Heating Plants Patents (Class 290/2)
  • Patent number: 6670721
    Abstract: An electric power system provides a coordinated and controlled intercommunication and operation of power engineering equipment and converters, e.g., rotating AC machines, power electronic converters and transformers as well as power grids in order to enhance electric power produced by renewable facilities. As viewed from the power grid and its stakeholders' perspective, enhanced renewable facilities are more stiff than conventional renewable facilities, and produce power that is as commercially valuable and fungible as electric power produced by traditional plants such as fossil fuel power plants, hydroelectric plants, nuclear plants and the like. xMs and SMs, or more generally yMs, fulfill the demands of stiffness and reduced variability, which have conventionally limited the commercial usefulness of a large scale use of renewables delivering power to a power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Per-Anders Kristian Lof, Lars Gustaf Ingolf Gertmar
  • Publication number: 20030222457
    Abstract: It is provided an object of the invention to recover unutilized energy as electric power by the hydraulic turbine power generation so as to reuse it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Satou, Seiji Yanagisawa, Yuji Tanaka, Shinichi Takahashi, Yukihiro Fujita, Osamu Matsumoto, Toshihiko Yamamoto, Masahiro Sano
  • Publication number: 20030141049
    Abstract: An auxiliary power system for trucks, the power system having a small diesel engine coupled to an air conditioner compressor and an automotive style DC alternator. During hot weather the auxiliary engine rotates the air conditioner compressor to provide cool air to the truck accessories by load management controls alternator current output to provide DC power to accessories and for battery charging. When peak loads occur, the voltage is reduced into the field of the alternator in a form of load management wherein the truck batteries act as the power sink and the alternator is used to replenish any power drawn from the truck batteries when the peak demand is removed. During cold weather the engine coolant is used to cool the auxiliary engine and is circulated through a heat exchanger for warming of the truck interior, full capacity of the alternator is allowed accommodating the higher amp draws typical of cold weather diesel operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Gino W. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20030094815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternator having a vacuum pump capable of improving a cooling characteristic, and in particular to an alternator having a vacuum pump capable of improving a cooling characteristic which is capable of restraining a heat transfer to a bracket and brush of an alternator by effectively radiating a heat of a vacuum pump by providing a cooling unit which performs a heat sink function in a bracket installed in one side of a housing of a vacuum pump and capable of preventing a heat-degradation of oil supplied to the brush and into the vacuum pump in a vehicle vacuum pump which is installed in a portion of an alternator of a vehicle and which supports an operation of a brake, for thereby significantly enhancing a durability of the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Dong-Won Seo, Hyun-Cheol Lee, Kyung-Sik Choi, Hyung-Tae Bang, Byung-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 6563228
    Abstract: A power plant includes a gas turbine coupled to an electric generator. The electric generator can be connected to a high-voltage network through a generator switch and can be operated as a motor for the start-up of the gas turbine. The electric generator can also be connected to a static starting device for the run-up of the gas turbine. The static starting device is connected to a medium-voltage network which is provided for the auxiliary service of the power plant. The auxiliary voltage, provided in another way, of the medium-voltage network, produces a variable supply voltage for the generator operated as a motor. In such a plant, reduced circuit complexity is achieved by the fact that the static starting device is designed in such a way or can be activated in such a way that, after the run-up of the gas turbine, the static starting device itself produces the auxiliary voltage of the medium-voltage network from the voltage delivered by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Schlett
  • Patent number: 6534958
    Abstract: A system provides electrical power and compressed air includes a wheeled hand truck frame, an engine, a compressor, a generator, and a reservoir having several horizontally disposed cylindrical tanks in fluid communication and arranged in one or a few vertical planes. A portion of a lower-most tank of the reservoir is below the plane including the axle for the wheels; and the respective centers of gravity of the engine, the fuel tank, and the reservoir are arranged for relatively greater stability. A control system for the engine, generator, and compressor provides priority response to air demand and/or priority response to electrical power demand by reducing lower priority loads on the engine prior to increasing engine speed. A throttle controller moves the engine throttle from high speed to low speed in response to low demand for compressed air in combination with low demand for electrical power. The throttle controller includes a low demand valve and throttle positioning air cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom M. Graber, Harold C. Scott, Harold Todd Tyler, Timothy W. Burford, Andrew J. Kopel, Paul Joseph Klinek
