ES3037722A1 - SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AND ACCUMULATING COMPRESSED GAS - Google Patents

Abstract

System for generating and accumulating compressed gas comprising an explosion or combustion chamber (1), an accumulator tank (2) of pressurized gases, a non-return valve (3) between the explosion or combustion chamber (1) and the accumulator tank (2), a solenoid valve (5) configured to manage an output of a flow of gases from the accumulator tank (2), and a first injector (6) connected to a first fuel tank (10), where the explosion or combustion chamber (1) is configured to receive, by means of the first injector (6), a first fuel from the first fuel tank (10), and where an element to be chosen between a spark plug (7) and a second injector (11) connected to a second fuel tank (12), is configured to generate a combustion/explosion in the explosion or combustion chamber (1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AND ACCUMULATING COMPRESSED GAS

Technology sector

The present invention pertains to the field of gas compression systems that utilize the combustion, in an external ignition chamber, of any fuel, whether liquid, solid, or gaseous, and its instantaneous accumulation in a pressurized tank, without requiring pistons, plungers, connecting rods, or crankshafts for said accumulation. The main objective of this invention is to store the gases generated by the combustion of the available fuel(s) and, after storage at the appropriate pressure for the application, to use them in a metered manner, adapting the system of this invention with the necessary implements to obtain electrical energy, motion, or heat. This achieves much greater versatility and portability than any other known system.

Background of the invention

Based on the configuration of the elements of the presented invention, a primary group of machines to which it might relate are external combustion engines. These are devices that convert thermal energy into mechanical work through a thermodynamic cycle, where fuel combustion and working fluid expansion occur separately. This contrasts with internal combustion engines, where combustion takes place directly within the cylinders, where mechanical work is produced.

In general, the evolution of external combustion engines has been as follows:

Pioneers (18th Century): Newcomen (1712), a British engineer, developed the steam engine that bears his name. This was one of the first widely used external combustion engines. It was primarily used to pump water from mines. Watt (1769) significantly improved Newcomen's design by introducing a double-acting mechanism, making it a more efficient engine. Watt's steam engine played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution by providing power for a wide variety of applications.

Stirling Engine (1816): Robert Stirling patented the Stirling engine, which used a closed thermodynamic cycle based on the expansion and contraction of a gas (usually air) through temperature changes. Although initially not widely adopted due to the availability of internal combustion engines, the Stirling engine has been the subject of ongoing research because of its theoretical efficiency and the possibility of using various heat sources.

Hot Air Engines (19th Century): During the 19th century, several hot air engine designs were developed and tested. These engines operated by the expansion and contraction of heated air and were used in various applications, including water pumps, generators, and stationary systems.

Gas engines (19th century): In parallel, gas engines were developed, including the Brayton gas engine. These engines operate on an open cycle, where the working fluid (usually air) is mixed with fuel and burned continuously, generating mechanical work.

20th Century Applications: As the 20th century progressed, external combustion engines, particularly Stirling engines, found applications in stationary electricity generators, heating and cooling systems, and industrial applications. Their ability to operate using external heat sources, such as solar energy, made them attractive for certain specialized uses. 21st Century Research and Development: In the 21st century, there is a growing interest in external combustion engines due to the need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Research is focused on improving the efficiency and economic viability of these engines, as well as developing new practical applications. Integration with modern technologies and the exploration of new ways to harness thermal energy are key areas of development.

A second group of machines, to which the presented invention might have its antecedents, would be compressors. An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts energy (using an electric motor, a diesel engine, or a gasoline engine) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). By one of several methods, an air compressor forces increasing amounts of air into a storage tank, raising the pressure. When the tank pressure reaches its designed upper limit, the air compressor shuts off. The compressed air is then held in the tank until needed. The energy contained in the compressed air can be used for a variety of applications, utilizing the kinetic energy of the air as it is released and the tank depressurizes. When the tank pressure reaches its lower limit, the air compressor restarts and repressurizes the tank. An air compressor should be distinguished from a hydraulic pump because it operates with any gas/air, whereas pumps operate with a liquid.

In general, the evolution of thermal air compressors has been as follows: Manual Compressors (19th Century): In their early stages, compressors were operated manually. Operators used levers or cranks to compress the gas, a process that was laborious and limited in terms of efficiency and capacity.

Mechanical Compressors (Late 19th Century): With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, mechanical compressors were developed that used motors to perform compression more efficiently. These compressors were powered by hydraulic energy or, later, by electric motors and internal combustion engines.

