Method and apparatus for thermal remediation of contaminant impacted media with hybrid energy systems
12523373 ยท 2026-01-13
Inventors
- Robert D'Anjou (Long Beach, CA, US)
- Michael Dodson (Longview, WA, US)
- Allen Swift (Gig Harbor, WA, US)
- James Keegan (Temecula, CA, US)
Cpc classification
F23G5/10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F23G2204/20
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
Abstract
A method and device for thermally remediating contaminant impacted media whereby heat and electricity are cogenerated by an integrated fuel combustor and semiconductor thermoelectric generation devices and applied as multiform energy to an individual, or multiple connected heating assemblies to generate and thermally conduct heat to contaminant impacted media. A hybrid energy thermal remediation system employs semiconductor thermoelectric generation devices to transform temperature differences created in the hybrid energy thermal remediation system by fuel combustion into electrical energy being reapplied as electricity to electrically resistive heating unit(s) to power auxiliary equipment and devices associated with the hybrid energy thermal remediation system, or to generate additional fuel through electrolysis. The hybrid energy thermal remediation system includes an energy co-generation assembly with integrated fuel combustor and semiconductor thermoelectric generating device(s) and heating assembly with a thermally conductive outer conduit in contact with the contaminant impacted media.
Claims
1. A method for heating a contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media, the method comprising: 1. identifying a volume of the contaminant impacted media; 2. providing a hybrid energy thermal remediation system for remediating the volume of the contaminant impacted media; wherein, the hybrid energy thermal remediation system comprises: an external electrical energy source; one or more energy co-generation assembly housings; one or more energy co-generation assemblies; one or more media heating assemblies; one or more media heating assembly devices; one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies; one or more galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduits; one or more centralized combustion air blowers; one or more centralized combustion air discharge stacks; a combustible fuel supply; a combustible fuel distribution conveyance network; a grid-based electrical energy supply; a potable water source; a water deionization device; a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system; a centralized fuel blending unit; one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; a centralized electrical energy storage device; one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels; one or more electrical energy distribution cables; and one or more programmable logic controllers; wherein, each of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies comprises: a secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution device of the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; a weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure; a controllable primary combustion air aperture disposed within the weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure; a fuel combustor; one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits wherein each of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits includes a proximal end and a distal end; a battery; and a series of indicator lights for displaying a status of the energy co-generation assembly; wherein the fuel combustor is fluidly connected to an energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings by way of a double flanged top connector; wherein the energy co-generation assembly housing of each of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings comprises: an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall securing the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more combustion air diffusers disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the energy co-generation assembly housing; a burner nozzle; a fuel igniter; one or more heat tubes integrated with one or more heat tube combustion air diffusers; one or more heat exchangers; three apertures, the three apertures comprises: a top aperture; an induced air aperture; and a bottom aperture; wherein the top aperture is disposed at a proximal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing providing a fluid connection to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber allowing the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits, the burner nozzle, and the fuel ignitor to extend through an upper portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; wherein the induced air aperture is disposed in an upper side portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; wherein the bottom aperture is disposed at a distal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing and is connected to a media heating assembly device of the one of the one or more media heating assembly devices such that the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing is fluidly connected to an inner combustion air conduit of the media heating assembly devices of the one or more media heating assemblies by way of a flanged collar; wherein each of the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits is positioned congruent to a corresponding heat tube of the one or more heat tubes being terminated at a single rim in a lower portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more heat shielding components; wherein the one or more heat shielding components comprises: refractory materials applied to an angled lower portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more refractory cement conduit seals anchored by one or more cast in-place anchoring bolts located at an upper proximal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing; one or more combustion air diffusers affixed to the inner peripheral wall of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of each of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings; one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices; wherein an integrated thermoelectric generation device of each of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices comprises: one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units including a hot side and a cold side to generate electrical energy; wherein each of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units comprises: a stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples; wherein the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples comprises: an alternating series of +N semiconductor materials and P+ semiconductor materials each joined electrically to one or more hot side electrodes and to one or more cold side electrodes; wherein the one or more hot side electrodes insulated by an electric insulator being disposed between the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples and a thermally conductive high temperature compatible material disposed on a corresponding energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduit of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits; whereby the hot side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device is formed proximate to the corresponding energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduit; wherein the thermally conductive high temperature material being disposed between the electrical insulator and the corresponding energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduit, wherein the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduit being disposed congruent to the corresponding heat tube of the one or more heat tubes; wherein the cold side electrodes are insulated by the electric insulator being disposed between the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples and an operationally connected heat exchanger of the one or more heat exchangers; whereby the cold side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device is formed proximate to the operationally connected heat exchangers of the one or more heat exchangers; wherein a thermally conductive low temperature compatible material is disposed between the one or more cold side electrodes associated with the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples and the operationally connected heat exchanger whereby the cold side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device is formed proximate to the operationally connected heat exchangers; wherein the media heating assembly device of each of the one or more media heating assembly devices comprises: a flanged collar connector cap; the inner combustion air conduit configured with an inner combustion air conduit inlet portal and an inner combustion air conduit outlet portal; an outer thermally conductive heating conduit; a combustion air discharge conduit fluidly connected to a combustion air exhaust aperture located on a proximal end of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit; one or more electrically resistive heating units; one or more combustion air deflectors disposed between the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal of the media heating assembly device and a proximal edge of the electrically resistive heating unit of the media heating assembly device; a heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections; an annulus space; a heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill; one or more external temperature monitoring thermocouples located within the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill of the annulus space; a weatherproof electrical connection box electrically operationally configured with electric connections to the one or more electrically resistive heating units and the one or more programmable logic controllers; 3. producing a cylindrical opening within the volume of the contaminant impacted media, having the cylindrical opening extending a length of at least 1.00 foot beyond a length of each of the one or more media heating assembly devices; 4. installing the media heating assembly device of the one or more media heating assembly devices within the cylindrical opening; 5. positioning the one or more external temperature monitoring thermocouples within the annulus space between the outer thermally conductive heating conduit and the contaminant impacted media; 6. sealing the annulus space with the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill thereby securing the outer thermally conductive heating conduit thereby preventing hot vapors formed along exterior walls of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit during a heating process from exiting the volume of the contaminant impacted media; 7. positioning the one or more electrically resistive heating units and the heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections within the annulus space existing between the inner combustion air conduit and the outer thermally conductive heating conduit such that the one or more electrically resistive heating units are occupying a maximum of 20% of the annulus space at any given interval of length; 8. fluidly connecting the media heating assembly device of the one or more media heating assembly devices to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing by way of the flanged collar and the flanged collar connector cap such that the flanged collar connector cap seals a proximal end of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit from the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing contemporaneously providing a fluid connection between the inner combustion air conduit and the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing; 9. connecting the one or more electrically resistive heating units located within the media heating assembly device of the one or more media heating assembly devices to a corresponding electrical connection and a corresponding programmable logic controller of the one or more programmable logic controllers housed within the weatherproof electrical connection box thereby actuating the distribution of electrical energy from an electrically operationally connected energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies to the one or more electrically resistive heating units; 10. managing electrical energy distribution by way of the corresponding programmable logic controller to temperature setpoints and temperature readings from the one or more external temperature monitoring thermocouple placed within the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill encasing the media heating assembly device; 11. introducing combustible fuel from the combustible fuel supply into the fuel combustor of the energy co-generation assembly wherein the fuel combustor is fluidly connected to the inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing of the integrated thermoelectric generation device; 12. igniting the combustible fuel with the fuel ignitor causing a combustion reaction producing fuel combustion heating providing a sustained source of heat energy and combustion byproducts being introduced into the identified volume of contaminant impacted media; 13. generating an induced draft flow by way of a centralized combustion air blower of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers being fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing of the integrated thermoelectric generation device of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies thereby moving the heat energy through the energy co-generation assembly through each of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits and each of the one or more heat tubes such that the heat energy and the combustion byproducts within the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits create a hot side on each of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units within the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing of each of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices; 14. dissipating heat energy away from the hot side of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units creating a cold side of each