Patent Description:
Access to sustainable and affordable energy is fundamental to meeting growing global energy demands. The world's overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels is driving an environmental crisis by increasing concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases, elevating average global temperatures and accelerating disruptive climate change. Furthermore, standards of living are directly correlated with per capita energy consumption, the human imperative to improve quality of life prompts consumption of higher levels of energy per person. These societal needs, coupled with an exponentially growing population, has led to a search for novel systems and methods of power generation that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable. <CIT> discloses a magnetic flux enhanced metal fuel combustion system and method for producing energy. The system and method include a ring-shaped coil of an electromagnet surrounding a combustion chamber. The electromagnet produces a magnetic flux within the combustion chamber that limits contact between charged combustion particles and the sidewalls of the chamber, thereby enhancing the combustion of metallic fuels. <CIT> discloses an emission-free steam power plant operated based on the iron oxide-aluminum reaction. Using compressed air and centrifuges, a mixture of aluminum granules and iron oxide granules is blown into a combustion chamber through several nozzles. The mixture is ignited by an arc ignition system. This triggers a thermal iron oxide-aluminum reaction that takes place in the center area. The combustion energy released is very high. Heat is transferred to the boiler tubes by convection and radiation. The whirled up combustion residues are led away through an opening to a dedusting system. The combustion products iron and corundum flow through an opening into a mold. The high-voltage steam flows to a steam center that controls the power plant process.

The present invention teaches a system and method of generating electricity via a thermal power plant. The system and method includes a fuel heating chamber configured to receive a nano-thermite fuel, an induction assembly configured to inductively heat the fuel in the fuel heating chamber, and an electricity generating subsystem configured to convert heat from the heated nano-thermite fuel into electricity.

Thermal power plants presently burn fossil fuels, such as coal, to generate electricity. While this is easily achieved due to an abundance of fossil fuels in the past, and the relative ease in obtaining the fossil fuels, this is becoming more difficult, as fossil fuels start depleting and become harder to obtain. Fossil fuel usage also leads to higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Other forms of energy production, such as nuclear energy, while able to produce energy without CO2 emissions, has its own downsides, such as the danger of the radioactivity in nuclear materials and the long term storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

In addition, there are several environments where the use of a thermal power plant that burns fossil fuels is not practical. An example of this is in space, or in other extreme environments.

The present invention provides a system and method for generating electricity via a thermal power plant, whereby a fuel comprising nano-thermites is dispersed to a selected concentration level, and heated to ignition via induction. The fuel further heats a working fluid that is then circulated to propel a turbine and generate electricity via a generator. The advantage of the present disclosure is that nano-thermites burn hotter and may burn cleaner, and hence produce less pollution. In addition, the byproduct of the combustion or sintering of nano-thermites may be collected, and recycled and/or re-used for other end products, including further energy production. Nano-thermite fuel is also generally safe to handle when contained, and is also safe to store over long periods of time with minimal change to its molecular structure. Further to this, the combination of heating through induction, and using fuel comprising nano-thermites allows for a controllable uniform temperature within a confined space, which allows for complex and exacting operations to be performed in the thermal power plant, allowing for optimal heat and power usage when heating the nano-thermite fuel. In addition, the combination of heating through induction and using fuel comprising nano-thermites further allows a thermal power plant to practically operate in extreme environments.

<FIG> depicts an example thermal power plant <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The thermal power plant <NUM> includes a fuel heating chamber <NUM> configured to receive fuel <NUM>, an induction heating assembly <NUM> configured to heat fuel <NUM> in fuel heating chamber <NUM> via induction heating, and an electricity generating subsystem <NUM>. In the present example, the electricity generating subsystem <NUM> includes a heat exchanger <NUM> coupled to fuel heating chamber <NUM> and configured to receive working fluid <NUM>, working fluid <NUM> configured to be heated by heated fuel <NUM>, and flow line <NUM> coupled to fluid heating chamber <NUM> and configured to receive heated working fluid <NUM> to propel at least one turbine <NUM> and generate electricity via at least one generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, such as is the one depicted in <FIG>, heat exchanger <NUM> may include fluid heating chamber <NUM>. In other embodiments, heat exchanger <NUM> may include exhaust heating assembly <NUM>, which will be further discussed below and further shown in other figures. In still further examples, the electricity generating subsystem <NUM> may include other components and/or employ other methods to convert the heat from the heated fuel <NUM> into electricity, as will be described further below.

