Patent ID: 12253010

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

For purposes herein, the term ‘flare’ (also known as a fusee) means a pyrotechnic configured to produce intense heat and light without an explosion. The flare is ideal in this power system because flares contain various oxidizers that enable the flare and its off gases to properly burn at a high temperature in a pressure regulated steam atmosphere. Various types of combustible gases require a high temperature to properly ignite. The flare and gases are designed to burn together and reform gases within this power producing system to produce high temperature gases. Heat and light which can ultimately be used to generate steam and electrical power.

The flares that are used in the flare and gas powered systems are individually designed to work with each different particular type of operation to ensure their maximum performance within that particular operation. These flares are manufactured with any and all types of substances, materials and components within their specialized conglomerations and are made to any and all specific lengths, widths, heights, diameters, shapes, styles and weights.

Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

General Description of Embodiments

In one embodiment, a flare and gas powered system is disclosed. The flare and gas powered system comprises a water tank chamber configured to receive water. A steam producing chamber is fluidly coupled to the water tank chamber and configured to receive water from the water tank chamber. A flare and gas burning and reforming chamber is also fluidly coupled to the water tank chamber. The flare and gas burning and reforming chamber is disposed adjacent to the steam producing chamber and separated by a shared wall. The flare and gas burning and reforming chamber is a steam pressured chamber. A flare is at least partially disposed inside the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber. The flare comprises an end configured to burn within the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber. A steam powered electric generator is fluidly coupled to a top portion of the steam producing chamber for producing electricity.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a first dumped water and sludge containment tank coupled to a bottom of the water tank chamber, the first dumped water and sludge containment tank comprising a first tank drainage valve configured to drain out water and sludge.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a reciprocating engine, a turbine, a generator, or a combination thereof coupled to a top portion of the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a water tank assembly fluidly coupled to the water tank chamber, the water tank assembly configured to transfer water to the water tank chamber, the water tank assembly further comprising a steam condenser disposed inside the water tank assembly. The steam powered electric generator may be fluidly coupled to the steam condenser of the water tank assembly.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a first internal emergency high temperature electric heating element disposed within the steam producing chamber, wherein the first high temperature electric heating element is configured to create steam when injected with water from the water tank chamber. The system may further comprise a second internal emergency high temperature electric heating element disposed within the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber, wherein the second high temperature electric heating element is configured to create steam when injected with water from the water tank chamber.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a second dumped water and sludge containment tank coupled to a bottom portion of the steam producing chamber, the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber, or both, the second dumped water and sludge containment tank comprising a second drainage valve.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a steam pipe with a one-way check valve assembly fluidly to each of the steam producing chamber and the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber, the steam pipe with a one-way check valve assembly configured to pump steam from steam producing chamber into the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a venting system coupled to the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber by an inlet pipe, the venting system configured to pump a gas into the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber for safely clearing the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber of volatile gases.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor surrounding the flare, the pressure sealed ceramic tub conveyor extends from the inside to an outside of the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber. The system may further comprise a flare storage and loading unit coupled to the pressure sealed ceramic tub conveyor, the flare storage and loading unit configured to feed one or more flares into the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber through the pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor. The pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor may be configured to seal the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber from high pressure leakage of internal hot gases.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a flare ignitor disposed inside flare and gas burning and reforming chamber. The flare ignitor may be configured to swivel or retract away from the end of the flare.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a flare cut-off tool disposed below the flare. The flare cut-off tool may be configured as a closure gate to block the sealed ceramic tube conveyor. The flare cut-off tool may be configured to swivel or retract away from the end of the flare.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a plurality of flares. The system may further comprise a plurality of pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyors.

