Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of tapping and harnessing
successfully the energy generated from alternative sources, storing it and then
making it available for providing power source for the running and operation of
numerous energy based appliances in different segments of small sector
applications. The invention is in particular directed towards a pineneedle biomass
utilizing hybrid power generating system which in addition to its applications is
also environment friendly.
Background of Invention
The last few decades have witnessed an enhanced level of activity in the general
field of running appliances and meeting energy requirements through the energy
generation from non-conventional sources with the focus gradually shifting
towards the solar energy harnessing and subsequent utilization of same for
different applications.
Generally these attempts resulted in such devices being of chemical origin in the
form of an assemblage equipped with an energy storage mechanism connected
to the main power supply through a charging element and a circuit element which
used to get activated when the main power supply was disrupted.
With passage of time it was observed that in the existing state of technology the
energy storage for purpose of utilizing the stored energy was dependent on main
power supply and this often posed a multitude of problems in the sense that
when main power supply was disrupted for a longer time span the energy
storage would get depleted without replenishment of same.
1 5 MAY 2015
This led to attempts at locating alternate sources of energy for storage without
depending on main power supply and resulted in coming on stage of solar
energy based devices using photovoltaic mechanism. With further advancements
the technology moves on the front of development of the autonomous solar
installations, such as so-called solar home systems, abbreviated to SHS,
autonomously supply especially domestic areas having a relatively low power
consumption with power independently of a main supply. They are usually
assembled from a photovoltaic solar generator, a battery, a charge controller as
well as a load composed of, for example, several consumers, which are
interconnected with one another. However, the cost effective and efficient
versions of the said solar home stations are still perhaps in the incipient stages
and yet to see the light of the day.
With further evolution of technology the researchers are now thinking of moving
in the direction of generating energy from various non-conventional sources and
merging it with the normal grid electricity to make the power generation venture
more optimized, more cost effective and more environment friendly. Another
approach in this direction is to hybridize the aforementioned two segments with
solar energy harnessing to also add a new dimension by reducing the
dependence on the grid power. The present invention is just an attempt in this
direction.
The prior art profile reveals several attempts at harnessing solar energy for
storage and its subsequent conversion into ac form(a1ternating current) for use in
conditions of power failure and power supply disruption as well as the utilization.
Q
t'pf c - 9 DEL 1 2 1
The US Patent No. 7,141,734 issued to Fork et a1 describes an AC solar power
apparatus in which is described an alternating current (AC) solar power
apparatus including a photovoltaic cell and a circuit or device for causing a signal
generated by the photovoltaic cell to oscillate in a negative differential resistance
range, thereby producing an AC output voltage. The photovoltaic cell exhibits
negative differential resistance in its currentlvoltage (IV) curve in the presence of
high flux illumination, wherein when the output voltage is within a negative
differential resistance range, an incremental increase in the output voltage
produces an associated decrease in generated current. By connecting the
terminals of the photovoltaic cell to a resonator (e.g., an inductive-capacitive
circuit) or other device that produces oscillation within the negative differential
resistance range, the photovoltaic cell is caused to produce AC power.
The US Patent No. 5,973,259 issued in favor of Edelson discloses a method and
apparatus for photoelectric generation of electricity which further elaborates a
close spaced planar vacuum diode is constructed with a photoemissive first
electrode ahd a low work function second electrode. As a result of photon flux on
said photoemissive first electrode, electrons are emitted into the vacuum space
and travel to said second electrode. This electron current may then flow through
an external load, powering said external load.
The US Patent No.5,898,585 issued in favor of Sirichote et al describes an
apparatus and method for providing supplemental alternating current from a solar
cell array which describes further a novel solar inverter circuit is used to connect
a solar photovoltaic (PV) array with an alternating current (AC) voltage source to
convert direct current (DC) power from the PV array to AC power. The solar
inverter circuit employs the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic of the PV or solar
I
cell, and an H-Bridge circuit with gate controller. The gate controller synchronizes
the H-bridge with the AC voltage source. The PV array and the solar inverter
circuit can plug directly into a residential AC plug and provides electrical power
as a supplementary AC supply. Electrical energy required by the home
appliances is supplied by the municipal AC line and solar energy concurrently.