The fuel heating chamber <NUM> is configured to receive fuel <NUM>. In the current example, fuel heating chamber <NUM> may be generally cylindrical in shape to allow for coil <NUM> of induction heating assembly <NUM> to be wrapped around fuel heating chamber <NUM>. Other shapes of vessels may be contemplated for fuel heating chamber <NUM>. In addition, in other embodiments, there may be two sets of coils wrapped around each other, allowing the creation of a range of magnetic fields with varying magnitudes. Additionally, in other embodiments, one or more coils may be set up adjacent to fuel heating chamber <NUM>. Other configurations of generating a magnetic field may be contemplated. In operation, fuel <NUM> is received and housed inside fuel heating chamber <NUM> while induction heating assembly <NUM> heats fuel <NUM>.

In some examples, fuel <NUM> may be supplied to fuel heating chamber <NUM> via feeding assembly <NUM>. For example, feeding assembly <NUM> may include a fuel pump, an intake opening on fuel heating chamber <NUM>, a conveyor belt or the like configured to supply fuel <NUM> to fuel heating chamber <NUM> from a fuel source. The fuel source may be another chamber, storage or holding area housing fuel <NUM> until it is to be received by fuel heating chamber <NUM>. In some examples, feeding assembly <NUM> may further include intermediate manipulators configured to prepare fuel <NUM> for supply to fuel heating chamber <NUM>. In other examples, feeding assembly <NUM> may further disperse fuel <NUM> into fuel heating chamber <NUM>, or more specifically if fuel <NUM> was aerosolized, feeding assembly <NUM> may spray aerosolized fuel <NUM> into fuel heating chamber <NUM>. An example of an intermediate manipulator is a mixing chamber, for receipt of multiple different types of fuel <NUM> to be combined.

Referring to <FIG>, induction heating assembly <NUM> includes an electromagnet and an electronic oscillator. Induction heating assembly <NUM> heats fuel <NUM> using induction heating, for example by inducing eddy currents and hysteresis in the thermites in the fuel <NUM> to ignite and heat it. In the current example, coil <NUM> and fuel <NUM> form an electromagnet. Power supply <NUM> is the electronic oscillator. Coil <NUM> is wrapped around fuel heating chamber <NUM>, therefore coil <NUM> forms a solenoid shape with fuel heating chamber <NUM> in its center. Coil <NUM> is coupled to power supply <NUM>, which is configured to pass a current through coil <NUM> for generating a magnetic field. The oscillations in of the magnetic field may be timed to provide for an alternating field Halbach array.

In operation, fuel heating chamber <NUM> receives fuel <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> passes a current through coil <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG> by arrows. In accordance with Ampere's Law, the current flowing through coil <NUM> induces a magnetic field around coil <NUM>. Further, based on the solenoid shape of coil <NUM> being wrapped around fuel heating chamber <NUM>, the magnetic fields of each turn of coil <NUM> pass through the center of the coil, thereby producing a strong alternating magnetic field at the center of coil <NUM> (e.g. within fuel heating chamber <NUM>).

In some examples, power supply <NUM> is configured to vary the current passing through coil <NUM>, thereby varying the magnetic field. In other examples, coil <NUM> may be configured to move relative to fuel heating chamber <NUM> to vary the frequency and strength of the magnetic field. In accordance with Faraday's Law of Induction, the varying magnetic field induces eddy currents and hysteresis in nearby conductors, and in the current example, fuel <NUM> thus heating the nano-thermites in the fuel <NUM>.

In some examples, fuel <NUM> may be heated via magnetic hysteresis of particles. In particular, hysteresis loss is caused by the magnetization and demagnetization of fuel <NUM> to produce heat. When magnetic force is applied, the molecules of fuel <NUM> are aligned in a first direction. When the magnetic force is reversed, fuel <NUM> opposes the reversal of magnetism, resulting in hysteresis loss, and hence heating fuel <NUM> and also to the point of ignition.

In some examples, induction heating assembly <NUM> may employ a combination of magnetic hysteresis and induction heating via eddy currents to heat the fuel <NUM>.

In the current example, fuel <NUM> is a reactive metal compound such as a nano-thermite. In particular, the nano-thermite fuel includes an oxidizer and a reducing agent (e.g. a metal and a metal oxide). Nano-thermite fuel may also include an inert gas allowing the nano-thermite fuel to be aerosolized. Aerosolized nano-thermite fuel allows for greater dispersion in fuel heating chamber <NUM> for uniform temperature control. Eddy currents are induced by coil <NUM> and power supply <NUM> within the nano-thermite fuel, the resistance of the eddy currents flowing through the nano-thermite heating it through Joule heating.

