ROAD-BASED SOLAR SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN AND ELECTRICITY

Abstract

The invention is directed to a system and method for for producing energy on transportation routes. A road-based Solar System for production of hydrogen and electricity is provided. This is a novel decentralized system for production, storage, energy collection, conversion is disclosed comprising: a. System and method for converting solar energy to electrical energy; b. Means and methods for storing and/or transporting said electrical energy; c. System and for converting said electrical energy to a gas fuel; d. System and method for storing or transporting said gas fuel; The modules and units for converting solar energy to electrical energy are configured to be positioned above, adjacent on or a transportation network, thereby utilising the pre-existing road system and drastically reducing wasteful land use.

Claims

1-33. (canceled)

34. A system for producing energy on transportation routes, wherein said system comprises: a. at least one Photovoltaic Unit PVU for converting solar energy to electrical energy; b. at least one Hydrogen Production Unit HPU for converting said electrical energy to hydrogen by water hydrolysis; c. at least one pipe for at least one of; absorbing, storing, transporting, supplying hydrogen, and any combination thereof; d. at least one Hydrogen Conversion Unit HCU for producing electricity from said hydrogen; e. at least one electrical grid for transmitting said electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU; wherein said system for converting solar energy to electrical energy and hydrogen is configured to be positioned above, adjacent to or on a transportation network.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein said system comprises at least one Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU for storing said electricity produced by PVU and HCU.

36. The system of claim 34, wherein said system comprises at least one Electricity Conversion Unit ECU for converting DC electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU to AC electricity.

37. The system of claim 34, wherein said solar energy system is characterized as a Photovoltaic Unit PVU, and said Photovoltaic Unit PVU comprises at least one photovoltaic cell PVC.

38. The system of claim 34, wherein said solar energy system comprises at least one Electricity Conversion Unit ECU.

39. The system of claim 34, wherein said transportation network is configured to act as a short-term storage system throughout the day (from day to night).

40. The system of claim 34, wherein said transportation network is configured to act as a long-term storage system; said long-term storage system is selected from the group consisting of areas, zones, countries and seasons.

41. The system of claim 34, wherein said unit for storing and/or transporting said electrical energy, comprises at least one system for storing said electrical energy, and said system for storing said electrical energy is characterized as a rechargeable battery.

42. The system of claim 34, wherein said system for transporting said electrical energy is characterized as an existing electrical grid.

43. The system of claim 34, wherein said system for transporting said electrical energy is interconnected to a plurality of PVUs.

44. The system of claim 34, wherein said unit for storing and/or transporting comprises at least one unit for converting Direct current DC to Alternating current AC and/or to Alternating current AC to Direct current DC.

45. The system of claim 34, wherein said unit for storing and/or transporting is configured for conveying direct current DC and alternating current AC.

46. The system of claim 34, wherein said unit for storing and/or transporting said hydrogen is configured to store and transport said hydrogen, said unit for storing said gas fuel is characterized as a pipe, a tank, as being interconnected to a plurality of HPUs or as being open-ended.

47. The system of claim 34, wherein said gas fuel is selected from a group consisting of ammonia, methane, e-fuels or any other hydrogen carriers.

48. The system of claim 43, wherein said pipe is positioned below, above or adjacent to said transportation network.

49. The system of claim 43, wherein said storage unit is characterized as storing said hydrogen at a pressure of relative low pressure.

50. A method for producing energy on transportation routes, comprising steps of: a. obtaining the system of claim 34; b. positioning said Photovoltaic Unit PVU above or adjacent to a transportation route; c. generating electrical current from at least one PVU; d. transferring said electrical current to a at least one hydrogen production unit HPU or at least one Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU; e. generation of hydrogen by said HPU; and, f. transferring and/or storing said hydrogen by at least one Hydrogen Storage and/or Transporting Unit HSTU; wherein said step of transferring said hydrogen comprises a step of feeding said hydrogen to a pipe, said pipe interconnected to a plurality of HPU.