  • Patent number: 6525431
    Abstract: A co-generation system for producing heat, hot water and electricity for a building is provided while generating a minimum of noise and vibration within the building. The system includes an engine and burner with a generation; a storage tank, for storage of primary water, which is adapted to contain therein the engine and generator; apparatus for circulating and heating the primary water, and apparatus for venting exhaust gases to the outside of the building. The hot water may also be secondary water and either or both water may be potable. The engine optimally operates on a Stirling cycle. The building may be a commercial or domestic dwelling which is free standing or part of a larger structure or may be mobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Whisper Tech Limited
    Inventors: Donald Murray Clucas, Murray Bruce Aitken
  • Patent number: 6512305
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system supplies power to computers, medical apparatus or other critical loads when primary power supply falters. The UPS system includes an electrical machine connected to a turbine that can be rotated by a motive fluid from a fluid supply. The electrical machine can be a dual purpose electrical machine (a motor/generator) or a two unit machine (one motor and one generator in a single housing or in separate housings) connected to the turbine. When power is supplied from the primary power supply to the critical load, the electrical machine acts as a motor to rotate the turbine and energy is stored by the turbine rotor in the form of rotational momentum. When power from the primary power supply falters, the rotational momentum of the turbine rotor initially rotates the electrical machine which acts as a generator to provide power to the critical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David B. Clifton
  • Publication number: 20020117857
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage and regeneration system uses the electricity generated by the dynamic brakes of a diesel-electric locomotive to convert water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by hydro-electrolysis. The gases are compressed, cooled and stored in tanks for subsequent use to supply fuel cells. Electricity generated by an electro-chemical reaction in the fuel cells is used to power the locomotive traction motors when needed. Alternatively, the regenerated electricity can be used to supplement a local or regional power supply, particularly in times of shortage. The water by-product from the fuel cell electricity generation is collected and stored for use in hydro-electrolysis during a subsequent power storage/regeneration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Donald B. Eckstein
  • Publication number: 20020087234
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product enhance the commercial value of electrical power produced from a wind turbine production facility. Features include the use of a premier power conversion device that provides an alternative source of power for supplementing an output power of the wind turbine generation facility when lull periods for wind speed appear. The invention includes a communications infrastructure and coordination mechanism for establishing a relationship with another power production facility such that when excess electrical power is produced by the wind turbine facility, the excess may be provided to the power grid while the other energy production facility cuts back on its output production by a corresponding amount. A tracking mechanism keeps track of the amount of potential energy that was not expended at the other facility and places this amount in a virtual energy storage account, for the benefit of the wind turbine facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: ABB AB
    Inventors: Per-Anders Kristian Lof, Lars Gustaf Ingolf Gertmar, Lars Anders Tommy Andren
  • Patent number: 6414399
    Abstract: A multifunctional operating unit which in the nautical field is used to produce electric power. Advantageously this unit is provided with one or more containers associated with an internal combustion engine, wherein sea water coming from outboard circulates. In this manner it is possible to achieve a compact unit wherein the engine actuates directly a desalination pump and/or the compressor of an aboard air conditioning system, whose condenser may be accommodated in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Gianfranco Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20020067042