Advantages of the solar inverter circuit of the present invention include the
flexibility of using the solar inverter circuit with any number of solar cell panels
through the implementation of an impedance transformer, and the
implementation of an additional, optional output for DC battery charging.
The US Patent No. 5,719,758 issued in favor of Nakata et al describes an
invention in which is disclosed an inverter control method in which a pulse width
of a pulse train signal used for PWM (pulse width modulation) control is
monitored. When a variation of the pulse width substantially disappears within a
specified time, it is determined that an operating point on an output characteristic
curve of a photovoltaic array is located on the open-circuit voltage side of a
maximum power point. When the variation of the pulse width does not disappear
after the elapse of the specified time, it is determined that the operating point is
located on the short-circuit current side of the maximum power point. Based on
the determination result, the inverter control is performed such that the operating
point follows the maximum power point.
The invention in the Patent 5,719,758 further describes an embodiment
according to which it is acceptable to set an upper limit value of the change per
unit time of voltage at the DC power supply operating point and compare the
upper limit with the aforementioned monitored change of voltage. For example,
the change per unit time of the voltage at the DC power supply operating point is
monitored while executing the operation of increasing the inverter output. When
the voltage at the DC power supply operating point is lowered and the change of
voltage does not exceed the upper limit value, it is determined that the DC power
supply operating point is located on the open-circuit voltage side of the maximum
power point. When the voltage at the DC power supply operating point is lowered
and the change of voltage exceeds the upper limit value, it is determined that the
DC power supply operating point is located on the short-circuit current side of the
maximum power point. By using this method, the position of the DC power supply
operating point on the output characteristic curve is determined with high
accuracy. When it is determined that the operating point is located on the opencircuit
voltage side of the maximum power point, the operation of increasing the
inverter output is continued. When it is determined that the operating point is
located on the short-circuit current side of the maximum power point, the
operation is switched to the operation of decreasing the inverter output.
Therefore, the operating point can be made to rapidly follow the maximum power
point. By setting the controlled variable of the inverter output according to the
magnitude of the change per unit time of voltage at the DC power supply
operating point, the DC power supply operating point can be made to rapidly
follow the maximum power point even when the change of voltage is great.
The US Patent No. 6,351,400 issued in favor of Lumsden discloses a method
and apparatus for supplementing electrical power production during peak
demand power consumption is presented. A solar power conditioner converts DC
electrical power provided by solar panels (or otherwise) to AC power and uses
this to supplement main AC electrical power generated by a power utility (or
otherwise) when needed. Both the DC power and the main AC power are
digitalized by analog to digital (AID) converters and continuously monitored by a
central processor (CPU). The CPU aims to match the generated AC power of the
inverter to that of the main AC power and, after tripping a breaker, supplements
the main AC power with that of the converted power provided by the solar
panels. In such a supplementary role, the solar power conditioner can be
inserted into a utility's distributed power grid.
The US Patent No. 7,141,734 issued to Fork et a1 describes an AC solar power
apparatus in which is described an alternating current (AC) solar power
apparatus including a photovoltaic cell and a circuit or device for causing a signal
generated by the photovoltaic cell to oscillate in a negative differential resistance
range, thereby producing an AC output voltage. The photovoltaic cell exhibits
negative differential resistance in its current/voltage (IV) curve in the presence of
high flux illumination, wherein when the output voltage is within a negative
differential resistance range, an incremental increase in the output voltage
produces an associated decrease in generated current. By connecting the
terminals of the photovoltaic cell to a resonator (e.g., an inductive-capacitive
circuit) or other device that produces oscillation within the negative differential
resistance range, the photovoltaic cell is caused to produce AC power.
The US Patent No. 5,973,259 issued in favor of Edelson discloses a method and
apparatus for photoelectric generation of electricity which further elaborates a
close spaced planar vacuum diode is constructed with a photoemissive first
electrode and a low work function second electrode. As a result of photon flux on
said photoemissive first electrode, electrons are emitted into the vacuum space
and travel to said second electrode. This electron current may then flow through
an external load, powering said external load.