of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units causing causes a heat energy delta across the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units forcing a diffusion of electric carriers towards the cold side of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units creating a voltage potential such that the voltage potential causing the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units to generate electrical energy; 15. introducing the heat energy and combustion byproducts from the fuel combustor to the inner combustion air conduit inlet portal of the inner combustion air conduit of the media heating assembly device pulled by way of the induced draft flow of the centralized combustion air blower of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers through the inner-combustion air conduit outlet portal of the inner combustion air conduit and upward through the outer thermally conductive heating conduit exiting the combustion air exhaust aperture and through the combustion air discharge conduit such that the heat energy and combustion byproducts transfer heat energy to an exterior surface of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit by way of convective heat transfer, wherein when the temperature of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit increases heat energy is transferred by convective heat transfer to the volume of the contaminant impacted media; 16. augmenting the fuel combustion heating by distributing electrical energy generated within the energy generated within the energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies to the one or more electrically resistive heating units such that temperatures of the one or more electrically resistive heating units resists a flow of direct current (DC); wherein the electrical energy generated by the integrated thermoelectric generation devices is dump or diversion loaded as direct current (DC) from the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices directly into the one or more electrically resistive heating units such that the temperature of the one or more electrically resistive heating units increases to a range of 100 to 1200 degrees centigrade as the one or more electrically resistive heating units resist the flow of direct current providing supplemental heat energy at discrete intervals along a length of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit; 17. transferring heat and co-generated electrical energy from the outer thermally conductive heating conduit through to the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill of the annulus space and through the volume of the contaminant impacted media by way of thermal conduction thereby causing reduction of contaminants within the volume of the contaminant impacted media and affecting remediation of the volume of the contaminant impacted media thereby providing a remediated impacted media; 18. providing the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies; 19. positioning the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly between the energy co-generation assembly and the centralized combustion air blower; 20. utilizing a portion of abeyant heat energy flowing through the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly prior to expelling the portion of the abeyant heat energy into the external atmosphere by way of the one or more centralized combustion air discharge stacks; wherein each of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies comprises: a combustion air discharge chamber having a rectangular shape; a plurality of externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices; a finned heat-sink for creating a cold side of a thermoelectric generation module; a ventilated enclosure with one or more air circulation fans to remove heat from the finned heat-sink; wherein the combustion air discharge chamber is constructed with thermally conductive temperature compatible metal, the combustion air discharge chamber including a galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit of the one or more galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduits having an influent end and an effluent end, the galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit passing longitudinally through the center of the combustion air discharge chamber; wherein, the influent end of the galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit is fluidly connected to any one of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers and the effluent end is fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber within the energy co-generation assembly housing of the any one of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies; wherein the plurality of externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices being consecutively adhered on at least one side of the combustion air discharge chamber providing a heat source for a hot side of the combustion air discharge chamber; wherein the plurality of externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices consecutively adhered comprises a hot side heat transfer material, the thermoelectric generation module, and a cold side heat transfer material, generating increased level of electricity as the temperature delta between the hot side and the cold side of the combustion air discharge chamber and the thermoelectric generation modules increases; 21. providing the one or more electrical energy distribution cables delivering a two-way transfer of the electrical energy among a plurality of ex situ components; wherein the plurality of ex situ components comprises: the grid-based electrical energy supply; the centralized electrical energy storage device; the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; and the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution device located on a weatherproof fuel combustion enclosure housing; 22. transferring electrical energy from the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies to the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; 23. transferring electrical energy from the one or more energy co-generation assemblies and from the one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels to the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; 24. providing a plurality of electrical energy transfers to the hybrid energy thermal remediation system; wherein the plurality of the electrical energy transfers comprises: an electrical energy transfer from the grid-based electrical energy supply to the centralized electrical energy storage device fully energizing the centralized electrical energy storage device; an electric energy transfer from the centralized electrical energy storage device to the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution box of the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; an electric energy transfer from the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution box to the secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices of the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; an electric energy transfer from the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution box to the water deionization device; an electric energy transfer from the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes to the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system; an electric energy transfer from the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes to the centralized combustion air blower of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers; 25. determining periods of time characterized with low levels of the electrical energy for operation of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system, and determining periods of time characterized with surplus levels of the electrical energy for the operation of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system; 26. providing a plurality of reverse energy transfers to the hybrid energy thermal remediation system; wherein the plurality of reverse energy transfers includes: a reverse energy transfer from the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices to the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; a reverse energy transfer from the centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes to the centralized electrical energy storage device; and a reverse energy transfer from the centralized electrical energy storage device onto the grid-based electric energy supply; 27. converting a predetermined quantity of the heat energy from the fuel combustor to electrical energy by way of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units of the energy co-generation assembly and the thermoelectric generation modules of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies; 28. storing and conditioning the electrical energy in the centralized electrical energy storage device, the one or more primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes, and the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; 29. returning excess electrical energy from the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices to the one or more primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes and to the electrical energy grid at the grid-based electric energy supply; and 30. removing the hybrid energy thermal remediation system from the remediated impacted media.
2. The method for remediating the contaminant impacted media for the remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1 further comprises: 31. providing a deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system operationally electrically connected to the centralized electrical energy storage device by way of the one or more electrical energy distribution cables; wherein the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system comprises: the water deionization device having an inlet fluidly connected to the potable water source and an outlet fluidly connected to a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system by way of a deionized water conveyance piping; a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system; a hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) storage unit; a centralized fuel blending unit; a combustible fuel distribution conveyance network; the combustible fuel supply; and the one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels; 32. conveying the electric energy generated from each of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies and/or the one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies to the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system by way of the one or more electrical energy distribution cables; 33. conveying a metered flow of deionized water supply from the water deionization device through the deionized water conveyance piping to the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system of the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system thereby providing a predetermined volume of deionized water being contained in the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system; 34. passing the conveyed electric energy generated from the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation device(s) and/or one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies through the predetermined volume of deionized water thereby actuating the electric energy from the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system causing the decomposing of the deionized water producing oxygen gas (O.sub.2) and hydrogen gas (H.sub.2); 35. storing the hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) in the hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) storage unit; 36. providing a sustainable source of an on-site hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) supply; 37. combining a combustible fuel from the fuel supply with the hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) from the hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) storage unit within the centralized fuel blending unit providing a blended fuel mixture; 38. supplying the blended fuel mixture to the fuel combustor; 39. igniting the blended combustible fuels and hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) within the fuel combustor causing a combustion reaction whereby cogenerating additional heat energy, combustion byproducts, and additional electric energy from the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices and/or one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies for use in the thermal remediation of contaminates within the volume of the contaminant impacted media; and 40. removing the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system.
3. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein the external electrical energy source is selected from any one of the group of external electrical energy sources consisting of non-renewable electrical energy, and renewable electrical energy wherein: the non-renewable energy is obtained from a grid based electrical energy supply; and the renewable energy is obtained from the auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels and one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies.
4. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein the electric energy is co-generated electric energy by way of harvesting waste energy from the one or more energy co-generation assemblies and the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies.
5. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein, the combustible fuel includes non-renewable combustible fuel from grid-based energy, commercial sources, or renewable supplemental fuel from the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system.
6. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein the one or more combustion air diffusers are configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of a screw shape, a spiral shape, and a finned shape.
7. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein generating the draft flow by way of the centralized combustion air blower of the one or more combustion air blowers includes a forced draft flow or balanced draft flow by way of the one or more combustion air blowers.
8. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein: the inner combustion air conduit extends a partial length of a total length of the media heating assembly device; and the outer thermally conductive heating conduit and annulus space extends at least 10.00 feet beyond the combustion air conduit outlet portal of the inner combustion air conduit.
9. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more media heating assembly devices is configured with a length of at least 25.00 feet.
10. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more media heating assembly devices is configured with a length of about 75.00 feet.
11. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more media heating assembly devices is configured with a length within the range of 75 feet to 200 feet.
12. The method for heating the contaminant impacted media for remediation of the contaminant impacted media of claim 1, wherein the one or more heat exchangers is selected from the group consisting of one or more bent liquid filled gravity pipe heat exchangers, and one or more finned plate air-cooled heat exchangers.
13. A hybrid energy thermal remediation system for remediation of contaminant impacted media, the hybrid energy thermal remediation system comprises: an external electrical energy source; one or more energy co-generation assembly housings; one or more energy co-generation assemblies; one or more media heating assemblies; one or more media heating assembly devices; one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies; one or more galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduits; one or more centralized combustion air blowers; one or more centralized combustion air discharge stacks; a combustible fuel supply; a combustible fuel distribution conveyance network; a grid-based electrical energy supply; a potable water source; a water deionization device; a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system; a centralized fuel blending unit; one or more primary centralized electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; a centralized electrical energy storage device; one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels; one or more electrical energy distribution cables; one or more programmable logic controllers; wherein the external electrical energy source is selected from the group consisting of non-renewable electrical energy, and renewable electrical energy; wherein the non-renewable electrical energy is obtained from the grid-based electrical energy supply wherein the grid-based electrical energy supply is operationally electrically connected to the centralized electrical energy storage device by way of an electrical energy distribution cable of the one or more electrical energy distribution cables being operationally electrically connected to a centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution box of the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes and operationally connected to a secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution device of the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices associated with a weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure of an energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies; wherein the renewable electrical energy is obtained from an auxiliary photovoltaic solar panel of the one or more of the auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels and a combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies; wherein the auxiliary photovoltaic solar panel of the one or more of the auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels is constructed on top of the energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies operationally connected to the weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure of the energy co-generation assembly; wherein the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies is fluidly connected to a combustion air exhaust aperture and combustion air discharge conduit of a thermally conductive heating conduit of the energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies; wherein any one of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies comprises: a secondary electrical energy conditioning and a distribution device of the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices; a weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure housing; a controllable primary combustion air aperture disposed within the weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure; a fuel combustor housed within the weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure housing; one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits wherein each of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits includes a proximal end and a distal end; a battery; and a series of indicator lights mounted on top of the battery for displaying a status of an energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies; wherein the battery is disposed on top of the weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure housing of an energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies where electric energy generated by the hybrid energy thermal remediation system is conveyed to the battery and is stored within the battery; wherein the fuel combustor is fluidly connected to any one of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings by way of a double flanged top connector; wherein any one of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings comprises: an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall securing an energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more combustion air diffusers is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the any one of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings; a burner nozzle; a fuel igniter; one or more heat tubes; one or more heat exchangers; three apertures, the three apertures comprises: a top aperture; an induced air aperture; and a bottom aperture; wherein the top aperture is disposed at a proximal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing providing a fluid connection to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber allowing the one or more of the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits, the burner nozzle, and the fuel ignitor to extend through an upper portion of the energy cogeneration assembly housing inner chamber; wherein any one of the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits is positioned congruent to a corresponding heat tube of the one or more heat tubes being terminated at a single rim in a lower portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more heat shielding components; wherein the one or more heat shielding components comprises refractory materials applied to an angled lower portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more refractory cement conduit seals anchored by one or more cast in-place anchoring bolts located at an upper proximal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the energy co-generation assembly housing; one or more combustion air diffusers affixed to the inner peripheral wall of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; one or more intergraded integrated thermoelectric generation devices; wherein any one of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices comprises: one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units including a hot side and a cold side to generate electrical energy; wherein each of the one or more sealed thermoelectric generation units comprises: a stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples; wherein the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples comprises: an alternating series of +N semiconductor materials and P+ semiconductor materials each joined electrically to one or more hot side electrodes and to one or more cold side electrodes; wherein the one or more hot side electrodes insulated by an electric insulator being disposed between the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples and the any one of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits whereby the hot side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device is formed proximate to the any one of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits; wherein the cold side electrodes insulated by the electric insulator being disposed between the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples and any one of the one or more heat exchangers whereby the cold side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device is formed proximate to the any one of the one or more heat exchangers; wherein a thermally conductive high temperature compatible material is disposed between the electrical insulator and the any one of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits being congruent to the corresponding heat tube; wherein a thermally conductive low temperature compatible material is disposed between the one or more cold side electrodes and the any one of the one or more heat exchangers; wherein the induced air aperture is disposed in an upper side portion of the energy co-generation assembly housing fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber; wherein the bottom aperture is disposed at a distal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing and is connected to any one of the one or more media heating assembly devices of the one or more media heating assemblies such that energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber is fluidly connected to an inner combustion air conduit of the any one of the one or more media heating assembly devices of the one or more media heating assemblies by way of a flanged collar; wherein any one of the one or more media heating assemblies comprises: a flanged collar connector cap; the inner combustion air conduit; an outer thermally conductive heating conduit; wherein a media heating assembly device of the one or more media heating assembly devices is fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings by way of the flanged collar connector cap such that the flanged collar connector cap seals a proximal end of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit from the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings contemporaneously providing a fluid connection between the inner combustion air conduit and the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber of the one or more energy co-generation assembly housings; wherein the outer thermally conductive heating conduit extends at least 10.00 feet beyond an inner combustion air conduit outlet portal of the inner combustion air conduit; a combustion air discharge conduit fluidly connected to the combustion air exhaust aperture located on a proximal end of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit; wherein the combustion air is discharged through the combustion air exhaust aperture venting into the combustion air discharge conduit being directed into a fluidly connected combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies; one or more combustion air deflectors is disposed between an inner combustion air conduit outlet portal of the one or more media heating assembly devices, and a proximal edge of an electrically resistive heating unit of the one or more media heating assembly devices; a heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections; one or more electrically resistive heating units; wherein an electrically resistive heating unit of the one or more electrically resistive heating units includes a combustion air deflector of the one or more combustion air deflectors at the end of the electrically resistive heating unit of the one or more electrically resistive heating units disposed proximal to the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal of the inner combustion air conduit, connected electrically to the energy co-generation assembly through the heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections; an annulus space disposed between the outer thermally conductive heating conduit and the contaminated impacted media; a heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill; one or more external temperature monitoring thermocouples located within the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill of the annulus space; a weatherproof electrical connection box electrically operationally configured with electric connections to the one or more electrically resistive heating units and the one or more programmable logic controllers; wherein each of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies comprises: a combustion air discharge chamber having a rectangular shape; a plurality of externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices; a finned heat-sink for creating a cold side of a thermoelectric generation module; a ventilated enclosure with one or more air circulation fans to remove heat from the finned heat-sink; wherein the combustion air discharge chamber is constructed with thermally conductive temperature compatible metal, the combustion air discharge chamber including a galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit of the one or more galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduits having an influent end and an effluent end, the galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit passing longitudinally through the center of the combustion air discharge chamber; wherein the influent end of the galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit is fluidly connected to a centralized combustion air blower of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers and the effluent end is fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber within the energy co-generation assembly housing of the energy co-generation assembly of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies; wherein a centralized combustion air discharge stack of the one or more centralized combustion air discharge stacks is fluidly connected to the centralized combustion air blower of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers where waste combustion air is discharged through the centralized combustion air discharge stack of the one or more centralized combustion air discharge stacks; wherein the plurality of externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices being consecutively adhered on at least one side of the combustion air discharge chamber providing a heat source for a hot side of the combustion air discharge chamber whereby an increased level of electricity is generated as a temperature delta between the hot side of the combustion air discharge chamber and the cold side of the combustion air discharge chamber and the thermoelectric generation modules; wherein the plurality of externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices includes: a hot side heat transfer material; the thermoelectric generation module; and a cold side heat transfer material; the one or more electrical energy distribution cables delivering a two-way transfer of the electrical energy among a plurality of ex situ components; wherein the ex situ components comprises: the grid-based electrical energy supply; the centralized electrical energy storage device; the one or more primary centralized electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes; the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices located on the weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure housing; a deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system; wherein the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system comprises: the centralized electrical energy storage device; the water deionization device having an inlet fluidly connected to the potable water source and an outlet fluidly connected to a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system by way of a deionized water conveyance piping; the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system; a hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) storage unit; the centralized fuel blending unit; the combustible fuel distribution conveyance network; the combustible fuel supply; and the one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels; and wherein the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system is operationally connected to the centralized electric energy storage device by way of the one or more electrical energy distribution cables, the hydrogen gas (H2) storage unit fluidly connected to the centralized fuel blending unit and the combustible fuel supply being fluidly connected to the combustible fuel distribution conveyance network, and an auxillary photovoltaic solar panel of the one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels is disposed on top of the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same numerals indicates similar or identical items. Various exemplary embodiments utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in the various exemplary embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(18) There exists a significant, and real need within the field of thermal remediation of contaminant impacted media, and environmental remediation at large, to recover and reuse waste energy, reduce reliance on grid-based energy, reduce carbon footprint, improve the ability to differentiate longitudinal heat output at discrete intervals, and extend the practical treatment interval. The hybrid energy thermal remediation (HETR) method(s) and device(s) disclosed and claimed herein provide a simple, cost effective, and sustainable method and hybrid energy thermal remediation device that assembles devices and materials and implementation of novel features and steps in an easy to construct manner that improves upon each one of these deficits in the in the field of thermal remediation of contaminant impacted media.
