GB2551353A

GB2551353A - Power generation system

Info

Publication number: GB2551353A
Application number: GB1610352.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rea Derek
Original assignee: Rea Derek
Priority date: 2016-06-14
Filing date: 2016-06-14
Publication date: 2017-12-20
Also published as: GB201610352D0

Abstract

A system alleged to generate power consists of a power initiation means 1, an inverter 2, a drive motor 4 and an alternator 5, and further comprises means to divert the power output from the alternator back to the drive motor. The power initiation means may be a 12V to 48V battery. The inverter may be linked to a control mechanism switch 3 for transfer of the start-up power to the running power. The drive motor may be single phase or three-phase. A gear or direct drive link may be provided between the motor and the alternator to maintain the correct rpm for the alternator. A direct link may be provided between the alternator and the motor to enable a proportion of the power from the generator to be diverted back to the motor to maintain its rpm. The link between the alternator and motor may include a transformer and a computerised voltage meter to regulate the alternator voltage output to increase or decrease the power provided to the motor. Power from the alternator may be output to a connection box to thereafter provide electricity to a selected area. The alternator and motor may be housed within modular portable framework.

Description

POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a power generation system. More especially the invention relates to a stand-alone unit for generating electricity.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is becoming increasingly important to find alternative ways to generate power efficiently.

The present invention seeks to provide a system for generating power using a system comprising a power initiation means, an inverter, a drive motor and an alternator.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect there is provided a system for generating power consisting of a power initiation means, an inverter, a drive motor and an alternator and further comprising means to divert power output from the alternator back to the drive motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

One embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figure which is a schematic illustration of a power generating unit constructed in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As can be seen in Figure 1 the system comprises a number of interlinked apparatus. All the apparatus can be incorporated into a stand along unit.

The apparatus comprises a power initiation means, preferably in the form of a 12V to 48V battery 1. The power initiation means may though take a number of standard forms, such as, for example but without limitation, a link to the main power grid, the provision of booster re-chargeable battery pack or a donkey generator motor.

The battery 1 is connected to an inverter 2 to convert the current from DC to AC. One such inverter 2 utilised by the applicant for this purpose is a pure sine wave 6000W inverter.

The use of an inverter or converter enhances power initiation and greatly increases the start-up power for the unit. This allows for full power start-up together with a back-up system that provides power in the event that the generator fails.

The inverter is linked to a control mechanism switch 3 for transfer of the start-up power to the running power.

The control mechanism switch is connected to a drive motor 4 which is in turn connected to an alternator 5.

The drive motor 4 is typically a single phase motor. It may however be a three-phase motor for provide controlled power to the system.

The drive motors 4 and alternator 5 may be housed within modular portable framework (not shown in any detail) which may be cladded for outside use. It is envisaged that the size of the overall frame structure will be roughly equivalent to that of a standard immersion heater. It is clear however that the size of the motors, and thus the housing will vary depending on the use and the power output required. A gearing or direct drive link is provided between the motor 4 and the alternator 5 to maintain the correct rpm for the generator alternator 5. A further direct link is provided between the alternator 5 and the drive motor 4 to enable a proportion of the power from the generator to be diverted back to the motor 4 to maintain its rpm.

In each case, once sufficient power to initiate the drive motor 4 is provided the batteries 1 can then be turned off. From then on the drive motor 4 is kept running by power diverted from the alternator 5.

The rest of the power provided by the alternator 5 is outputted through a connection box as electricity to the area and/or equipment required. The power output from the alternator 5 may be transferred back into the national grid for cost savings.

The link between the alternator 5 and the motor 4 includes a transformer (if the motor 4 runs at 110V) and a computerised voltage meter to regulate the voltage output of the alternator 5 along the link to increase or decrease the power provided to the motor 4. This will regulate the rpm of the motor 4 which, in turn, will increase or decrease the voltage.

The power required to drive the drive motor 4 is between 25% and 50% of the overall generator output. This depends on the size of motor required to drive the generator unit. The drive motor 4 may be, for example, a 110V or 240V single phase motor with a star delta starter. It may alternatively be a three-phase motor to allow the power to be controlled.

The power unit, used in conjunction with invertors and batteries provides a constant power together with back-up power for suitable for, for example, an electric vehicle.

The generator unit will require twice the power ordinarily required so it does not need to run at full power and to keep the unit efficient. The power will run through a distribution box and is controlled by micro-switches. This will control the speed of the motor and the cut-off switch for start-up power .

All parts of the unit, including the motor 4 and alternator 5 are of modular construction allowing parts to be easily reconditioned. The vast proportion of the running cost would be solely on maintenance and replacement parts. The unit can be portable but it may also have means to fix the unit in a permanent location.

The system may be stand-alone or may utilise an outside power source .

In an alternative embodiment a stand-alone system further includes soft start power inverters and a battery.

Power can be increased or decreased using a mechanism of geared motors and converters.

Such a system is more reliable and modular with a high power generation efficiency allowing the system to be applicable to certain forms of transport.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely an example of an embodiment and just some examples of its use. The skilled reader will readily understand that modifications can be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for generating power consisting of a power initiation means, an inverter, a drive motor and an alternator and further comprising means to divert power output from the alternator back to the drive motor .

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the power initiation means is a 12V to 48V battery.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inverter is linked to a control mechanism switch for transfer of the start-up power to the running power.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the control mechanism switch is further connected to the drive motor which is in turn connected to the alternator.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive motor is a single phase motor.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive motor is a three phase motor.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a gear or direct drive link provided between the motor and the alternator 5 to maintain the correct rpm for the generator alternator .

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a direct link provided between the alternator and the drive motor to enable a proportion of the power from the generator to be diverted back to the motor to maintain its rpm.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the link between the alternator and the motor includes a transformer and a computerised voltage meter to regulate the voltage output of the alternator along the link to increase or decrease the power provided to the motor.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising means transmit power from the alternator to a connection box to thereafter provide electricity to a selected area.

11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive motors and alternator are housed within modular portable framework.

12. A system substantially as hereinbefore described and referred to the in accompanying figure.