention sets forth that use slower heating rates are called slow pyrolysis and
its primary advantage and novel method over prior art bio - char is usually the major product of such processes. The
provides for normalized thermal energy balance that is 40 pyrolysis process 264 can be self- sustained , as combustion
essential for realized and optimized system wide use and of the syngas and a portion of bio - oil or bio - char can provide
reuse efficiencies concurrently monetizing all energy inputs all the necessary energy to drive the reaction .
for all intended applications and processes. Pyrolysis transforms potentially hazardous and non -haz
Prior art of carbon fiber applications and processes typi- ardous organic materials into gaseous components, small
cally was never fully or partially automated due to its 45 quantities of liquid , and a solid residue which has high value
inherent design and deployment flaws . The preferred when included such as the preferred method of the present
method of the present invention uses metrics , biometrics and invention as a base product (coke such as needed as input
thermal imaging technologies of analysis , monitoring and for steel making process and for the carbon needed for
control of the carbon fiber making process using amalgam - aluminum production process ) containing fixed carbon and
ated with artificial intelligence and automation including 50 ash . As depicted in FIG . 24 , the preferred method of the
robotics to reduce or eliminate injuries and enhanced present invention use of renewable thermal energy for the
uptime, productivity and enhanced volume. purpose of thermal input providing for a renewable energy
The preferred method of the present invention advances input for biomass processed by pyrolysis 264 for the pro
and improves upon prior art by creating a sustainable and duction of bio -oil, coke and other feedstock streams.
renewable processes to establish a stable , cryogenic distil- 55 Therefore , we envision a distributed processing model
lation of gases , separation and refinement of isolated solids, where many small scale pyrolyzers (i. e . farm scale ) covert
separation and refinement of bio - oil fractions through tem - biomass to bio - oil which is then transported to a centralized
perature separation processes of various byproducts. Each location for refining . The preferred embodiment will employ
byproduct has very specific and highly unique fractionation a distributed “ farm scale” systems feeding into a central
properties that promote highly separated outputs that make 60 gasification ( for Fisher Tropsh liquids production ) plant
them individually superior and pure products compared to whereas the transportation cost savings are able to offset the
prior arts contaminated outputs and conventional acidic higher operational and biomass costs .
bio -oil . The invention enables liquids and low -molecular The preferred method of the present invention communi
weight compounds to be separated into a final value- added cates cold and heat thermal energy from thermal energy
fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value - 65 storage for the purpose of cooling or heating the gases for
added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio - oil fractions processing and distillation to separate the gases into their
from the process are chemically distinct, have low -water individual storage tanks.
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Furthermore, the excess bio -char produced but not sold operated sites for the express purpose of providing thermal
could be used on the farm as an excellent soil amender that energy for input such as heat and cold thermal energy into
can sequester carbon . Bio -char is highly absorbent and a Stirling engine 116 for electrical generation or for instance
therefore increases the soil' s ability to retain water, nutrients communicating cold thermal energy for cooling DEWS
and agricultural chemicals, preventing water contamination 5 firing station platforms.
and soil erosion . Soil application of bio -char 280 may Additional uses aside from its primary intention for use as
enhance both soil quality and be an effective means of a potential asteroid defense network system or as potential
sequestering large amounts of carbon , thereby helping to projectile , aircraft and missile defense system . The directed
mitigate global climate change through carbon sequestra - energy weapon discharge can come in various forms, for
tion . Use of bio -char 280 as a soil amendment will offset 10 example electromagnetic radiation , including sounds, radio
many of the problems associated with removing crop resi- frequency , microwave , lasers and masers , particles with
dues from the land . mass , in particle- beam weapons which technically is a form
Additionally, the emission gases may be treated in a of micro - projectile weapon .
secondary combustion chamber, flared , and partially con - DEWs can be used discreetly without anyone knowing as
densed . The preferred method of the present invention 15 radiation used in ranges such as RF (Radio Frequency = 3
would capture thermal energy from said combustion or k Hz to 300 GHz) is invisible and can pass through walls .
flaring for the purpose of storage of said thermal energy. Laser weapons could have several main advantages over
Particulate removal equipment such as fabric filters or wet conventional weaponry , Laser travel at the speed of light,
scrubbers are also required . other directed -energy weapons beams also travel at extreme
Prior art of pyrolysis applications and processes typically 20 high speeds , so there is no need generally except with
was never fully or partially automated due to its inherent atmospheric disruption and associated losses over extremely
design and deployment flaws. The preferred method of the long distances to compensate for target movement. Conse
present invention uses metrics, biometrics and thermal quently, evading an accurately aimed laser and /or directed
imaging technologies of analysis , monitoring and control of energy weapon after it has been fired is essentially impos
the pyrolysis 264 process using amalgamated with artificial 25 sible due to the speed of the discharge at the target and no
intelligence and automation including robotics to reduce or early warning would be available to enable corrective eva
eliminate injuries and enhanced uptime, productivity and sive actions. Because of their extremely high speed , light
enhanced volume. and other directed - energy weapons is only slightly affected
Terran Autonomous Response Defense ULTRAGRIDTM by gravity , so that long- range projection at targets requires
System ( TARDUS) is a directed -energy weapon system 30 little or no movement compensation . Other aspects such as
(DEWS ) with an integrated energy generation , energy stor - wind speed can be neglected at most times, unless shooting
age and energy analysis ,monitor and control system . DEWS through an absorptive matter. Directed - energy weapons can
is a weapon system that emits an energy discharge or objects change focusing configuration to provide an active area that
motion from an energy discharge aimed at a specified target can be much smaller or larger than projectile weaponry .
in a predetermined or projected direction or flight path of an 35 The preferred method of the present invention of given
intended target. It sole mission is to transfer energy for use the ability to communicate available energy from an energy
at a specific target for a desired effect. storage system 110 and its energy generation and energy
An advantage over prior art is the preferred method of the transfer that given generation sufficient energy and cooling ,
present invention 's integration and interconnection through lasers and other directed -energy weapons could essentially
ULTRAGRIDTM 194 for the express purpose of providing 40 have limitless ammunition and targeting capability . The
energy and cooling with included analysis, monitoring and operational range of a directed -energy weapon can be much
control of energy flow from localized and remote sources . larger than that of a ballistic weapon , depending on atmo
Additionally , DEWS allows the energy level needed for spheric conditions and power level. Directed -energy weapon
operation of a railgun , which consists primarily of an discharges and /or beams do not generate sound or light that
electrically powered electromagnetic projectile launcher 45 would be detected by human senses or easily detected by
based on similar principles to the homopolar motor. Typi- other means before or during when emitted , so the weapon
cally , a railgun comprises a pair of parallel conducting rails, would not announce the systems position when fired and
along which a sliding armature is accelerated by the elec - additionally could strike satellite and other tracking system
tromagnetic effects of a current that flows down one rail, into targets if targeted. Modern ballistic weapons commonly
the armature and then back along the other rail. The pre - 50 feature systems to counter many of the undesirable side
ferred method of the present invention incorporates mag - effects mentioned above . However, with the preferred
netic levitation (maglev ) rails to promote enhanced firing method of the current invention ability to provide megawatts
while reducing need for often needed and costly rail replace and potentially gigawatts of available energy , this would
ment due to wear. The preferred method incorporating allow use of megawatt or greater class of weapons such as
maglev rails will increase the speed of the projectile while 55 the above ballistics would have little or no effective defenses
reducing power requirements using a maglev launcher from such a massive energy discharge which would simply
within a railgun launcher design . overwhelm any and all known object defenses.
