Fuel-less steam-driven electric generating system

A system for generating electricity including a water storage tank coupled to a heat exchanger and an oxygen generator. The oxygen generator separates water into oxygen and hydrogen and flows each element to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a fuel cell and a tube that water flows through adjacent the fuel cell. The operation of the fuel cell results in a by product of heat. The heat from the fuel cell is then transferred to water flowing through the tube and the water is converted to steam. The steam drives a turbine generator to produce electricity. The fuel cell generates water in its processing that is returned to the water storage tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of electricity generation and more specifically relates to steam driven electrical generators using a molten carbonate fuel cell.

2. Description of the Related Art

Problems exist when power is generated due to the inefficiencies created when converting kinetic energy into potential stored energy. Renewable and non-renewable natural resources such as petroleum products, coal, nuclear, wind, sunlight and others have been used to create storable electrical power that may be used to satisfy existing power requirements. Unfortunately, this has proven to be an inefficient process because much of the kinetic energy is lost to the environment due to the general inefficiencies of such systems. Other negative effects such as pollution and a depletion of readily available natural resources have created a need for an electrical generating system to be developed that leaves no environmental footprint.

Another problem of conventional electricity generating systems is realized when a portable system for electricity generation is required to supply power to a moving entity or for use in remote locations. Conventional electricity generating systems require also transporting a fuel source that is expended during operation of the electricity generating system. A need for a system that requires a minimum of resources to operate and that lessens the payload and/or the storage capacity is desirable to minimize costs and to maximize efficiency and use time and/or duration.

Yet another complication of conventional electricity generating systems can exist due to the unsafe nature of storing and disposing of certain kinetic energy sources and byproducts such as found when using nuclear energy. Nuclear energy, although efficient by nature, requires strict procedures and expensive equipment to safely contain the potentially deadly and environmentally dangerous materials. When such materials are disposed of, an enormous financial burden on the company or government is created in order to ensure that harm to individuals and the environment is avoided.

Ideally, a generating system should require the least possible maintenance and use a minimum of natural resources and, yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Accordingly, a need exists for a safe, reliable generating system to efficiently generate electricity and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a zero emissions system with means to provide electricity generation without expending resources from fossil or nuclear fuel sources within a self-replenishing semi-closed loop process. The system includes a water storage tank coupled to a heat exchanger and an oxygen generator. The oxygen generator separates water into oxygen and hydrogen and each element is transferred to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a molten carbonate fuel cell and a tube that water flows through adjacent the fuel cell. The operation of the fuel cell results in a by product of heat. The heat from the fuel cell is then transferred to water flowing through the tube and the water is converted to steam. Steam drives a turbine generator to produce electricity. The fuel cell generates water in its processing that is returned to the water storage tank. The present invention may also be adapted to use reclaimed water or salt water to provide such electricity generation. A by-product of systems utilizing reclaimed or salt water is potable water.

An aspect of the present invention includes a fuel-less steam-driven electric generating system comprising a water source, a heat exchanger, and a turbine generator. Water from the water source is heated to steam in response to heat transferred from the heat exchanger to the water. A turbine of the turbine generator rotates in response to the flowing of steam through the turbine generator. Electricity is generated in response to rotation of the turbine of the turbine generator.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a fuel-less steam-driven electricity generating system comprising a water source wherein said water source comprises a reclaimed water; a filter adapted to remove particular impurities from said reclaimed water; an electrolysis unit to divide said water at the molecular level thereby releasing hydrogen and oxygen molecules; a hydrogen storage tank to store the hydrogen molecules; an oxygen storage tank to store the oxygen molecules; and a heat exchanger comprising a molten carbonate fuel cell and a tube configured to flow water from the water source through the tube adjacent the molten carbonate fuel cell, wherein the water is heated to steam in response to heat transferred from the molten carbonate fuel cell to the water. The system may also include a rotatable turbine generator wherein a turbine of the turbine generator rotates in response to steam flowing through the turbine generator. The turbine generator produces electricity in response to the rotation of the turbine. The system may also include a condenser to condense the steam at low pressure, wherein the water from the condenser is sterilized in response to the temperature of the molten carbonate fuel cell, thereby producing distilled water.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method of generating electricity using a fuel-less steam-driven electric generator, the method comprising receiving water from a water source; heating said water using a heat exchanger comprising a molten carbonate fuel cell as a heat source; generating electricity using a turbine generator; wherein water from the water source is heated to steam by the heat exchanger and flowed through the turbine generator to rotate a turbine of the turbine generator, wherein electricity is generated in response to rotation of a turbine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a zero emissions system with means to provide electricity generation without expending resources from fossil or nuclear fuel sources within a self-replenishing semi-closed loop process. The system includes a water storage tank coupled to a heat exchanger and an oxygen generator. The oxygen generator separates water into oxygen and hydrogen and each element is transferred to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a molten carbonate fuel cell and a tube that water flows through adjacent the fuel cell. The operation of the fuel cell results in a byproduct of heat. The heat from the fuel cell is then transferred to water flowing through the tube and the water is converted to steam. Steam drives a turbine generator to produce electricity.