While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

First Illustrated Embodiments

Now turning to the drawings,FIG.1shows a flare and gas powered system used for underwater and aerial applications in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment. Underwater applications can include steam, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical and electric power generators for submarines and other underwater machinery. In the illustrated embodiment, the flare and gas powered system utilizes steam as an oxygen source in the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57for flares and gases to burn oxygen from. Regular air contains about a twenty percent oxygen count. Steam from water contains a 50 percent oxygen and 50 percent hydrogen count. Steam saturation in the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57also works to properly position and then evacuate hot, volatile gases from inside the chamber. This burning process produces hot hydrogen gas along with other hot exhaust gases that interact with a steam electric generator and/or a Stirling engine electric generator to produce electricity. These hot exhaust gases are known as Syngas and can be salvaged and processed for other uses in other applications.

The shapes, styles, arrangements, placements, compositions, materials and amounts of components described herein are a general conception of how these systems operate and will vary in embodiments between all systems.

Water, such as de-ionized mineral-free water, is piped in thru a water pipe with check valves assembly31into a water tank assembly32that has an incorporated an internal steam condenser33.

All piping, pump, over pressure, sludge water, one-way and check valved assemblies incorporated in these systems are mechanically and computer controlled to ensure that the pump is properly operated and that the over pressure, one-way and check valve assemblies can be properly opened and closed in the event of an excessive pressure in a chamber or a piping system rupture/failure. These piping, pump and check valved assemblies can be operated and powered with any or all types of electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, steam and mechanical power.

A steam piping, pump and check valves assembly34sends spent steam that is released from a steam powered electric generator48into the steam condenser33for the purpose of condensing the steam back into water.

Water is piped out of the water tank32thru a water piping, pump and check valves assembly35into a water tank chamber36. The water tank chamber36incorporates a water flow gauge37to regulate the water flow thru pipes and check valves assemblies35,39and42. The water tank chamber36incorporates a tank pressure gauge38.

A water over pressure relief and sludge release check valves, piping and pump assembly39is located on a bottom of the water tank chamber36for tank water and sludge clean out and emergency tank over pressure relief purposes. The over pressure relief and sludge release valves, piping and pump assembly39is connected to a dumped water and sludge containment tank40. The dumped water and sludge containment tank40incorporates a tank drainage valve41for draining out water and sludge.

Water flows out of the water tank chamber thru a check valve and water pipe assembly42into a water pump motor43. The water pump motor pumps water thru the water pipes with check valves and injectors44,44a,44b,44c,44dand44efor precision water injection into both a steam producing chamber45(44a,44b,44c) and the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57(44d,44e). For clarity, injectors44dand44eare fluidly coupled to injector44and are illustrated wrapping around the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57in order not to obstruct view the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57or the steam producing chamber45.

The steam producing chamber45and the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57are separated by a shared wall46that is heated by a flare66which is burning in the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57. The separating wall46works as a flash pan and/or boiler assembly when water is injected onto it from the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44. Other means for creating steam can also be utilized as can be appreciated by one having skill in the art. An advantage of a flash boiler is reduction of weight and boiling time. Submarines utilizing this system will also incorporate an external steam tank outside the system to help maintain proper steam pressures for emergency safety purposes.

The steam producing chamber45has a steam pipe with check valves assembly47located on top of the chamber to pump steam into the steam powered electric generator48or to power a steam engine drive train.

In some embodiments the steam powered electric generator48turbine or mechanical generator and/or Stirling engine electric generator59utilizes water from the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44for proper cooling and operation of all components.

Electricity that is produced by the steam powered electric generator48is sent out thru an electrical wire assembly49ato electrical power and battery banks located in the submarine, aerial vehicle or power station.

The steam pipe with check valves assembly34sends spent steam that is released from the steam powered electric generator48into the steam condenser33for the purpose of condensing the steam back into water. In some embodiments where aerial applications incorporate a steam condenser33, the steam condenser33may be incorporated inside of water tanks that have been strategically located within the aircraft's structure.

The steam producing chamber45incorporates an internal temperature and pressure gauge50afor proper regulation of chamber pressures.

The steam producing chamber45incorporates an internal emergency high temperature electric heating element51awhich is designed to create steam when it is injected with water from the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44. This emergency steam will prime the chambers up to proper operating pressures for system start up.

