Distributed Energy Generation (DG)

1
Distributed Energy Generation (DG)
Photovoltaic
Energy generator
Wind
Catalytic surface
Electrospray injectors
Combustors
DG increases efficiency to 55 compared to 30
from conventional methods (Sen,2006) Smaller
units ( e.g., wind mill lt 100 KW, Energy
generator with micro-combustion lt 5-10 KW) can
improve efficiency further
2
Distributed Manufacturing for Distributed Energy
Generation

• Specific Challenge
• Reduce unit manufacturing and transportation
  cost, Improve energy efficiency
• Idea for Meeting the Challenge
• Distributed manufacturing of small-scale
  renewable and non-conventional energy generation
  process equipment and accessories
• Approach
• Develop modular and autonomous systems including
  machines and factories to produce small energy
  generation units
• What is the Manufacturing Challenge?
• Machining complex features in a variety of
  materials including metals, ceramics and
  composites with a high relative accuracy
• Developing smart plug-and-play architecture for
  distributed manufacturing systems
• Utility requirements may best be provided through
  a bus-like structure
• expendable resources will need to be replenished
  with simple cartridge-based refills, including
  tooling, materials, and packaging
• Sensor-based diagnostic systems with associated
  maintenance systems