Referring now toFIG. 1, particular embodiments of the present invention may include a steam-driven electricity generating system100. Generating system100may comprises: a water storage tank118; a heat exchanger122; a oxygen generator124; a molten carbonate fuel cell120; a turbine generator112; a condenser134; a hydrogen storage tank136; a oxygen storage tank138; a low-pressure steam collector146; a main water feed line142; a water return line144; a water pump132; a steam control valve114; an inverter130; and a distilled water supply line148.

Water preferably enters generating system100from at least one water source. The water source may include water storage tank118. Water storage tank118preferably comprises a corrosion resistant material to suitably contain the water for an extended time period. Water storage tank118may store water at an ambient pressure or a higher-than-atmospheric-pressure, depending on application and relative location of water storage tank118. Water storage tank118may be fluidly coupled to heat exchanger122and oxygen generator124, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Preferably, water traveling through water feed line142is filtered by filter106before reaching water pump132. Filter106comprises a device which removes impurities from water by means of a fine physical barrier, chemical process and/or biological process.

Oxygen generator124may molecularly separate water into oxygen and hydrogen elements. Water from the water tank118may travel through water supply line164and through filter160prior to entering the oxygen generator124in order to be separated. Oxygen is preferably temporarily contained in an oxygen storage tank138and hydrogen is preferably temporarily stored in a hydrogen storage tank136. Preferably, each of oxygen storage tank138and hydrogen storage tank136comprise suitable material with properties sufficient in strength to substantially contain elements for an extended period of time. Next, oxygen and hydrogen elements are “flowed” to a molten carbonate fuel cell120of the heat exchanger122.

Heat exchanger122may be employed to provide efficient heat transfer from one medium to another, whether the media are in direct or indirect contact. Heat exchanger122may be designed to maximize the surface area of the wall between the two mediums, yet minimizing resistance to fluid flow through heat exchanger122. Heat exchanger122may be a counter-flow arrangement, as shown, or alternately preferably a parallel arrangement, depending on application.

Heat exchanger122, according to particular embodiments of the present invention, may include a molten carbonate fuel cell120that permits water to flow from the water feed line142through the heat exchanger122adjacent to the molten carbonate fuel cell120. The molten carbonate fuel cell120may comprise high-temperature fuel cells using an electrolyte substantially composed of a molten carbonate salt mixture essentially suspended in a porous, chemically inert ceramic matrix of beta-alumina solid electrolyte. Salt compound is preferably sodium carbonate within the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternately preferably, magnesium carbonate may be used as the electrolyte. The molten carbonate fuel cell120in operation combines the separated oxygen and hydrogen molecules together again to form water. This combination process generated electricity and further creates heat. Molten carbonate fuel cell120preferably operates at or above an elevated temperature of about 650° C. (approximately 1200° F.). Non-precious metals can be used as catalysts at the anode and cathode of molten carbonate fuel cell120, thereby reducing costs.

Molten carbonate fuel cell120preferably provides improved efficiency over phosphoric acid fuel cells. Molten carbonate fuel cell120can reach efficiencies of about 60 percent, as compared to a range of about 37 to about 42 percent efficiency of a phosphoric acid fuel cell plant. When the waste heat is captured and used, overall fuel efficiencies can be as high as 85 percent in molten carbonate fuel cell120.

Alternatives to molten carbonate fuel cell120such as alkaline, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells require an external reformer to convert certain energy-dense fuels to hydrogen. Molten carbonate fuel cell120preferably operates at elevated temperatures converting fuels to hydrogen within the fuel cell itself by an internal reforming process, which also reduces cost making a preferred embodiment of the present invention more cost-effective in use. Further, molten carbonate fuel cell120is preferred since it is not as prone to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, especially when compared to systems using coal as a fossil fuel.

The operation of molten carbonate fuel cell120results in a by-product of a thermodynamic increase in energy, wherein the operating temperature is about 1,200 degrees F., well within the standard operating range of molten carbonate fuel cell120. This heat from molten carbonate fuel cell120is then transferred to water flowing through heat exchanger122and water is converted to steam. In this manner molten carbonate fuel cell120may be used as a heat source. Steam drives turbine generator112to produce electricity126. Molten carbonate fuel cell120preferably generates water in its processing that is returned to the water storage tank118via water return line144, as shown.

As steam leaves heat exchanger122it passes through steam control valve114, preferably located in high pressure steam output line110, when open, and passes into turbine generator112. Steam control valve114is preferably designed to operate to control amount of steam that enters turbine generator112to effectively manipulate production of electricity126. Steam comprises an intense level of kinetic energy that is preferably used to turn turbine generator112. Turbine generator112generates electricity126in AC form that is combined with AC electricity126derived from DC output from molten carbonate fuel cell120, and transported by fuel cell electrical output line150to be converted by an inverter130. In particular embodiments, the electricity generated by one of the molten carbonate fuel cell120and the turbine generator112may be utilized as a power source to operate the oxygen generator124. It is noted that turbines and inverters as described herein, methods of using working fluids to provide energy by the use of turbines, and the use of inverters to convert DC to AC electrical power will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Steam preferably collects in low-pressure steam collector146and is condensed into water preferably using a condenser134. Condenser134comprises a heat-exchanging means which condenses steam in its gaseous state into its liquid state of water. The latent heat is given up by steam, and transfers to the coolant within condenser134.