    Abstract: In a generator system having a gas turbine (1) and a generator (2), which is driven by the gas turbine (1), an electricity supply network (5) is supplied from an energy reservoir (6) when the output of the gas turbine (1) is inadequate in the case of a load change. In order to overcome the inertia of the gas turbine (1), energy is additionally supplied from the energy reservoir (6) to the generator (2) which, acting as a motor, accelerates the gas turbine (1) until it at least has the output demanded by the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Isabel Alvarez Ortega, Narindra N. Puri, Marco Suter
  • Publication number: 20020056994
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering and cooling air used by a gas turbine. Heat conducting liquid is pumped from a reservoir pool, routed through a heat exchanger, and pumped through a plurality of spray nozzles and allowed to fall as a shower back into the pool. At least some of the heat is extracted from the liquid as it passes through the heat transducer. The energy to run the pump is provided by the transduction of waste heat from the heat conducting liquid and/or from the hot gasses passing through the gas turbine exhaust. The air intake for the turbine is routed through the shower, where foreign particles and contaminants are removed physically and/or chemically removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Irish
  • Publication number: 20020047267
    Abstract: A method for producing power from a heat source comprises the steps of: heating an intermediate fluid with heat from the heat source and producing a vaporized intermediate fluid in an intermediate fluid heater/vaporizer. Heat from the vaporized intermediate fluid vaporizes an organic liquid working fluid present in an organic working fluid vaporizer to form a vaporized organic working fluid and intermediate fluid condensate. The vaporized organic working fluid is expanded in an organic vapor turbine for generating power and producing expanded vaporized organic working fluid; the expanded organic vaporized working fluid being condensed to produce an organic fluid condensate with the organic fluid condensate being supplied to the organic fluid vaporizer. According to the present invention, prior to supplying the vaporized intermediate fluid to the organic fluid vaporizer the vaporized intermediate fluid is expanded in an intermediate fluid vapor turbine and power is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Ohad Zimron, Danny Batscha
  • Patent number: 6376926
    Abstract: A power generation system. The system includes a magnetically-actuated turbine having a rotating shaft and a generator connected to the turbine. The generator includes a rotor connected to the rotating shaft, a stator co-axially aligned with the rotor, at least one brush connected to the rotor and extending to an inner surface of the stator, at least one thermoelectric junction on an outer surface of the stator, and a hard magnetic casing co-axially aligned with the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Software & Hardware Security & New Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Osvaldo Sánchez Ruiz
  • Patent number: 6326703
    Abstract: Ethanol fuel is fed into hot burn chamber of twin turbine, initially to burn in the presence of compressed air. After turbine in hot burn chamber is started, water is electrolyzed by means of DC current produced by DC generator on turbine shaft, and resulting hydrogen and oxygen gases are pumped into hot burn chamber and are ignited by the burning ethanol fuel to produce products of combustion which continue to drive the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: John W. Clark
  • Patent number: 6320271
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved power generation facility and method of construction. The improved power generation facility of the present invention provides a low impact implementation suitable for placement in or near a developed, populated area comprising ultimate consumers. The improved power generation facility comprises a foundation; a plurality of legs which form a support structure capable of supporting a plurality of condenser modules with cooling fans of predetermined size; and a housing for containing predetermined power generation equipment, the housing fitting inside the support structure and having a facade which can be made to blend into a surrounding environment's architecture. In a preferred mode, the legs are tricolumn legs that may be removably fastened to each other and to the foundation. Further, the housing may be suspended from the support structure and the plurality of cooling fans situated to minimize noise from the cooling fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Canatxx Energy, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ross K. Hill, Paul J. Grimes, Charles E. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6259165
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for supplying electric power by harnessing thermal energy below the Earth's surface. A boiler module, a turbine module, a condenser module and a generator module may all be provided. Each of the boiler module, the turbine module, the condenser module and the generator module are placed below the Earth's surface to produce electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Power Tube, Inc.