51. The method of claim 46, additionally comprising a step of converting said electrical current from DC to AC.

52. The method of claim 46, additionally comprising a step of generating an electrical current from hydrogen.

53. A method for producing hydrogen and/or AC electrical and/or AC current power on transportation routes, comprising steps of: a. obtaining the system of claim 49; b. positioning said Photovoltaic Unit PVU above or adjacent to a transportation route; c. positioning at least one said PVC above a road system, adjacent to the road network, or on the road; d. generating DC electrical current from at least one PVU and least one said PVC; e. transferring said electrical current to at least one hydrogen production unit HPU or at least one Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU; f. generation of hydrogen by said HPU; and, g. transferring and/or storing said hydrogen by at least one Hydrogen Storage and/or Transporting Unit HSTU; h. generating an electrical current from said hydrogen by at least one fuel cell; wherein said step of transferring said hydrogen comprises feeding said hydrogen to a pipe, said pipe interconnected to a plurality of HPU; i. converting said electrical current from DC to AC; and, transferring said electrical current generated by said PVC, by an electric grid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0112] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description and serve to explain the principles of the invention as described and disclosed herein

[0113] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0114] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically the WOL system for producing energy on transportation routes.

[0115] FIG. 2 is a schematic description of the WOL platform, using hydrogen generation technologies on an AC-based electrical grid.

[0116] FIG. 3 is a schematic description of the WOL platform, using electric energy storage technologies, on an AC-based electrical grid.

[0117] FIG. 4 is a schematic description of the WOL platform, using a DC-based electrical grid.

[0118] FIG. 5 is a schematic description of the WOL platform, using electric energy storage technologies, on a DC-based electrical grid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0119] The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide compositions and methods.

[0120] Unless otherwise stated, with reference to numerical quantities, the term about refers to a tolerance of +25% of the stated nominal value.

[0121] Unless otherwise stated, all numerical ranges are inclusive of the stated limits of the range. In the present application, the term Power inverter (inverter or invertor) refers to a electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and/or alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

[0122] The following abbreviations are used herein: [0123] PVU stand for Photovoltaic Unit stands; [0124] PVP stand for Photo-Voltaic Panel; [0125] PVC stands for Photovoltaic Cell; [0126] ECU stands for Electricity Conversion Unit; [0127] ESTU stands for Electricity Storage and Transport Unit; [0128] HPU stands for Hydrogen Production Unit HPU; [0129] HSTU stands for Hydrogen Storage and/or Transporting Unit; [0130] HCU stands for Hydrogen Conversion Unit; [0131] DC stands for Direct Current; and, [0132] AC stands for Alternating Current.

[0133] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the present invention relating to a system for producing energy on transportation routes. Solar energy reaching a photovoltaic unit PVU 13 is converted to electric energy. The electric energy obtained is used to split water and create hydrogen using an HPU 15. The hydrogen produced is transferred to a pipe 17 for storing, transporting and supplying hydrogen. A hydrogen conversion unit HCU 15 is used to produce electricity from the hydrogen. The electricity produced by the PVU 13 and HCU 15 is transmitted to a DC electrical grid. Electricity can be stored and transported using an Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU 25. An Electricity Conversion Unit ECU 54 is used to convert electrical DC 34 to electrical AC 64.

[0134] a. at least one Photovoltaic Unit PVU for converting solar energy to electrical energy; [0135] b. at least one Hydrogen Production Unit HPU for converting said electrical energy to hydrogen by water hydrolysis; [0136] c. at least one pipe for at least one of: absorbing, storing, transporting, supplying hydrogen, and any combination thereof; [0137] d. at least one Hydrogen Conversion Unit HCU for producing electricity from said hydrogen; [0138] e. at least one electrical grid for transmitting said electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU; [0139] f. Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU for storing said electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU; [0140] g. at least one Electricity Conversion Unit ECU for converting DC electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU to AC electricity;

[0141] wherein the unit for converting solar energy to electrical energy and hydrogen is configured to be positioned above, adjacent on or a transportation network.

