Method and Apparatus for Generating Electricity Utilizing Heat from Enclosed Flares and Other Combustors
AssigneeTriStar Technology, LLC
InventorJames W. Nunn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for electricity generation using heat contained in exhaust gas from a combustor (enclosed flare) to drive an external combustion Stirling cycle engine which directly drives at least one alternator or generator. A battery is connected to the alternator or generator through a divider circuit followed by a filter circuit. Electric power distribution circuits are electrically connected to output circuits of the alternators or generators for consumption of the electric power on-site, for sale to a commercial electric power distribution grid, or for any other desired uses.
Claims20
A power generation apparatus for using the heat from exhaust gases from a combustor or enclosed flare to generate electricity comprising:
- a) at least one electric alternator configured to produce electrical current and having an output node;
- b) a Stirling engine configured to drive said at least one alternator;
- and
- c) a platform for supporting said Stirling engine and said at least one alternator, wherein said Stirling engine is exposed to heat from said exhaust gases in order to actuate said Stirling engine.
A method for using heat from exhaust gases from a combustor or enclosed flare to generate electricity comprising:
- a) positioning a power generation apparatus in proximity to a ventilation stack of said combustor or enclosed flare containing exhaust gases, wherein said power generation apparatus further comprises:
- i) at least one electric alternator configured to produce electrical current and having an output node;
- ii) a Stirling engine configured to drive said at least one alternator;
- and
- iii) a platform for supporting said Stirling engine and said at least one alternator;
- b) exposing said Stirling engine to heat from said exhaust gases;
- c) actuating said Stirling engine;
- and
- d) generating electricity from said at least one alternator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.