    Inventor: Doyle W. Brewington
  • Patent number: 6239504
    Abstract: A turbine guide regulates a load cycle process in a turbine. The turbine guide has a limiting unit, to which a variable for a variable pre-setting of a time duration tv of the load cycle process can be fed. In the limiting unit, a determination of a turbine guide variable takes place for carrying out the load cycle process in the time duration tv under consideration of a maximum permissible limiting value. In an exhaustion unit an advance determination of the material exhaustion of the load cycle process to be carried out according to the turbine guide variable takes place. The invention further pertains to a method for regulating a load cycle process of a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edwin Gobrecht, Rolf Langbein
  • Patent number: 6232679
    Abstract: A combined heat and electricity generating unit is suitable for use in class 8 trucks and the like. When it is operating it provides heat for keeping the engine and cabin warm and electricity for use by the electricity consuming devices in the cabin. It is a closed cycle system that includes a radial inlet turbine driven by a low pressure vaporized and superheated working fluid, an oil fired heater for vaporizing the working fluid, a pump for pumping condensed working fluid, a heat exchanger for heating engine coolant with heat from the condensing working fluid and an electric generator for converting energy produced by the turbine to electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Norton
  • Publication number: 20010001051
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a power system for providing power to a critical load. The system includes a first power source producing sufficient power to supply the critical load and a second power source, independent of said first power source. The second power source produces sufficient power to supply the critical load. The system also includes a rotary device having a first power input circuit and a second power input circuit. The second power source is coupled to the rotary device at the second power input circuit. A transfer switch selectively couples the first power source to the first power input circuit and the second power input circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: William E. Cratty
  • Patent number: 6225705
    Abstract: An energy generation system utilizes convection flow of a fluid media caused by differences in temperature to generate useful energy therefrom. A conduit for directing convection circulation permits conversion of forces associated with the movement of the fluid media in the conduit into a usable energy by its effect of a generation device as the fluid media flows past such device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshiro Nakamats
  • Patent number: 6178733
    Abstract: A combustion turbine system of this invention includes a compressor, a combustor, a turbine section, an external blower, an electrical generator and a prime mover for powering the blower and the compressor. The compressor produces a compressed air that mixes with fuel in the combustor to produce a hot gas. This hot gas is sent through the turbine section of the combustion turbine system to drive a rotor. The electrical generator may be coupled to the rotor, so that rotation of the rotor causes operation of the electrical generator. The rotor may also be coupled to the compressor, so that the rotation of the rotor also drives the compressor. The blower of this invention is external to the generator and provides a cooling medium for the electrical generator. The prime mover is coupled to the external blower so that it can power the blower and provide the cooling medium for the electrical generator. In addition, the prime mover is selectively connectable to the rotor, so that it can turn the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Robert John Nelson
  • Patent number: 6160318
    Abstract: Energy supplying system in which effective use of waste heat from a solar power generator and an engine power generator. Electric power generated by an SLCS (sunlight cogeneration system) 1 and an EGCS (engine cogeneration system) 2 is supplied to a power consuming apparatus while its relevant waste or exhausted heat is transferred to a heat consuming apparatus 3. The power generated by the SLCS 1 varies depending on the local climate and is monitored with a power meter 6 or a power monitor apparatus 7. When the power from the SLCS 1 is declined, it is compensated by increasing the power output of the EGCS 2. Since the total power generated by the SLCS 1 and the EGCS 2 is maintained constant and the total waste heat released from the SLCS1 and the EGCS 2 is relatively stable, the heat consuming apparatus 3 as well as an power consuming apparatus 5 are steadily energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norio Komura
  • Patent number: 6124644
    Abstract: A system has an engine (24), a generator (28) driven by the engine (24) to generate a DC voltage, and an inverter (30) electrically coupled to the generator (28) to convert the DC voltage to an AC signal. The system also has a first heat exchange circuit (44) in heat exchange relationship with the engine (24) to remove heat from the engine (24), and a second heat exchange circuit (46) in heat exchange relationship with the inverter (30) to remove heat from the inverter (30). The system further has a single radiator (38) divided into first and second sections (40, 42), the first section (40) being substantially hydraulically isolated from fluid communication with the second section (42). The first section (40) of the radiator (38) is in fluid communication with the first heat exchange circuit (44), and the second section (42) is in fluid communication with the second heat exchange circuit (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregg Olson, Benjamin Gover