[0142] The present invention relates to a system comprising: [0143] a. At least one Photovoltaic Unit PVU (or a solar power Unit), configured for converting solar energy to electricity. The electricity can be supply as Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). The PVU comprises: [0144] At least one Photo-Voltaic Panel PVP (also referred to as a solar cell panel, a solar electric panel or solar panel), comprising at least one photovoltaic cell PVC (also referred to as a solar cell). [0145] In some embodiments, the PVU has an Electricity Conversion Unit ECU, configured for converting the electricity between DC and AC, according to the desired use or mode of transportation. [0146] The PVP is configured to be positioned above, on or to the side of roads (such as on or over sidewalks etc.) or other transportation networks (such as railroad tracks etc.). In some embodiments, the PVC can be positioned on the road, and to be driven on by vehicles. [0147] b. At least one Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU, configured for storing and/or conveying electricity generated by at least one PVU. In some embodiments, the ESTU is interconnected to a plurality of PVUs. [0148] In some embodiments, the electricity is transferred using the power grid built in to the road network (such as those used for lighting, traffic lights etc.). [0149] In some embodiments, the storage could be by using high efficiency (rechargeable) batteries for the electricity supply, mainly as a short-term solution (such as daring short periods of darkness, or at night). [0150] In some embodiments, the ESTU has an Electricity Conversion Unit ECU, (often referred to as a solar inverter or PV inverter) configured for converting the direct current (DC) produced by a photovoltaic solar panel, into Alternating Current (AC) that can introduced into any commercial electrical grid. [0151] In some embodiments, the ESTU is configured to store AC and/or DC. [0152] In some embodiments, High Powering moving Electric Vehicles EV can be powered directly by touch or by electromagnetic induction. The powering of EVs can be conducted at specified positions along the road network, such as charging stations or at residential or commercial areas. EV powering can be conducted using convention power points or using non-contact charging (such as induction). In some embodiments, non-contact powering can be conducted on the road, during driving. [0153] As a result, the vast majority of electricity consumption (?90%) would be supplied directly through the road system in a decentralized manner increasing efficiency. [0154] c. At least one Hydrogen Production Unit HPU, (also referred to as Power-to-Gas P2G) using the electric power produced by the PVU to produce hydrogen, which can be used as a fuel. Hydrogen can be used locally or transported to other places. [0155] Hydrogen can be produced with the suitable apparatuses (such as electrolysis and/or water-splitting) and would be stored for further use or transportation. [0156] d. At least one Hydrogen Storage and/or Transporting Unit HSTU, configured for storing and/or transporting hydrogen. In some embodiments, the hydrogen can be stored at a relatively low pressure, for efficiency purposes. Hydrogen is often produced at 50 atm, and can be stored at the pressure of production. The system for transporting the hydrogen for further storage and/or delivery to clients for local use. The pipe network enables both the storage and delivery of the hydrogen produced. The hydrogen stored in the pipes can be used locally or at additional remote sites. [0157] The use of a (low-pressure pipe) for the storage of the hydrogen gas has a number of advantages: [0158] Saving the energy necessary for the generation of the high pressure (energy needed to activate the pressure systems) [0159] Lower pressure containers are safer. [0160] Lowering the pressure can also lower the leak rate. [0161] In some embodiments, the hydrogen can be delivered to long-term storage sites, using physical methods (such as compression or liquidation) or chemical technologies (such as conversion to methane, ammonia etc.). In some embodiments, the HSTU is interconnected to a plurality of HPUs. [0162] In some embodiments, the system may comprise additional units: [0163] c. At least one Hydrogen Conversion Unit HCU (such as a fuel cell), configured for converting hydrogen into electricity. In some embodiments, the electricity that is produced by the HCU is transferred by the ESTU. In some embodiments, HCU is connected to a network of pipes, interconnected to a plurality of HPU and/or HSTUs. [0164] f. Additional power generating units, such as wind or hydro-based.

[0165] In some embodiments of the present invention system comprises at least four of the system components from the group of: a Photovoltaic Unit PVU for converting solar energy to electrical energy; a Hydrogen Production Unit HPU for converting said electrical energy to hydrogen by water hydrolysis; a pipe for absorbing, storing, transporting and supplying; a Hydrogen Conversion Unit HCU for producing electricity from said hydrogen; an electrical grid for transmitting said electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU; an Electricity Storage and Transport Unit ESTU for storing and/or transporting said electrical energy; an Electricity Conversion Unit ECU for converting DC electricity from PVU and produced by the HCU to AC electricity.