Reciprocating Compressors (20th Century): Throughout the 20th century, reciprocating compressors became commonplace. These compressors use a reciprocating piston within a cylinder to compress gas. They were widely used in various applications, from refrigeration systems to industrial processes.

Centrifugal and Axial Compressors (Mid-20th Century): As the 20th century progressed, centrifugal and axial compressors were developed. These compressors are especially efficient for large volumes of gas and are common in applications such as the aerospace industry and power generation.

Screw and Scroll Compressors (Late 20th Century): In the late 20th century, screw and scroll compressors became more popular. Screw compressors use helical rotors to compress gas, while scroll compressors use concentric spirals. These designs offer advantages in terms of efficiency and quieter operation.

Current Technologies (21st Century): In the 21st century, compressor technology has continued to evolve with a focus on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and specialized applications. Furthermore, the integration of automation and digital control has enabled more precise and efficient compressor operation in a variety of applications.

A third group of precedents would be gas turbines, which are devices that convert the thermal energy of a gas flow into rotary mechanical energy. These machines operate on the principle of gas expansion through a series of turbine stages. The kinetic energy resulting from the gas expansion is converted into mechanical energy, which can be used to drive an electric generator, a propeller in aerospace applications, or perform mechanical work in other applications.

In more technical terms, a gas turbine consists of a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine. The compressor increases the pressure of the air before it enters the combustion chamber, where fuel is added and it is burned. The resulting high-temperature, high-pressure gas expands through the turbine, generating mechanical energy that drives the compressor and, if coupled to a generator, produces electricity.

Gas turbines are commonly used in aerospace applications, power generation plants, and industrial processes that require an efficient and versatile energy source. Their design and performance may vary depending on the specific application, but they share the fundamental principle of converting the thermal energy of gas into useful mechanical energy.

Finally, another group of background technologies should be mentioned: compressed air-powered engines. These are propulsion systems that use compressed air as an energy source to generate motion and perform mechanical work. These engines operate through the controlled expansion of compressed air, resulting in the generation of force and movement. Unlike internal combustion engines, which use the combustion of fuels to generate energy, compressed air engines rely on the release of pressure stored in compressed air to drive pistons, rotors, or other mechanical elements. This type of engine has been used in specific applications, such as light vehicles and pneumatic tools, and is often promoted for its cleaner emissions, although efficiency and energy density are important considerations in its development and practical application.

Thanks to the detailed description of the invention, which will be made in the following sections, the most significant differences that the proposal has with the antecedents that precede it can be appreciated, but in broad terms these differences can be listed with each group, thus emphasizing the great advantages that the invention described in this report brings.

Regarding external combustion engines: both systems share the general design scheme concerning the external arrangement of the combustion chamber. The main difference between these engines and the invention described herein is that the former require two chambers to operate, while the proposed system requires only one. Furthermore, this group of engines requires long waiting times to reach the required temperature and pressure; however, the presented invention offers the significant advantage of immediate combustion, and the combustion gases can also be disposed of immediately for practical use. Another notable difference is that this invention does not have pistons or mechanical elements for storing the combustion gases under pressure, thus reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for expensive lubrication and complex cooling systems.

Regarding compressors: in this case, the invention shares the part of the general design scheme related to gas storage. However, if the compression process is carried out using electrical energy, portability becomes an additional drawback, which is overcome by the presented invention. This invention does not require electrical energy for the storage process and can therefore be easily used and transported to any geographical location where electricity is unavailable. If the compressors generate compressed air using internal combustion engines, the system's efficiency drops significantly. Another major advantage of the presented invention is that, by not requiring pistons, connecting rods, or crankshafts to operate, it would be more efficient, resulting in less energy loss due to friction from numerous moving parts.

Regarding gas turbines: in both cases they are machines that use the concept of compression of combustion gases, but in gas turbines combustion is carried out without gas storage through very complex mechanisms and both the obtaining and use of energy after the relevant combustions is done immediately and therefore in applications that require energy dosing, with these turbines it would not be possible and however with the proposed invention it would be possible, making this invention much more versatile.