These energy transfer flows would include communica - The preferred method of the present invention sets forth
tions such as to capacitor banks for energy input charging its primary advantage and novelmethod over prior art above
and recharging that once completed would allow firing 60 applications and processes with physically connected pre
circuits to discharge available stored capacitor charges from heaters 213 and heating system elements 171 , heat exchang
the locally connected directed energy weapon system , addi- ers and regenerators 214 in its reclamation and recycling of
tionally the system would coordinate additional energy waste thermal energy for use , reuse , storage and/or conver
flows, charging and recharging of local and remote capacitor sion and storage . This energy is used by thermal intensive
banks and DEWS firing station platforms. An advantage 65 applications such as with Stirling cycle engines which use a
over prior art is the preferred method of the present inven - portion of the thermal energy for the generation of rotational
tion that integration of ULTRAGRIDTM 194 connected and energy , for use in such applications such as rotation work
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needed for input into a generator , pump or compressor. and thermal imaging sensors , monitoring , analysis and con
Waste heat recycled from this process may be used in a trol regime and may include other environmental input and
second level of reuse of available waste energy as thermal control as well as involvement into the full grow cycles
energy input into secondary lower heat threshold thermal including germination , planting and /or placement, grow out
intensive applications such as Stirling engine cycle 116 with 5 and harvest. A similar process would be used in aquaponics
a reduced temperature differential which would then use a with inclusion in cycles such as hatchery , fingerlings, grow
portion of the thermal energy input for the generation of out and harvesting .
rotational energy for us in such applications such as rotation Produces substantially reduced investment capital
work needed for input into a generator, pump or compressor. requirements, encapsulated by capturing enhanced value on
The present invention has additional advantage over prior 10 capital expenditures with greatly increased return on invest
art from additional applications and process cycles from ments . Embodiments when paired with its energy storage
remaining thermal energy and from storage to further 110 and waste heat recovery system using reclaimed energy ,
encourage use and recycling of available energy for addi- system is able to actualize and realize the maximum benefits
tional application and processes energy usage that may be and utilization of all available system resources.
added based on available input temperatures and return on 15 The current power grid is designed and developed unable
investment cost versus an acceptable benefits - to -costs ratio . to allow generation sources to respond to on -demand to
All remaining recyclable thermal energy may then be con
consumer needs, while an ULTRAGRIDTM 194 based smart
reclaimed and then communicated to appropriate tempera - grid 192, as depicted in FIGS . 29 , 30 , 31, and 32 , can be
ture thermal storage systems 125 . Additionally , thermal designed so that usage varies on - demand with production
energy may be communicated to absorption cooling 121 to 20 availability from intermittent power sources such as wind
convert heat based thermal energy into cold based thermal 104 and solar and stabilized by matched stored energy
energy to maintain a localized energy balance of available release for commercial grid generation for both electrical
stored thermal energy . The preferred method of the present and /or thermal intensive systems. End -user loads can be
invention sets forth its primary advantage and novelmethod proactively projected and timed for a concerted startup
over prior art provides for normalized thermal energy bal- 25 during peak usage periods, or the cost of energy can dynami
ance that is essential for realized and optimized system wide cally vary between peak and nonpeak periods to encourage
use and reuse efficiencies concurrently monetizing all turning off non - essentialhigh energy loads or control appli
energy inputs for all intended applications and processes . cation startup to not occur simultaneously.
Prior art of directed - energy applications and processes Single cycle and multiple cycle generation systems using
typically were never fully or partially automated due to its 30 steam or Stirling as the primary thermal energy cycle and for
inherent design and deployment flaws. The preferred additional benefit use of recycled thermal waste energy for
method of the present invention uses metrics , biometrics and additional thermal intensive applications such as additional
thermal imaging technologies of analysis , monitoring and Stirling engine stages may be used for additional benefit and
control of the directed - energy process using amalgamated enhanced efficiency .
with artificial intelligence and automation including robotics 35 Electricity generated by the onsite power generation unit
to reduce or eliminate injuries and enhanced uptime, pro - is used to operate all electrical devices needed to ensure
ductivity and enhanced volume production . proper operation of the production and cold storage system .
Prior Art generally used energy input in the form of grid Electricity is transferred using common electrical conduits
energy supplied or mostly provided by grid with its inherent and means of conduction electrical energy . Any excess
cost and price escalation . Embodiments of the invention will 40 electrical energy produced by the onsite power generation
employ renewable energy 112 as the primary electrical and unit can be sold to the local utilities through a direct utility
thermal energy input for the purpose of electrical energy connection and monitors.
generation , thermal applications and energy storage 110 . Therefore , borne out of necessity is the creation of a
Embodiments of the invention will introduce and extend mechanism for mitigating variability and/or intermittency
artificial intelligence interfaced component layers, layers 45 associated with the stable quality power production of
will include but not limited to building, robotics , applica - energy consisting primarily of energy from wind 104 , pho
tions and device 's automation system , utilizing hardware tovoltaic solar 107 , thermal solar 106 and other renewable
and software -based monitoring, analysis and control system energy sources 112 , additionally the absence of adequate
for enhanced performance , efficiencies , power quality analy - solar energy generation for thermal solar energy 106 with
sis, energy cost tracking, energy demand control, energy 50 the purpose of thermal energy availability .
efficiency automation . Additional layers include inventory The present invention with its elements for the features
monitoring, accounting, analysis , reporting and control and functionality as system to be known as Modular
The central energy embodiment encompasses an intelli - Advanced Intelligent Commercial Energy System
gent interface interconnecting monitor, analysis and control (MAICES ) forms a foundation and basis for distributed
elements to improve reliability, manage process flows, 55 electrical, chemical and thermal energy , localized storage
enabling increased commercial yields , cost reduction and reserves preserving electrical, chemical, thermal energy and
reduced loss of production and service availability . Maxi- supply security . The present invention provides storage
mizing infrastructure utilization to achieve lowest possible reserves of electrical, chemical, thermal energy availability
levelized cost of energy is achieved by monetizing capital during natural and manmade catastrophic accidents to
intensive fixed assets while reducing overlap and needless 60 energy and fuel supplies.