  • Patent number: 6051891
    Abstract: an electric power generating station characterised by a solar array (1) source of electrical power connected to drive a compressor/condenser liquifier (9, 18) to condense compressed gas to liquid state and cryogenic temperature. The liquified gas is then evaporated in a finned heat exchanger (22) and the gas vapor is then conveyed to cool the compressor motor (9), a generator (55), and thereafter directed to the bottom of a liquid tower (41), subjacent a set of inverted buckets (49) spaced on an endless belt (50) engaged on pulleys (48, 52), all submerged in the tower liquid and one of which is engaged to drive the generator. As the buckets are turned around the upper pulley (52), the gas trapped therein is released and conveyed by a return line (45) back to the condensing-evaporation cycle. The use of a gas cycle liquified at cryogenic temperatures exposes the cooled motors (9, 32) and the cooled generator (55) to temperature at which superconductivity may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Eduard G. Surodin
  • Patent number: 5973481
    Abstract: A system (30) for providing electrical-power to remote communities (34) widely distributed over an extended geographical area (38) includes a generating station (32) located proximate each of the communities, each generating station supplying only that community to which it is proximate. The generating stations are in electronic communication with a central computer (40). Each generating station includes a plurality of generators (54-56). Each of the generators is controlled by a microprocessor based controller (64). Each controller is arranged to operate the generating station cooperatively with the other controllers associated with other generators in the station, and to assume a supervisory role in doing so by a mutual arbitration procedure among the controllers. Each controller is also arranged to monitor important generator operating parameters and to communicate these parameters to the central computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: National Bank of Alaska, Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
    Inventors: Scott B. Thompson, William R. Thomson
  • Patent number: 5942806
    Abstract: A method and device for generating an electric current and power from the earth's electric field. The electric current is generated by providing a thermoemissive material at some distance above the earth's surface, connecting the thermoemissive material to the earth's surface with a conductor (e.g., wire) such that a conductive path is established between the thermoemissive material and the earth's surface through the conductor, and heating the thermoemissive material to cause it to emit electrons into the surrounding air, thereby drawing replacement electrons from the earth's surface through the conductor to the thermoemissive material. One way to produce power in the above setting is by installing a D.C. electric motor or other electrical device along the said conductive pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Konstantinos D. Veliadis
  • Patent number: 5929530
    Abstract: A solar tracker which has a pneumatic motor that moves a reflective surface. The pneumatic motor is power by pressurized air stored in a pedestal of the tracker. The pressurized air is replenished by a compressor that draws in air from the atmosphere. The pneumatic motor and compressor are controlled by a microcontroller. The controller, compressor and pneumatic motor are all powered by an energy system that converts solar energy into electric power, thereby providing a self-contained tracker. The output shaft of the pneumatic motor is coupled to a reflective surface support structure by a drive system which has intermediate gears and an incremental encoder. The incremental encoder provides a reference point for the position of the reflective surface. The gear is much smaller than the gimbal so that the reference point can be found with a relatively small incremental movement of the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Stone
  • Patent number: 5903060
    Abstract: A combined heat and electricity generating unit is suitable for use in single family homes and the like. When it is operating it provides heat for heating the home and electricity for use by the electricity consuming devices in the home and the excess is available for sale to the power utility. It includes an air compressor, a fuel pump, a turbine driven by heated combustion products and an electric motor-generator for driving the fuel pump and air compressor and converting energy produced by the turbine to electricity. In an alternate embodiment the electric motor-generator is replaced by an electric motor and an electric generator. In the case where gaseous fuel is used the fuel pump may be a positive displacement gas compressor. The pressurized combustion products enable a particularly efficient and inexpensive heat exchanger. The air compressor maintains a slight vacuum in the housing thereby eliminating risk of combustion products escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Norton