Regarding compressed air engines: the only point of convergence between the two systems is that they both have a pressurized gas storage system. However, they differ in how they store the air in the air/gas tank, since compressed air engines require an external compressor and a long waiting time for filling. In contrast, the filling time for the system proposed in this invention is almost instantaneous. Furthermore, it should be noted that these types of engines, to achieve a moderate operating range, require large tanks to store air at high pressure (200 to 300 bar), with the consequent risks in the event of accidental collisions of the vehicles in which they are installed. Meanwhile, the storage of the proposed generator would be at a medium pressure of 20 bar. The compressed air engine achieves acceptable pollution reduction standards by utilizing the kinetic energy of a harmless element. However, since the air stored in the pressurized tank would be injected sequentially into each piston of a conventional internal combustion engine modified for use with compressed air, this application diminishes its advantages. Like the internal combustion engine, lubrication would still be necessary, resulting in significant efficiency losses due to friction between pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft. As mentioned, the presented invention overcomes these limitations by not having any mechanical components that require lubrication.

In summary, the advantages of the proposed invention compared to the known prior art would be the following:

- Simple manufacturing and reduced costs.

- On-demand dosing of the potential energy of stored gases. - Easy and economical maintenance as it does not require lubrication or costly cooling.

- High efficiency due to the absence of intermediate mechanical parts.

- Great portability.

- High versatility: from the applications in which it can be used (multipurpose) to the fuels that can be used in the combustion chamber—solid, liquid, or gaseous (multifuel)—and open to future, more environmentally friendly and sustainable fuels. It can operate in oxygen-free environments using the appropriate fuels.

- Silent system, gases are stored.

- Scalable.

Description of the invention

The growing awareness of environmental issues, intensified by successive climate summits, has catalyzed a comprehensive review of component manufacturing protocols across various industrial sectors. In this context, the search for more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly systems is being driven. This renewed focus on eco-efficiency not only responds to the demands of contemporary society but also reflects a global commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of human activities. The pursuit of more efficient and sustainable systems is not limited to the industrial sphere but is also engaging academic institutions and the research sector. Universities and industries are collaborating closely, investing in innovative projects and the development of technologies that promote sustainability. This synergy between academic knowledge and industrial experience is fundamental to driving significant progress toward a greener and more sustainable future.

An example of catharsis is what the automotive world is currently experiencing, as today, more than ever, it is under intense scrutiny due to its poor reputation as a particularly inefficient sector in terms of resource consumption and pollutant emissions. A well-known fact that corroborates this is that internal combustion engines have an efficiency of 20%, and at best 30%. This means that between 70% and 80% of the energy density of the fuels used in internal combustion engines is lost to friction and heat, without being utilized.

It's no surprise that this renewed attention has sparked a significant push toward innovation and the development of cleaner, more efficient technologies in the automotive industry. Automakers, along with universities and other research institutions, are redoubling their efforts to design more eco-friendly vehicles and move toward more sustainable mobility.

The objective of this invention is to provide a system that is not only efficient but also multipurpose, meaning it can be applied not only in the automotive industry but also in other fields such as leisure, healthcare, and underwater and aerospace activities. Due to its simple design, this system is also easy to build and economically affordable to manufacture. The system for generating and storing compressed gas that is the subject of the invention comprises an explosion or combustion chamber, a pressurized gas storage tank, a non-return valve between the explosion or combustion chamber and the storage tank, a solenoid valve configured to manage the flow of gases from the storage tank, and a first injector connected to a first fuel tank. The explosion or combustion chamber is configured to receive fuel from the first fuel tank via the first injector, and a component, selectable between a spark plug and a second injector connected to a second fuel tank, is configured to generate combustion/explosion in the explosion or combustion chamber.

The system for generating and accumulating compressed gas that is the subject of the invention further comprises a pressure gauge configured to measure the optimum pressure of the accumulator tank, a safety valve configured for the release of gases from the accumulator tank in case of excess pressure, and a pressure drop sensor in the accumulator tank configured to detect a pressure drop in the accumulator tank.

The system for generating and accumulating compressed gas that is the subject of the invention may further comprise a heating chamber containing a liquid in contact with the combustion chamber, and a pipe circuit configured to receive the liquid from the heating chamber.

By placing the combustion chamber externally, one of the main objectives of this invention is achieved, which is to be able to carry out combustions with any fuel with good energy density inside it, whether solid, liquid or gaseous, including all those that -in the future- will be invented with better ecological qualities.

This way, on the one hand, easy adaptation of the system to the application to be used and, on the other hand, easy adaptation of the system to the most abundant or affordable fuel in the geographical area where the application that has this generator and accumulator is used.

