Best Way to Convert LPG or Kerosene to Electricity?

In summary: Nectar fuel cell is said to have a 55,000 mWh energy density in a single pod and a volume of ~55cc. It also weighs ~35g and can hold ~10 charges of a typical smart phone. However, you can't work out efficiency without knowing how much butane is actually in the refill can you?
  • #1
PraAnan
77
1
I'm just wondering if there are more efficient ways of generating electricity from fuel sources such as lpg and kerosene that are more efficient than thermophotovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and heat engines like stirling & steam.

Would it be a fuel cell such as this?
Also, what type of fuel cell technology does it use to generate the electricity?



Fuel cells come under Chemical Engineering don't they? If not, please move to correct section.
 
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  • #2
PraAnan said:
I'm just wondering if there are more efficient ways of generating electricity from fuel sources such as lpg and kerosene that are more efficient than thermophotovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and heat engines like stirling & steam.

Would it be a fuel cell such as this?
Also, what type of fuel cell technology does it use to generate the electricity?



Fuel cells come under Chemical Engineering don't they? If not, please move to correct section.

If you are looking for high efficiency in the conversion, then a turbine generator may be your best bet:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_turbine
wikipedia said:
Microturbines

Also known as:
Turbo alternators
Turbogenerator

Microturbines are touted to become widespread in distributed power and combined heat and power applications. They are one of the most promising technologies for powering hybrid electric vehicles. They range from hand held units producing less than a kilowatt, to commercial sized systems that produce tens or hundreds of kilowatts. Basic principles of microturbine are based on micro combustion.

Microturbine systems have many claimed advantages over reciprocating engine generators, such as higher power-to-weight ratio, low emissions and few, or just one, moving part. Advantages are that microturbines may be designed with foil bearings and air-cooling operating without lubricating oil, coolants or other hazardous materials. Nevertheless reciprocating engines overall are still cheaper when all factors are considered.[original research?] Microturbines also have a further advantage of having the majority of the waste heat contained in the relatively high temperature exhaust making it simpler to capture, whereas the waste heat of reciprocating engines is split between its exhaust and cooling system.[17]
 
  • #3
In theory fuel cells should be better than any "mechanical" solutions. But we are not there yet.
 
  • #4
If you had to take a guess, how efficient would you say that Nectar fuel cell is?
I can't seem to find the right numbers to work out efficiency because they say:

55,000 mW-hours of energy in a single nectar™ pod (>10 recharges of a typical smart phone per nectar™ pod)
and
nectar pod volume: ~55cc
nectar pod weight: ~35g

but you can't work out efficiency without knowing how much butane is actually in the refill can you?
 

1. How does the conversion process work?

The conversion process involves using a device called a generator, which converts the chemical energy in LPG or kerosene into electrical energy. This is done through a series of chemical reactions and mechanical processes, resulting in the production of electricity.

2. Which is more efficient for converting to electricity, LPG or kerosene?

LPG is generally considered to be more efficient for electricity generation compared to kerosene. This is because LPG has a higher energy density and burns more cleanly, resulting in a more efficient conversion process.

3. Can I use any type of generator for this conversion?

No, not all generators are suitable for converting LPG or kerosene to electricity. It is important to use a generator that is specifically designed for this purpose, as it will have the necessary components and safety features to ensure a successful conversion.

4. What are the potential safety risks of converting LPG or kerosene to electricity?

There are several potential safety risks to consider when converting LPG or kerosene to electricity. These include fire hazards, as both LPG and kerosene are highly flammable, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the conversion process is not properly ventilated.

5. Are there any environmental concerns with this conversion process?

Yes, there are some environmental concerns to consider when converting LPG or kerosene to electricity. Both LPG and kerosene are fossil fuels, so their use contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to properly dispose of any waste products and to consider using renewable energy sources whenever possible.

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