POWER SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A power system arrangement is disclosed. The power system arrangement may include a power source, a power load, a power-transfer unit configured to transmit energy from the power source to the power load, a lubrication system configured to deliver lubrication fluid to the power system, wherein the lubrication system may include a first tank for storing lubrication fluid, and a support structure configured to support the power source, the power load, and the first tank. The power source, the power load, and the first tank may be coupled to the support structure substantially in series along a longitudinal axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a power system, and more particularly, to a power system having a substantially linear arrangement of components.

BACKGROUND

Electrically-driven power systems include a number of components including, for example, an electric motor, a power load, a power-transfer unit configured to transmit energy from the electric motor to the power load, a lubrication system, and a control system. The components of such power systems are arranged in a variety of configurations. For example, the electric motor, the power load, the power-transfer unit, and the lubrication system may be physically proximate one another. In other arrangements, each component of the power system may be physically separated from one or more of the other components (e.g., the electric motor, the power load, and the power-transfer unit may be positioned in a different location of a worksite, room, or vehicle relative to the lubrication system and the control system).

U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,795 to Nyeste et al. (the “'795 patent”) discloses an assembly including an in-line centrifugal compressor, a driving means, and a multi-cooler housing for supporting the compressor and the driving means. The '795 patent does not disclose, among other things, a lubrication system linearly arranged relative to a power source and a power load.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a power system arrangement. The power system arrangement may include a power source, a power load, a power-transfer unit configured to transmit energy from the power source to the power load, a lubrication system configured to deliver lubrication fluid to the power system, wherein the lubrication system may include a first tank for storing lubrication fluid, and a support structure configured to support the power source, the power load, and the first tank. The power source, the power load, and the first tank may be coupled to the support structure substantially in series along a longitudinal axis.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to an arrangement for a power system coupled to a support structure. The arrangement may include a first module including a power source configured to deliver energy and coupled to the support structure, a second module including a first tank for storing lubrication fluid and coupled to the support structure, a third module including a power load configured to receive energy from the power source and coupled to the support structure, and a fourth module including a second tank for storing lubrication fluid and coupled to the support structure. The first, second, third, and fourth modules may be substantially linearly arranged relative to each other.

Still further embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a power system arrangement. The power system arrangement may include a power source configured to deliver energy, a power load configured to receive energy from the power source, a lubrication system configured to deliver lubrication fluid to the power system, wherein the lubrication system may include a first tank for storing lubrication fluid and a second tank for storing lubrication fluid, a control system configured to control operation of the power system, wherein the control system may include a control cabinet, and a substantially rectangular support structure configured to support the power source, the power load, the first tank, the second tank, and the control cabinet. The power source, the power load, the first tank, the second tank, and the control cabinet may be coupled to the support structure substantially adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a power system arrangement, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates an opposite side perspective view of the power system arrangement of FIG. 1A, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the power system arrangement of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure of the power system arrangement of FIGS. 1A-1C, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the power system arrangement of FIGS. 1A-1C, without certain power system components, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates another perspective view of the power system arrangement of FIGS. 1A-1C, without certain power system components, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of another power system arrangement, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary power system arrangement 1 for an exemplary power system 2. Power system 2 may include a power source 3, a power-transfer unit 30, a power load 4, a lubrication system 5, and a control system 6.

Power source 3 may include any suitable electric motor configured to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, such as, for example, an induction motor. It should be appreciated, however, that in certain other embodiments, power source 3 may be any other power source component configured to deliver energy, such as, for example, a gas turbine engine.

Power-transfer unit 30 may include any suitable component configured to receive energy from power source 3 and transmit that energy to power load 4. Power-transfer unit 30 may include an input shaft 31 operably coupled to and configured to receive energy (e.g., rotational energy) from power source 3, an output shaft 32 operably coupled to and configured to transmit energy (e.g., rotational energy) to power load 4, and various components configured to transfer energy from input shaft 31 to output shaft 32. In certain embodiments, power-transfer unit 30 may include any suitable transmission assembly, such as speed reduction components configured to rotate output shaft 32 at a slower speed than a speed that power source 3 rotates input shaft 31.

