US 8,045,314 B2 · Method of atmospheric discharge energy conversion, storage and distribution

Abstract

A method of converting atmospheric electrical discharge to a useable form of energy by arresting, storage and retransmission of lightning induced electrical discharge is disclosed. The invention discloses methods of deploying this technology even in isolated locations where no electricity infrastructure exists. Additionally, the potential for achieving in excess of 1 GWe of electrical power supply at costs orders of magnitude lower than fossil fuel or solar is also disclosed. Isolated collection units are disclosed. A method of deployment of these devices on individual cars and recharge stations is disclosed which in effect unplugs these automotive and recharge stations from the grid. This capability significantly decreases their dependence on the electricity grid infrastructure, enabling a much more enhanced rollout capability for the industry. The concept of Energy Dams is disclosed. These are facilities with substantial electrical energy storage capacities with the capability of receiving energy feeds from various generation sources.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method of converting an atmospheric electrical discharge into a

useable form of electrical energy comprising
deflecting the discharge to an air terminal via one or more separate air terminals of a polarity, the air terminal having an opposite polarity to the polarity of the separate air terminals;
arresting the discharge via the air terminal to a power mitigating (step down) unit via a conducting unit connected to the air terminal;
wherein said power mitigating unit is not a transformer,
reducing voltage of the discharge via the power mitigating unit modulated according to a capacity of the power mitigating unit, wherein the discharge is grounded if in excess of the capacity, and wherein the power mitigating unit reduces the voltage of the discharge from approximately higher than 100 MV (mega volt) and 100 kA (kilo amperes) to below 20 kV (kilo volt), 10 kA;
and
storing the discharge with the reduced voltage in an energy storage unit connected to the power mitigating unit, the storage unit comprising modules of high energy density capacitors and the storage unit discharging the electrical energy into a power grid or to an appliance.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of atmospheric discharge energy conversion, storage and distribution

Life of this patent

Method of atmospheric discharge energy conversion, storage and distribution

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18