Nano-thermite fuel may be advantageous for use in a thermal power plant <NUM> that heats the nano-thermite fuel to ignition through induction, as the energy release per mass of particle is larger than the ignition of other fuels, such as hydrocarbons, gas, petroleum, coal, and ethanol. The nano-thermite fuel may contain nano-thermites, which are on the scale of <NUM> nanometers or below. The nano-thermite fuel may also contain an oxidizer. Nano-thermite fuel in an aerosolized form allows the dispersion of the nano-thermite fuel within fuel heating chamber <NUM>. The dispersion of nano-thermite fuel in fuel heating chamber <NUM>, along with coil <NUM> wrapped around fuel heating chamber <NUM>, allows for a substantially uniform temperature control of the entire volume of fuel heating chamber <NUM>. This allows for the controlling of an optimal temperature for the combustion or sintering, or other forms of heating of the nano-thermite fuel. The combustion, sintering and other forms of heating fuel <NUM> will be discussed further below.

In other examples, fuel <NUM> may include more than one material. For example, fuel <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, magnetic materials, electrically conductive materials, nanoenergetic composites, nanowires or nanorods (e.g. including nickel, gold and/or silver), solids, liquids, gases, graphene, reactive metal compounds, synthetic and non-synthetic polymers, hydrogels, thermo plastics, metamaterials and other nano-thermites, and in situ space resources, including a plurality of fuel sources found on celestial bodies, the Moon, Mars, other planets, asteroids, planetoids, and other celestial bodies. In an example where in situ space resources are used, this allows for the long-term operation of thermal power plant <NUM> in space. Other examples include using available materials in extreme environments for long-term operations. Extreme environments are those in which it is difficult for life forms to survive. Examples of extreme environments include an environment that has high or low temperatures, has high pressure, or has low oxygen, such as at high altitudes, or deep depths under oceans. More generally, fuel <NUM> may include multiple materials having different configurations, including, but not limited to, particle size, packing structure (e.g. simple cubic packing, face-centered cubic packing, hexagonal packing), different reaction temperatures, or otherwise different heating profiles. For example, the multiple materials may be combined in fuel <NUM> as different layers forming a shell, as a heterogenous or homogenous mixture or the like. Heating fuel <NUM> with different layers may produce different heating profiles.

In the current example, fuel <NUM> is inductively heated to combustion. If fuel <NUM> is heated to combustion, thermal power plant <NUM> may include an ignition system in fuel heating chamber <NUM>. The ignition system may be used to ignite fuel <NUM> to combustion. Further, in the current example, fuel <NUM> may be a nano-thermite fuel, which when combusted would lead to lower pollution when compared to the combustion of other fossil fuels.

In other examples, fuel <NUM> is subjected to sintering (e.g. heating without liquefaction). In other examples, where fuel <NUM> is composed of multiple materials, a mix of combustion and sintering may be achieved. Additionally, in other examples, the fuel <NUM> may be heated to other reaction points, based on the desired manner of producing electricity with the heated fuel. For example, the fuel <NUM> may be melted, heated to a certain, specific temperature without changing states, or the like.

Fuel <NUM> may be heated in a controlled fashion, according to a desired heating profile. For example, fuel <NUM> may be subjected to sintering first for a period of time, and then subjected to combustion afterwards. In another example, fuel <NUM> may be subjected to combustion first, and then the fuel products after combustion and any remaining fuel <NUM> may be subjected to sintering. Fuel <NUM> may be subjected to any combination of sintering and combustion cycles, in addition to other combinations of sintering, combustion and other heating methods.

The advantage of sintering is to gather peak efficiency of heating fuel <NUM> and to output a controlled heat while depleting fuel <NUM> at a measurable rate. The advantage of combustion of fuel <NUM> is the use of less energy to heat fuel <NUM>, and the ability to recycle the combustion byproducts, as will be described further below.

Returning to <FIG>, fluid heating chamber <NUM> is coupled to fuel heating chamber <NUM> and is configured to receive working fluid <NUM>. Fluid heating chamber <NUM> is coupled to fuel heating chamber <NUM> with an impermeable wall between them. The impermeable wall allows both fuel chamber <NUM> and fluid heating chamber <NUM> to be in conductive contact with each other, and physically isolates each chamber's contents from one another. This allows for a heat exchange between the two chambers through the impermeable wall and prevents contamination between fuel <NUM> and working fluid <NUM>. Fluid heating chamber <NUM>, fuel heating chamber <NUM> and the impermeable wall form a heat exchange system. For example, the fluid heating chamber <NUM> and the fuel heating chamber <NUM> may each be formed of a conductive material and be placed in physical contact with each other to allow heat to be transferred from the fuel heating chamber to the fluid heating chamber. In such an example, the walls or portions of walls of the fuel heating chamber <NUM> and the fluid heating chamber <NUM> form the impermeable wall. Fluid heating chamber <NUM> is connected to flow line <NUM> to receive working fluid <NUM>, and for working fluid <NUM> to exit fluid heating chamber <NUM>. For example, fluid heating chamber <NUM> may be integrally formed with the flow line <NUM>, and may be defined as a portion of flow line <NUM> in conductive contact with fuel heating chamber <NUM> to allow the working fluid <NUM> to be heated in said portion of the flow line <NUM>. In other examples, the fluid heating chamber <NUM> may be a separate chamber (e.g., having a defined space, including having one or more valves, inlets/outlets, or the like) in-line with the flow line <NUM>. Examples of working fluid <NUM> include, but is not limited to, water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, biofuels, or the like.