Power load 4 may include any suitable component configured to receive the mechanical energy from power source 3 and perform one or more tasks with that energy. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, for example, power load 4 may be a gas compressor. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, power load 4 may be any other type of work component including, for example, a liquid pump or a generator. As alluded to above, power source 3 may rotate input shaft 31 of power-transfer unit 30, and the rotational energy may be received by power load 4 via output shaft 32 to, for example, drive the gas compressor.

Power system 2 may also include a power load support system 8 associated with power load 4. In certain embodiments, power load support system 8 may include a seal gas system configured to deliver any suitable seal gas, such as, for example, nitrogen or oxygen, from a source (not shown) to one or more dry gas seal arrangements of the gas compressor. The seal gas system may include a plurality of conduits configured to deliver the seal gas into the one or more dry gas seals of the gas compressor. The seal gas may then be configured to provide a working fluid for the moving parts of the dry gas seals.

Lubrication system 5 may include a fluid tank 9, a fluid transferring mechanism (not shown), a delivery conduit 10 (FIG. 1B), a power system manifold 11, and a return conduit 14. Fluid tank 9 may include one or more reservoirs 12 for storing any suitable lubrication fluid, such as oil. The lubrication fluid may be delivered from fluid tank 9 to power load 4 for lubrication purposes. For example, the lubrication fluid may be delivered to one or more moving parts of the gas compressor, such as gears and rotors, to provide lubrication. It should also be appreciated that lubrication system 5 may be configured to deliver lubrication fluid to one or more additional components of power system 2, such as, for example, power source 3 and power-transfer unit 30. The fluid transferring mechanism may be in fluid communication with fluid tank 9 and may be configured to transfer the lubrication fluid from fluid tank 9. In certain embodiments, the fluid transferring mechanism may include any appropriate fluidic pump, such as, for example, a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, an axial pump, and the like. Upon actuation of the fluid transferring mechanism, the lubrication fluid may be delivered through delivery conduit 10 and to power system manifold 11. Power system manifold 11 may include one or more distinct conduits (not shown) for selectively delivering the lubrication fluid to one or more components of power load 4, power source 3, and/or power-transfer unit 30. In addition, power system manifold 11 may be removably coupled to delivery conduit 10 by any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, bolts, fasteners, and the like. Return conduit 14 may be appropriately coupled to the lubricated components of power load 4, power source 3, and/or power-transfer unit 30, and may be configured to deliver spent and/or excess lubrication fluid back to fluid tank 9.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, reservoirs 12 may be distinct chambers each containing a volume of lubrication fluid. In such a configuration, a tank manifold (not shown) may fluidly couple reservoirs 12 to delivery conduit 10. The tank manifold may include a plurality of conduits in communication with reservoirs 12, and lubrication fluid from one or more of reservoirs 12 may be selectively delivered through the conduits of the tank manifold to delivery conduit 10. In certain embodiments, one or more valves and/or pumps may be associated with the conduits of the tank manifold and may be selectively activated to deliver the lubrication fluid from one or more reservoirs 12 to delivery conduit 10. In certain other embodiments, however, fluid tank 9 may include a single reservoir for storing the lubrication fluid. In such a configuration, the tank manifold may not be necessary, and the lubrication fluid may be directly delivered from fluid tank 9 to delivery conduit 10 by, for example, actuation of the fluid transferring mechanism. In other embodiments, reservoirs 12 may be in communication with a single source of lubrication fluid in fluid tank 9. Each reservoir 12 may be coupled to its own fluid transferring mechanism to thereby selectively deliver lubrication fluid from reservoirs 12.