redundant processes . Prior art consisted of Gas Turbines , Microturbines, Recip
As depicted in FIGS. 25 , 26 , 27 , and 28, this monitoring rocating Engines , Nuclear, Radioisotope, Geothermal, Solar
and analysis can be through sensors for local and remote Thermal, Steam Turbines, Geo - thermal, Boilers, Fuel Cells ,
purposes and may include video and thermal based sensors Thermal Solar Systems and other thermal input sources
input for uses such as adaptive metrics , biometrics and 65 operating in conjunction with combined heating and power
thermal imaging for monitoring, analysis and control. This (CHP). The preferred method of the present invention
may be combined into a species by speciesmetric, biometric encapsulates a controlsystem with a Stirling engine 116 and
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absorption cooling system 121 and an associated storage cooling 121 allows usage of a wider range of thermal energy
system into an amalgamated energy ecosystem , this system maximizing efficiency and monetizing energy usage . Gen
can be added to or designed to enhance virtual any prior art erally, the assumptions for single dimensional analysis
thermal energy process, application or source . would conclude that systems are typically operating at
This present embodiment of preferred method is referred 5 steady state under the conditions observed in highly con
to as Quintuple Effect Generation or (QED ) offers the trolled experiment with rigid standards which may or may
advantages of integrating separate device and process dis not accurately reflect real world applications and processes
coveries with the enhanced benefit of a combined multi with the inherent flaws with lack of assumption of losses and
cycle energy system (CMCS ) amalgamated with a combined energy decay half- life driven production depreciation . These
cooling, freezing , heating and power (CCFHP) system with 10
optional rotational energy output. The preferred method of types of generators 114 can be simplified in their single
dimensional analysis to that of a typical heat engine to be
the present invention benefits from the strengths while able to compare their theoretical efficiencies to their corre
removing or greatly reducing any deficiency that the isolated sponding Carnot efficiencies . The system is assumed to be a
systems might have had because of their application and unified analysis, monitor , control and energy provisioning
processes in overlap and redundant non -optimized design 15 system . Stirling engine 116 and generational components, to
and configuration .
The preferred method of the present invention advantage include the heat source , absorption cooling system 121,
over prior art is comprised by the introduction and integra storage system and thermal exchanger 212 .
tion of a multi- cycle system that includes a thermal mando The preferred method of the present invention introduces
agement system capable of handling high thermal loads with 20 a preferred embodiment to be hence known as a Stirling
fine temperature control and energy control system utilizing Unified Radioisotope Generation Energy System also
a direct connection of high conductivity pathways . The known as (SURGES ). The preferred embodiment's superior
preferred embodiment provides enhanced waste heat recla - efficiency and higher generational outputs that may be
mation and energy recycling thereby gaining additional demonstrated by the SURGES system are primarily driven
efficiency . The preferred embodiment is comprised of con - 25 by the embodiment ' s monetization of the widest temperature
nections such as a thermosiphon for low thermal transfer band utilization for a given thermal input. The preferred
use , heat pipe for high thermal transfer use , thermal embodiment is encompassed within the encapsulation of a
exchanger using thermal transfer mediums such as water and unified analysis, monitor, control and energy provisioning
glycol mixture , oil or molten salt, a combination of these system , Stirling engine 116 , absorption cooling 121 , thermal
systems and components may be used for thermal tempera - 30 storage 125 and enhancing system efficiency from recycling
ture management of the thermal generational source . This and reclamation processes of thermal waste energy which
advantage of the present invention is accomplished using defines a clear and present advantage to define the preferred
thermal waste energy realized by amalgamating a Stirling method of the present invention over prior art and its
engine 116 using thermal waste energy from the thermal implementations.
generational source and cold thermal input from the added 35 The preferred method of the present invention in sea
extended combined cycle . Further advantage of the present based applications may use thermal exchange devices using
invention is provided by inclusion of an absorption cooling movement of sea water for the thermal transfer medium for
system 121 using recovered thermal waste energy from the thermal energy dissipation of excess thermal waste energy .
Stirling engine 116 , greatly enhancing performance and The fuel source can last multiple decades at a known decay
control over all past prior art attempts and implementations. 40 rate , so fuel replacement can be scheduled well in advance ,
The preferred embodiment of the present invention inte - leaving all the other components for general maintenance
grating thermal energy input comprised from thermal energy scheduling and part replacement requirements . The pre
sources such as but not limited to including Natural Gas, ferred method of the present invention encapsulates a unified
Coal, Geothermal 100 , Thermal Solar 106 , Large and control system with a Stirling engine 116 and absorption
Medium Nuclear Generators , Small Modular Reactors 45 cooling system 121 and an associated storage system into an
( SMR ) and Radioisotope Thermal Generators (RTG ) with amalgamated energy ecosystem . The preferred method of
the preferred method of the present invention with inclusion the present invention benefits from the strengths while
of a system that can be assumed to be a unified analysis , removing or greatly reducing any deficiency that the isolated
monitor, control and energy provisioning system , Stirling systems might have had because of their application in a
heat engine 116 , absorption cooling 121 and thermal storage 50 non -optimized design and configuration . The preferred
125 . As illustrated in FIG . 33 , the preferred method of the method of the present invention additional advantage to
present invention additional advantage to prior art comprises prior art comprises the application and processes of the
the application and processes of the preferred embodiment preferred embodiment to expand and enhance value added
to expand and enhance value added advantages over prior art advantages over prior art in that excess thermal energy to
in that excess thermal energy to thermal energy storage and 55 thermal energy storage and electrical generational energy
electrical generational energy may be stored as chemical may be stored as chemical energy storage as a medium for
energy storage as a medium for enhanced system efficiency enhanced system efficiency and energy utilization .
and ultimately energy utilization and monetization . The preferred method of the present invention in concert
The preferred method of the present invention primarily with Electrostatic and/ or Electrothermal and /or Electromag
forms the basis of a next -generation high efficiency and high 60 netic propulsion engine such as Plasma and / or ION engines
power capable Stirling engine 116 using a radioisotope - can benefit from the preferred embodiment by reclamation
fueled powered thermal source called the Stirling Unified from direct or natural convection thermal exchange, recy
Radioisotope Generation Energy System also known as cling and reuse of thermal waste energy for enhanced
(SURGES ). efficiency and performance , this is accomplished via thermal
The preferred method of the present invention can provide 65 waste energy for Stirling engine input and thermal waste
power at a multiple of times higher than the conversion energy for absorption cooling input for enhanced Stirling
efficiency of prior art RTGs and inclusion of absorption engine operation 116 and provide combined cooling , freez
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ing , heating and power with energy storage for additional system shall hence forth be called Automatic Controlled
advantage for applications and processes incorporated with Thermostat-humidistat -air quality System also to be known
the preferred embodiment. as (ACTS ) . The preferred method of the present invention
The preferred method of the present invention in space - integrates the preferred embodiment with ULTRAGRID for
based applications may use direct and convection thermal 5 maximizing energy usage and monetizing peak efficiency .