(19) In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hybrid energy thermal remediation methods and devices disclosed and claimed herein can be configured to utilize a variable amount of energy and reliance from either of an energy source, be it fuel combustion, or electric resistance heating of an electrically resistive unit. Both energy sources can be configured and utilized in a grid-connected modality, partial grid connected modality, or entirely isolated from grid modality.
(20) The preferred and exemplary embodiments of the hybrid energy thermal remediation method(s) and device(s) disclosed and claimed herein reduce the carbon footprint of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system, increase the efficacy of energy consumption and utilization, minimize reliance on traditional energy sources requiring heavy infrastructure, and circumvent many traditional utility availability constraints. Similarly, the hybrid energy thermal remediation methods and devices disclosed and claimed herein allows differential heat application both longitudinally and laterally, depending on the configuration and modality being applied.
(21) Hybrid energy thermal remediation (HETR) method(s) and device(s) are disclosed and claimed herein which integrate a fuel combustor and an integrated thermoelectric generation device to collectively transform and apply multiform energy to an individual, or multiple connected, heating assembly(s), by means of convective, conductive, and radiative heat transfer to an outer conduit of a media heating assembly which thermally conducts heat to contaminated impacted media in contact with the hybrid energy thermal remediation device, including soils, groundwater, non-aqueous phase liquids and other matrices with the intended purpose of contaminant removal, degradation, destruction, or stabilization, thereby, remediating the contaminant impacted media.
(22) Hereinafter, with regards to, the disclosure and claims of the present invention, the meaning of the term contaminant impacted media means contaminated soils, groundwater, non-aqueous phase liquids, and a variety of other matrices with the intended purpose of contaminant removal, degradation, destruction, or stabilization or bringing to a favorable alteration of contaminants within the contaminated soils, groundwater, non-aqueous phase liquids, and other matrices.
(23) Hereinafter, with regards to, the disclosure and claims of the present invention, the meaning of the term refractory means common types of castable and ceramic fiber cement. The method 100 for heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222 implementing a hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 is disclosed below in particularity in the flow diagrams of
(24) In the following disclosure of the detailed description, the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 as depicted in
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(27) With reference to
(28) The deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275, as depicted in
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(31) In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in
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(35) With reference to
(36) With reference to
(37) As shown in
(38) Looking with particularity to
(39) The bottom aperture 304 disposed at a distal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 is connected to the media heating assembly device 212.sup.D(1+N) of the one of the one or more media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) such that the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287 of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 is fluidly connected to the inner combustion air conduit of the media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1) of the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.(1+N) by way of a flanged collar 242.
(40) In addition, the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 includes one or more heat shielding components. The one or more heat shielding components can comprise one or more refractory materials 236.sup.1+N; one or more refractory cement conduit seals 255.sup.1+N; and one or more combustion air diffusers 235.sup.1+N. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the one or more refractory materials 236.sup.1+N are applied to an angled lower portion of the inner peripheral wall 286 of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287 proximate to the bottom aperture 304 of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215. The one or more refractory cement conduit seals 255.sup.1+N are each anchored by one or more cast in-place anchoring bolts 256.sup.1N located at an upper proximal end of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287 one or more combustion air diffusers 235.sup.1+N affixed to the inner peripheral wall 286 of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287.
(41) The one or more combustion air diffusers 235.sup.1+N are affixed to the inner peripheral wall 286 of the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287. The energy co-generation assembly housing 215 secures therein one or more intergraded thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N, as shown in
(42) As shown in
(43) A thermally conductive high temperature compatible material 252 is disposed between the electrical insulator 253 and the corresponding energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduit 231.sup.1 being congruent to the corresponding heat tube 244. The one or more cold side electrodes 250.sup.1+N are insulated by the electric insulator 253. The one or more cold side electrodes 250.sup.1+N are disposed between the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.1+N and the thermally conductive low temperature compatible material 254. The thermally conductive low temperature compatible material 254 being disposed between the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples and an operationally connected heat exchanger 233.sup.1 of the one or more heat exchangers 233.sup.1+N of the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214 whereby the cold side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214 is formed proximate to the corresponding heat exchanger 233.sup.1.
(44) With reference to
(45) Referring to
(46) In another embodiment, the media heating assembly device 212.sup.D1 is inserted in any of a variety of predetermined angles into a designated contaminant impacted media 222 that is indicated for remediation. As shown in
(47) Referring to
(48) The combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262 is constructed with thermally conductive temperature compatible metal, the combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262 including a galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber conduit 263 having an influent end 263.sup.1 and an effluent end 263.sup.2. The galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) conduit 263 passes longitudinally through the center of the combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262 wherein, the influent end 263.sup.1 of the galvanized steel spiral combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) conduit 263 is fluidly connected to any one of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1+N and the effluent end 263.sup.2 is fluidly connected to the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287 within an energy co-generation assembly housing 215 operationally connected to an energy co-generation assembly 211 of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N.
(49) As shown in
(50) In a preferred embodiment, the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 is comprised of a combustion system including the fuel combustor 213 centered around a commercially available combustor that uses liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, propane, compressed liquid natural gas, or fuel gases such as natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or other renewable fuels which may be generated on-site, and blends of different fuels to generate heat through a focused and controlled combustion reaction. The heat generated by the fuel combustor 213 is pushed, using positive pressure by combustion fans (not shown) within the one or more fuel combustors 213.sup.1+N, induced using vacuum or negative pressure, through device conduits spanning the contaminant impacted media 222 using external combustion air blowers, or both, operating as an induced draft flow, or balanced draft flow system.