In other examples, the heat exchanger <NUM> may allow the heated fuel <NUM> and the working fluid <NUM> to physically mix. For example, the heat exchanger <NUM> may include a chamber to intake the heated fuel <NUM> and allow it to physically mix with the working fluid <NUM> to heat the working fluid <NUM>, and a separation means to release the heated working fluid <NUM> to the flow line <NUM>. For example, the heated fuel <NUM> may be aerosolized and sprayed into the chamber to heat the working fluid <NUM>. In other examples, the chamber may include a mixer, such as a rotating paddle, fan(s) or other means to mix the heated fuel <NUM> and thereby heat the working fluid <NUM>.

Working fluid <NUM> is heated via heat exchange from heated fuel <NUM>. Heat is transferred through conduction from fuel <NUM> to fluid heating chamber <NUM>, containing working fluid <NUM>. In the current example, the combustion of a continuous supply of fuel <NUM> heats working fluid <NUM> as it flows through fluid heating chamber <NUM>. In other examples, where sintering of fuel <NUM> occurs, the heat generated from the sintering allows for working fluid <NUM> to be heated as it flows through fluid heating chamber <NUM>. As working fluid <NUM> is heated, it may undergo a phase change, and then exits the fluid heating chamber <NUM> into flow line <NUM>. In the current example, working fluid <NUM> is water, and it is evaporated into steam as it travels through fluid heating chamber <NUM>. The steam then exits fluid heating chamber <NUM> into flow line <NUM>.

Flow line <NUM> receives working fluid <NUM> and directs the flow of working fluid <NUM> to turbine <NUM>. In the current example, working fluid <NUM> flows in the direction of the arrows depicted in flow line <NUM> on <FIG>. Flow line <NUM> further transports working fluid <NUM> from turbine <NUM> to condenser <NUM>, and returning working fluid <NUM> to fluid heating chamber <NUM>, creating a circulation of working fluid <NUM>.

Turbine <NUM> is connected to flow line <NUM> containing heated working fluid <NUM> to receive heated working fluid <NUM>. Turbine <NUM> is also connected to generator <NUM> via a shaft. Heated working fluid <NUM> propels turbine <NUM>, which in turn drives generator <NUM>. Continuing with the current example where heated working fluid <NUM> is steam, the steam flows from flow line <NUM> into turbine <NUM>, where it propels turbine <NUM>. The generator <NUM> generates an electric current, which is then sent out of thermal power plant <NUM> to be used as electricity.

In alternate embodiments, working fluid <NUM> as steam may drive a steam engine, such as a sterling engine, in order to generate power and/or provide locomotion. Other uses of steam to power different mechanical engines to generate power may be contemplated.

Condenser <NUM> is configured to receive working fluid <NUM> after working fluid <NUM> has circulated through turbine <NUM> and condenses working fluid <NUM>, before returning condensed working fluid <NUM> to fluid heating chamber <NUM>. Condenser <NUM> may be an active condenser or a passive condenser. Active condensers include either jet condensers or surface condensers. Condenser <NUM> may also be a combination of active and passive condensers, or a combination of two types of active condensers. For example, condenser <NUM> may be a combination of a jet condenser, followed by a surface condenser. In other examples, such as when a working fluid other than water is used, the condenser <NUM> may more generally cool or otherwise revert the heating working fluid to its original state to be recirculated.