exchange devices using contact to open outer space for the The preferred embodiment consists primarily of environ
thermal transfer medium for thermal energy dissipation of mental control components , central air handling system ,
excess thermal waste energy. The fuel source can last primary ventilation system , return vent system and inte
multiple decades at a known decay rate, so fuel replacement grated control system with inclusion of ULTRAGRID 194
can be scheduled well in advance , leaving all the other 10 interfacing . Point source exhaust is provided by individual
components for general maintenance scheduling and part bathroom fans and a kitchen range hood . Periodic operation
replacement requirements. The preferred method of the of the central air handler fan 260 assures consistent venti
present invention encapsulates a unified control system with
a Stirling engine 116 and absorption cooling system 121 and lation air distribution and uniform air quality . It also reduces
anecosystem
associated storage system into an amalgamated energy 15 temperature and humidity variations between rooms. The
. The preferred method of the present invention preferred embodiment is comprised by all ducts 220 inside
benefits from the strengths while removing or greatly reduc- insulated space provides the best performance , such as
ing any deficiency that the isolated systems might have had permitted by the unvented -cathedralized attics . Sealed and
because of their application in a non -optimized design and well- insulated ducts are next best. Well-ventilated conven
configuration . The preferred method of the present invention 20 tional attics without ducts require about 40 % less annual
additional advantage to prior art comprises the application cooling than cathedralized attics with the same insulation
and processes of the preferred embodiment to expand and level.
enhance value added advantages over prior art in that excess One example of a ventilation system design is a central
thermal energy to thermal energy storage and electrical fan integrated supply (CFIS ) system , which consists of an
generational energy may be stored as chemical energy 25 outdoor air intake duct 220 connected to the return side of
storage as a medium for enhanced system efficiency and the air handler 260 with a fan cycling control to make sure
energy utilization . the fan runs a programmed minimum amount of time to
As illustrated in FIG . 34 , the preferred method of the move the required volume of air flow . This duct draws
present invention for provisioning energy and environmen - outdoor fresh air into the air distribution system and dis
tal control referred to as Renewable Energy Sustained Envi- 30 tributes it to the various zones in the control area . The intake
ronment — Energy Recovery Ventilation System also known duct has a motorized damper also controlled by the envi
as (RESEERVS) within the preferred embodiment com - ronmental control system to operate the damper to prevent
prises of a thermal exchanger 212 , thermal transfer coil 300 , excess ventilation of the control area during times of sig
air filter 304 , ultraviolet light source 306 , dehumidifier n ificant space conditioning demands which could exceed
system 312 , humidifier system 310 , dampers and fans 302. 35 maximum duty cycles of the shortening the lifespan of
The system would include one or more fans 302 to circulate fan /blower system . The preferred embodiment comprises a
the air flow within the targeted environmental control area mixture of 20 % or less outside air mixed with 80 % ormore
and an exhaust fan 308 to expunge the exhaust airflow and inside air to promote zone balanced temperature and humid
allow a controlled and regulated intake of fresh air. Addi- ity levels .
tionally, the preferred embodiment may include an external 40 The preferred method of the present invention advantage
heat exchanger or condenser that may be used for transfer coincides in direct relationship to increases in energy use as
and removal of excess waste heat and / or humidity to the associated inherent costs also rise , the preferred embodiment
outside atmosphere . of the present invention offers customizable solutions that
As depicted in FIG . 35 , the preferred embodiment with conserve and monetize energy use and reduce heating and
supplemental humidification , dehumidification and fresh air 45 cooling costs to a minimum . The preferred method of the
exchange and integrated with the central air handling system present invention environmental control system integrates
260 provides year -around ventilation for air purity and heating , cooling , humidity and air quality ventilation control
humidity control independent of the cooling and heating and air filtration for airborne organisms, particulates, dust
system operation promoting an amalgamated environmental and allergens with a central command and control system .
ecosystem . The preferred embodiment with inclusion of a 50 The preferred method of the present invention integrates the
humidifier, dehumidifier and fresh air exchange , the system preferred embodiment with UTLRAGRID for monetizing
it can directly effectuate the desired environmental factors peak efficiency and maximizing energy usage . This embodi
throughout the entire control area through use of central fan ment introduces the use of reduced energy requirements and
cycling providing the entire control area ventilation and enhanced individualized zone comfort through installation
custom setting for independent zones. 55 of electronic air duct dampers and integration into a com
With the inclusion and use of one or more dampers , the mon control system for efficient environmental zone control.
system can create and maintain zones throughout the desired The preferred method of the present invention integration
control area that can be independently via electrical and environmental control of HVAC air duct dampers allows
mechanical controlled . The preferred method of the present independent thermostatic control of environmental condi
invention is used to connect with a central environmental 60 tions from occupied or projected use zones while reducing
HVAC zone controller 258 and a multi- zone programmable energy in unoccupied or unused zones , which is incumbent
thermostat -humidistat- air quality module . Alternatively, the upon setting limit for the flow of heating, cooling, humidity
preferred method of the present invention is used to connect and air quality control down to only the chosen zones
with a central environmentalHVAC zone controller 258 and necessary to reduce spillage of energy use to zones with little
localized zone programmable thermostat-humidistat - air 65 or no apparent needs, this allows monetization of energy
quality modules for independent localized environmental usage and efficiency for specifically chosen and select tar
zone configuration and control. The environmental control geted zones or sets of zones.
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The preferred embodiment allows the environmental con - together to perform select tasks with higher efficiency and
trol system to adjust changes in the temperatures, humidity performance as a whole versus prior art implementation of
levels and air quality of selected zones faster and more individual systems and isolated components .
efficiently than conventional prior art heating and cooling The preferred method of the present invention is con
system design using prior art HVAC and air ducts , thus 5 cerned with an amalgamated system comprising a heating ,
providing shorter operational run time for the environmental cooling, humidifier, dehumidifier, ultra -violet light, air qual
control system and lowering its typical required energy ity, environmental control system and energy control and
usage and associated costs. provisioning system and / or ULTRAGRID to create a bal
Advantages of the preferred embodiment of the ACTS anced environmental ecosystem .
environmental control and ventilation systems with inte - 10 An aspect of some embodiments of the invention is
grated thermal energy recovery includes : concerned with a combined dehumidifier / air conditioner is
A . System offers reduction of thermal losses to reduce which a relatively low level of integration is provided . In
thermal input requirements to moderate and maintain some embodiments of the invention , heat generated by the
the control area temperature , humidity and air quality condenser is used to remove liquid from the desiccant.
to a comfortable or particular desired use level; 15 However , unlike the above referenced prior art , the air
B . System is high efficiency and cost-effective , less conditioner condenser continues to be cooled by outside air.
energy is required to move air than to environmentally The heated air , which exits the air -conditioner, containing
control it; waste heat, is used to remove moisture from the desiccant.