(51) As shown in
(52) The energy co-generation assembly housing 215 is configured using standard design and construction principles inherent to regulation combustion systems. In an exemplary embodiment of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215, the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 is constructed with a refractory cement to insulate non compatible materials from high temperature sources. The energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287 of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 is configured as an annulus between the heat tube 244 and outer peripheral walls of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 which feature one or more screw, spiral or finned structures formed from materials, such as steel or refractory, to promote air circulation and cooling to the internal heat sink (cold side), and to promote mixing and control of the energy co-generation assembly discharge by-products into the inner combustion air conduit 217 of each of the media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) of the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N. Refractory is used where necessary and applicable to the inside of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 to shield each of the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits 231.sup.1+N of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N, or internal components, from excess temperatures. The term refractory is used herein to refer to common types of castable and ceramic fiber cement.
(53) In the preferred embodiment, each of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation assembly (TEG) 214.sup.1+N includes the integrated thermoelectric generation device 214.sup.D(1) maintained and supported within a coexistent energy co-generation assembly housing 215.sup.1. The integrated thermoelectric generation assembly device (TEG) 214.sup.D(1) including the stack of semiconductor based-thermocouples 232.sup.1+N which can either surround the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits 231.sup.1+N, or penetrate the flue stream on the inside of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits 231.sup.1+N, of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.D(1), and the one or more heat tubes 244.sup.1+N to form the hot side of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.D(1). A heat tube 244 installed inside of the energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits 231.sup.1+N can serve as a partial heat sink to improve heat conductance and control temperature on the hot side or heat sink side (cold side) of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG devices) 214.sup.D(1).
(54) In the preferred embodiment, the length of the heat tube, which may form the hot side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214 may be 6.00 inches longitudinally, preferably 12.00 inches, and includes a length of 24.00 inches. The heat tube 244 can be constructed with screw, spiral, or finned structures inside of the heat tube 244, acting as a combustion air diffuser, which may improve homogeneity of heat within the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG devices) 214.sup.D(1) and increase energy efficiency within the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N and the greater hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210. Similarly, this heat tube 244 can regulate conditions and improve mixing with induced air flow through the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N favorably controlling output conditions of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation device(s) (TEG) 214.sup.D(1).
(55) Commercially available thermoelectric generation devices TEG) that can be integrated into the in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.D(1) exist in a multitude of configurations and materials. The integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.D(1) provide optimal efficiency at temperature deltas of 300 C. or higher, preferably 400 C., and possibly upwards of 600 C. with a maximum heat tolerance on the hot side of temperatures between 500 C. to 800 C. The heat sink or cold side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device(s) (TEG) 214.sup.D(1) within each of the energy co-generation assembly 211.sup.1 of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N is cooled using any one of ambient air, air-cooled fan systems, or using a liquid-based heat exchanger such as bent gravity or loop style pipe heat exchangers, depending on the ambient air temperatures and climate of the application of the method of the remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222.
(56) The energy co-generation assembly housing 215 of the energy co-generation assembly 211.sup.1 of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N secures to a corresponding media heating assembly 212.sup.1 of the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N by way of the flanged collar 242 connection to a flanged collar connector cap 216 disposed at a proximal end of the inner combustion air conduit 217 which is open ended having an inner combustion air conduit inlet portal 217 and an inner combustion air conduit outer portal 21 thereby the inner combustion air conduit 217 thereby fluidly connecting the energy co-generation assembly housing inner chamber 287 to the inner combustion air conduit 217 of the media heating assembly 212.sup.1.
(57) The inner combustion air conduit inlet portal 217 and the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 of the inner combustion air conduit 217 measuring between 2.00 inches and 5.00 inches in nominal diameter. The bottom closed end 306 of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 can be between 4.00 and 8.00 inches in nominal diameter. In the preferred embodiment, the inner combustion air conduit 217 can be 3.50 inches in nominal diameter, and the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 may be 6.00 inches in nominal diameter. The combustion air may be circulated through the inner combustion air conduit 217 and up the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 where the combustion air is discharged through the combustion air exhaust aperture 225 venting into the combustion air discharge conduit 226 as shown in
(58) In another exemplary embodiment of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210, the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly (CADC-TEG) 257 is used as a location for the externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N, as shown in
(59) In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214 is fluidly connected to the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1 which is used as a primary externally mounted thermoelectric generation device 259.sup.1 of a primary energy cogeneration assembly 211.sup.1 of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210. Referring to
(60) In this exemplary embodiment, any one of three sides of the combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262.sup.1+N is used as the heat source (hot side). Any one of the three sides of the combustion air discharge chambers (CADC) 262.sup.1+N are covered and adhered with the one or more of the externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N including the hot side heat transfer material 264, the thermoelectric generation module 258; and the cold side heat transfer material 265, a finned heat-sink 266, generating increased level of electricity as the temperature delta between the hot side and the cold side of the combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262 and the thermoelectric generation modules 258 increases. The heat sink on the cold side may also be constructed using liquid filled heat exchanger systems, particularly in applications where ambient air temperatures are higher, or airflow may be restricted such as indoor applications.
(61) The combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262.sup.1+N can be assembled using commercially available materials and devices. Similarly, fully assembled and self-contained thermoelectric generation systems are commercially available from a number of different market sectors and vendors, which may include electrical wiring, distribution systems, heat exchanger(s), and ventilation systems, and are well suited to provide the one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N. The commercially available self-contained thermoelectric generation systems can provide the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N.
(62) The one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention endure optimal efficiency at temperature deltas of 100 C. or higher, with a capacity to endure deltas of up to 300 C. with a maximum heat tolerance on the hot side of temperatures between 150 C. to 350 C. and cold side temperature between 0 and 80 C. The hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 includes a wide range of individual stacks of semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.2+N, with as few as 1 to 10 and includes over 500 one or more semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.2+N of varying design, materials, and compatibility.
(63) Electrical power sources integrated with the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210, in addition to, or as a substitution to, the grid-based electric energy supply 282, as shown in
(64) The one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices 239.sup.1+N provide optimal load conditions, constant voltage, and protect from overvoltage and reverse current from connections. Power generation modules, and the battery 238 can feature a series of indicator lights 237, which signal displaying a status of the energy co-generation assembly 211, the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214.sup.1+N or the one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N is producing electricity, and/or how that electricity is being used by the hybrid electric thermal remediation system (HETR) 210.
(65) In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the integrated thermoelectric generation device 214.sup.1+N of the energy co-generation assembly 211.sup.1+N can produce between 100 and 500-watts of direct current using a limited design but can produce greater than 1,000-Watts in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The hot junction of the stack of the semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.2+N may be maintained at 500-800 C. by the burner nozzle 229 output of the fuel combustor 213.
(66) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more heat exchangers 233.sup.1+N is an array of one or more bent liquid filled gravity pipe heat exchangers 233.sup.1+N which transfer heat to the ambient air externally, along with additional induced cooling air flow, works in concert to maintain cold side temperatures of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices 214.sup.1+N between 150 and 190 C.
(67) In another exemplary embodiment of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210, the one or more heat exchangers 233.sup.1+N is a finned plate air-cooled heat exchanger 233.sup.1+N, surrounding the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N to form the cold side of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices 214.sup.1+N being cooled from the induced air aperture 234. In this embodiment, the cold junction of the stack of the semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.2+N may be maintained at 200 to 260 C. by the finned plate air-cooled heat exchanger 233.sup.1+N.
(68) In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy co-generation assembly 211 with the integrated thermoelectric generation device 214.sup.1+N is configured using the stack of the semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.2+N with a matched voltage of 80-mV and current of 1.75-Amps arranged in 6 parallel strings of 60 series of the stack of the semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.1+N, a combustor output of 130,000-BTUh, a controlled hot side temperature of 600 C., a heat sink temperature of 180 C., and a maximum power point (MPP) resistance of 4.6-ohms produces approximately 504 Watts at 48 Volts and 10.5 Amperes, Whereas the same energy co-generation assembly 211, configured in series produces 288-volts at 1.75 Amps with an MPP resistance of 164-ohms.