In an alternative example depicted in <FIG>, thermal power plant <NUM> includes a thermoelectric generator <NUM>. In previously described embodiments, electricity generating subsystem <NUM> may have included heat exchanger <NUM>, condenser <NUM>, flow line <NUM>, turbine <NUM> and generator <NUM>. In this example thermal power plant <NUM>, electricity generating subsystem <NUM> is comprised of thermoelectric generator <NUM>. Thermoelectric generator <NUM> may be used in replacement of generator <NUM> without the need for fluid heating chamber <NUM>, working fluid <NUM>, flow line <NUM>, turbine <NUM>, and condenser <NUM>. The thermoelectric generator converts heat into electricity by using thermoelectric effects, such as the Seebeck effect, Peltier effect, and Thompson effect. The Seebeck effect produces an electric current when dissimilar metals are exposed to a variance in temperature allowing the thermoelectric generator to convert heat into energy where the voltage produced is proportional to the temperature distance between the two dissimilar metals. The thermoelectric generator would generate electricity from the heat generated from combustion and/or sintering of fuel <NUM> in fuel heating chamber <NUM>. The Peltier effect is the production or absorption of heat at a junction between two different conductors when electric charge flows through it. The Thomson effect is the production or absorption of heat along a conductor with a temperature gradient when electric charge flows through it.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method <NUM> of generating electricity is depicted. Method <NUM> will be described in conjunction with its performance in thermal power plant <NUM>. In other examples, method <NUM> may be performed by other suitable systems. At block <NUM>, fuel <NUM> is supplied to and placed into fuel heating chamber <NUM>, for example, via feeding assembly <NUM>. At block <NUM>, fuel <NUM> is heated via induction inside fuel heating chamber <NUM> using induction heating assembly <NUM>. In particular, an alternating magnetic field is passed through surrounding coil <NUM>, using power supply <NUM>, and applied to fuel <NUM> to induce eddy currents and/or hysteresis, resulting in the heating of fuel <NUM> due to combustion and/or sintering.

At block <NUM>, working fluid <NUM> is heated in fluid heating chamber <NUM> via heat exchange from fuel <NUM>. For example, inductively heating fuel <NUM> leads to the combustion of fuel <NUM>. In the current example, the combustion of fuel <NUM> heats working fluid <NUM>.

At block <NUM> and block <NUM>, heated working fluid <NUM> is circulated via flow line <NUM> to turbine <NUM>, where working fluid <NUM> propels turbine <NUM>. Propelling turbine <NUM> turns a shaft connected to generator <NUM>, where electricity may be generated.

At block <NUM>, working fluid <NUM> is collected in condenser <NUM>, where working fluid <NUM> is condensed, and then returned via flow line <NUM> to fluid heating chamber <NUM>, where working fluid <NUM> may be heated up again and re-circulated in a loop.

<FIG>, depicts another example thermal power plant 100A. In this example, collection line <NUM> is connected to fuel heating chamber <NUM> to collect and transport one or more of the combustion byproducts <NUM>. Recycler <NUM> is configured to receive one or more of the combustion byproducts <NUM>. The combustion of fuel <NUM> may lead to one or more combustion byproducts <NUM> that may be chemically recycled into a new product by altering the chemical composition. Recycler <NUM> is configured to process and chemically alter combustion byproduct <NUM> into a new end product to be used for other means. Recycler <NUM> may receive additional raw materials to be mixed with combustion byproduct <NUM> for the chemical alternation. For example, with the combustion of nano-thermite as the fuel <NUM>, heat and combustion byproduct <NUM> is created. The heat is used to heat working fluid, while combustion byproduct <NUM> is collected by the collection line <NUM> and sent to recycler <NUM>. Combustion byproduct <NUM> may undergo reduction processes, such as electrolysis, to produce end products to be recycled and/or re-used.

The thermal power plant 100A may additionally include a separating means to separate the combustion byproduct. The separating means may be integrated with the fuel heating chamber <NUM>, the recycler <NUM>, or may be a distinct component. The separating means may include physical means of separating the combustion byproduct <NUM> from the fuel <NUM> or from other waste products in the fuel heating chamber <NUM>, such as a sieve, a separating chamber (e.g., to allow the products to separate naturally by density), or other means of separating the combustion byproduct <NUM> (e.g., magnetically, ionically, or based on other properties of the combustion byproduct <NUM>).

An example of fuel <NUM> that is a nano-thermite fuel may be aluminum-iron (II) Oxide. When combusted, aluminum-iron (II) oxide becomes aluminum oxide, elemental iron and a large amount of heat. The heat is used to heat working fluid <NUM>. Combustion byproduct <NUM> is aluminum oxide and iron. The aluminum oxide may be used on its own for other products, or it may be chemically converted into other materials to be used for other products.

<FIG> depicts method 200A to generate electricity using example thermal power plant 100A. Blocks 205A, 210A, 215A, 220A, 225A and 230A are similar to blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively in method <NUM>. At block 235A, combustion byproduct <NUM> is collected by collection line <NUM>, and is sent to recycler <NUM>. Recycler <NUM> takes combustion byproduct <NUM> and chemically alters it into a recycled product that may be used elsewhere (e.g. other industries, or for other goods).