Once steam is condensed as liquid water, it no longer has any impurities thus, water is distilled and/or potable and travels through distilled water supply line148either to water storage tank118, as shown and/or to an external storage location to be used as a fresh water source. This ability to provide environmentally-friendly distilled and/or potable water as a byproduct is an extreme advantage when generating system100is employed in a remote location such as used for hospitals, military facilities and others and/or when employed in a moving vehicle such as a submarine. Generating system100is also reasonably safe and efficient to operate, and provides benefits to its users because of its relative portability. Further, generating system100provides efficient power generation with a minimum input of resources and acts as a self-replenishing semi-closed loop process.

It will be understood that other water pumps152,154and156may be employed to move water through the system100.

Referring now toFIG. 2, other particular embodiments of the present invention may include a steam-driven electricity generating system200. Generating system200may comprises: a water source218; a heat exchanger222; an electrolysis unit208; a molten carbonate fuel cell220; a turbine generator212; a condenser234; a low-pressure steam collector246; a hydrogen storage tank236; an oxygen storage tank238; a main water feed line242; a water return line244; a water pump232; a steam control valve214; an inverter230; and a distilled water supply line248.

Water preferably enters generating system200from at least one water source218. The water source218may be a reclaimed water source. Alternatively, the water source may be a freshwater source, and/or a saline seawater source or other type of water source. The water source218may be fluidly coupled to heat exchanger222and electrolysis unit208. Generating system200provides a means of distilling therefore substantially any source of water is suitable for use. Preferably, water traveling through water feed line242is filtered by filter206before reaching water pump232. Filter206comprises a device which removes impurities from water by means of a fine physical barrier, chemical process and/or biological process.

Electrolysis unit208may molecularly separate water into oxygen and hydrogen elements. Oxygen is preferably temporary contained in an oxygen storage tank238and hydrogen is preferably temporarily stored in a hydrogen storage tank236. Preferably, each of oxygen storage tank238and hydrogen storage tank236comprise suitable material with properties sufficient in strength to substantially contain elements for an extended period of time. Next, oxygen and hydrogen elements are “flowed” to a molten carbonate fuel cell220of the heat exchanger222.

It will be understood that electrolysis is a method used within the present invention to separate chemically bonded elements (hydrogen and oxygen) in compounds (water) by passing an electric current through them. Electrolysis unit208preferably comprises a power source connected to a plurality of electrodes or plates. More specifically, electrolysis unit208preferably comprises two electrodes, each further comprising an inert metal such as preferably, stainless steel or alternately preferably, platinum or other such suitable material. Stainless steel is preferably used, especially when dealing with large quantities of hydrogen since stainless steel will not substantially negatively react with the oxygen. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other electrode arrangements and materials such as, for example, iron, zinc, etc., may suffice.

Electrodes are preferably placed in the water. Hydrogen appears at the negatively charged electrode, the cathode, where the electrons are pumped into water. Oxygen appears at the positively charged electrode, namely the anode. Preferably, the hydrogen generated is substantially twice the amount of the oxygen generated. Both elements are proportional to the total electric charge sent through water. Methods of electrolysis will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Heat exchanger222is preferably employed for an efficient heat transfer from one medium to another, whether the media are in direct or indirect contact. Heat exchanger222may be designed to maximize the surface area of the wall between the two mediums, yet minimizing resistance to fluid flow through heat exchanger222. Heat exchanger222may preferably be a counter-flow arrangement, as shown, or alternately preferably a parallel arrangement, depending on application.

Heat exchanger222may include a molten carbonate fuel cell220that permits water to flow from the water feed line242through the heat exchanger222adjacent to molten carbonate fuel cell220. The molten carbonate fuel cell220may comprise high-temperature fuel cells using an electrolyte substantially composed of a molten carbonate salt mixture essentially suspended in a porous, chemically inert ceramic matrix of beta-alumina solid electrolyte. Salt compound is preferably sodium carbonate within the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternately preferably, magnesium carbonate may be used as the electrolyte. The molten carbonate fuel cell220in operation combines the separated oxygen and hydrogen molecules together again to form water. This combination process generated electricity and further creates heat. Molten carbonate fuel cell220preferably operates at or above an elevated temperature of about 650° C. (approximately 1200° F.). Non-precious metals can be preferably used as catalysts at the anode and cathode of molten carbonate fuel cell220, thereby reducing costs. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of fuel cells as described herein, methods of use of fuel cells will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Molten carbonate fuel cell220preferably provides improved efficiency over phosphoric acid fuel cells. Molten carbonate fuel cell220can reach efficiencies of about 60 percent, as compared to a range of about 37 to about 42 percent efficiency of a phosphoric acid fuel cell plant. When the waste heat is captured and used, overall fuel efficiencies can be as high as 85 percent in molten carbonate fuel cell220.

Alternatives to molten carbonate fuel cell220such as alkaline, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells require an external reformer to convert certain energy-dense fuels to hydrogen. Molten carbonate fuel cell220preferably operates at elevated temperatures converting fuels to hydrogen within the fuel cell itself by an internal reforming process, which also reduces cost making a preferred embodiment of the present invention more cost-effective in use. Further, molten carbonate fuel cell220are preferred since they are not as prone to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, especially when using coal as a fossil fuel. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fuel cell alternatives and arrangements such as, for example, alkaline, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, etc., may suffice.