C . System provides environmental control whereas open In the preferred embodiment of the invention , a heatpump
windows or access portals would be a security risk and 20 is utilized to transfer thermal energy thermal storage to
in windowless rooms (e .g . datacenters, work areas, relatively cool desiccant to heat the desiccant to promote
storage rooms, closets , bathrooms and toilets , etc . ) ; and drying and evaporation , in addition to the thermal energy
D . System can function as a ventilation system in summer communicated from recycled thermal waste energy supplied
via bypassing the thermal transfer system 266 and from the system . The result is a system in which the cooling
increase air quality by simply replacing indoor air with 25 system 125 docs not have to over compensate cooling the air
outdoor air, the system can reduce indoor moisture in to remove moisture and the dehumidifier is not required to
winter , as cooler outdoor air has a lower relative communicate thermal energy to the heat the air in order to
humidity . remove moisture . This is a direct contrast with the prior art
The preferred method of the present invention for the systems in which one or more inefficient steps mast be
purpose of providing dehumidification using a liquid desic - 30 performed .
cant will integrate a typical hydrostat or hygrometer which Some embodiments of the invention provide an amalgam
is an electrical device for detecting the presence ofmoisture ated environmental control system in which only " fresh
may be used to monitor and control humidity levels auto ambient air ” , which is in essence an untreated air that would
matically to preset levels. Desiccant is a hygroscopic sub be processed via the dehumidification process prior to
stance that is commonly used as a drying agent. 35 cooling by the cooling system 125 . With the dehumidifier
Liquid desiccant is also a natural disinfectant, eliminating only operational with moist " fresh ambient air ” then the
airborne microorganisms, bacteria , viruses and removing cooling system 125 will be only cooling relatively dry air.
odors without the need of expensive filters . The salt water This method will allow both the dehumidifier and the
solution removes almost all airborne bacteria and microor- cooling system 125 to operate at a very high efficiency and
ganisms in a single pass and thermal energy can reduce to 40 performance rating . This offers a simple method of integra
near zero potential contaminates, the embodiment also tion of the various components into a harmonious relation
eliminates condensation points in the systems such as drip ship providing advantages of utilizing waste heat from the
pans mid condensate lines which often produce algae and recycled thermal energy and enhancing total system effi
bacteria build - up . Additional advantage can be achieved ciency able to use stored thermal energy , unlike prior art
with the present invention with the integration of ultraviolet 45 unintegrated legacy units left unable to benefit from tightly
light source to denature harmful bacteria to further advan integrated system efficiencies .
tage the present invention over prior art. Special filtering and Active device operation allows absorption of humidity in
sequestering procedures and processes may be used when the form of moisture in the dehumidifying section which
incorporating control of zone contaminated environments increases the volume via collection of moisture in the
such as paint booths, chemical manufacturing and other 50 dehumidifier sump, resulting in the gravity flow of low
processing which can also include harmful particulates. concentration desiccant from the cooled dehumidifier sump
The preferred method of the present invention has addi- to the heated evaporator sump. This flow also carries with it
tional advantages over prior art such as air quality is kept a flow of desiccant ions, which must be returned to the
fresh with maintaining higher oxygen levels , replaceable dehumidifier sump, this process is achieved by natural
filters from which to remove allergens such as dust, mold , 55 pumping action of an ion - rich desiccant solution from the
mildew and pollen to include organisms such as bacterium heated evaporator sump to transfer to the cooled dehumidi
reduction and/ or removal, climate control for consistent fier sump. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses
zone to zone temperatures , humidity and air quality levels diffusion of ions to initiate and maintain the natural flow and
affecting zones such as a controlled work area , laboratory, stratification movement through the ducts 220 between the
work bay, kitchen , bathroom and pet odors. 60 adjoining walls , from the evaporator sump to the dehumidi
The preferred method of the present invention uses sus fier sump and its reverse ionic and gravity generated actions .
tainable renewable generated thermal energy storage for hot The preferred embodiment for humidification comprises a
and cold input for control of zones independently with its system that using water input into the formerly dehumidi
ability to match desired temperatures . fication section and reversing the usage of the dehumidifier
The preferred method of the present invention benefits 65 in cooperation of the thermal transfers in the dehumidifier
from integration of its components in a symbiotic relation - sump from cooling to heat and removing thermal input to the
ship in which components are interconnected to work evaporator will allow natural vapor to rise from the formerly
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dehumidifier and can now function as a humidifier to dynamic and electrochemical performance related to SOFC
provide adequate air moisture levels to maintain appropriate systems 250. The preferred method of the present invention
humidification levels desired or required . The simplicity and is for the purpose of thermal energy temperature control of
effectiveness of an inline humidifier, the cleanliness of a the SOFC 250 by eliminating prior arts inclusion and use of
flow - through system provides for a water efficiency and low 5 water or liquid based cooling , where the preferred method of
maintenance system . While some minerals will adhere to the the present invention introduces a multi - cycle system , that
devices, use of inline water filters will remove the majority uses a thermosiphon and /or heat pipe and /or thermal
ofthe minerals from the water source . Flushing and cleaning exchanger 212 for direct connection and enhanced waste
can be done periodically to provide maintenance and clean heat reclamation and energy recycling thereby gaining addi
ing of the humidification system , additionally reduction of 10 tional efficiency via using thermal waste energy realized by
contaminants build -up and extra observation against exces amalgamating a Stirling engine using thermal waste energy
sive water stagnation contamination and mineral deposits. from the SOFC and cold thermal input from the added the
The preferred method of the present invention for liquid extended combined cycle provided by the absorption cool
desiccant-based dehumidification uses a sodium chloride , ing system 121 from recovery of thermalwaste energy from
potassium chloride or lithium chloride solution approxi- 15 the Stirling engine 116 .
mately (25 % - 75 % solution concentrations ) which in essence Additional improvement using the preferred method of
is essentially a highly concentrated form of salt water which the current invention is incorporation of the added multi
is typically referred to as brine. cycle by enabling an absorption cooling 121 system to
This natural brine solution is a non -toxic mixture and does provide cold thermal input to enable higher use of input
not break down chemically under normal use but will 20 energy and have additional advantage of the combined cycle
change in concentration levels which mean it may not need by enhancing width of heat band supplied to the Stirling
to be replaced over the lifetime of the system . The solution engine and cold thermal energy input for dry cooling usage
however may need to be replaced during its lifetime from for component cooling within the system .