<FIG>, depicts another example thermal power plant 100B that expands upon thermal power plant 100A. In this example, recycler <NUM> may chemically alter combustion byproduct <NUM> into another chemical compound to be used as fuel <NUM>. Alternatively, recycler <NUM> may chemically alter combustion byproduct <NUM> into an alternate nano-thermite to be used as fuel <NUM>. It may also be contemplated that recycler <NUM> may chemically alter combustion byproduct <NUM> and return the chemical composition of combustion byproduct <NUM> into fuel <NUM>. Thermal power plant 100B further includes a return line <NUM> configured to send the chemically altered combustion byproduct <NUM> back as fuel <NUM> to feeding assembly <NUM> to be reintroduced into fuel heating chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts method 200B to generate electricity using example thermal power plant 100B. Blocks 205B, 210B, 215B, 220B, 225B, 230B, 235B are similar to blocks 205A, 210A, 215A, 220A, 225A, 230A and 235A respectively in method <NUM>. At block 240B, recycler <NUM> converts combustion byproduct <NUM> from fuel heating chamber <NUM>. In particular, recycler <NUM> takes combustion byproduct <NUM>, and chemically alters combustion byproduct <NUM> into fuel <NUM>, which may then be reintroduced into fuel heating chamber <NUM>. In this particular example, fuel <NUM> that is initially introduced to fuel heating chamber <NUM> may be the same, or may be chemically different from the recycled product fuel <NUM> that is reintroduced. If the two compounds are different, this may lead to a combined fuel <NUM>.

For example, returning to the above example where combustion byproduct <NUM> is aluminum oxide and iron. A chemical reaction can be performed to return the aluminum oxide and iron into aluminum-iron (II) oxide. The aluminum-iron (II) oxide can then be returned to be used as fuel <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts another example thermal power plant 100C that includes a different configuration. Thermal power plant 100C includes integrated heating chamber <NUM>. In this example, heat exchanger <NUM> includes integrated heating chamber <NUM>. Integrated heating chamber <NUM> may be an integration of fuel heating chamber <NUM> and fluid heating chamber <NUM>, that allows for a mixture of both working fluid <NUM> and fuel <NUM> to be inductively heated. In this example, mixing chamber <NUM> mixes fuel <NUM> and working fluid <NUM> to produce a slurry. The slurry is inductively heated in integrated heating chamber <NUM>, and then then fuel <NUM> and working fluid <NUM> are separated. Separation may occur through a change of state as temperature changes in integrated heating chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, a mechanical device, such as a sieve may be used to separate working fluid <NUM> from fuel <NUM>. In addition, separation may occur through a separation chamber where pressure is altered. Other forms of separation are contemplated. Fuel <NUM> returns to mixing chamber <NUM> to be mixed again, while working fluid <NUM> is sent through turbine <NUM> to generate electricity.

<FIG> depicts method 200C of electricity generation for this example thermal power plant 100C. At block 205C, fuel <NUM> is supplied to mixing chamber <NUM>. At block 245C, fuel <NUM> is mixed with working fluid <NUM> to produce a slurry.

An example of a slurry may be a mixture of water as working fluid <NUM>, and aluminum-iron (II) oxide as nano-thermite fuel <NUM>. Other forms of the slurry where working fluid <NUM> and fuel <NUM> are mixed are contemplated.

The slurry is then delivered into integrated heating chamber <NUM>. At block 250C, the slurry is heated through induction, after which at block 255C, the slurry is then separated back into working fluid <NUM> and fuel <NUM>. Flow line <NUM> collects fuel <NUM> and sends fuel <NUM> to condenser <NUM> to be condensed. This is depicted at block 265C. After being condensed, the condensed fuel is returned to the mixing chamber <NUM> to be mixed again with working fluid <NUM> and re-introduced into integrated heating chamber <NUM> as a slurry.

Continuing with this example, at block 225C, working fluid <NUM> is collected by flow line <NUM>, where is sent to propel turbine <NUM>. At block 260C, working fluid <NUM> is cooled and condensed in condenser <NUM>. After circulating through turbine <NUM> and condenser <NUM>, working fluid <NUM> is returned to mixing chamber <NUM> to be mixed again with fuel <NUM> and re-introduced into integrated heating chamber <NUM> as a slurry.

In an alternative example, <FIG> depicts example thermal power plant 100D which can be used in space. In thermal power plant 100D, heat sink <NUM> is in thermal contact with condenser <NUM>. Heat sink <NUM> is also exposed to the vacuum of space. This allows for working fluid <NUM> to be condensed in condenser <NUM> exchange heat with heatsink <NUM>.