The operation of molten carbonate fuel cell220results in a by-product of a thermodynamic increase in energy, wherein the operating temperature is preferably about 1,200 degrees F., well within the standard operating range of molten carbonate fuel cell220. This heat from molten carbonate fuel cell220is then transferred to water flowing through heat exchanger222and water is converted to steam. In this manner molten carbonate fuel cell220is preferably used as a heat source, within one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, as opposed to a power source. Steam preferably drives turbine generator212to produce electricity226. Molten carbonate fuel cell220preferably generates water in its processing that is returned to the electrolysis unit208via water return line244, as shown.

Steam preferably collects in low-pressure steam collector246and may be condensed into water using condenser234. Condenser234comprises a heat-exchanging means which condenses steam in its gaseous state into its liquid state of water. The latent heat is given up by steam, and transfers to the coolant within condenser234. Once steam is condensed as liquid water, it no longer has any impurities thus, water is distilled and/or potable. This is particularly significant since the water source218may be a reclaimed water source. Reclaimed water can only be used for irrigation purposes. However, particular embodiments of the present invention may utilize reclaimed water to generate electricity. During this process, the reclaimed water is filtered and then heated to a temperature above 1200 F, which results in sanitizing the steam. When the steam is condensed in the condenser234, the reclaimed water is now potable and distilled. The distilled water may then be directed through distilled water supply line248to the electrolysis unit208. The distilled water may also be directed through distilled water output253for external use. Particular embodiments will direct the distilled water through both the distilled water supply line248and the distilled water output253. This ability to provide environmentally-friendly distilled and/or potable water as a byproduct is an extreme advantage when generating system200is employed in a remote location such as used for hospitals, military facilities and others and/or when employed in a moving vehicle such as a submarine. Generating system200is also reasonably safe and efficient to operate, and provides benefits to its users because of its relative portability. Further, generating system200provides efficient power generation with a minimum input of resources and acts as a self-replenishing semi-closed loop process.

As steam leaves heat exchanger222it passes through steam control valve214, preferably located in high pressure steam output line210, when open, and passes into turbine generator212. Steam control valve214is preferably designed to operate to control amount of steam that enters turbine generator212to effectively manipulate production of electricity226.

Steam comprises an intense level of kinetic energy that is preferably used to turn a turbine of the turbine generator212. Turbine generator212generates electricity226in AC form that is combined with AC electricity226derived from DC output from molten carbonate fuel cell220, and transported by fuel cell electrical output line250to be converted to AC electricity by an inverter230. The turbine generator212generates the electricity in response to the rotation of the turbine of the turbine generator212. In particular embodiments, the electricity generated by one of the molten carbonate fuel cell220and the turbine generator212may be utilized as a power source to operate the electrolysis unit208.

It will be understood that other water pumps252, and256may be employed to move water through the system200

It will be understood that steam-drive electricity generating system200may be utilized in various applications, such as a power plant, to subsidize commercial and residential electricity demands, land vehicle power demands and further marine craft power demands. Further still, the system200may include a water source that is salt water, such as seawater. When used in this type of configuration the system200may further require a brine pump coupled to the heat exchanger222, wherein the brine that is left after the water is converted to steam is pumped away from the heat exchanger. The brine may be utilized for external uses. This system200configured for use with salt water also has a byproduct of distilled water as described above. This is of particular benefit on marine craft and on locations adjacent seawater, wherein the water source is substantial and the distilled water may be used for any number of external uses. Further, the marine craft will have the ability to utilize less fuel and allow the marine craft to travel further on a single filling of fuel tanks.

Referring now toFIG. 3, particular embodiments of the present invention may include a steam-driven electricity generating system300. Generating system300may comprises: a water source318; a heat exchanger322; a electrolysis unit308; a fuel cell320; a high pressure turbine generator312; a low pressure turbine generator313; a condenser334; a gas source336; a oxygen storage tank338; an air compressor354; a low-pressure steam collector346; a main water feed line342; a water return line344; a water pump332; a steam control valve314; an inverter330; and a distilled water supply line348; electrolysis unit or hydrogen generator power source352.

Water preferably enters generating system300from at least one water source318. The water source may include a reclaimed water source318. Water source318is fluidly coupled to heat exchanger322and electrolysis unit308, as illustrated inFIG. 3. Preferably, water traveling through water feed line342is filtered by filter306before reaching water pump332. Filter306comprises a device which removes impurities from water by means of a fine physical barrier, chemical process and/or biological process.

A gas from the gas source336is “flowed” to a fuel cell320of the heat exchanger322. Additionally, air compressor354flows air into the fuel cell320. The gas from the gas source336interacts with an electrolyte in the fuel cell320. The fuel cell320may be a molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell. In these embodiments, water produced by the fuel cell320may be transferred through line347to the external water storage location350.

In particular embodiments, the gas source336is a hydrogen storage tank. An electrolysis unit308may molecularly separate water into oxygen and hydrogen elements. Oxygen is temporarily contained in an oxygen storage tank338and hydrogen is preferably temporarily stored in a hydrogen storage tank336. Preferably, each of oxygen storage tank338and hydrogen storage tank336comprise suitable material with properties sufficient in strength to substantially contain elements for an extended period of time. Next, hydrogen elements are “flowed” to a molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320of the heat exchanger322. Additionally, air compressor flows air into the fuel cell320. The oxygen stored in oxygen storage tank338may be utilized for other uses of oxygen, including medical uses, among others.