[0166] Reference is made to FIG. 2, presenting a non-exclusive, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing a schematic cross-section of an AC road system-based system 10, including two driving lanes 11, and a traffic island 12 positioned between the driving lanes. The PVC can be positioned above the center of the road system 13 or adjacent to the road network 13. In some embodiments, the PVC is configured to be positioned on the road 11. The existing electric grid 14 can be utilized to transfer the electrical current generated by the PVC to an additional position for use by consumers or storage by an ESTU, utilizing convertors (DC to AC). The hydrogen production unit HPU 15 is positioned close to the PVC, feeding the HPU using DC, directly from the PVC. A pipe 16 is positioned to deliver water to the HPU. The hydrogen produced by the electrolysis process is delivered to a pipe 17 positioned along the road network, at a relatively low pressure (Up to 100 Atm.). The pipe 17 acts as a short-term storage system (from day to night) and is used to transfer it according to needs, or to long term storage systems 18. During periods when the PCV is unable to generate electricity (due to darkness etc.), hydrogen positioned in the pipe 17 or the long-term storage systems 18, can be used to produce electricity using fuel cell technologies 15 and supplying it to the grid using the same infrastructure of invertors. In some embodiments, the electrolysis facilities can also be used as fuel cells, to convert hydrogen to electrical current.

[0167] According to the example system presented in FIG. 2, daytime generation of green hydrogen would be conducted at an efficiently in the range of 63-86%

[00001]${?}_{\mathrm{el}}\widetilde{=}90\%*70\%\widetilde{=}63\%$$\mathrm{Or}$${?}_{\mathrm{el}}\widetilde{=}90\%*95\%\widetilde{=}86\%$

[0168] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 5-to-30% lost during hydrogen generation conversion and 10% lost, as leaks, during hydrogen delivery and/or storage. Using lower pressure pipes will lower the leak rate.

[0169] According to the system of FIG. 2, daytime generation of green AC electricity would be conducted at an efficiently of:

[00002]${?}_{\mathrm{el}}\widetilde{=}90\%*95\%\widetilde{=}86\%$

[0170] Approximately 10% can be lost to DC-to-AC conversion and up to 5% lost to delivery (2% is lost at short distances, with up to 5% lost at long distances).

[0171] According to the system of FIG. 2, nighttime generation of electrical current AC would be conducted at an efficiently in the range of 42-57%

[00003]$?\widetilde{=}90\%*70\%*75\%*90\%*98\%\widetilde{=}42\%$$\mathrm{Or}$$?\widetilde{=}90\%*95\%*75\%*90\%*98\%\widetilde{=}57\%$

[0172] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 5-to-30% lost during hydrogen generation conversion and 10% lost, as leaks, during hydrogen delivery and/or storage, approximately 25% lost during generation of electrical current by a fuel cell, 10% lost from conversion of DC to AC, and up to 5% lost to delivery (2% is lost at short distances, with up to 5% lost at long distances). This is based on an estimate hydrogen generation of 70-to-95% and fuel cell rate of 75%.

[0173] Reference is made to FIG. 3, presenting a non-exclusive embodiment of the present invention, showing a schematic cross-section of an AC road system-based system 20, including two driving lanes 21, and a traffic island 22 positioned between the driving lanes. The PVC can be positioned above the center of the road system 23 or adjacent to the road network 23. In some embodiments, the PVC is configured to be positioned on the road 21. The existing electric grid 24 can be utilized to transfer the electrical current generated by the PVC to an additional position for use by consumers or storage by an ESTU 25, utilizing invertors (DC to AC).

[0174] According to the example system presented in FIG. 3, (daytime generation) of green AC would be conducted at an efficiently of: 88%

[00004]$?\widetilde{=}90\%*98\%\widetilde{=}88\%,$

[0175] According to the system of FIG. 3, nighttime generation of green AC would be conducted at an efficiently of: 78%

[00005]$?\widetilde{=}98\%*90\%*90\%98\%\widetilde{=}78\%$

[0176] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 10% lost from conversion of DC to AC, 2% lost during batter charging, up to 10% lost during storage, and up to 5% lost to delivery (2% for short distances, with up to 5% lost at long distances)