The US Patent No.5,898,585 issued in favor of Sirichote et al describes an
apparatus and method for providing supplemental alternating current from a solar
cell array which describes further a novel solar inverter circuit is used to connect
b
a solar photovoltaic (PV) array with an alternating current (AC) voltage source to
convert direct current (DC) power from the PV array to AC power. The solar
inverter circuit employs the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic of the PV or solar
cell, and an H-Bridge circuit with gate controller. The gate controller synchronizes
the H-bridge with the AC voltage source. The PV array and the solar inverter
circuit can plug directly into a residential AC plug and provides electrical power
as a supplementary AC supply. Electrical energy required by the home
appliances is supplied by the municipal AC line and solar energy concurrently.
Advantages of the solar inverter circuit of the present invention include the
flexibility of using the solar inverter circuit with any number of solar cell panels
through the implementation of an impedance transformer, and the
implementation of an additional, optional output for DC battery charging.
The US patent No. 5,719,758 issued in favor of Nakata et al describes an
invention in which is disclosed an inverter control method in which a pulse width
of a pulse train signal used for PWM (pulse width modulation) control is
monitored. When a variation of the pulse width substantially disappears within a
specified time, it is determined that an operating point on an output characteristic
curve of a photovoltaic array is located on the open-circuit voltage side of a
maximum power point. When the variation of the pulse width does not disappear
after the elapse of the specified time, it is determined that the operating point is
located on the short-circuit current side of the maximum power point. Based on
the determination result, the inverter control is performed such that the operating
point follows the maximum power point.
The invention in the Patent 5,719,758 further describes an embodiment
according to which it is acceptable to set an upper limit value of the change per
unit time of voltage at the DC power supply operating point and compare the
upper limit with the aforementioned monitored change of voltage. For example,
the change per unit time of the voltage at the DC power supply operating point is
monitored while executing the operation of increasing the inverter output. When
\ 5 NAY 20N
the voltage at the DC power supply operating point is lowered and the change of
voltage does not exceed the upper limit value, it is determined that the DC power
supply operating point is located on the open-circuit voltage side of the maximum
power point. When the voltage at the DC power supply operating point is lowered
and the change of voltage exceeds the upper limit value, it is determined that the
DC power supply operating point is located on the short-circuit current side of the
maximum power point. By using this method, the position of the DC power supply
operating point on the output characteristic curve is determined with high
accuracy. When it is determined that the operating point is located on the opencircuit
voltage side of the maximum power point, the operation of increasing the
inverter output is continued. When it is determined that the operating point is
located on the short-circuit current side of the maximum power point, the
operation is switched to the operation of decreasing the inverter output.
Therefore, the operating point can be made to rapidly follow the maximum power
point. By setting the controlled variable of the inverter output according to the
magnitude of the change per unit time of voltage at the DC power supply
operating point, the DC power supply operating point can be made to rapidly
follow the maximum power point even when the change of voltage is great.
The US Patent No. 6,351,400 issued in favor of Lumsden discloses a method
and apparatus for supplementing electrical power production during peak
demand power consumption is presented. A solar power conditioner converts DC
electrical power provided by solar panels (or otherwise) to AC power and uses
this to supplement main AC electrical power generated by a power utility (or
otherwise) when needed. Both the DC power and the main AC power are
digitalized by analog to digital (AID) converters and continuously monitored by a
central processor (CPU). The CPU aims to match the generated AC power of the
inverter to that of the main AC power and, after tripping a breaker, supplements
the main AC power with that of the converted power provided by the solar
\ 5 MAY 20u
panels. In such a supplementary role, the solar power conditioner can be
inserted into a utility's distributed power grid.
The prior art profile also does not disclose any relevant material on any kit or
device or system for either energy generation or energy harnessing from pine
needle biomass in isolation or hybrid manner by merging with other conventional
or non-conventional energy sources.
Accordingly, the present invention accordingly attempts to provide a viable
alternative for utilization of pineneedles biomass effectively for generation of
power.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the above-mentioned prior art,
the general purpose of the present invention is:
to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility,
to include all the advantages of the prior art,
to attempt to overcome the major disadvantages/drawbacks of the prior art, and
to provide a pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system,
without compromising on the cost efficacy or environment friendly attribute of the
technology.
Summary of Invention
The present invention provides a new and novel pineneedle biomass utilizing
hybrid power generating system capable of tapping and harnessing successfully
the energy generated from alternative sources, storing it and then making it
1 5 MAY 2014
available for providing power source for the running and operation of numerous
energy based appliances in different segments of small sector applications.