It will be understood that other types of gas from the gas source336may be utilized by the fuel cell320. For example, and without limitation, the gas may be natural gas. When natural gas is the fuel, methane (the main ingredient of natural gas) and steam are converted into a hydrogen-rich gas inside the fuel cell stack (a process called “internal reforming”). Other gases may be utilized and the fuel cell may be modified by providing a proper electrolyte to interact with the gas.

Heat exchanger322may be employed to provide efficient heat transfer from one medium to another, whether the media are in direct or indirect contact. Heat exchanger322may be designed to maximize the surface area of the wall between the two mediums, yet minimizing resistance to fluid flow through heat exchanger322. Heat exchanger322may be a counter-flow arrangement, as shown, or alternately preferably a parallel arrangement, depending on application.

Heat exchanger322, according to particular embodiments of the present invention, may include a fuel cell320, such as a molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell that permits water to flow from the water feed line342through the heat exchanger322adjacent to the fuel cell320. The fuel cell320may comprise high-temperature fuel cells using an electrolyte substantially composed of a molten carbonate or solid oxide salt mixture essentially suspended in a porous, chemically inert ceramic matrix of beta-alumina solid electrolyte. Salt compound is preferably sodium carbonate within the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternately, magnesium carbonate may be used as the electrolyte. The molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320in operation combines the separated oxygen and hydrogen molecules together again to form water. This combination process generates electricity and further creates heat. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320preferably operates at or above an elevated temperature of about 650° C. (approximately 1200° F.). Non-precious metals can be used as catalysts at the anode and cathode of molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320, thereby reducing costs.

Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320preferably provides improved efficiency over phosphoric acid fuel cells. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320can reach efficiencies of about 60 percent, as compared to a range of about 37 to about 42 percent efficiency of a phosphoric acid fuel cell plant. When the waste heat is captured and used, overall fuel efficiencies can be as high as 85 percent in molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320.

Alternatives to molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320such as alkaline, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells require an external reformer to convert certain energy-dense fuels to hydrogen. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320preferably operates at elevated temperatures converting fuels to hydrogen within the fuel cell itself by an internal reforming process, which also reduces cost making a preferred embodiment of the present invention more cost-effective in use. Further, molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320is preferred since it is not as prone to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, especially when compared to systems using coal as a fossil fuel.

The operation of molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320results in a by-product of a thermodynamic increase in energy, wherein the operating temperature is about 1,200 degrees F., well within the standard operating range of molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320. This heat from molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320is then transferred to water flowing through heat exchanger322and water is converted to steam. In this manner molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320may be used as a heat source. Steam drives turbine generator312to produce electricity326. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320preferably generates water in its processing that is returned to the electrolysis unit308via water return line344, as shown.

As steam leaves heat exchanger322it passes through steam control valve314, preferably located in high pressure steam output line310, when open, and passes into high pressure turbine generator312. Steam control valve314is preferably designed to operate to control amount of steam that enters high pressure turbine generator312to effectively manipulate production of electricity326. As the steam passes through the high pressure steam turbine generator312, the steam, now at a low pressure, passes through a low pressure steam turbine generator313. Steam comprises an intense level of kinetic energy that is preferably used to turn high pressure turbine generator312and low pressure turbine generator313. Turbine generator312generates electricity326in AC form that is combined with AC electricity326derived from DC output from molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320, and transported by fuel cell electrical output line351to be converted by an inverter330. In particular embodiments, the electricity generated by one of the molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell320and the turbine generators312and313may be utilized as a power source to operate the electrolysis unit308. It is noted that turbines and inverters as described herein, methods of using working fluids to provide energy by the use of turbines, and the use of inverters to convert DC to AC electrical power will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Steam preferably collects in low-pressure steam collector346and is condensed into water preferably using a condenser334. Condenser334comprises a heat-exchanging means which condenses steam in its gaseous state into its liquid state of water. The latent heat is given up by steam, and transfers to the coolant within condenser334.

Once steam is condensed as liquid water, it no longer has any impurities thus, water is distilled and/or potable and travels through distilled water supply line348either to electrolysis unit308and/or to an external storage location350to be used as a fresh water source. This ability to provide environmentally-friendly distilled and/or potable water as a byproduct is an extreme advantage when generating system300is employed in a remote location such as used for hospitals, military facilities and others and/or when employed in a moving vehicle such as a submarine. Generating system300is also reasonably safe and efficient to operate, and provides benefits to its users because of its relative portability. Further, generating system300provides efficient power generation with a minimum input of resources and acts as a self-replenishing semi-closed loop process.

It will be understood that during the initial starting of the power generating system300, an external power source352may be needed to supply and initial amount of power to the electrolysis unit308, as well as the pumps and compressors used in the system300. Once the system is running and the fuel cell320is generating enough power that can be routed to the electrolysis unit, the external power source352may then be deactivated.