Lubrication system 5 may also include a secondary tank 40 configured to store additional lubrication fluid. Secondary tank 40 may be, for example, a box-like enclosure, and may include one or more distinct reservoirs 41 each containing a volume of lubrication fluid. Alternatively, secondary tank 40 may include a single reservoir 41 for storing lubrication fluid. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, power-transfer unit 30 may be directly mounted on a top surface of secondary tank 40. In certain other embodiments, however, power-transfer unit 30 may be positioned adjacent to secondary tank 40. For example, secondary tank 40 may include a substantially rectangular-shaped configuration or a substantially “L-shaped” configuration, and power-transfer unit 30 may be positioned in an open space next to secondary tank 40.

Secondary tank 40 may provide a source for additional lubrication fluid without sacrificing space and increasing the size of power system 2. In other words, for example, secondary tank 40 may increase the availability of lubrication fluid for power system 2 components without increasing the volume of fluid tank 9. Secondary tank 40 may be fluidly coupled to fluid tank 9 via, for example, one or more secondary conduits 42 (FIG. 1C). Secondary tank 40 may also be coupled to the fluid transferring mechanism, and upon actuation of the fluid transferring mechanism, lubrication fluid may be delivered from secondary tank 40, through one or more secondary conduits 42, and to fluid tank 9, while simultaneously delivering lubrication fluid from fluid tank 9 to delivery conduit 10. Alternatively, a separate fluid pump may be coupled to secondary tank 40 and may independently deliver lubrication fluid from secondary tank 40 to fluid tank 9.

It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, secondary tank 40 may be in direct communication with one or more of power source 3, power load 4, and power-transfer unit 30, independent of fluid tank 9. In other words, suitable conduits and fluid transferring mechanisms may appropriately couple secondary tank 40 to power source 3, power load 4, and/or power-transfer unit 30 for directly delivering lubrication fluid to those components.

Control system 6 may be configured to control various operations of power system 2. More specifically, control system 6 may be operably coupled to power source 3, power load 4, power load support system 8, power-transfer unit 30, and lubrication system 5, and may be configured to receive signals from power source 3, power load 4, power load support system 8, power-transfer unit 30, and lubrication system 5, and deliver control signals in response thereto. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, control system 6 may include a control cabinet 15. Control cabinet 15 may house various components of control system 6, such as, for example, a communications power source, a computer, communication lines, and the like.

In some embodiments, control system 6 may be configured to receive a variety of signals, such as, for example, a power output signal and a load signal, from any suitable sensor associated with power source 3 and/or power load 4, and responsively deliver a number of control signals to power system 2 to, for example, increase or decrease the amount of energy delivered to power load 4. Control system 6 may further be configured to receive a number of signals from power load 4 and, in response, deliver a number of control signals to control operation of power load 4. For instance, control system 6 may signal the gas compressor to control the amount of gas flowing therethrough by adjusting one or more of its components, including, as examples, the opening of a gas inlet line and the angle of one or more compressor vanes. In some embodiments, controlling the amount of gas flowing through the gas compressor may be responsive to, for example, gas temperatures within the gas compressor determined by any suitable sensor associated with the gas compressor.