(69) The one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies CADC-TEG 257.sup.1+N are capable of producing a significant amount of electrical power, with as little as 20-watts being generated from a single thermoelectric generation module 258, depending on design and configuration, over 1,000-watts being generated using multiple connected module(s) arranged within the one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N. The combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N design using 60 commercially available BiTe based TEG modules (220.1) wired in 6 series of 10 parallel featuring a matched voltage of 7.2-V and matched amperage of 3-Amps with an ideal resistance of 1.2 ohms for each module, a combustion air outlet chamber temperature of 300 C. (hot side temperature) and air or liquid heat exchanger heat sink temperature of 30 C. (cold side temperature) produces 1,080 Watts at 36 volts and 30 Amps. The same configuration, as 2 parallel strings of 30 in-series modules, produces 1,296-watts at 216 volts and 6-amps with an MPP of 36 ohms.
(70) Various configurations of the stack of the semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.2+N, within both the integrated power assembly of the integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N and externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N in the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N allow power generation to match intended applications of remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222. A variety of different combinations of series and parallel connection may be configured to match ideal resistance of the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N, or to provide a more suitable power stream for powering auxiliary devices or charging power storage systems for the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210.
(71) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a DC electric power generated by all systems, including any required auxiliary sources of power from the grid-based electric energy supply 282, as shown in
(72) In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N can extend the entire length of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218. A variety of commercially available electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N are provided which are integrated into the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 including, but not limited to, braided high temperature heating cord, open coil heater units, flat plate units, or tube-shaped units, which provide a homogeneous, albeit lower heat output, augmenting the combustion derived heat energy. The one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N are constructed as moveable, thin mica or ceramic insulated Nicor wire reverse band heaters, providing additional heat energy output at discrete intervals, engendering boosted heat energy transfer to the volume of contaminant impacted media 222 at intended intervals and sections of the volume of contaminant impacted media 222. In all embodiments, the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N will not impede the circulation of combustion air, and are configured to occupy less than 20% of the available annulus space 221 between the inner combustion air conduit 217 and the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218, including any electrically or physically isolating spacers or insulators such as ceramic disks, beads, plates, or rods to prevent turbulent flow patterns in combustion air circulation causing hot spot formations which lead to heterogeneous heating, potential backpressure generation, and premature degradation of materials.
(73) In another exemplary embodiment, power generated by the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+n, and any auxiliary forms of grid-based electric energy supply 282, as shown in
(74) In another exemplary embodiment, the inner combustion air conduit 217 extends only a partial distance of the overall length of each of the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N, with the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 and heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221 extending a minimum of 10.00 feet beyond the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 disposed at the distal end of the inner combustion air conduit 217, likely between 10.00 feet and 50.00 feet, and less likely at lengths greater than 50.00 feet. This exemplary embodiment is best applied to total heating assembly lengths of at least 25.00 feet, preferably 75.00 feet, and less likely over 200.00 ft.
(75) In the exemplary embodiment of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210, the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N are constructed at a minimum of 2.00 feet below the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 of the inner combustion air conduit 217 but is placed a greater distance below the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 if specific applications within the method of heating the volume of impacted contaminant media justify to do so. In this specific application of the method, the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N extends the entire length of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218, truncating 4.00 inches to 12.00 inches above the bottom closed end of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218.
(76) Traditional combustion-based thermal remediation technologies and associated device(s) which use an end mounted fuel combustor as the sole energy source have been proven less effective at lengths greater than 50.00 feet, and more specifically less effective at 80.00 feet, and entirely ineffective at lengths greater than 100.00 feet due to the cooling of the combustion air and combustion reaction byproducts during the upward recycling of the air stream causing water condensate to form, fouling the airflow and leading to critical device failure. The truncation of the inner combustion air conduit 217 at the specified lengths, and placement of the one or more electric resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N to generate the heat energy in the lower sections of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 extending to these greater lengths circumvents the issue of less effectiveness of the end mounted fuel combustor and allows the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 to be applied to many remediation projects incapable of being addressed using current thermal remediation technologies relying solely on combustion processes.
(77) In the exemplary embodiment, electric power generated by the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation device(s) 214.sup.1+N, externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N in the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N, and auxiliary renewable energy power sources integrated into the HETR device(s), may be conveyed to and stored in an electrical energy storage cell or battery, along with a power distribution system and power inverter, which along with any required additional grid power, may then be applied to the lower electric heater units. Power requirements are dictated by the specifics of the application, with intended heat output of over 100 C., but preferably over 500 C., and in some instances at temperatures up to 1,000 C. This may be necessary to achieve desired output temperatures of greater than 200 C. at the outer thermally conductive conduit, preferably 300 C., in a lesser instance, temperatures of over 450 C. may be targeted at the outer thermal conductive conduit interface with impacted media intended to be heated. In these higher temperature instances, the materials of the electrically resistive heating unit(s), power cables, leads, connectors, and materials of the outer thermally conductive conduit may require substitution.
(78) In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrically resistive heating unit 219 of the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N having a lower temperature feature is designed to produce temperatures lower than 100 C. in the contaminant impacted media 222 being remediated. In this exemplary embodiment, dump loading of DC onto the lower temperature electrically resistive heating unit 219.sup.L without the need for addition power storage or distribution systems, or one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N or grid-based electric energy supply 282, as shown in
(79) In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more separate, outer thermally conductive conduits of 2.00 to 6.00 inches in nominal diameter, closed at the distal (subsurface) end, may be installed subterraneous, within a wellfield installation of one or more HETR devices. The separate subterraneous installation of one or more outer thermally conductive heating conduits 218.sup.1+N is placed a distance from other hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 installations, at distances greater than 2.00 feet, more likely greater than 10.00 ft, and less likely at distances greater than 30.00 feet laterally from other hybrid energy thermoelectric remediation device (HETR) installations within the wellfield. One or more electrically resistive heating unit(s) may be installed in the interior of the one or more outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218.sup.1+N, and the proximal end of each of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218, at or slightly above grade, features a commercially available end cap containing orifices or prefabricated terminal connections for electric connections 240.sup.1+N between the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N and the weatherproof electrical connection box 241. The one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N can be constructed, or purchased, in configurations which may accept DC directly from the network of hybrid energy modules as dump loading if adequate power generation can be achieved.
(80) Additionally, the electric power generated by the hybrid energy modules from each device may be conveyed to, and stored in, the centralized electrical energy storage device 272 or battery 238, along with a power distribution system including one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N which may include a power inverter, along with any required additional on-site renewably generated power or auxiliary power from a grid source, the grid-based electric energy supply 282, and then be applied to the lower electrically resistive heating unit 219.sup.L.
(81) Power requirements are dictated by the specifics of the application of the remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222, with intended heat output of the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N to match or exceed that of the combustor wells, reaching temperatures of over 100 C., but preferably over 300 C., and in some instances at temperatures up to 1,000 C. This may be necessary to achieve desired output temperatures of greater than 100 C. at the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218, preferably 300 C., in a lesser instance, temperatures of over 600 C. may be targeted at the outer thermal conductive heating conduit 218 interface with contaminant impacted media 222 intended to be heated. In these higher temperature instances, the materials of the one or more heater electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N, power cables, the one or more-electrical energy distribution cables 270.sup.1+n, heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections 220, leads, connectors, and materials of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 may require substitution.