For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its user, reference should be made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated
embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of Drawings
For a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference
should be made to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a block depiction of the components of pineneedle biomass utilizing
hybrid power generating system of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block depiction of the internal components of the pineneedle
biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system present invention.
1 s MAY 2(n(
Figure 3 is a depiction of the simplified flow chart showing the working of the
pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system of the present
invention.
Detailed Description of Invention
The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are
subject to numerous variations. It is understood that various omissions,
substitutions or equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or
render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Figure 1 is a block depiction of the components of pineneedle biomass utilizing
hybrid power generating system of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block depiction of the internal components of the pineneedle
biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system present invention. The novel
pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system 50 of the present
invention consists of a biofuel generating assembly 100 in which the generated
biofuel is in the form of a syngaslsynthetic gaslproducer gas with the
aforementioned syngas consisting of CO, H2 and CH4, a biofuel cleansing
assembly 200, a biofuel-utilizing engine unit 300, an alternator-based power
generating unit 400, a direct power distributing module 500, an adaptor-based
power converting unit 600, a power storing unit 700, and, an indirect power
distribution module 800.
$ I
~ D E1L 2 1 5 MAY 2014
I t
Figure 3 is a depiction of the simplified flow chart showing the working of the
pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system of the present
invention.
The working protocol for the present invention contemplates that, energy
generated from the pineneedle biomass feedstock combustion is harnessed and
merged by means of various conversion processes with the other energy types
and stored. The stored energy thus obtained as a result of source hybridization is
then distributed and utilized for running of various small sector applications.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of working of the present invention,
the method of generating ac [alternating current] power from the novel
pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system, comprises of the
following steps :
a. generating biofuel from pyrolysis of pineneedle biomass,
b. burning the biofuel obtained in step 'a' to drive the biofuel-utilizing engine unit,
and,
C. using the energy obtained in step 'b' to drive an alternator-based power
generating unit to generate ac [alternating current] power.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of working of the present
invention, the method of generating dc [direct current] power from a novel
pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system, consists of the
following steps :
1 5 HAY 2014
a. generating biofuel from pyrolysis of pineneedle biomass;
b. burning the biofuel obtained in step 'a' to drive the biofuel-utilizing engine unit;
C. using the energy obtained in step 'b' to drive an alternator-based power
generating unit;
d. supplying ac power produced in step 'c' to target sites through the direct power
distributing module;
e. converting ac power produced in step 'c' into dc power through an adaptorbased
power converting unit;
f. storing the 'dc' power produced in step 'e' in power storing units;
and,
g, supplying 'dc' power from power storing units to target sites requiring dc power
supply.
The methodology for the generation of biofuel as outlined in the step 'a' of the
method protocol further consists of the following steps :
a. cutting raw pine needle biomass and transferring the same to raw biomass
receiving unit;
b. transferring said raw pine needle biomass from said raw biomass receiving
unit to initial combustion unit;
c. transferring dried raw biomass from said initial combustion unit to pyrolysing
unit;
d. transferring pyrolyzed biomass from said pyrolysing unit to biomass
gasification unit;
e. transferring produced syngas to condensing unit;
and,
f. transferring condensed syngas to cleaning unit;
~lthougha, particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been
disclosed in detail for illustrative pUrposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in
the art that numerous variations or modifications of the disclosed invention,
including the rearrangement in the configuration of the pineneedle biomass
based energy generation, as well as the tapping effectiveness of the other
sources, the hybrid power generating system of the present invention as well as
its method of use being amenable to modifications on account of an application
in diverse applications as well are possible.
Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alterations,
modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
I - 8 ~ ~I 1, 1 25 MAY, 201 4
Claims
lNVe Claim :
1. A novel pineneedle biomass utilizing hybrid power generating system, said
system comprising:
a biofuel generating assembly, wherein said biofuel is in the form of a syngas;
a biofuel cleansing assembly ;
a biofuel-utilizing engine unit, wherein said biofuel-utilizing engine unit is in the
form of an enginelmachine that runsloperates on said biofuel obtained from said
biofuel generating assembly;
an alternator-based power generating unit, wherein said alternator-based power
generating unit is in the form of an alternator device, with said alternator device
being equipped to convert the mechanical energy generated by said biofuelutilizing
engine unit into electrical energy, with said electrical energy being called
as e~ectricitylelectricp ower as well which is existing in the form of ac [alternating
current];
a direct power distributing module, wherein said direct power distributing module
is in the form of a network which directly supplies said generated electric power
to target sites for utilization;
an adaptor-based power converting unit, wherein said adaptor-based power
converting unit or charging unit is characterized to convert said ac electric power
to dc [direct current] electric power;
a power storing unit, wherein said power storing unit is the site where said dc
power is stored and wherein said power storing unit is in the form of a plurality of
batteries equipped to store the said dc power, with said plurality of batteries
1 5 MAY 2011
an indirect power distribution module, wherein said indirect power distribution
module is in the form of a dc power supply network originating from said battery
bank, with said dc power supply network being characterized to supply dc power
to various target sites.
2. The hybrid power generating system of claim 1, wherein said biofuel
generating assembly further comprises;
a raw biomass receiving unit, wherein said raw biomass receiving unit is the site
where the raw biomass feedstock consisting of pineneedle biomass is placed;
an initial combustion unit, wherein said initial combustion unit is characterized to
serve as the drying zone with said drying zone being the site where initial
combustion of said raw biomass feedstock takes place, with said initial
combustion being carried out to dry the said raw biomass feedstock to obtain
dried biomass feedstock;
a pyrolysing unit, wherein said pyrolysing unit is further comprising of a pyrolysis
chamber, a means for connecting with the biomass gasification unit and a means
for connecting with the char collection unit;
a biomass gasification unit, wherein said biomass gasification unit is
characterized to serve as a distilling zone, a gasification zone, a hearth zone and
a reduction zone;
a condensing unit;
a cleaning unit;
a char collection unit, with said char collection unit being the site where high
quality powdery bio-char collects.;
a means for receiving raw biomass feedstock, wherein said raw biomass
feedstock is in the form of pine needle biomass;
and,
I 5 MAY
a means for collecting the residues from said condensing unit.
3. The hybrid power generating system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said
biomass gasification unit is the site where biomass gasification of said dried raw
biomass feedstock takes place with said biomass gasification involving a
conversion of organiclorganic based carbonaceous matter in said dried raw
biomass feedstock into a gaseous mixture.
4. The hybrid power generating system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said
conversion is achieved by high temperature combustion under regulated oxygen
atmosphere.
5. The hybrid power generating System in accordance with claim 3, wherein said
gaseous mixture is a biofuel with said biofuel being in the form of
syngaslsynthetic gaslproducer gas, with said syngas consisting of CO, H2 and
CH4.
6. The hybrid power generating system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said
condensing unit is the site where cooling of said syngas takes place.
7. The hybrid power generating system of claim 1, wherein said biofuel cleansing
assembly comprises of a plurality of biofuel cleaning units located on said biofuel
generating assembly, with said biofuel cleaning unit being the site where cooled
syngas is subjected to a cleaning process.
8. The hybrid power generating system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said
cleaning process involves passing of cooled syngas through a series of filters,
with said filters being inclusive of :
[a]. a filter made up of wood chips and saw dust;
and,
[b]. a filter made up of fine cloth material.
9. A method of generating power from a novel pineneedle biomass utilizing
hybrid power generating system, said method comprising steps of :
a. generating biofuel from pyrolysis of pineneedle biomass;
b. burning the biofuel obtained in step 'a' to drive the biofuel-utilizing engine unit;
c. using the energy obtained in step 'b' to drive an alternator-based power
generating unit;
d. supplying ac power produced in step 'c' to target sites through the direct power
distributing module;
e. converting ac power produced in step 'c' into dc power through an adaptorbased
power converting unit;
f. storing the 'dc' power produced in step 'el in power storing units;
and,
g. supplying 'dc' power from power storing units to target sites requiring dc power
supply.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said step 'a' further comprises of sub-step of

i. cutting raw pine needle biomass and transferring the same to raw biomass
receiving unit;
ii. transferring said raw pine needle biomass from said raw biomass receiving unit
to initial combustion unit;
iii. transferring dried raw biomass from said initial combustion unit to pyrolysing
unit;
iv. transferring pyrolyzed biomass from said pyrolysing unit to biomass
gasification unit;
v. transferring produced syngas to condensing unit;
and,
vi. transferring condensed syngas to cleaning unit.