A steam over pressure relief and sludge release check valves, piping and pump assembly52ais located on the bottom of the steam producing chamber45for tank water and sludge clean out and emergency tank over pressure relief purposes. The over pressure relief and sludge release valves, piping and pump assembly52ais connected to a dumped water and sludge containment tank53. The dumped water and sludge containment tank53incorporates a tank drainage valve54for draining out water and sludge.

As shown, a steam pipe with a one-way check valve assembly55is located on or near the bottom of the steam producing chamber45for the purpose of pumping steam from the steam producing chamber45into the bottom or near the bottom of the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57. The steam pipe and check valves assembly55incorporates a water and sludge piping, pump and check valves assembly56that is connected to the dumped water and sludge containment tank53.

Preferably, the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57will be a steam pressurized chamber. This is to ensure a continuous oxygen supply for the flares66and gases to burn oxygen from and to also maintain a pressurized steam saturation within the chamber for properly positioning and evacuating hot volatile gases from the chamber. Having a pressurized saturation of steam in this chamber ensures that the hot, volatile hydrogen gases and other exhaust gases will safely sit on top of the steam in the chamber during processes and gases removal.

The flare and gases burning and reforming chamber57comprises an internal temperature and pressure gauge50bfor proper regulation of chamber temperatures and gas pressures.

The flare and gases burning and reforming chamber57comprises an internal emergency high temperature electric heating element51bwhich is designed to create steam when it is injected with water from the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44. This emergency steam will prime the chambers up to proper operating pressures for system start up.

An auxiliary gases inlet pipe, pump and check valves assembly62is utilized by the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57for the purpose of pumping in steam, fresh air or specialty gases from an external tank or venting system63to safely clear the chamber of volatile gases.

A flare storage and loading unit68feeds the flare66into a pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67that extends from the outside to the inside of the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57. The pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67unit is designed to feed and properly place the flare66for operations via received signals of the burning flare's tip location. The pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67unit is configured to seal the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57from high pressure leakage of internal hot gases.

A flare ignitor64is used to ignite the burning flare66. The flare ignitor64uses electricity for high temperature or static ignition to properly ignite the flare66.

In some embodiments, the flare ignitor64is configured to swivel or retract away from the end the flare66when not being used. This allows the flare ignitor64a longer service life.

A flare cut-off tool65is located underneath the end of the burning flare66to cut-off the burning end of the flare66to stop the burning process. The flare cut-off tool65can utilize a cut-off saw or a cut-off blade for its proper operation.

In some embodiments the flare cut-off tool65is also configured to work as a closure gate to block the end of the ceramic tube conveyor67to contain the chamber's gases. The flare cut-off tool65can also swivel or retract away from the end the flare66when not being used. This allows the flare cut-off tool65a longer service life

The flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57has a steam and exhaust gases piping, gas pump and check valves assembly58located on top of the chamber to pump the hot exhaust gases into a turbine or mechanical generator and/or Stirling engine electric generator59. In some embodiments the turbine or mechanical generator and/or Stirling engine electric generator59will utilize water from the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44for proper cooling and operation of all components.

The hot exhaust gases exit the Stirling engine electric generator59thru an exhaust gases piping, pump and check valves assembly60where they are directed into exhaust gases processing unit61. These hot exhaust gases are a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases which is commonly known as Syngas. This Syngas can be salved and processed for use in other applications. In some embodiments, the Syngas is used to power a simple cycle gas turbine to further extract more power from within the system's operations and to safely convert dangerous carbon monoxide gas into carbon dioxide.

The electricity that is produced by the Stirling engine electric generator59is sent out thru an electrical wire assembly49bto electrical power and battery banks located in the submarine, aerial vehicle or power station.

A steam over pressure relief and sludge release check valves, piping and pump assembly52bis located on the bottom of the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57for tank water and sludge clean out and emergency tank over pressure relief purposes. The over pressure relief and sludge release valves, piping and pump assembly52bis connected to the dumped water and sludge containment tank53.