  • Patent number: 5832178
    Abstract: A method and heating system for a hose and dispenser wand of a hot melt mix applicator uses a three phase heating element powered by a generator to heat the hose and wand to maintain hot melt mix material within the hose and wand in a flowable state. To selectively energize the generator to control heat input, the heating system has (1) a controller in communication with a temperature sensor carried by the hose or wand, and (2) an output in communication with a generator control input. The generator control input enables operation of the generator to be controlled by the controller for controlling heating of the hose and wand. The heating element is a cord having a first wire receiving a phase of the three phase current, a second wire receiving another phase of the current, and a third wire receiving another phase of the current, with the cord being wrapped about the hose and wand in a helical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Crafco, Incorporated
    Inventor: Floyd D. Schave
  • Patent number: 5828137
    Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes a low speed portion having a low speed axial shaft and integral motor rotor to generate electrical power, a high speed portion having a high speed axial shaft and integral motor rotor to generate electrical power, the high speed axial shaft being generally parallel to the low speed axial shaft and being independent from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Selfors, Arnold M. Heitmann
  • Patent number: 5796173
    Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes at least one compressor, at least one turbine, at least one alternator disposed between the at least one compressor and the at least one turbine, and a common shaft interconnecting the at least one compressor and the at least one alternator and the at least one turbine, the at least one compressor and the at least one turbine being hydraulically fitted to the common shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Selfors, Arnold Heitmann
  • Patent number: 5793119
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generator uses pulse combustion to generate heat used to heat plate elements of a thermopile in order to efficiently generate electricity. Stacked plates forming the thermopile also form an opening defining a combustion chamber and exhaust system. The exhaust system has a greater flow resistance adjacent the combustion chamber so that a self-sustaining pulse combustion can be maintained at lower temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Robert D. Zinke
  • Patent number: 5780932
    Abstract: An electricity generating unit having a combined cycle, and comprising, mounted in succession along a common line of shafts via rigid couplings (28, 29, 31), a gas turbine (6), a steam turbine having a plurality of modules (1, 2), and an electricity generator (11), the gas turbine (6) being mounted to move in axial translation, and fixed to a moving abutment (27), said electricity generating unit being characterized in that the stator portions of the gas turbine (6) and of the first module (1) of the steam turbine are connected together via at least two links (32), in that said links (32) and the ends of the rotors of the gas turbine (6), and of the first module (1) of the steam turbine are enclosed in an enclosure (33) filled with a heat-conducting fluid, and in that each of the facing ends of the stator portions of the last two modules (1, 2) of the steam turbine is connected to a respective fixed point (34, 35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Electromecanique SA
    Inventor: Patrick Laffont
  • Patent number: 5734255
    Abstract: A system (30) for providing electrical-power to remote communities (34) widely distributed over an extended geographical area (38) includes a generating station (32) located proximate each of the communities, each generating station supplying only that community to which it is proximate. The generating stations are in electronic communication with a central computer (40). Each generating station includes a plurality of generators (54-56). Each of the generators is controlled by a microprocessor based controller (64). Each controller is arranged to operate the generating station cooperatively with the other controllers associated with other generators in the station, and to assume a supervisory role in doing so by a mutual arbitration procedure among the controllers. Each controller is also arranged to monitor important generator operating parameters and to communicate these parameters to the central computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Alaska Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Scott B. Thompson, William R. Thomson
  • Patent number: 5719990
    Abstract: A hot water and electricity generator including a casing having a water inlet provided with a float ball valve, an engine arranged within the casing and having an exhaust pipe, a power generator drivingly connected with the engine, a pump drivingly connected with the power generator, a water reservoir disposed above the power generator within the casing and provided with a heat exchanging pipe, a first electric heater electrically connected to the power generator and installed within the water reservoir, an outlet pipe having an end connected with another end of the heat exchanging pipe and another end extending out of the casing, a steam chamber mounted on the water reservoir, and a second electric heater electrically connected to the power generator and installed with the steam chamber, whereby hot water and electricity will be generated as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Tsai Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 5644185