It will be understood that the steam-driven electricity system300may be utilized in various ways. For example, the steam-driven electricity generating system300may be utilized with a water treatment plant. In such an embodiment, the water treatment plant may utilize one or more systems300, wherein the water treatment plant may operate the system300in order to offset electric costs and also provide potable water. The use by a water treatment plant can serve to generate electricity as well as recycling reclaimed water for uses as potable or distilled water. This system may also be employed in areas where water is not purified or drinkable in order to produce water for villages and people that was not before readily available.

Referring now toFIG. 4, other particular embodiments of the present invention may include a steam-driven electricity generating system400for use in salt water applications or with a salt water source. Generating system400may comprises: a water source418; a heat exchanger422; an electrolysis unit408; a fuel cell420; a turbine generator412; a condenser434; a gas source436; an oxygen storage tank438; a main water feed line442; a water return line444; a water pump432; a steam control valve414; an inverter430; and a distilled water supply line448. The system400may further include a sea water pump466, an evaporator vessel462, a boiler463, a secondary high pressure turbine generator464, a low pressure steam turbine generator468, and a brine pump470.

Water preferably enters generating system400from at least one water source418. The water source418may be a salt water source. The water source418may be fluidly coupled to evaporator vessel462. Generating system400provides a means of distilling therefore substantially any source of water is suitable for use. Preferably, water traveling through water feed line442is moved in response to activation of the sea water pump466.

The salt water is heated by boiler463in the evaporator vessel462, wherein the boiler463is heated from excess heat from the high pressure turbine generator412, wherein the steam from the high pressure turbine412passes through the boiler463to supply the heat and then flows into the condenser434through output line415. The boiler evaporates the salt water and converts the water into steam and leaves a brine mixture within the evaporator vessel462. The brine has many commercial applications especially in the manufacturing pharmaceuticals, detergents, deodorants, disinfectants, herbicides, pesticides, and plastics even consumer salt for consumption or process' like water softening. The brine could be pumped and stored then shipped to manufacturers. In order to assist in pumping the brine from the evaporator vessel462, a brine pump470may be employed and the system400may flow water through a small inlet line to assist in the pumping of the brine out.

The steam generated from the evaporator vessel462is flowed to the secondary high pressure turbine generator464. The low pressure steam exiting the secondary high pressure turbine is flowed through the low pressure steam turbine generator468. Water is desalinated prior to being used in the heat exchanger422. This reduces the “contamination” of the system. Once desalinated the water can be used as potable water. This desalinization occurs during the evaporative portion. The steam, upon exiting the low pressure steam turbine generator468is condensed in condenser434and then stored in a distilled storage tank474. Water from the distilled water storage tank474flows through distilled water supply444in response to activation of pump432.

A gas from the gas source436is “flowed” to a fuel cell420of the heat exchanger422. Additionally, an air compressor (not shown) flows air from oxygen storage tank438into the fuel cell420. The gas from the gas source436interacts with an electrolyte in the fuel cell420. The fuel cell420may be a molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell.

In particular embodiments, the gas source436is a hydrogen storage tank436. In this embodiment, an electrolysis unit408may molecularly separate water into oxygen and hydrogen elements. Hydrogen is temporarily stored in a hydrogen storage tank436. The hydrogen storage tank436comprises suitable material with properties sufficient in strength to substantially contain elements for an extended period of time. Next, hydrogen elements are “flowed” to a molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420of the heat exchanger422. Additionally, an air compressor438flows air into the fuel cell420.

It will be understood that electrolysis is a method used within the present invention to separate chemically bonded elements (hydrogen and oxygen) in compounds (water) by passing an electric current through them. Electrolysis unit408preferably comprises a power source connected to a plurality of electrodes or plates. More specifically, electrolysis unit408preferably comprises two electrodes, each further comprising an inert metal such as preferably, stainless steel or alternately preferably, platinum or other such suitable material. Stainless steel is preferably used, especially when dealing with large quantities of hydrogen since stainless steel will not substantially negatively react with the oxygen. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other electrode arrangements and materials such as, for example, iron, zinc, etc., may suffice.

Electrodes are preferably placed in the water. Hydrogen appears at the negatively charged electrode, the cathode, where the electrons are pumped into water. Oxygen appears at the positively charged electrode, namely the anode. Preferably, the hydrogen generated is substantially twice the amount of the oxygen generated. Both elements are proportional to the total electric charge sent through water. Methods of electrolysis will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

It will be understood that other types of gas from the gas source436may be utilized by the fuel cell420. For example, and without limitation, the gas may be natural gas. When natural gas is the fuel, methane (the main ingredient of natural gas) and steam are converted into a hydrogen-rich gas inside the fuel cell stack (a process called “internal reforming”). Other gases may be utilized and the fuel cell may be modified by providing a proper electrolyte to interact with the gas.

Heat exchanger422is preferably employed for an efficient heat transfer from one medium to another, whether the media are in direct or indirect contact. Heat exchanger422may be designed to maximize the surface area of the wall between the two mediums, yet minimizing resistance to fluid flow through heat exchanger422. Heat exchanger422may preferably be a counter-flow arrangement, as shown, or alternately preferably a parallel arrangement, depending on application.