The shapes, styles and arrangements of components described herein are a general conception of how these systems operate and will vary between all systems.

FIG.2shows an aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70that is specifically designed for aerial applications. The aerial system may utilize a water tank (FIG.1;36) and condenser system (FIG.1;33) in its operation to supply water to an internal boiler system69disposed inside the aerial-style flare and gases burning and reforming chamber70. In other embodiments, the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber may not comprise a condenser system and instead can expel steam into the atmosphere.

The aerial-style power system is designed to work with or without a contained steam condenser33system.

The aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70comprises an auxiliary fresh air or specialty gases inlet pipe, pump and check valves assembly62for the purpose of pumping in needed fresh air or specialty gases from an external tank or venting system63to safely clear the chamber of volatile gases.

A flare storage and loading unit68feeds a flare66into a pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67that extends from the outside to the inside of the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70. The pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67unit is designed to feed and properly place the flare66for proper operations via received signals of the burning flare's tip location. The pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67unit is designed to seal the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70from the high pressure leakage of internal hot gases.

A flare ignitor64is used to ignite the flare66. The flare ignitor64uses electricity for high temperature or static ignition to properly ignite the flare66. In some embodiments, the flare ignitor64is designed to swivel or retract away from the end the flare when not being used. This allows the flare ignitor64a longer service life.

A flare cut-off tool65is located underneath the end of the burning flare66to cut-off the burning end of the flare66to stop the burning process. The flare cut-off tool65can utilize a cut-off saw or a cut-off blade for its proper operation. In some embodiments the flare cut-off tool65is also designed to work as a closure gate to block the end of the ceramic tube conveyor to contain the chamber's gases. It can also swivel or retract away from the end the flare when not being used. This method gives the flare cut-off tool65a longer service life.

The aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70comprises an internal temperature and pressure gauge50for proper regulation of chamber temperatures and gas pressures.

The aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70has the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44aand44binjecting water into various points inside the chamber for use in its internal boiler tubes69along with water for chamber cleaning and proper chamber temperature control. This boiler among other things works to create a low-pressure steam atmosphere within the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70to ensure an oxygen-rich atmosphere at high elevations.

In some embodiments, a radiator cooling system surrounds the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70for providing proper temperature control.

The steam that is produced from the internal boiler tubes69which are located inside aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70is also directed into a steam and exhaust gases piping, pump and check valves assembly58located on top of the chamber to pump the steam and hot exhaust gases into any style of turbine or mechanical generator and/or Stirling engine electric generator59. In some embodiments the turbine or mechanical generator and/or Stirling engine electric generator59will utilize water from the water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44for proper cooling and operation of all components.

The steam hot exhaust gases exit the turbine or mechanical generator and/or Stirling engine electric generator59thru an exhaust gases piping, pump and check valves assembly60where they are directed into an exhaust gases processing unit71. These hot exhaust gases are a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases which is commonly known as Syngas. This Syngas can be salvaged and processed for use in other applications. In some embodiments this Syngas is used to power a simple cycle gas turbine to extract more power from this system and to safely convert the dangerous carbon monoxide gas into carbon dioxide.

The electricity that is produced by the turbine and/or Stirling engine electric generator59is sent out thru an electrical wire assembly49to electrical power and battery banks located on the aerial vehicle.

The aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70comprises a steam over pressure relief and sludge release piping, pump and check valves assembly52located on the bottom of the chamber for tank water and sludge clean out and emergency tank over pressure relief purposes. The over pressure relief and sludge release piping, pump and check valves assembly52is connected to a dumped water and sludge containment tank53. The dumped water and sludge containment tank53incorporates a tank drainage valve54for draining out water and sludge.