dust, dirt and contamination . Due to these high temperatures , the preferred method of
Referring to FIG . 34 , the preferred method of the present 25 the present invention allows hydroxyl ammonium nitrate or
invention comprises an apparatus for environmental condi- ammonia separation via a waste energy for thermally
tioning of air comprising: a quantity of liquid desiccant; a derived cracking process. Additionally , light hydrocarbon
reversible dehumidifier, humidifier section in which targeted fuels , such as methane, propane and butane can be internally
air flows through to be conditioned . In dehumidification reformed within the system via waste heat. SOFC power
mode, air is contacted with a first portion of the liquid 30 systems can increase efficiency by using the heat given off
desiccant using a mist spray unit to allow the air to counter by the exothermic electrochemical oxidation within the fuel
flow against the spray between the dimpled separators, the cell 250 for endothermic steam reforming and for thermal
fluid is pumped from the sump to the mist sprayers; the basin energy communicated to processes such as hydroxyl ammo
at thebottom catches the mixture , the thermal exchanger 212 nia nitrate 179 mixture decomposition , an ammonia crack
in the sump can be used to cool or heat dependent on the 35 ing process 167 or other fuel source separation processes .
required mode . The evaporator in dehumidification mode is Thermal expansion demands a uniform and well- regu
to remove excess water from the solution , when in humidi - lated heating process at startup . SOFC stacks with planar
fication the sumps act as a drip tray to catch excess water, the geometry require thermal input to be heated to light- off
brine will kill most organisms and to hold any contaminantstemperature . The preferred method of the present invention
from transfer from the air , the evaporator is used in both 40 uses stored thermal energy to provide startup or near startup
modes to remove excess water from the system using heat temperatures thereby reducing startup times and extreme
input via thermal exchanger in the sump communicates thermal temperature changes to control material creep and
thermal energy to the thermal exchanger 212 in the evapo - reduce metallurgy reactions from reduction of rapid tem
rator sump for the purpose of evaporation for removing perature change. The preferred method of the present inven
excess moisture from the brine solution to raise the concen - 45 tion allows for electrical to thermal communication via
tration level to enable uninhibited properties of the liquid electrical thermal heating element 117 for maintenance
desiccant for removal of moisture from the dehumidifier thermal energy input to thermal energy storage .
cold side of the system for continuation of the humidity level The preferred method of the present invention introduces
control and to also control volume level of the mixture , in graphene as the additive into the ceramic matrix used for the
humidification the injectors input is switched to a water 50 SOFC ceramic plates . Graphene has highly remarkable
input for mist generation of water moisture to allow the air mechanical properties , which makes it potentially a good
to counter flow against the spray to promote humidity reinforcement in ceramic composites. It also has unique
creation between the dimpled separators ducted into the electrical and thermal properties , which makes it highly
venting system . The system can use natural ion transfer for attractive as filler and bonding agent for producing multi
movement between sumps through the duct in the separator 55 functional ceramics for a wide range of applications. In the
or alternatively , the apparatus may include a pump for past few years , relatively little attention has been focused on
pumping liquid desiccant between the humidifier/dehumidi Graphene Ceramic Matrix Composites (GCMC ) in compari
fier section and the evaporator section . son to polymer composites and metal composites . The
The preferred embodiment of the invention promotes a preferred method of the present invention uses state of the
sustainable and renewable energy basis for a nontoxic 60 art of GCMC which including materials synthesis , densifi
method of heating and cooling, humidification and dehu - cation and characterization . Published literature allows use
midification , air quality and air filtration can be achieved of critical steps for processing GCMC, and identifies its
from a single amalgamated device . influence on the multifunctional and mechanical properties
As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 , the preferred method of the of alloys and composites.
present invention uses a second combined cycle and draws 65 The majority of work in graphene nanocomposites has
thermal energy from one or more solid oxide fuel cells 250 focused on polymer matrices. The preferred method of the
( sometimes “ SOFC ” ) that is necessary to effectuate thermo present invention use of graphene to enhance the toughness
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of bulk silicon nitride ceramics . Ceramics are ideally suited cycle by enabling a Stirling engine 116 to perform thermal
for high -temperature applications but suffer from poor management and additional power and efficiency gains ,
toughness. The preferred method of the present invention additional advantage when including an absorption cooling
uses graphene platelets (GPL ) that are homogeneously dis system 121 to provide cold thermal input to enable higher
persed with silicon nitride particles and densified , at 5 use of input energy and have additional advantage of the
approximately 1650° C . using spark plasma sintering . The combined cycle by enhancing width of heat band supplied to
sintering parameters are selected to enable the GPL to the Stirling engine 116 and cold thermal energy input for dry
survive the harsh processing and high temperature operating cooling usage for component cooling within the system .
environment. The preferred method of the present invention The preferred method of the present invention communi
use of graphene ceramic introduces increases ceramic ' s 10 cates thermal energy from thermal storage for the purpose of
fracture toughness in response to ceramic volume fraction . providing thermal energy for preheating, heating and recy
The preferred method of the present invention includes a cling thermal energy from the energy processes .
novel toughening mechanisms through the inclusion of The preferred method of the present invention recycles
graphene with the ceramic matrix enhance GPL wrapping thermal waste energy recovery from using heat exchanger
and anchoring themselves around individual ceramic grains 15 and located coils near or around the fuel cell stack with it
to resist sheet pullout. The resulting cage - like graphene radiation of convection based thermal energy reclamation .
structures that encapsulate the individual grains were The present invention then uses this recycled thermal energy
observed to deflect propagating cracks in not just two for the purpose of supplying communication to thermal
dimensions but extended to all three dimensions . storage 125 or reuse of the thermal energy for Stirling engine
The preferred method of the present invention intercon - 20 input to generate rotational energy which is then used for
nects can be either a graphene metallic or graphene ceramic additional work such as input for an absorption cooling
layer that sits between each individual cell . Its purpose is to system 121 for yet higher efficiency and usage of available
connect each cell in series, so that the electricity each cell thermal temperature band .
generates can be combined . The preferred method of the The preferred method of the present invention sets forth
present invention allows the interconnect based on graphene 25 its primary advantage and novel method over prior art
ceramic matrix to be exposed to both the oxidizing and comprised by normalizing the thermal energy balance which
reducing side of the cell at high temperatures and still be is essential for realized and optimized system wide use and
extremely stable . For this reason , ceramics have been more reuse of recycled energy , thereby generating higher efficien
successful in the long term than metals as interconnect cies while concurrently monetizing all energy inputs for all
materials. The preferred method for the present invention 30 intended integrate methods with individualized applications
introduces Ceramic -metal -graphene composite matrices and processes.
called ' cermeg ' for high temperature usage as they have The electronic monitoring , identification , energy genera
demonstrated thermal stability at high temperatures and tion , baseload energy load response and energy provisioning
excellent electrical conductivity . to satisfy grid stability from supply compensation for end
The preferred method of the present invention advantage 35 use requirements and control element of the present inven
over prior art is comprised by the introduction and integra - tion in the current application shall henceforth be known and
tion of a multi -cycle system with integration of thermal designated from the above as elements for the features and
management system with direct connection and dissipation . functionality as system to be known as “ ULTRAGRIDTM ”
Thus , would be comprised by a direct connection of a 194 .