Control system 6 may also be configured to send a number of control signals to lubrication system 5 for controlling the delivery of lubrication fluid to power load 4, power source 3, and/or power-transfer unit 30. For example, control system 6 may deliver a control signal to the fluid transferring mechanism for controlling the amount of lubrication fluid delivered to power load 4, power source 3, and/or power-transfer unit 30. In addition, control system 6 may also transmit control signals to the various pumps and/or valves of the tank manifold to control the selective delivery of lubrication fluid from reservoirs 12. And in embodiments where secondary tank 40 may be directly coupled to power load 4, power source 3, and/or power-transfer unit 30, control system 6 may deliver control signals to the fluid transferring mechanisms associated with secondary tank 40 to control the delivery of lubrication fluid to power load 4, power source 3, and/or power-transfer unit 30.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the components of power system 2 may be supported by a support structure 16. That is, power source 3, power load 4, power-transfer unit 30, lubrication system 5, control system 6, and power load support system 8 may be mounted on support structure 16. In some embodiments, support structure 16 may be a single structure onto which power source 3, power load 4, power-transfer unit 30, lubrication system 5, control system 6, and power load support system 8 may be mounted. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4, support structure 16 may include a first support portion 60 removably coupled to a second support portion 70 at a connection point 80. First support portion 60 and second support portion 70 may be configured to readily connect and disconnect from each other via, for example, removable fasteners, clamps, linkages, and the like, at connection point 80. In such a configuration, power source 3 and power-transfer unit 30 may be mounted on first support portion 60, and power load 4, lubrication system 5, control system 6, and power load support system 8 may be mounted on second support portion 70. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, support system 16 may include a first support portion, a second support portion, and a third support portion. Similar to the above embodiments, the first support portion may be removably coupled to the second support portion, and the second support portion may be removably coupled to the first support portion and the third support portion. Power source 3 may be mounted on the first support portion, power-transfer unit 30 may be mounted on the second support portion, and power load 4, lubrication system 5, control system 6, and power load support system 8 may be mounted on the third support portion. Support structure 16 may in turn be supported by any number of entities, including, as examples, the ground, one or more structures supported by the ground (not shown), one or more structures of a vehicle (not shown), and/or one or more structures of a marine vessel (not shown).

FIG. 2 illustrates support structure 16 without certain components of power system 2 coupled thereto. Support structure 16 may be, for example, one or more suitable frames or skids, and may include a box-like structure enclosing a volume 17. Support structure 16 may also be substantially rectangular in shape. A first mounting structure 18 and a second mounting structure 19 may be positioned within volume 17 of support structure 16. Each of first mounting structure 18 and second mounting structure 19 may include one or more beams 20 and one or more support platforms 21.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, certain components of power system 2 may be positioned within volume 17 and mounted to support structure 16. For example, fluid tank 9 and secondary tank 40 of lubrication system 5 may be contained within volume 17 and may each be removably coupled to support structure 16 via any suitable mechanism, including, as examples, bolts, fasteners, clamps, and the like. When installing fluid tank 9 and secondary tank 40 to support structure 16, each of fluid tank 9 and secondary tank 40 may be lowered into volume 17 of support structure 16 and coupled thereto, and when disassembling fluid tank 9 and secondary tank 40 from support structure 16, each of fluid tank 9 and secondary tank 40 may be decoupled from support structure 16 and raised out of volume 17. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate portions of lubrication system 5 disassembled and removed from support structure 16, with certain other components of power system 2 (e.g., power source 3, power load 4, power-transfer unit 30, control cabinet 15, and power load support system 8) coupled to support structure 16.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1C, power source 3 may be mounted to and supported by first mounting structure 18, and power load 4 may be mounted to and supported by second mounting structure 19. More particularly, power source 3 may be removably coupled to one or more support platforms 21 of first mounting structure 18, and power load 4 may be removably coupled to one or more support platforms 21 of second mounting structure 19, by any suitable mechanism, including, as examples, bolts, fasteners, clamps, and the like. Additionally, first mounting structure 18 and second mounting structure 19 may raise power source 3 and power load 4 above volume 17 of support structure 16. In certain embodiments, power source 3 and power load 4 may each be substantially fixed from movement relative to support structure 16 by being mounted on first mounting structure 18 and second mounting structure 19, respectively. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, one or both of first mounting structure 18 and second mounting structure 19 may include a suitable structure configured to move power source 3 and/or power load 4 relative to support structure 16. For example, one or more support platforms 21 may include suitable rollers (not shown) received in and movably engaged with suitable guide tracks (not shown) on one or more beams 20 of first mounting structure 18 and second mounting structure 19.