Regarding this aspect, an example of a problem and a solution that the presented system would offer is the following: in areas or locations with a lack or absence of oxygen (outer space or underwater environments), with the use of an external combustion chamber, one could opt for the use of solid fuels (sodium) and water. After the chemical reaction (both inside the combustion chamber), the generated gases would be accumulated under pressure for later use. Another example would be the possibility of using hydrogen in the combustion chamber of this invention without fear of the disastrous consequences of its erratic combustion, which plagues manufacturers of internal combustion engines.

Two embodiments of the invention differ in two aspects: first, the first embodiment has only one fuel tank, while the second embodiment has two. Second, the first embodiment has a spark plug, while the second does not. This is because the second embodiment is designed for the reaction of a solid, such as sodium with water in the example above, and this reaction does not require a spark for the two elements to react chemically. In the embodiment with a single fuel inlet, once the fuel, optimally mixed with air, is injected into the combustion chamber, the mixture will ignite upon sparking the spark plug. In internal combustion engines, while the engine is "running", explosions are continuously occurring as the relevant cycles are performed (the Otto cycle: intake, compression, expansion and exhaust). In the proposed system, the fuel intake command will be given when there is a drop in pressure in the gas accumulator tank and therefore, explosions will not occur continuously; combustion will only occur when there is a drop in the rated pressure in the gas accumulator tank.

The combustion chamber could be spherical in shape, and the gas accumulator tank could be cylindrical with hemispheres at both ends.

The gases generated after combustion flow into the accumulator tank through a non-return or check valve that connects the tank to the combustion chamber. If the gas accumulator tank is completely empty, one or more successive combustions will automatically take place—as many as necessary to fill it with gas to the preset pressure, depending on the application for which the system will be used. Subsequently, only sporadic combustions will be required if the pressure drops, in order to maintain the specified pressure in the gas accumulator tank.

The dimensions of the accumulator part of the system that is the subject of the invention depend on the application in which it is to be used and the shape of the accumulator tank can be cylindrical with hemispheres at the ends, similar to a scuba tank, although scalable according to the application for which the whole system is used.

For example, if the system of this invention were adapted to a car powered by electric motors, which in turn were powered by electricity from a battery pack, the combined operation of the system's components would be as follows: when the voltage level of the batteries drops to a preset level, a signal would be sent to the proportional solenoid valve in the gas storage tank, causing it to open and release a flow of gases. This gas flow would be in close contact with the inlet of a small, high-efficiency turbine (of the turbocharger type), allowing the kinetic energy of the gas flow to be fully utilized. Since the turbine is connected by a shaft to an axial electric generator, the kinetic energy of the gas flow exiting the storage tank through the valve would be converted into electrical energy to raise the battery pack's voltage level to its optimum. In this way, the battery pack would always maintain an appropriate voltage level. Therefore, by adapting the system that is the subject of this invention, for example, to the car in this example, it would be possible to do away with all the inefficient mechanics (friction of many parts, lubrication) of the internal combustion engine of a conventional hybrid system and we would have a new hybridization that is more efficient and economical, both in terms of manufacturing and maintenance, and in addition, it would be possible to reduce the amount of batteries needed by approximately 75% (and therefore a great weight reduction) compared to what would be required if the aforementioned example were a fully electric car.

The gas accumulator tank has two components: a pressure gauge (which can be digital or analog, like a pressure gauge) that is always visible to the user, and a pressure sensor. This sensor translates a drop in pressure in the gas accumulator tank into an electrical signal that triggers fuel injection. Continuing with the previous vehicle example, and assuming the gas accumulator tank is full, if the pressure sensor in the accumulator tank detects a pressure drop, it sends an electrical signal to inject fuel and charge the combustion chamber with the appropriate amount of fuel. When the spark ignites and the mixture explodes, the resulting gases pass through the non-return valve, recharging the gas accumulator tank to the required pressure. Explosions in the combustion chamber will only occur when the battery voltage drops below a certain level. Therefore, these combustions or explosions are not continuous and are also silent (from the outside of the system) since the gases are not released into the air in a free exhaust but are contained in the pressurized gas accumulator tank. By illustrating this with the example of a car, it should be noted that many details of automotive engineering have been omitted because, as is understandable, they are not the focus of this document.

Brief description of the drawings

To complete the description that follows and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included with this descriptive report, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows the schematic view of the embodiment of the system subject to the invention for a spark plug fuel.

Figure 2.- Shows a schematic view of the embodiment of the system that is the subject of the invention for two fuels without a spark plug.

Figure 3.- Shows the schematic view of the system that is the subject of the invention, which in turn corresponds to claim 3. This figure shows the elements necessary so that, in addition to the functions of claim 2, the function of heating a circuit in order to provide heat is added.