Heat exchanger422may include a molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420that permits water to flow from the water feed line444through the heat exchanger422adjacent to molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420. The molten carbonate fuel cell420may comprise high-temperature fuel cells using an electrolyte substantially composed of a molten carbonate salt mixture essentially suspended in a porous, chemically inert ceramic matrix of beta-alumina solid electrolyte. Salt compound is preferably sodium carbonate within the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternately preferably, magnesium carbonate may be used as the electrolyte. The molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420in operation combines the separated oxygen and hydrogen molecules together again to form water. This combination process generated electricity and further creates heat. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cells420operate at or above an elevated temperature of about 650° C. (approximately 1200° F.). Non-precious metals can be preferably used as catalysts at the anode and cathode of molten carbonate fuel cell420, thereby reducing costs. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of fuel cells as described herein, methods of use of fuel cells will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

The fuel cell420may be a molten carbonate fuel cell and provides improved efficiency over phosphoric acid fuel cells. Molten carbonate fuel cell420can reach efficiencies of about 60 percent, as compared to a range of about 37 to about 42 percent efficiency of a phosphoric acid fuel cell plant. When the waste heat is captured and used, overall fuel efficiencies can be as high as 85 percent in molten carbonate420.

In other embodiments, the fuel cell420may be a solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell is an electrochemical conversion device that produces electricity directly from oxidizing a fuel. Fuel cells are characterized by their electrolyte material and, as the name implies, the solid oxide fuel cell has a solid oxide, or ceramic, electrolyte. Advantages of this class of fuel cells include high efficiencies, long term stability, fuel flexibility, low emissions, and cost. The largest disadvantage is longer start up times and mechanical/chemical compatibility issues.

Solid oxide fuel cells are a class of fuel cell characterized by the use of a solid oxide material as the electrolyte. In contrast to proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which conduct positive hydrogen ions (protons) through a polymer electrolyte from the anode to the cathode, the solid oxide fuel cells use the solid oxide electrolyte to conduct negative oxygen ions from the cathode to the anode. The electrochemical oxidation of the oxygen ions with hydrogen or carbon monoxide thus occurs on the anode side. Solid oxide fuel cell420can reach efficiencies of about 60 percent

Alternatives to molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420such as alkaline, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells require an external reformer to convert certain energy-dense fuels to hydrogen. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420preferably operates at elevated temperatures converting fuels to hydrogen within the fuel cell itself by an internal reforming process, which also reduces cost making a preferred embodiment of the present invention more cost-effective in use. Further, molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cells420are preferred since they are not as prone to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, especially when using coal as a fossil fuel. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fuel cell alternatives and arrangements such as, for example, alkaline, phosphoric acid, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, etc., may suffice.

The operation of molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420results in a by-product of a thermodynamic increase in energy, wherein the operating temperature is preferably about 1,200 degrees F., well within the standard operating range of molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420. This heat from molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420is then transferred to water flowing through heat exchanger422and water is converted to steam. In this manner molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420is preferably used as a heat source, within one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, as opposed to a power source. Steam preferably drives high pressure steam turbine generator412to produce electricity480. Molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420preferably generates water in its processing that is returned to the electrolysis unit408via water return line444, as shown.

Steam preferably collects in low-pressure steam collector446and may be condensed into water using condenser434. Condenser434comprises a heat-exchanging means which condenses steam in its gaseous state into its liquid state of water. The latent heat is given up by steam, and transfers to the coolant within condenser434. Once steam is condensed as liquid water, it no longer has any impurities thus, water is distilled and/or potable. This is particularly significant since the water source418may be a salt water source. The distilled water may then be directed through distilled water supply line444to the electrolysis unit408. The distilled water may also be directed through distilled water output476for external use. Particular embodiments will direct the distilled water through both the distilled water supply line444and the distilled water output476. This ability to provide environmentally-friendly distilled and/or potable water as a byproduct is an extreme advantage when generating system400is employed in a remote location such as used for hospitals, military facilities and others and/or when employed in a moving vehicle such as a submarine. Generating system400is also reasonably safe and efficient to operate, and provides benefits to its users because of its relative portability. Further, generating system400provides efficient power generation with a minimum input of resources and acts as a self-replenishing semi-closed loop process.

As steam leaves heat exchanger422it passes through steam control valve414, preferably located in high pressure steam output line410, when open, and passes into turbine generator412. Steam control valve414is preferably designed to operate to control amount of steam that enters turbine generator412to effectively manipulate production of electricity426.

Steam comprises an intense level of kinetic energy that is preferably used to turn a turbine of the turbine generator412. Turbine generator412generates electricity480in AC form that is combined with AC electricity derived from DC output from molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell420, which is transported by fuel cell electrical output line450to be converted to AC electricity by an inverter430. The turbine generator412generates the electricity in response to the rotation of the turbine of the turbine generator412. Further, the electricity generated by the turbine generator412and the fuel cell420may be combined with electricity482generated by the high pressure steam turbine generator464and the electricity484generated by the low pressure steam turbine generator468. This combined electricity may be transferred for external uses along line426. In particular embodiments, the electricity generated by one of the fuel cell420and the turbine generator412may be utilized as a power source to operate the electrolysis unit408, as well as any pumps and compressors of the system.