(82) In another embodiment of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210, the electrical energy generated by the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 may be used to power the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N during portions of the remediation trajectory where higher energy input may be needed, and additional power application may be advantageous. During periods where additional energy input may not be required or may not be an advantageous use of the hybrid energy being generated, excess electrical power may be stored in the battery 238, or the centralized electrical energy storage device 272, or used to generate hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) using an on-site electrolysis device, a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system 276 and accompanying the hydrogen gas storage unit 277, more particularly, a liquid hydrogen storage unit, as shown in
(83) A front perspective view of elements of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) system 210 the energy co-generation assembly 211, energy co-generation assembly housing 215, and media heating assembly 212 is presented in
(84) The one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N includes the flanged collar 242 between the flanged collar connector cap 216 of the media heating assembly 212 and a double flanged top connector 243 of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 connecting the inner combustion air conduit 217 and the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 while sealing a proximal end of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 of the media heating assembly 212.
(85) In the preferred embodiment, the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N are commercially available reverse ceramic band heating unit(s) connected in series to the energy co-generation assembly 211 through heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections 220. The outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 is in direct contact with the impacted soils and/or groundwater of the contaminant impacted media 222, or encapsulated in a heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221 constructed using industry standard commercially available materials with suitable thermally conductive properties, such as a high temperature grout or grout mixture. One or more external temperature monitoring thermocouples 223.sup.1+N are placed in the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221 at strategic intervals of length along the length of the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221.
(86) In the preferred embodiment, the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 extends beyond the contaminant impacted media 222 horizon by a nominal amount of no less than 5.00 inches, ideally 12.00 inches, and less ideally greater than 56.00 inches, depending on configuration and application, with the combustion air exhaust aperture 225 in the extended portion above the horizon, connecting the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 to a combustion air discharge conduit 226 by means of welded, threaded, or flanged connection.
(87) A detailed exterior front view of an embodiment of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 and energy co-generation assembly 211, featuring one or more liquid filled gravity heat pipe heat exchangers 233 on the heat sink side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214, is depicted in
(88) The one or more heat exchangers 233.sup.1+N in this exemplary embodiment are constructed using liquid filled gravity heat pipe style heat exchangers 233 as depicted in
(89) The energy co-generation assembly features a series of indicator light(s) 237 which signal whether the combustor is operating, the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214 is producing electricity, and/or how that electricity is being used by the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210; an electrical energy storage system, a battery 238; and power conditioner system 239 of the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices 239.sup.1+N, to provide optimal load conditions, constant and controlled voltage, and protect from overvoltage and reverse current from electrical connections at the terminals of the electrically resistive heating unit 219 connections, completed within a weatherproof electrical connection box 241. A programmable logic controller 224 is mounted internally within the weatherproof electrical connection box 241, and is connected to one or more temperature monitoring thermocouples 223.sup.1+N placed within the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221, as shown in
(90) As shown in
(91) With reference to
(92) Each of the first heat exchanger 233.sup.1 and the second heat exchanger 233.sup.2 contacts the corresponding first sealed thermoelectric generation units 251.sup.1 and the second first sealed thermoelectric generation units 251.sup.2, respectively, through each of one or more associated thermally conductive low temperature compatible material(s) 254, including a first thermally conductive low temperature compatible material 254.sup.1 and a second thermally conductive low temperature compatible material 254.sup.2, respectively.
(93) A combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly (CADC-TEG) 257 is depicted in
(94) In the exemplary embodiment of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210, the combustion air discharge chamber (CADC) 262 are used as a location for auxiliary thermoelectric generation device(s), providing additional thermoelectric generation from waste heat prior to discharge. In a further embodiment, the combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assembly (CADC-TEG) 257 are used as the primary thermoelectric generation device of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210. The one or more combustion air discharge chambers (CADC) 262.sup.1+n can range in size and shape depending on the application and the one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N being applied. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more combustion air discharge chambers (CADC) 262.sup.1+n can consist of a rectangular, 24.00 inches in height, by 24.00 inches wide by 36.00 inches long metal housing that may be constructed of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or other thermally conductive, temperature compatible materials, before reducing to galvanized spiral combustion air conduits on the influent and effluent ends of each of the one or more combustion air discharge chambers (CADC) 262.sup.1+N.
(95) In this embodiment, three sides of the chamber may be used as the heat source (hot side) of the externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N. The three sides are covered in a heat transfer material 264; commercially available thermoelectric generation modules 258 which may be connected either or both in series and in parallel within the externally mounted thermoelectric generation device 259; a cold side heat transfer material 265; a finned heat-sink 266, which may be constructed of copper, aluminum, or other suitable metals or alloys; and a ventilated enclosure 260 with the one or more air circulation fans 261 to promote forced air cooling. The heat sink on the cold side may also be constructed using liquid filled heat exchanger systems, particularly in applications where ambient air temperatures are higher, or airflow may be restricted such as indoor applications.
(96)
(97) The energy co-generation assembly 211 features one or more heat exchanger(s) 233.sup.1+N, with reference to
(98)
(99) The one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N features a combustion air deflector 268 at the end of the electrically resistive heating units 219 proximal to the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 of the inner combustion air conduit 217, connected electrically to the energy co-generation assembly 211 through heat tolerant electrically conductive low resistivity electrical cable and connections 220. The one or more electrically resistive heater units 219.sup.1+N are commercially available with open coil pipe heater designs, with a standard circular ceramic spacers or plugs (i.e., WATTCO Open Coil Pipe Heaters).
(100) An exemplary embodiment of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 is depicted in
(101) The hybrid energy thermal remediation assembly 210, according to this exemplary embodiment, includes, two combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1-2 of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N; two centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1-2 each fluidly connected to each of two corresponding centralized combustion air discharge stacks 274.sup.1-4, respectively. The grid-based electric energy supply 282 is shown operationally electrically connected to the centralized electrical energy storage device 272 by way of the one or more electrical energy distribution cables 270.sup.1+N being operationally electrically connected to two (but not limited to) centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1-2 of the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N and operationally connected to each of four (but not limited to) secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices 239.sup.1-4 associated with each of four weatherproof fuel combustor enclosure housings 227.sup.1-4 of the four energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1-4.
(102)
(103) Electrical energy produced from the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N, and the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+n is conveyed to one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N through one or more electrical energy distribution cables 270.sup.1+N before being applied to a centralized electrical energy storage device (battery) 272, from which electrical power is controlled and applied to the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N disposed in the resistive heating specific outer thermally conductive conduit 269, as shown in
(104)
(105) The deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275, as depicted in
(106) The method steps with reference to
(107)
(108) Referring to
(109) As illustrated in
(110) The method for heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222 can employ an external electrical energy source which is selected from any one of the groups of external electrical energy sources consisting of non-renewable electrical energy, and renewable electrical energy. The non-renewable electrical energy is obtained from a grid-based electric energy supply 282. The renewable electrical energy is obtained from the one or more auxiliary photovoltaic solar panels 267.sup.1+N and the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N.
(111) The method for heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222 the electric energy is co-generated electric energy by way of harvesting waste energy from the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N and the one or more combustion air discharge-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N and the combustible fuel includes non-renewable combustible fuel from grid-based energy, commercial sources, or renewable supplemental fuel from the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system 276. In another exemplary embodiment the combustible fuel consists of grid-based natural gas. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the source of combustible fuel for the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 can comprise propane, gasoline, diesel or biodiesel.
(112) In the method 100 for heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222, the one or more combustion air diffusers 235.sup.1+N are configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of a screw shape, a spiral shape, and a finned shape. The generation of the draft flow by way of the centralized combustion air blower 273.sup.1 of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1+N includes a forced draft flow or balanced draft flow by way of the one or more centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1+N.
(113) In the method 100 for heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222 the inner combustion air conduits 217 can extend a partial length of a total length of the media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N); and the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 and annulus space 221 extends at least 10.00 feet beyond the combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 of the inner combustion air conduit 217. Each of the one or more media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) is configured with a length of at least 25.00 feet. Each of the one or more media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) is configured with a length of about 75.00 feet. Each of the one or more media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) is configured with a length within the range of having a minimum foot of 75.00 feet and a maximum feet of 200.00 feet.