thermosiphon and /or heat pipe and /or thermal exchanger 40 The preferred method of the present invention sets forth
212 using thermal transfer mediums such as molten salt for its primary advantage and novelmethod over prior art above
thermal temperature management of the SOFC which by applications and processes with physically connected via
inclusion provides enhanced waste heat reclamation and heat pipes and / or thermosiphons , preheaters 213 and heating
energy recycling thereby gaining additional efficiency via system elements 171, heat exchangers and regenerators 214
using thermal waste energy . Higher system efficiency can be 45 in its reclamation and recycling of waste thermal energy for
actualized by using thermal waste energy as input for a use , reuse , storage and/ or conversion and storage . This
reformer or cracker 252 for the decomposition of the input energy is used by thermal intensive applications such as with
fuel. Additional gains using the preferred embodiment is Stirling cycle engines which use a portion of the thermal
realized by amalgamating a Stirling engine 116 using ther- energy for the generation of rotational energy , for use in such
mal waste energy from the SOFC and cold thermal input 50 applications such as rotation work needed for input into a
from the added extended combined cycle provided by the generator, pump or compressor. Waste heat recycled from
absorption cooling system 121 from recovery and use of this process may be used in a second level of reuse of
thermal waste energy. These gains are monetized from the available recycled waste energy as thermal energy input into
preferred embodiment and its use, greatly enhancing effi secondary lower heat threshold thermal intensive applica
ciency , performance and energy conservation and on 55 tions such as Stirling engine cycle 116 with a reduced
demand control over all past prior art attempts and imple - temperature differential which would then use a portion of
mentations. the thermal energy input for the generation of rotational
The preferred method of the present invention may use energy for us in such applications such as rotation work
direct of heat pipes and / or thermosiphon and / or convection needed for input into a generator, pump or compressor .
thermal energy transfer for immediate thermal energy man - 60 The present invention has additional advantage over prior
agement and its associated energy efficiency and perfor- art from additional applications and process cycles from
mance advantage over prior arts use of water , water/ glycol remaining thermal energy and from storage to further
or steam , each with their own transfer limitations and failure encourage use and recycling of available energy for addi
points and extensive efficiency losses and inherent material tional application and processes energy usage that may be
costs . 65 added based on available input temperatures and return on
Additional improvement using the preferred method of investment cost versus an acceptable benefits to costs ratio ,
the current invention is incorporation of the added multi - all remaining recyclable thermal energy may then be
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reclaimed and then communicated to appropriate tempera energy sources subsequently generate energy in the form of
ture thermal storage systems 125 , additionally thermal electrical, thermal and chemical storage 183 such as hydro
energy may be communicated to absorption cooling 121 to gen and ammonia from the stored energy based on electric
convert heat based thermal energy into cold based thermal demand .
energy to maintain a localized energy balance of available 5 The present invention differs from other prior art particu
stored thermal energy . The preferred method of the present larly a high pressure alkaline hydrogen electrolyzer 113 and
invention sets forth its primary advantage and novelmethod similar devices that typically uses a water and potassium
over prior art provides for normalized thermal energy bal- hydroxide (KOH ) mixture in a container and apply a DC
ance that is essential for realized and optimized system wide current with two electrodes located in the mixture to sepa
use and reuse efficiencies concurrently monetizing all 10 rate hydrogen and oxygen ; processes for water intake may
energy inputs for all intended applications and processes . use reverse osmosis and/ or desalination and/ or distillation
Single cycle and multiple cycle generation systems using and / or flash evaporation methods for water purification .
steam turbines 176 or Stirling engines 116 as the primary As shown in FIG . 2 , the present invention differs from
thermal energy cycle and for additional benefit use of other prior art via integrating renewable energy generated
recycled thermal waste energy for additional thermal inten - 15 electrical, thermal, gas and liquid generation amalgamated
sive applications such as additional Stirling engine stages with a Haber/Bosch ammonia synthesis plant 181 and simi
may be used for additional benefit and enhanced efficiency. lar devices with the preferred inclusion of additional system
The preferred method of the present invention reduces processes and applications endothermic reactions using
and potentially eliminates these issues with its energy gen -input from renewable energy generated thermal energy
eration , extremely high volume energy storage system 110 20 storage . The preferred method of the present invention
and finally its ability to capture and recovery waste heat for vertically integrates nitric acid production using excess
the purpose of communication to energy storage and/ or for nitrogen and oxygen previously extracted and stored using
conversion to cold to cool the system all of which ULTRA - the preferred method of the present invention recycling
GRIDTM can provide analysis, monitoring and control of any exothermic reaction of the nitric acid production process ;
and all available energy and provision for potential energy 25 additional benefit from recycling and reuse of thermal
needs as depicted in FIGS. 38 and 39 . energy through capture of thermal energy from thermal
The preferred method of the present invention has the energy recycling during nitric acid exothermic reactor pro
additional benefit from connection to thermal energy storage duction processes .
for the purpose of preheat or primary thermal energy input As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 , the preferred method of the
which then offers the included ability to communicate 30 present invention comprises sustainable generation of feed
recycled and recovered thermal energy for the purpose or stocks from renewable energy generation sources 112 to
thermal energy storage or reuse , this offers the advantage include thermal and chemical storage 183 . Primary inputs
over prior art in it gains the system higher efficiency and are water, sea water, atmospheric air and biomass. The
reduces energy input requirements with inclusion of renew preferred method of the present invention consists of renew
able energy generation 112 and associated thermal and gas 35 able energy inputs of electrical, thermal inputs such as wind
emissions processing and storage . The preferred method of 104 , solar, geothermal 100, hydro generation and inclusion
the present invention has the additional advantage over prior of thermal energy storage including baseline elements com
art in its ability to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and prising water and air inputs. The preferred method of the
non - green energy input sources. present invention is to promote sustainable production via
The preferred method of the present invention advantage 40 renewable energy supplied generation of high purity hydro
over prior art will be appreciated with energy input from gen , oxygen , nitrogen and include processing other inert
localized energy storage that will provide energy thermal atmospheric gases and more specifically to a set of processes
input to on demand energy generation provisioning versus for the production of concentrated hydrogen , ammonia ,
prior art that required external grid energy generation input nitrate . The preferred method of the present invention would
that ' s source generally was hundreds of miles away all 45 additionally promote sustainable production of hydrogen ,
points of failure and efficiencies and losses associated . nitrogen , oxygen , carbon , ethanol, methanol, butanol,
The preferred method of the present invention advantage ammonia , nitric acid , ammonia nitrate (AN ) 179 , hydroxyl
over prior art from localized energy generation and ammonium nitrate (HAN ) 179 , tri - ethanol ammonium
enhanced duration of localized energy storage available only nitrate ( TEAN ) 179 as production extensions of the ammo
from the preferred method of the present invention use of 50 nia and nitrate family chemicals and associated production
thermal energy storage for generation of energy to facilitate of feedstock -based family derivatives.