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generator system including a refrigerator of the of the absorption type having no moving parts and operating with ammonia, water and hydrogen to extract heat from a heat source and discharge heat from an absorber and having at least one thermocouple positioned to intercept heat flow from the heat source to the boiler and/or from the condenser to the evaporator. The system is arranged such that a boiler from one system absorbs heat discharged from the absorber of one or more other identical systems so that systems can be ganged together to produce a combine system having increased efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Joel V. Miller
  • Patent number: 5617504
    Abstract: A cogeneration system that is particularly suited to residential use comprises an internal combustion engine, preferably diesel, coupled to a generator, preferably of the induction type. The generator and the engine are thermally isolated from each other so that the engine can run hotter (and thus more efficiently) without adversely affecting the generator. A supplemental electric heater supplies additional heat when the thermal output of the engine is insufficient. A dual stage controller for the heater controls its operation for enhanced efficiency. A generator controller enables the generator to serve the additional function of starting the engine when heat is called for, thus obviating a separate starting motor and related equipment. The system provides a high operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas Sciacca, Neil Slavin
  • Patent number: 5547127
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting thermal energy for use in a heat distributing plant, for instance a district heating system, from a generator plant having a generator, which is air-cooled by means of a cooling ventilator and driven by means of an internal combustion engine, according to which apparatus thermal energy from the cooling system and exhaust gas are transferred to the district heating system, and in which the internal combustion engine is enclosed in a sound-absorbing, ventilated cabinet. With a view to being able to exploit the heat transferred to the ventilation air through direct heat exchange with the water in the district heating system, the generator is supplied with cooling air from an external cooling ventilator, and the cooling air outlet is supplied to the cabinet, where it constitutes the whole amount of the ventilation air or an essential part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Kruger Systems AS
    Inventors: S.o slashed.ren M. Madsen, Jan Stromvig
  • Patent number: 5391925
    Abstract: A method of driving a large cooling system having a compressor operating as a chiller driven by a prime mover, such as a gas turbine, reciprocating engine or steam turbine, in conjunction with an electric motor/generator coaxially arranged on a common shaft with the other units, so that as the ambient temperature rises and the power needed to produce the cooling output increases, and as there is a corresponding drop in power output if the prime mover is a gas turbine or condensing steam turbine, the required additional driving power is supplied by the motor. Conversely, as the ambient temperature drops and required cooling power lessens, the electric motor operates as a generator to convert the excess prime mover power to electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Trigen Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Casten, Goran Mornhed, Leif Bergquist, John M. Malahieude
  • Patent number: 5323061
    Abstract: An electric power generating plant with an electric motor (11) driven by an internal combustion engine (4) is arranged in a chamber enclosed in a housing (1) surrounded by an insulating material (13) via a water jacket. A heat exchanger through which the exhaust gases (18) of the internal combustion engine flow is arranged inside this water jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: EnerGenius GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Immler, Alfons D. Repnik
  • Patent number: 4920276
    Abstract: A heat-and-electricity supply system in which steam from a steam generator is utilized to supply an electric output and a heat output such a system includes: a steam turbine driven by the steam generated in the steam generator; a clutch with reduction gear, connected to a shaft of the steam turbine; a power generator for providing the electric output, connected to the clutch with a reduction gear; a clutch with a speed increasing gear, connected to a shaft of the power generator as occasion demands; a compressor connected to the clutch with speed increasing gear; a heat-side load utilizing a cooling medium or a heating medium supplied from the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitaka Tateishi, Tadao Arakawa, Masaru Kurosawa, Yoshifumi Kubo, Yoji Nagai
  • Patent number: 4910414