Control cabinet 15 of control system 6 and power load support system 8 may also be mounted on support structure 16, and more particularly, on second support portion 70. For example, control cabinet 15 may be affixed to a frame 22. Frame 22 may be mounted on one or more appropriate structures, such as one or more cantilevers, extending from an upper lip of second support portion 70 and may be configured raise control cabinet 15 above volume 17 of support structure 16. Similarly, power load support system 8 may be mounted to one or more appropriate structures, such as cantilevers, extending from the upper lip of second support portion 70. In certain embodiments, one or more components of power load support system 8 may extend within and/or travel through volume 17 of support structure 16. For example, conduits of the seal gas system may travel through volume 17 and may be coupled to the gas compressor.

Lubrication system 5 may also be supported by support structure 16, and more particularly, on second support portion 70. As alluded to above, fluid tank 9 and secondary tank 40 may be positioned within volume 17 of support structure 16 and may be removably coupled to support structure 16. More particularly, secondary tank 40 may be mounted on first support portion 60 of support structure 16, and fluid tank 9 may be mounted on first support portion 70 of support structure 16. In addition, the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, and power system manifold 11 of lubrication system 5 may be positioned within volume 17 substantially between control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8, and may extend from fluid tank 9 to power load 4 and/or power source 3. One or more secondary conduits 42 associated with secondary tank 40 may also be positioned within volume 17, and may extend from secondary tank 40 to fluid tank 9 substantially between control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, it should be appreciated that appropriate support structures, such as, for example, beams, racks, frames, and the like, may be disposed within volume 17 of support structure 16 and may be coupled to one or more of the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, power system manifold 11, and one or more secondary conduits 42 to provide appropriate support within volume 17.

Power-transfer unit 30 may be removably coupled to the top surface of secondary tank 40 via any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, bolts, fasteners, clamps, and the like. Alternatively, power-transfer unit 30 may be positioned within volume 17 of support structure 16 and adjacent secondary tank 40, and may be removably coupled to support structure 16. In such a configuration, power-transfer unit 30 and secondary tank 40 may be mounted on first support portion 60.

Power system arrangement 1 of power system 2 may include a substantially linear arrangement of power system 2 components. In particular, power system arrangement 1 may include a plurality of modules each positioned substantially linearly adjacent to another. Each module may include one or more components of power system 2 supported and/or housed by support structure 16. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, for example, power system arrangement 1 may include a substantially linear arrangement of a first module 100, a second module 200, a third module 300, a fourth module 400, and a fifth module 500.

First module 100 may include power source 3 coupled to and supported by first mounting structure 18 of support structure 16. Second module 200 may include secondary tank 40 of lubrication system 5 coupled to support structure 16 and positioned within volume 17 and power-transfer unit 30 coupled to secondary tank 40. Third module 300 may include power load 4 coupled to and supported by second mounting structure 19 of support structure 16. Fourth module 400 may include control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8, each mounted on support structure 16, and may also include the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, and power system manifold 11 of lubrication system 5. Fifth module 500 may include fluid tank 9 of lubrication system 5 coupled to support structure 16 and positioned within volume 17. It should also be appreciated that one or more secondary conduits 42 associated with secondary tank 40 may extend from second module 200 to fifth module 500 in fluidly connecting secondary tank 40 and fluid tank 9. More specifically, first module 100 may include power source 3 mounted on first support portion 60 of support structure 16, second module 200 may include power-transfer unit 30 mounted on secondary tank 40, with secondary tank 40 mounted on second support portion 70 of support structure 16, third module 300 may include power load 4 mounted on second support portion 70 of support structure 16, fourth module 400 may include control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8 mounted on the upper lip of second support portion 70 of support structure 16, and fifth module 500 may include fluid tank 9 mounted to second support portion 70 of support structure 16.