In an alternative example, <FIG> depicts example thermal power plant 100E, where exhaust heating assembly <NUM> may be used to replace fluid heating chamber <NUM>. In the previously mentioned embodiments, heat exchanger <NUM> was comprised of fluid heating chamber <NUM>. In this example thermal power plant 100E, heat exchanger <NUM> is comprised of exhaust heating assembly <NUM>. Exhaust heating assembly <NUM> includes an exhaust nozzle, and a chamber upon which working fluid <NUM> is present. In this embodiment, when fuel <NUM> is heated in fuel heating chamber <NUM>, exhaust may be a byproduct of the heating. Exhaust (also known as flue gas) may be produced whether fuel <NUM> is heated to combustion, through sintering, or a combination of the two. The produced exhaust is hot, and the exhaust heat may be used to heat working fluid <NUM> through heat exchange. In the current embodiment, the chamber upon which working fluid <NUM> is present in exhaust heating assembly <NUM> may be isolated from the exhaust to prevent contamination of remnants from fuel <NUM> into working fluid <NUM>. Heat exchange is possible through conductive elements of the chamber housing working fluid <NUM>.

In another embodiment (not depicted), where exhaust heating assembly <NUM> may be used, heat exchanger <NUM> further includes two stages of exposure to exhaust heating assembly <NUM> for working fluid <NUM> that is received from flow line <NUM>, the two stages being an evaporator and a superheater. Similar to an exhaust heating assembly <NUM>, working fluid <NUM> is kept separate from the exhaust through an impermeable wall, and working fluid <NUM> may be in various distinct pipes in exhaust heating assembly <NUM> to increase the surface area of the impermeable pipe walls in contact with the exhaust. The two stages of exposure to exhaust for the pipes containing working fluid <NUM> may be placed in different regions of exhaust heating assembly <NUM>, the superheater closer to the receiving point of exhaust from fuel heating chamber <NUM>, and the evaporator further away from the receiving point of exhaust from heating chamber <NUM>, where the receiving point of exhaust from fuel heating chamber <NUM> is hotter, and where the temperature decreases further away from the receiving point of exhaust. By having an evaporator and a superheater, working fluid <NUM> may be heated in two stages, allowing the temperature in working fluid <NUM> to rise quicker than an exhaust heating assembly <NUM> with only a single stage.

In an alternative example, <FIG> depicts example thermal power plant 100F, where two heat exchangers <NUM> may be used, heat exchange <NUM>-<NUM> and heat exchanger <NUM>-<NUM>. In heat exchanger <NUM>-<NUM>, exhaust heating assembly <NUM> is used to heat a secondary working fluid <NUM>, which is circulated through secondary flow line <NUM>. Flow line <NUM> and secondary flow line <NUM> are isolated from each other, and can hence carry different fluids for working fluid <NUM> and secondary working fluid <NUM>. In the current example, working fluid <NUM> may be water, while secondary working fluid <NUM> may be sodium. Other working fluids <NUM> and secondary working fluids <NUM> may be contemplated.

Secondary working fluid <NUM> may be kept in a heated state by passing through exhaust heating assembly <NUM>, where the exhaust from fuel heating chamber <NUM> heats secondary working fluid <NUM>. Secondary working fluid <NUM> flows from exhaust heating assembly <NUM> to heat exchanger <NUM>-<NUM> through secondary flow line <NUM>. Heat exchanger <NUM>-<NUM> includes boiler <NUM>. The heated secondary working fluid <NUM> heats working fluid <NUM>, as it flows through boiler <NUM>. As stated above, working fluid <NUM> is kept isolated from secondary working fluid <NUM>. A impermeable wall in boiler <NUM> separates working fluid <NUM> and secondary working fluid <NUM>. This is to prevent contamination of working fluid <NUM> as it goes around to power turbine <NUM>. In the current example, working fluid <NUM> is conductively heated through the impermeable wall in flow line <NUM> when it runs through boiler <NUM>. While depicted linearly in <FIG>, other embodiments could involve flow line <NUM> in a coil shape to provide additional surface area upon which heat from secondary flow line <NUM> can be conductively exchanged.

In an alternative example (not depicted), the thermal power plant has means of cogenerating electricity and heat simultaneously. Heat that is expelled from turbine <NUM> can be collected using a heat recovery unit. The heat can then be used for multiple purposes. An example use for the collected heat is to provide houses with hot water. By using cogeneration, wasted thermal energy is put to some productive use. Similarly, trigeneration and multigeneration of electricity and heat is contemplated.

In an alternative example (not depicted), the thermal power plant is used for multi-generation to simultaneously generate electricity, useful heat, cooling, propulsion, energy storage, and industrial products.