(114) In an exemplary embodiment of the method 100 of heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222, the heat energy input from the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 into the contaminant impacted media 222 within the influence of the hybrid energy thermoelectric remediation system increases the temperature of the contaminants within the impacted media increases such that the contaminants undergo one or more abiotic or biotic contaminant remediation mechanisms resulting in contaminant removal through, degradation, destruction, or favorable alteration thereby remediating the contaminants from the identified volume of contaminant impacted media 222.
(115) With reference to
(116) Electrical power supply from the grid-based electric energy supply 282, or a connection to auxiliary source(s) s of continuous electrical power such as a combustion based generator or generator set, or renewable based electrical power system is provided to the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N, along with a supply of combustible fuel from a grid based supply, portable storage based supply, a renewable energy based supply, or a hybrid supply from a combination of any of the aforementioned sources, to the one or more fuel combustors 213.sup.1+N of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N.
(117) Combustible fuel is supplied into the one or more fuel combustors 213.sup.1+N of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N, where it is ignited by the fuel ignitor 230 producing the sustained source of heat energy from the resulting combustion reaction being discharged by the burner nozzle 229 into the one or more one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits 231.sup.1+N and one or more heat tubes 244.sup.1+N of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.D(1+N) of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 215.sup.1+N.
(118) Heat energy moves through each of the one or more energy co-generation assembly combustion air conduits 231.sup.1+N and each of the one or more heat tubes 244.sup.1+N by way of the forced draft flow, induced draft flow, or balanced draft flow, generated by the one or more centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1+N. Heat energy on a side of the integrated thermoelectric generation device (TEG) 214.sup.1+N is dissipated by one or more heat exchangers 233.sup.1+N integrated into the energy co-generation assembly housing 215, creating a heat energy delta across the stack of the semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.1+N of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generating devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N. Heat energy delta(s) across the stack of semiconductor-based thermocouples 232.sup.1+N force diffusion of charge carriers towards the cold side of the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N creating a voltage potential and generate electrical current and voltage, thereby, producing electrical power.
(119) Further, heat energy and combustion air byproducts from the one or more fuel combustors 213.sup.1+N move through the bottom aperture 304 of the energy co-generation assembly housing 215 and discharge into the inner combustion air conduit inlet portal 217 of the inner combustion air conduit 217 of the corresponding media heating assembly device 212.sup.D(1) of the one or more media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) of the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N through the inner combustion air conduit outlet portal 217 of the inner combustion air conduit 217 and travelling upwards through the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 by way of the flow generated from the one or more centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1+N. Heat energy, as combustion reaction byproduct(s), is transferred to the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 by conductive and convective heat transfer as combustion air is moved through the interior of the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 flowing out the combustion air exhaust aperture 225 and through the combustion air discharge conduit 226 and through to the one or more centralized combustion air discharge stacks 274.sup.1+N by forced draft, induced draft, or balanced draft flow from the one or more centralized combustion air blowers 273.sup.1+N.
(120) The electric power from the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N is distributed to the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices 239.sup.1+N, or to the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N and the centralized electrical energy storage device 272, or the battery 238 of each of the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N where the electric power is used to power the electrical components of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210, or be distributed to the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N of the one or more media heating assembly devices 212.sup.D(1+N) based on temperature readings from the one or more external temperature monitoring thermocouples 223.sup.1+N and predefined temperature setpoints in the programmable logic controller 224 being housed in the weatherproof electrical connection box 241.
(121) The one or more external temperature monitoring thermocouples 223.sup.1+N is placed within the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221 of each of the one or more media heating assemblies 212.sup.1+N. The programmable logic controller 224 can use temperature setpoints to limit, supply, control, or stop electrical power delivery to each of the one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N, thereby automating the optimization of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 heat output and performance.
(122) The one or more electrically resistive heating units 219.sup.1+N generates heat as the resistive material resists the flow of electrical current being applied by the one or more secondary electrical energy conditioning and distribution devices 239.sup.1+N, or to the one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N causing an expression of heat based on work done by the charge carriers as they move to a lower potential. The additional heat energy generated by the electrical power applied to the one or more electrically resistive heating unit 219.sup.1+N is then transferred to the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 by thermal conduction, convection, and radiative heat transfer. Heat energy which has been transferred to the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 by both the combustive and resistive sources of heat energy, is then transferred to the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221 and then again to the contaminant impacted media 222 by means of thermal conduction.
(123) The transfer of heat energy to the contaminant impacted media 222 causing the surrounding media to increase in temperature as heat energy is propagated radially outward from the hybrid energy thermal remediation device, as dictated by the thermal conductivity of said media(s) 132. The increase in temperature of the media within the radius of thermodynamic influence of the hybrid energy thermal remediation device is remediated by one or more abiotic or biotic mechanisms engendered by increased heat energy causing contaminant removal, degradation, destruction, or favorable alteration of contaminants within the contaminant impacted media 222.
(124) The method 100 for heating a contaminant impacted media 222 for remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222 involves the temporary installation and operation of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210, and all devices and constructions related to the method having the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210, and all devices and constructions removed once the contaminant impacted media 222 has been remediated to the remedial objectives of each implementation of the method 100.
(125) The deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275 comprises a hydrogen generating electrolyzer system 276, a hydrogen gas storage unit 277, a centralized fuel blending unit 278; and a potable water source 305, a water deionization device 283, deionized water conveyance piping 284. In this exemplary embodiment, electric power generated from the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N and/or one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N is conveyed to the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275 by one or more electrical energy distribution cables 270.sup.1+N and one or more centralized primary electrical energy conditioning and distribution boxes 271.sup.1+N and batteries 238.sup.1+N.
(126) Deionized water is supplied to the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275. The deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275 including the hydrogen generating electrolyzer system 276 utilizes electrical power from the one or more integrated thermoelectric generation devices (TEG) 214.sup.1+N and/or one or more externally mounted thermoelectric generation devices 259.sup.1+N of the one or more combustion air discharge chamber-thermoelectric generation assemblies (CADC-TEG) 257.sup.1+N and deionized water from the potable water source 305 and decomposes the deionized water through electrolysis, producing byproducts of oxygen gas as oxygen (O.sub.2) and hydrogen gas (H.sub.2).
(127) The hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) generated through electrolysis is transferred to the hydrogen gas storage unit 277. Stored hydrogen gas is then blended with the natural gas supply in the centralized fuel blending unit 278 of the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275 before being supplied back to the one or more energy co-generation assemblies 211.sup.1+N for combustion in the one or more fuel combustors 213.sup.1+N thereby cogenerating further heat and electric energy for use in thermal remediation of contamination of the contaminant impacted media 222. The method 100 is repeated as required to complete remediation of the contaminant impacted media 222.
(128) Heat energy which has been transferred to the outer thermally conductive heating conduit 218 by the combustive sources of heat energy, is then transferred to the heat tolerant thermally conductive annulus fill 221 and then again to the contaminant impacted media 222 by way of thermal conduction. The transfer of heat energy to the contaminant impacted media 222 causes the surrounding media to increase in temperature as heat energy is propagated radially outward from the hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 as dictated by the thermal conductivity of contaminant impacted media 222. The increase in temperature of the impacted contaminant media 222 within the radius of thermodynamic influence of the hybrid energy thermal remediation system (HETR) 210 is remediated by one or more abiotic or biotic mechanisms engendered by increased heat energy causing contaminant removal, degradation, destruction, or favorable alteration of contaminants within said contaminant impacted media 222. This process including steps 101-140 repeats until remediation of said contaminant impacted media 222 is complete and the one or more hybrid energy thermal remediation system 210 and the deionized water electrolyzing hydrogen generation system 275 is removed.
(129) The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies and systems found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.