Each of first, second, third, fourth, and fifth modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may be positioned adjacent another and along a longitudinal axis 23. That is, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may be arranged substantially in series along longitudinal axis 23. Moreover, first module 100 (including power source 3) and fifth module 500 (including fluid tank 9) may be positioned on opposite ends of power system arrangement 1. In other words, power source 3 may be coupled to support structure 16 proximate a first end 24 of support structure 16, and fluid tank 9 may be coupled to support structure 16 proximate a second end 25 of support structure 16 and opposite first end 24. Second module 200 (including power-transfer unit 30 and secondary tank 40), third module 300 (including power load 4), and fourth module (including control cabinet 15, power load support system 8, the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, and power system manifold 11) may be positioned between first module 100 and fifth module 500. More particularly, second module 200 may be positioned proximate first module 100, fourth module 400 may be positioned proximate fifth module 500, and third module 300 may be positioned between second module 200 and fourth module 400. That is, power source 3 may be adjacent a first side of power-transfer unit 30 substantially along longitudinal axis 23, and power load 4 may be adjacent a second side of power-transfer unit 30 substantially along longitudinal axis 23 and opposite the first side. Furthermore, power-transfer unit 30 may be adjacent a first side of power load 4 substantially along longitudinal axis 23, and control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8 may be adjacent a second side of power load 4 substantially along longitudinal axis 23 and opposite the first side. The tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, and power system manifold 11 may also be adjacent the second side of power load 4 substantially along longitudinal axis 23. Moreover, fluid tank 9 may be adjacent to control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8 substantially along longitudinal axis 23 and on an opposite side as that of power load 4.

As discussed, certain components of lubrication system 5 may be positioned between control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8. That is, control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8 may be positioned on opposite sides of one or more of the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, and power system manifold 11 relative to longitudinal axis 23. Furthermore, control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8 may be positioned on opposites sides of longitudinal axis 23 and separated from each other at a suitable distance, such that sufficient space may be provided in fourth module 400 for an operator to reach the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, and power system manifold 11 for, as examples, maintenance, assembly, and disassembly purposes, without interference from control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8. Control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8 may also be separated a suitable distance along longitudinal axis 23 from power load 4 such that the operator may, for example, install, disassemble, and service, power load 4 without interference from control cabinet 15 and power load support system 8. Moreover, the separation and spacing provided between third module 300 and fourth module 400 may support the installation and operation of multiple power loads 4. For example, two or more power loads 4 may be coupled in parallel, mounted to support system 16, and receive energy from power-transfer unit 30. In such a configuration, power system manifold 11 may include additional conduits to deliver lubrication oil to the additional power loads 4, and power load support system 8 may include additional conduits to deliver seal gas to the additional power loads 4.

In certain embodiments, a length of power system arrangement 1 may be at least three times larger than a width of power system arrangement 1. More simply, support structure 16 may be at least three times longer (i.e., along longitudinal axis 23) than it is wide (i.e., perpendicular to longitudinal axis 23). Additionally, support structure 16 may include, without limitation, a width ranging between 100 inches and 120 inches. Support structure 16, however, may include any other suitable dimensions.

It should also be appreciated that power system arrangement 1 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, support structure 16 may be a collection of separate support structures supported by the ground, rather than a frame or skid. Moreover, first module 100, second module 200, third module 300, fourth module 400, and fifth module 500 may be fully independent of one another and configured to separate from each other via, for example, removable fasteners, clamps, linkages, and the like. Furthermore, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, a power system arrangement 50 may include power source 3 in a staggered configuration relative to power load 4. In other words, input shaft 31 and output shaft 32 of power-transfer unit 30 may be longitudinally offset from each other, thereby also arranging power source 3 and power load 4 in longitudinally offset positions. It should also be appreciated, however, that input shaft 31 and output shaft 32 of power-transfer unit 30 may be substantially longitudinally aligned with each other, thus substantially aligning power source 3 and power load 4, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C.

Industrial Applicability

Power system arrangement 1 and power system 2 may have application wherever power is required for performing one or more tasks. Power source 3 may be operated to drive power load 4 (via input shaft 31 and output shaft 32 of power-transfer unit 30) to, for example, pump fluid, generate electricity, or do other work. While power source 3 is driving power load 4, support structure 16 may be configured to hold the various components of power system 2 in a substantially linear arrangement. While power source 3 is not being operated to drive power load 4, support structure 16 may be used to support various components of power system 2 in a substantially linear arrangement, while one or more of the components are being moved and/or accessed for various purposes, such as maintenance and repair.