In an alternative example, (not depicted), the thermal power plant is configured with nano-thermite fuel dispersed in a solid medium and shaped as rods. The nano-thermite fuel rods are surrounded by multiple coils. The coils are powered by a power supply, which create a magnetic field around the nano-thermite fuel shaped rods, heating them. By controlling the magnetic field, the nano-thermite fuel shaped rods can be kept at a high temperature-without any phase change. This allows for working fluids that surround the rods to be heated, and hence power turbines and generators.

In an alternative example (not depicted), the thermal power plant is configured with replaceable nano-thermite fuel rods. Similar to the example above, nano-thermite fuel rods are surrounded by multiple coils, and the coils are powered by a power supply, which create a magnetic field around the nano-thermite fuel shaped rods, heating them. In this example, the nano-thermite fuel shaped rods are combusted. Once combusted, they may be replaced with new nano-thermite fuel rods. The combustion of the nano-thermite fuel rods heats working fluids surrounding the rods, which then may power turbines and generators.

In an alternative example, (not depicted), the thermal power plant is configured with rods that are covered in nano-thermite fuel. The rods covered in nano-thermite fuel are surrounded by multiple coils similar to the above examples. Similar to the above example, the coils are powered by a power supply, which create a magnetic field around the rods covered in nano-thermite fuel, heating them. By controlling the magnetic field, the rods can be kept at a high temperature and there is a controlled timed combustion of the nano-thermite fuel covering the rods. This allows for working fluids that surround the rods to be heated, and hence power turbines and generators.

It may be contemplated that the use of recycler <NUM> in example thermal plants 100A and 100B may be used in different embodiments of thermal power plants 100C, 100D, 100E and 100F. As indicated above, recycler <NUM> may be used to convert combustion byproduct <NUM> into useful end products. Example end products include materials for manufactured products or consumer goods. One of the advantages of using recycler <NUM>, is that there is less waste, and combustion byproduct <NUM>, which may be harmful to the environment may be converted into a cleaner alternative. A further advantage of thermal power plant 100C, where recycler <NUM> is connected to supplying fuel <NUM> for fuel heating chamber <NUM>, is that there is significantly less waste, as the end product is re-used again.

In other implementations, the thermal power plants can be combined with renewable and non-renewable power generation systems for generation and/or multi-generation of generated electricity, useful heat, cooling, propulsion, energy storage, and industrial products. Non-renewable power generation systems include but not limited to oil, gas, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power or the like. Renewable power generation systems include but not limited to solar thermal, biomass, compressor, fuel cell, and geothermal or the like.

In other implementations, multi-generation is achieved through spin-mediated interconversion phenomena between dissimilar physical entities to create electricity, light, sound, vibration and heat - for Earth and in Space based systems. These phenomena include but not limited to the Seeback effect, Peltier effect, Spin Seebeck effect, Spin Peltier effect, Spin Hall effect and Inverse spin Hall effect. Spin conversions take place in regions near the interface between physical entities that are mediated by spins, which transfer angular momentum allowing for interconversion of electricity, light, sound, vibration and heat.

Excess energy is stored in Energy Storage Systems for on-demand applications and distribution. These systems include but are not limited to electrochemical, electromagnetic, thermodynamic, and mechanical. Stored energy is used either directly or indirectly through energy conversion processes as needed to provide a balance between energy supply and demand. Distribution networks may combine a plurality of transmission methods to connect a plurality of nodes to optimize for sustainable delivery and utilization.

Thermal power plants that heat nano-thermite fuels through induction pollute less. Further to this, as contemplated in this present invention, recycler <NUM> may be used to further minimize pollution, by further converting any combustion byproducts <NUM> into useful end products that may be used in a variety of uses, spanning from consumer goods, to raw materials to be used in construction. Pollution and waste can be further reduced by having recycler <NUM> convert combustion byproducts <NUM> into fuel that can be then fed back into the thermal power plant. Recycler <NUM> may be used in conjunction with different embodiments of thermal power plants comprising nano-thermite fuels that are heated through induction. Further advantages to heating nano-thermite fuels through induction in thermal power plants include the operation of the thermal power plant in space and in extreme environments.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the above examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claim 1:
A thermal power plant (<NUM>) to generate electricity, the thermal power plant (<NUM>) comprising:
a fuel heating chamber (<NUM>) configured to receive a nano-thermite fuel (<NUM>) dispersed to a selected concentration level;
an induction heating assembly (<NUM>) configured to heat the nano-thermite fuel (<NUM>) to ignition in the fuel heating chamber (<NUM>) via induction heating; and
an electricity generating subsystem (<NUM>) configured to convert heat from the heated nano-thermite fuel (<NUM>) into electricity.