Methods, apparatuses, and systems for the extensible and recyclable use of solid matter in the supply chain for the generation of electricity
OwnerArthur Davidsoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system that stabilizes or supplements the variable power output from an external energy source by producing power from aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloy produces hydrogen from water, and also releases heat. During this process, the aluminum alloy is oxidized to alumina mixture, which can be recycled in a smelting unit to regenerate the aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy can be easily transported in existing transportation system to different locations. The system produces electricity on-demand using portions of the existing power generation and transportation systems with minimal carbon footprint/emission.
Claims19
An energy system comprising:
- a smelter comprising a power input (PS) and an alumina mixture input flow rate and wherein the smelter is configured to converts the alumina mixture to an aluminum mixture at a flow rate (AS);
- a reactor unit comprising a reactor configured to react the aluminum alloy with water at a flow rate (AR) to generate H2 and heat;
- and
- a turbine configured to produce power (PT) from the heat, by combustion of the H2, by use of the H2 in a fuel cell, or a combination of any two or more thereof;
- wherein:
- the aluminum alloy comprises Al and the aluminum alloy further comprises one or more of Ga, In, or Sn;
- and
- the alumina mixture comprises Al2O3, and the alumina mixture further comprises one or more of Ga, In, or Sn.
A system for electricity production for supplying power to a load (PL) comprising:
- a renewable energy source with power output (P1);
- a power generating system comprising:
- a smelting unit comprising a smelter, a power input (PS) and an alumina mixture input, wherein the smelter is configured to convert an alumina mixture to an aluminum alloy at a flow rate (AS);
- a reaction unit comprising a reactor and an aluminum alloy input, wherein the reactor is configured to oxidize at least a portion of the aluminum alloy at a flow rate (AR) to form alumina mixture, H2, and heat;
- a turbine configured to produces power (PT) from the H2 and the heat;
- a storage unit configured to collect and distribute the aluminum alloy.
A method of stabilizing or supplementing electrical power output from a renewable energy source comprising the steps of:
- utilizing a portion of the electrical power output from the renewable energy source to power an electrolytic smelting unit;
- converting an alumina mixture into an aluminum alloy in a smelting unit comprising a smelter;
- reacting in a reactor a controlled amount of the aluminum alloy with water to form H2, heat, and alumina mixture;
- converting the H2, heat, or both into electricity;
- and
- recycling the alumina mixture produced in the reactor by introducing it to the smelter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.