Conventional power system arrangements may experience certain problems. In service and installation operations, for example, removing components from a highly-integrated power system arrangement, such as an arrangement having power system components physically proximate one another, may be difficult and time consuming since the power system components may be tightly stacked on top of each other. Moreover, in an arrangement with one or more power system components positioned in different locations, repair and service of the power system may also be time consuming and cumbersome because the physical separation of the components may restrict access to multiple components by a single operator.

The presently disclosed power system arrangement I may provide numerous features. For example, the substantially linear arrangement of first, second, third, fourth, and fifth modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may provide access to various components of power system 2. More particularly, the substantially linear arrangement of first, second, third, fourth, and fifth modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may longitudinally separate at least power source 3, power load 4, power-transfer unit 30, control cabinet 15, power load support system 8, and lubrication system 5 from each other. Therefore, longitudinal overlap between at least these power system 2 components may be eliminated, such that one or more of the components may be removed from support structure 16 independently of the other components. Independently removing specific components of power system 2 without the need to disassemble other components may reduce time, labor efforts, and costs associated with, for example, maintenance and service purposes. Furthermore, power system arrangement 1 may allow a single operator to access and service multiple components of power system 2 since the components may be arranged in a substantially linear configuration on a common support structure 16.

In addition, the ability to independently remove components of power system 2 away from longitudinal axis 23 may also allow the components to be more quickly and easily replaced for customization purposes. For example, in embodiments where power load 4 may be a gas compressor, the gas compressor may be unfastened from second mounting structure 19, power-transfer unit 30, control system 6, power load support system 8, and lubrication system 5, and may then be removed from support structure 16. Alternatively, the gas compressor may be slid off of support structure 16 via the movable/sliding arrangement of second mounting structure 19. A different type of gas compressor, such as, for example, a larger or smaller volume gas compressor, or a higher or lower speed rated gas compressor, may be mounted on second mounting structure 19 and operably reconnected to power-transfer unit 30, control system 6, power load support system 8, and lubrication system 5. Similarly, power source 3 may also be readily disassembled from first mounting structure 18 and replaced with one or more different types of power sources. In other embodiments, first support portion 60 with power source 3 and power-transfer unit 30 mounted thereto may be disconnected from second support portion 70 and removed from power system arrangement 1. Accordingly, power system arrangement 1 may provide eased customization of power system 2 in response to, for example, a desired energy input/output, the availability of certain power system 2 components, and component compatibility. It should also be appreciated that power source 3 and power-transfer unit 30 may be supported by any number of other entities, including, as examples, the ground, one or more structures supported by the ground, one or more structures of a vehicle, and/or one or more structures of a marine vessel instead of support structure 16. As such, power load 4, lubrication system 5, control system 6, and power load support system 8 mounted on second support portion 70 may be operably coupled to power load 3 and power-transfer unit 30 mounted on a suitable structure.

The arrangement of second module 200, third module 300, and fourth module 400 may also provide certain features. For example, because power-transfer unit 30, control cabinet 15, and power load support system 8 may be positioned linearly adjacent to power load 4, power load 4 may be readily removed, replaced, and/or serviced without power-transfer unit 30, control cabinet 15, and power load support system 8 blocking or interfering with power load 4 access. Such an arrangement may improve the ease and speed in which power load 4 may be serviced and/or replaced. In addition, control cabinet 15, certain components of lubrication system 5 (e.g., the tank manifold, delivery conduit 10, power system manifold 11, and one or more secondary conduits 42), and power load support system 8 may be coupled to support structure 16 along a width of fourth module 400 (i.e., substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis 23). As such, the length of fourth module 400, and thus, the overall footprint of power system arrangement 1, may be reduced, while also providing sufficient space to access the components disposed in fourth module 400. Furthermore, and as discussed above, mounting power-transfer unit 30 on top of secondary tank 40 in second module 200 may increase the availability of lubrication fluid without increasing the volume of fluid tank 9. Thus, the configuration of second module 200 may also reduce the overall footprint of power system arrangement 1.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed power system arrangement and methods. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

Claims

1. A power system arrangement, comprising:

a power source;

a power load;

a power-transfer unit configured to transmit energy from the power source to the power load;

a lubrication system configured to deliver lubrication fluid to the power system, the lubrication system including a first tank for storing lubrication fluid; and

a support structure configured to support the power source, the power load, and the first tank, wherein the power source, the power load, and the first tank are coupled to the support structure substantially in series along a longitudinal axis.