    Abstract: A system for air conditioning and generating electrical power including a fuel-fired internal combustion engine, an electrical motor/generator, and a vapor compressor/expander all interconnected. The vapor compressor/expander driven by the engine operates in one mode with an evaporator and a condenser in a generally conventional refrigeration cycle. In an alternative mode, the vapor compressor/expander is operated in reverse by refrigerant boiled in the evaporator by the rejected heat of the engine and condensed in the condenser and contributes mechanical power to that of the engine to drive the motor/generator. The motor/generator can be supplied external electrical energy to operate as a motor to drive the compressor/expander during periods of non-operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Consolidated Natural Gas Service Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Krebs
  • Patent number: 4880993
    Abstract: There is disclosed a combined heat and power system for a building having a heat demand comprisinga primer moveran electrical generator, adapted to provide building power, the said prime mover being drivingly connected theretoa heat recovery arrangementsaid heat recovery arrangement being connected to the prime mover and recovering heat therefrom, and adapted to provide building heating, anda control arrangement adapted automatically to control the prime mover in response to said heating demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Combined Power Systems Limited
    Inventors: Julian P. Packer, Sam Almozaffar
  • Patent number: 4873840
    Abstract: A co-generation system for producing electricity, heating and cooling and including a combustion unit, a boiler connected to the combustion unit, a steam engine and an electrical generator driven to the steam engine. A condenser is connected to the steam exhaust port of the steam engine, the condenser supplying heat to a heat system and causing condensation of the steam discharged by the exhaust port. An absorption cooler is connected to the exhaust port of the steam engine, the absorption cooler for cooling fluid of a cooling system. A heat pump or centrifugal cooler can also be driven by the output shaft of the steam engine. The co-generation system can also include a flue gas cooler for further transfer of heat to heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: SwedSteam AB
    Inventor: Rolf Gilliusson
  • Patent number: 4864974
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for electrical accessories such as a generator and a starter motor for a car comprises a cooling liquid conduit for feeding a part of a cooling liquid for cooling an engine to a starter motor for starting the engine, and/or an A.C. generator and having at least one sensor for detecting the temperature of the cooling liquid and at least one valve provided in the cooling liquid conduit so that opening and closing operations are controlled on the basis of an output from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Aso
  • Patent number: 4808835
    Abstract: A power generation cassette type power plant for marine electric propulsion includes a multiplicity of power generation units each being formed as a power generation cassette including a power generator, a prime mover, for example an internal combustion engine for driving the power generator and a support structure for supporting the power generator and the engine internally. The support structure is formed in the same shape as that of a container for transporting cargo. When the power generators of the multiplicity of power generation units are operated in parallel to each other to supply electric power to a load, controllers serve to share the load to the generators properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanari Tsuji, Yuji Tani, Akira Zaitsu, Kojiro Shimamoto, Masaaki Hashii, Ikuo Donoue, Hiromi Suzuki, Yoshihito Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 4752697
    Abstract: A cogeneration system including a heat engine driving an electrical generator coupled to electrical lines at a site serviced by a utility is disclosed. The system includes supervisory means for monitoring the electrical energy and/or power supplied by the generator, supplied to the site by the utility, and consumed by site electrical loads, for storing monitored electrical data, and for controlling operation of the engine and generator in response to the monitored data. The system further is provided with data representing the energy and power rate structure of the local utility, and with a real time clock, and stores monitored electrical data and controls operation of the system in accordance with whether the time corresponds to a utility peak, intermediate, or off-peak energy rate period or to a peak demand measuring period. The system further comprises means for monitoring the thermal energy transferred from the engine to a site thermal load by heat exchange means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: International Cogeneration Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Lyons, Richard Topper
  • Patent number: 4739180
    Abstract: An electric generator operatively connected to a gas turbine is driven by driving the gas turbine with high pressure hydrogen released from a hydrogen storage alloy which is contained in a first zone and which is heated by indirect heat exchange with a heating medium while reabsorbing the hydrogen discharged from the gas turbine in a hydrogen storage alloy which is contained in a second zone and which is cooled by indirect heat exchange with a cooling medium. By switching the flows of the heating and cooling media alternately, an electric energy may be continuously obtained from the electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Chioyda Chemical Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yanoma, Junichi Sakaguchi