It will be understood that steam-drive electricity generating system400may be utilized in various applications, such as a power plant, to subsidize commercial and residential electricity demands, land vehicle power demands and further marine craft power demands. Further still, the system400may include a water source that is salt water, such as seawater. When used in this type of configuration the system400may further require a brine pump coupled to the heat exchanger422, wherein the brine that is left after the water is converted to steam is pumped away from the heat exchanger. This system400configured for use with salt water also has a byproduct of distilled water as described above. This is of particular benefit on marine craft and on locations adjacent seawater, wherein the water source is substantial and the distilled water may be used for any number of external uses. Further, the marine craft will have the ability to utilize less fuel and allow the marine craft to travel further on a single filling of fuel tanks.

It will be understood that during the initial starting of the power generating system400, an external power source452may be needed to supply and initial amount of power to the electrolysis unit408. Once the system is running and the fuel cell420is generating enough power that can be routed to the electrolysis unit408through electrical line478, the external power source452may then be deactivated.

It will also be understood that according to particular embodiments, the system400includes a salt water portion and fresh water portion. The salt water portion includes the sea water pump466, an evaporator vessel462, a boiler463, a secondary high pressure turbine generator464and a low pressure steam turbine generator468. The fresh water portion includes those discussed above, namely a gas source436, a heat exchanger422with a fuel cell420, and a steam turbine generator412.

It will be understood that the steam-driven electricity system400may be utilized in various ways. For example, the steam-driven electricity generating system400may be utilized with a marine vessel, such as a ship, a tanker, a submarine, an aircraft carrier and the like. Also, this may be used in a power plant off of the coast of a salt water body of water such as an ocean. In such an embodiment, one or more systems400, wherein the water treatment plant may operate the system400in order to offset electric costs and also provide potable water. The use by a marine vessel or off an ocean coast can serve to generate electricity as well as desalinating salt water for uses as potable or distilled water.

It will further be understood that various steam-driven electricity generating systems may be utilized to offset power generation by conventional power generating devices, such as coal burning power plants, diesel engines, combustion engines, nuclear plants and any other type of power generating system or equipment.

Referring again to the drawings,FIG. 5depicts a power plant500in accordance with particular embodiments of the present invention. The power plant500includes at least one steam-driven electricity generating system511comprising a water source510, a gas source and heat exchanger depicted as portion512, the heat exchanger having a fuel cell with an electrolyte, wherein the fuel cell produces heat in response to combining gas from the gas source with the electrolyte. The system further includes a steam turbine generator514, wherein water from the water source510is directed adjacent the heat exchanger, wherein the water is converted into steam in response to heat generated by the fuel cell and the steam is directed to the steam turbine generator514. The system511further comprises a condensing unit518located a predetermined distance below a ground surface516, wherein the temperature at the predetermined distance is substantially constant. Once the steam is condensed, it can be taken away from the condensing unit using tube520. The condensing unit518may include a misting system, wherein the misting system aides in the condensing of steam exiting the steam-driven electric generating system. The misting system provides a medium for the steam to interact with and for the molecules to more easily shift in phase from a vapor to a liquid. Power plant500according to embodiments of the present invention may include a plurality of steam-driven electricity generating systems.

It will further be understood that at startup, the pumps, and compressors used in the systems of the various embodiments of the present invention may be initially started by an external power source. Once started, the energy generated by the system may be utilized to operate the system. Further the pumps and compressors may be steam operated pumps and compressors. Once the system is operating, a small portion of the steam created may be utilized to operate the pumps and compressors.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention may include a method of using a steam-driven electricity generating system, according to embodiments of the present invention. The method may include steps of receiving water from a water source; heating said water using a heat exchanger comprising a molten carbonate fuel cell as a heat source; and generating electricity using a turbine generator, wherein water from the water source is heated to steam by the heat exchanger and flowed through the turbine generator to rotate a turbine of the turbine generator, wherein electricity is generated in response to rotation of a turbine.

The method may further include steps of pumping water through molten carbonate fuel cell in the heat exchanger; heating water to steam in heat exchanger; and dividing water at the molecular level by use of one of an oxygen generator and electrolysis unit, thereby releasing the hydrogen and oxygen molecules to be preferably collected and stored. The gasses are then preferably introduced into molten carbonate fuel cell. Useful thermodynamic energy is produced in the form of heat as a byproduct from the process whereby hydrogen and oxygen recombine to form water. Dissipated thermodynamic energy given off of molten carbonate fuel cell may become the primary heat source. Water received in a previous step may then be circulated in and/or around molten carbonate fuel cell within the heat exchanger to convert the water into steam.

The method may further comprise the steps of directing the steam to the turbine generator. After generating electricity the method may include steps of collecting steam under low pressure; condensing steam under low pressure to form distilled water; directing the distilled water to one of a distilled water output, a distilled water supply line and combinations thereof. Further, the method may include returning water from the molten carbonate fuel cell to one of the oxygen generator and electrolysis unit.

Further, the method may optionally comprise steps of directing electricity created by the molten carbonate fuel cell to an inverter; inverting the electricity type from DC to AC electricity and adding the AC electricity to electricity generated by the turbine generator. The method may also include producing a by-product of distilled water from any water source type, wherein the water source type is one of a water tank, a fresh water source, a reclaimed water source, a salt water source and combinations thereof.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, providing additional equipment within the system, etc., may suffice.