The numerical references used in the figures are:

1. explosion or combustion chamber,

2. accumulator tank,

3. non-return valve,

4. pressure gauge,

5. solenoid valve,

6. First injector,

7. spark plug,

8. safety valve,

9. Pressure sensor,

10. First fuel tank,

11. Second injector,

12. Second fuel tank,

13. pipe circuit, and

14. heating chamber.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

The system for generating and storing compressed gas that is the subject of the invention comprises:

- a first gas-generating part comprising an explosion or combustion chamber (1), configured to receive the fuel and such that the explosion or combustion of a fuel takes place inside it to generate a pressurized gas,

- a second gas accumulator part comprising an accumulator tank (2) configured to receive the gas from the explosion or combustion chamber (1) through a non-return valve (3).

The system for generating and storing compressed gas, which is the subject of the invention, is configured so that the gas inside the storage tank (2) is always at a pressure required for the intended application. To control the pressure inside the storage tank (2), the system for generating and storing compressed gas comprises a pressure sensor (9) configured to detect if the pressure level in the storage tank (2) falls below the required pressure level. If this pressure sensor (9) does so, it sends a signal to a first fuel injector (6) to introduce the fuel into the combustion chamber (1).

For gases to be produced in the combustion chamber (1), the fuel must undergo combustion/explosion. The system of this invention has several embodiments for this purpose. In a first embodiment, the system for generating and accumulating gas comprises a spark plug (7), and in a second embodiment, it comprises a second injector (11) configured to inject a second fuel that reacts with the first fuel of the second embodiment, resulting in combustion/explosion.

Each injector (6, 11) of the system that is the subject of the invention is connected to a fuel tank (10, 12)

Once combustion occurs in the combustion chamber (1), the gases pass into the storage tank (2) and are stored there until required by the relevant application. In the event of a demand for compressed gas flow from the storage tank (2), the system for generating and storing compressed gas includes a solenoid valve (5) that opens the outlet of the storage tank (2) to release a gas flow, which is then managed appropriately using suitable equipment. When this gas flow is released from the storage tank (2), a pressure drop occurs inside the tank, which is detected by the pressure sensor (9). The system then initiates the process of fuel injection, combustion in the combustion chamber (1), and gas storage. In the event that after combustion a pressure is detected in the accumulator tank (2) that exceeds the rated pressure, the accumulator tank (2) comprises a safety valve (8) configured to relieve the said excess pressure.

This overview outlines the two major advantages of the system that is the subject of this invention: its versatility in being able to use any of the currently available fuels (with the option to incorporate new, more environmentally friendly fuels that may be used in the future), including solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels (multi-fuel capability); and the wide range of applications for this invention, especially in environments lacking oxygen (outer space) or with oxygen limitations (submarines). In addition to these two major advantages, the system is significantly more economical, efficient, and easier to manufacture and maintain than conventional applications (automotive, electricity generation). It is also a scalable system.

The system for generating and accumulating compressed gas can be used in an additional way and is to heat a diving suit, for example, by means of a circuit of small-thickness pipes (13), which receive heated water from a heating chamber (14) that is in contact with the combustion chamber (1) of the system that is the subject of this report.

Claims (3)

1. System for generating and storing compressed gas, characterized in that it comprises: - an explosion or combustion chamber (1), and - a pressurized gas storage tank (2), - a non-return valve (3) between the explosion or combustion chamber (1) and the accumulator tank (2), - a solenoid valve (5) configured to manage an outlet of a gas flow from the accumulator tank (2), - a first injector (6) connected to a first fuel tank (10), where the combustion chamber (1) is configured to receive, via the first injector (6), a first fuel from the first fuel tank (10), and where an element to be chosen from a spark plug (7) and a second injector (11) connected with a second fuel tank (12), is configured to generate a combustion or explosion in the combustion or explosion chamber (1). 2. System for generating and storing compressed gas, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - a pressure gauge (4) configured to measure the optimum pressure of the accumulator tank (2), - a safety valve (8) configured for gas outlet from the accumulator tank (2) in case of excess pressure - a pressure drop sensor (9) in the accumulator tank (2) configured to detect a pressure drop in the accumulator tank (2). 3. System for generating and storing compressed gas, according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it further comprises: - a heating chamber (14) containing a liquid in contact with the combustion chamber (1), and - a pipe circuit (13) configured to receive the liquid from the heating chamber (14).