[0177] Reference is made to FIG. 4, presenting a non-exclusive embodiment of the present invention, showing a schematic cross-section of a DC-based road system-based system 30, including two driving lanes 31, and a traffic island 32 positioned between the driving lanes. The PVC can be positioned above the center of the road system 33 or adjacent to the road network 33. In some embodiments, the PVC is configured to be positioned on the road 31. An DC electric grid 34 is positioned adjacent to the road network be utilized to transfer the electrical current generated by the PVC to an additional position for use by consumers or storage by an ESTU. The hydrogen production unit HPU 35 is positioned close to the PVC, feeding the HPU using DC, directly from the PVC. A pipe 36 is positioned to deliver water to the HPU. The hydrogen produced by the electrolysis process is delivered to a pipe 37 positioned along the road network, at a relatively low pressure (up to 100 Atm.). The pipe 37 acts as a short-term storage system (from day to night) and is used to transfer it according to needs, or to long term storage systems 38. During periods when the PCV is unable to generate electricity (due to darkness etc.), hydrogen positioned in the pipe 37 or the long-term storage systems 38, can be used to is used to produce DC electrical current using fuel cell technologies 35 and supplying it to the DC grid. In some embodiments, the electrolysis facilities can also be used as fuel cells, to convert hydrogen to electrical current.

[0178] According to example system presented in FIG. 4, daytime generation of green hydrogen would be conducted at an efficiently at a range of 63-86%

[00006]${?}_{\mathrm{el}}\widetilde{=}90\%*70\%\widetilde{=}63\%$$\mathrm{Or}$${?}_{\mathrm{el}}\widetilde{=}90\%*95\%\widetilde{=}86\%$

[0179] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 5-to-30% lost during hydrogen generation conversion and 10% lost, as leaks, during hydrogen delivery and/or storage. Using lower pressure pipes will lower the leak rate.

[0180] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 5-to-30% lost during hydrogen generation conversion and 10% lost, as leaks, during hydrogen delivery and/or storage. Using lower pressure pipes will lower the leak rate.

[0181] According to the system of FIG. 4, daytime generation of green DC electricity would be conducted at an efficiently of:

[00007]${?}_{\mathrm{el}}\widetilde{=}95-98\%$

[0182] With up to 5% lost to delivery (2% is lost at short distances, with up to 5% lost at long distances).

[0183] According to the system of FIG. 4, nighttime generation of electrical current DC would be conducted at an efficiently at a range of 46-63%.

[00008]$?\widetilde{=}90\%*70\%*75\%*98\%\widetilde{=}46\%$$\mathrm{Or}$$?\widetilde{=}90\%*95\%*75\%*98\%\widetilde{=}63\%$

[0184] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 5-to-30% lost during hydrogen generation conversion and 10% lost, as leaks, during hydrogen delivery and/or storage, approximately 25% lost during generation of electrical current by a fuel cell, and up to 5% lost to delivery (2% is lost at short distances, with up to 5% lost at long distances). This is based on an estimate hydrogen generation of 70-to-95% and fuel cell rate of 75%.

[0185] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 5-to-30% lost during hydrogen generation conversion and 10% lost, as leaks, during hydrogen delivery and/or storage, approximately 25% lost during generation of electrical current by a fuel cell, 10% lost from conversion of DC to AC, and up to 5% lost to delivery (2% is lost at short distances, with up to 5% lost at long distances). This is based on an estimate hydrogen generation of 70-to-95% and fuel cell rate of 75%.

[0186] Reference is made to FIG. 5, presenting a non-exclusive embodiment of the present invention, showing a schematic of a cross-section of a DC-based road system-based system 40, including two driving lanes 41, and a traffic island 42 positioned between the driving lanes. The PVC can be positioned above the center of the road system 43 or adjacent to the road network 43. In some embodiments, the PVC is configured to be positioned on the road 41. An DC electric grid 44 is positioned adjacent to the road network be utilized to transfer the electrical current generated by the PVC to an additional position for use by consumers or storage by an ESTU 45.

[0187] According to the example system presented in FIG. 5, daytime generation of green DC would be conducted at an efficiently of: 98%

[0188] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 2% is lost during current delivery.

[0189] According to the system of FIG. 4, nighttime generation of green DC would be conducted at an efficiently of: 88%

[00009]$?\widetilde{=}90\%*98\%\widetilde{=}88\%$

[0190] As calculated as % of the energy generated by the PVC, with 10% lost during battery storage and 2% is lost during current delivery.