fulfillment of present and future energy needs with on The preferred method of the present invention offers other
demand and when needed energy provisioning . objects , features and advantages that are only obtained from
The preferred method of the present invention advantage the inherent use of locally generated and natural high purity
versus prior art that required external grid energy generation 55 premium quality feedstock gases 111 , liquids and solids
input that 's source generally was hundreds ofmiles away all presented by this invention . The preferred method of the
points of failure and efficiencies and losses associated with present invention use of pure feedstocks has additional
prior art processes and applications versus the preferred benefits such as those realized from use of high quality
method of the present invention use of locally generated feedstocks in advanced chemical processes. The preferred
and/ or stored energy provisioned on a on demand or as 60 method of the present invention monetizes available chemi
needed basis via ULTRAGRIDTM 194 that can provide cally pure feedstocks by leveraging their inclusion within
analysis , monitoring and control of any and all available processes and applications to promote highly efficient, high
energy and potential energy needs for mission critical reli volume generation and production rates of premium quality
ability with on demand or as needed basis . products and byproducts . The preferred method of the
To reduce costs and /or increase the reliability of renew - 65 present invention uses renewable energy generation 112 in
able power, the system of FIG . 1 may store energy from the the form of electrical input and / or rotational input, this may
renewable energy generation and /or available thermal be combined with thermal input from recycled waste energy
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of communication from thermal energy storage for heating supplied to the first stage . For sea water desalination , even
or cooling and thermal intensive applications , additionally, the first and warmest stage is typically operated at a tem
and energy stored as chemical storage may be transferred for perature below 70° C ., to avoid scale formation . The pre
usage . ferred method of the present invention will recycle and
The preferred method of the present invention comprises 5 recover thermal waste energy for communication to storage
sustainable generation and production using pressure swing and /or transferred via heat exchanger for additional appli
absorption (PSA ) and/or air separation units (ASU ) 123 to cation and process usage .
isolate atmospheric gases into their individual components . The lowest pressure stages need relatively more surface
These separated gases form the feedstocks that are derived area to achieve the same energy transport across the tube
from renewable energy generation sources 112 to include 10 walls . The expense of installing this surface area limits the
thermal and chemical storage 183. usefulness of using very low pressures and temperatures in
The preferred method of the present invention is to the later stages . Gases dissolved in the feed water may
provide processes and applications with renewable energy, contribute to reducing the pressure differentials if they are
thermal and chemical energy storage , water and air as the allowed to accumulate in the stages . External feed water
primary inputs for the production of concentrated hydroxyl 15 must be supplied to the first stage . The tubes of the first stage
ammonium nitrate consists of mixing diluted nitric acid to a are heated using an external source of steam or through any
solution of aqueous hydroxylamine while cooling the result other source of thermal energy . Condensate ( fresh water )
ing targeted solution . from all the tubes in all the stages must be pumped out from
The preferred method of the present invention allows the respective pressures of the stages to the ambient pres
excess stored cold thermal energy to provide additional 20 sure . The brine collected at the bottom of the last stagemust
cooling using absorption cooling 121 from waste heat be pumped out since it has substantially lower pressure than
thereby enhancing overall system efficiency and productiv - the ambient pressure . The preferred method of the present
ity . The preferred method of the present invention is to invention will recycle and recover thermal waste energy for
provide a process to maximize the production and monetize communication to storage and /or transferred via heat
material and energy inputs to create a sustainable and 25 exchanger for additional application and process usage .
chemically stable production of highly concentrated Advantages are Low energy consumption (less than 1.0
hydroxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN ) while reducing decom - kWh per cubic meter ) compared to other thermal processes ,
position of HAN product losses to a minimum . Operates at low temperature ( < 70° C .) and at low concen
The issues caused by from previous prior art are solved in tration (< 1 . 5 ) to avoid corrosion and scaling, Does not need
the current method using the processes of the present 30 pre -treatment of sea water and tolerates variations in sea
invention whereby a highly purified form of a highly con - water conditions, Highly reliable and simple to operate, Low
centrated HAN solution can be produced without excessive maintenance cost, 24 hour a day continuous operation with
nitric acid and with allowing minute HAN decomposition minimum supervision . Can be adapted to any thermal energy
thereby enhancing chemical stability . source , including hot water, waste energy from power gen
The preferred method of the present invention is to 35 eration , industrial processes , or solar heating .
provide characteristics of concentrated nitric acid of less The present invention is one that works like a solar
than about 70 % yet preferably less than 50 % concentration distiller, but with even greater capacity than the scale of
by weight concentration is added to a solution containing the industrial evaporation ponds as the preferred method of the
excess hydroxylamine , while the solution is continuously present invention known as Integrated Quintuple Generation
cooled and mixed to maintain the temperature at between 40 Solar Thermal Energy System 106 for Water and Mineral
45 -65 degrees Celsius at all times for enhanced chemical Reclamation .
stability. The present invention would also be considered an envi
The preferred method of the present invention has the ronmental friendly “ full desalination ” system because it
additionalbenefit from connection to thermal energy storage converts nearly the entire amount of saltwater intake into
for the purpose of preheat or primary thermal energy input 45 potable water . One of the unique advantages of this type of
which then offers the included ability to communicate solar -powered desalination is the feasibility for inland com
recycled and recovered thermal energy for the purpose or mercial operation . Several strategic advantages also include
thermal energy storage or reuse, this offers the advantage no air pollution from desalination power plants and no
over prior art in it gains the system higher efficiency and temperature increase of endangered natural water bodies
reduces energy input requirements with inclusion of renew - 50 from desalination plant water discharge and lastly salinity of
able energy generation and associated thermal and gas nearby water bodies are not laden with excessive brine
emissions processing and storage . The preferred method of disrupting the natural surrounding ecosystem of the sea and
the present invention has the additional advantage over prior ocean floor. Another important advantage is the production
art in its ability to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and of sea salt also known as solar salt , separation and process
non - green energy input sources. 55 ing of additional valuable byproducts and chemical feed
The salt water brine condensate collected at the bottom of stock 's for industrial and other commercial and noncom
each stage can be sprayed on the tubes in the next stage , mercial uses . As shown in FIG . 42 , evaporators 244 are used
since this water has a suitable temperature and pressure near in stages to separate the various mineral products , washing
or slightly above the operating temperature and pressure in and drying to further separate additional products and
the next stage . Some of this water will flash into steam as it 60 ammonia to separate magnesium oxide as an additional step .
is released into the next stage at lower pressure than the Potassium oxide can be extracted adding in an electrolysis
stage it came from . stage 278 and other electrical energy needs powered from
The first and last stages need external heating and cooling the Stirling engine generator stage to maximize efficiency
respectively . The preferred method of the present invention and an additional advantage over prior art attempts allowing
uses thermal energy storage of heat input and cold input to 65 the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
provide required energy inputs. The amount of heat removed highest desalination and mineral extraction possible using
from the last stage must nearly equal the amount of heat only renewable source inputs.

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THUMTUULUTULTITU US010060296B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 10 ,060,296 B2

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