FIG.3shows a side view of an embodiment either the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57and the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70. In this embodiment this particular flare and gas powered system incorporates the usage of three flares66a,66band66calong with three pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67a,67band67cin its operations. Three water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44d,44eand44fare incorporated in this particular system. One auxiliary fresh air or specialty gases inlet pipe, pump and check valves assembly62is incorporated into this particular system. One steam pipe and check valves assembly55is incorporated into this particular system. One steam over pressure relief and sludge release piping, pump and check valves assembly52bis incorporated into this particular system. One steam and exhaust gases piping, pump and check valves assembly55is incorporated into this particular system.

FIG.4shows a side of an embodiment of either the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57and the aerial-style flare and gas burning and reforming chamber70. In this embodiment this particular system is designed to burn flares66together with reformable or combustible gases from a gas inlet72. For safety purposes at least one burning flare can always stay ignited in the flare and gas burning and reforming chambers57and70to guarantee an ignition source for gases used within in these systems. This particular flare and gas powered system incorporates the usage of two flares66aand66balong with two pressure sealed ceramic tube conveyor for flares67aand67bin its operations. Three water pipes with check valves and injectors assemblies44d,44eand44fare incorporated into this particular system. One auxiliary fresh air or specialty gases inlet pipe and check valves assembly62is incorporated into this particular system. One steam pipe and check valves assembly55is incorporated into this particular system. One steam over pressure relief and sludge release piping, pump and check valves assembly52bis incorporated into this particular system. One steam and exhaust gases piping, pump and check valves assembly55is incorporated into this particular system.

FIG.5shows a two-flare storage box and loading unit68. In some embodiments this two-flare storage box system and loading unit is used where both boxes are positioned on opposite sides of the electrical generator. Both storage boxes work in unison where each storage box takes turns loading a flare into the flare loading chute. This ensures that the weight of stored flares is evenly distributed during flight conditions.

FIG.6shows an optional collapsible emergency rotor assembly in the closed position73. This emergency rotor assembly can be utilized into embodiments that incorporate several small rotors for their lifting purposes. This emergency rotor assembly is designed to open and spin freely in order to safely auto-rotate down an aerial vehicle from the sky in the event of a sudden power loss. Helicopters are designed to auto-rotate down via their rotors in an emergency power loss situation. In some embodiments the emergency rotor assembly73may incorporate a back-up power system that utilizes the steam and exhaust gases from the aerial-style flare and gas burning chamber70to temporarily power the emergency rotor assembly system. The emergency rotor assembly73incorporates an emergency rotor spindle assembly74, an emergency rotor support strut75, emergency rotor blades76aand76b, rotor blade swivel supports77aand77band open rotor blade locking arm supports78aand78b. There can be any number of rotors blades that are incorporated into each one of these emergency rotor assemblies.

FIG.7-8show a fully opened emergency rotor assembly79.

FIG.9shows a front view of an embodiment comprising a submersible vehicle80that incorporates an optional emergency expanding gases bladders system81aand81b. Emergency expanding gases bladders system81aand81bare used to help keep the submersible vehicle80from sinking in emergency power loss situations. In some embodiments the emergency expanding gases bladders system81aand81band submersible vehicles80are designed as submersible barges to lift cargo to the water's surface. The emergency expanding gases bladders system81aand81bare made of any types of materials and are of any sizes. There can be any number of expanding gases bladders system81aand81bthat are incorporated into this type of submersible vehicle80.

FIG.10shows a submersible vehicle that has the expanding gases bladders system81aand81bfilled with either gases from storage tanks or with exhaust gases that are expelled from the flare and gas burning and reforming chamber57. Bladders to submersible vehicles attachment straps82a,82b,82cand82dare used to secure the submersible vehicle80to the expanding gases bladders system81aand81b. Bladders to submersible vehicles attachment straps82a,82b,82cand82dare made of any type of materials and are of any lengths. In some embodiments the bladders to submersible vehicles attachment straps82a,82b,82cand82dmay be constructed as an attachment means that is also a gas hose to fill the bladders with gases.

Each of the components of the flare and gas powered system described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.

While various details, features and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.