2. The power system arrangement of claim 1, wherein each of the power source, the power load, and the first tank is configured to be disassembled from the support structure without disassembling the others from the support structure.

3. The power system arrangement of claim 1, wherein the power source is coupled to the support structure proximate a first end of the support structure, and the first tank is coupled to the support structure proximate a second end of the support structure opposite the first end.

4. The power system arrangement of claim 3, wherein the power load is coupled to the support structure between the power source and the first tank.

5. The power system arrangement of claim 4, wherein the lubrication system includes a second tank for storing lubrication fluid, and wherein the second tank is coupled to the support structure between the power source and the power load.

6. The power system arrangement of claim 5, wherein the power-transfer unit is positioned on top of the second tank.

7. The power system arrangement of claim 6, wherein the first tank and the second tank are positioned within a volume of the support structure.

8. The power system arrangement of claim 4, further comprising a control system configured to control operation of the power system, wherein the control system includes a control cabinet coupled to the support structure between the power load and the first tank.

9. The power system arrangement of claim 1, wherein the power source includes an electric motor, and the power load includes a gas compressor.

10. The power system arrangement of claim 1, wherein the power source and the power load are in longitudinally offset positions relative to each other.

11. An arrangement for a power system coupled to a support structure, the arrangement comprising:

a first module including a power source configured to deliver energy and coupled to the support structure;

a second module including a first tank for storing lubrication fluid and coupled to the support structure;

a third module including a power load configured to receive energy from the power source and coupled to the support structure; and

a fourth module including a second tank for storing lubrication fluid and coupled to the support structure, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth modules are substantially linearly arranged relative to each other.

12. The arrangement of claim 11, wherein each of the power source, the power load, and the second tank is configured to be disassembled from the support structure without disassembling the others from the support structure.

13. The arrangement of claim 11, wherein the second module includes a power-transfer unit configured to transmit energy from the power source to the power load, and wherein the power-transfer unit is positioned on top of the first tank.

14. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first module is positioned on a first end of the arrangement, the fourth module is positioned on a second end of the arrangement opposite the first end, and the second module and the third module are positioned between the first module and the fourth module.

15. The arrangement of claim 14, wherein the power system includes a control system configured to control operation of the power system, the control system including a control cabinet.

16. The arrangement of claim 15, further comprising a fifth module including the control cabinet coupled to the support structure, wherein the fifth module is positioned between the third module and the fourth module.

17. The arrangement of claim 11, wherein the power source includes an electric motor, and the power load includes a gas compressor.

18. A power system arrangement, comprising:

a power source configured to deliver energy;

a power load configured to receive energy from the power source;

a lubrication system configured to deliver lubrication fluid to the power system, the lubrication system including a first tank for storing lubrication fluid and a second tank for storing lubrication fluid;

a control system configured to control operation of the power system, the control system including a control cabinet; and

a substantially rectangular support structure configured to support the power source, the power load, the first tank, the second tank, and the control cabinet, wherein the power source, the power load, the first tank, the second tank, and the control cabinet are coupled to the support structure substantially adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis.

19. The power system arrangement of claim 18, wherein the power source is coupled to the support structure proximate a first end of the support structure, and the first tank is coupled to the support structure proximate a second end of the support structure opposite the first end.

20. The power system arrangement of claim 19, wherein the power load is positioned between the power source and the first tank, and wherein the second tank is positioned between the power source and the power load.