JP4896081B2 - Cogeneration equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cogeneration apparatus, and more specifically, to a cogeneration apparatus including a heat exchanger that raises the temperature by exchanging heat of cooling water of an internal combustion engine that drives a generator with exhaust heat.

In recent years, a power generation unit composed of a generator driven by an internal combustion engine is connected to an AC power supply path from a commercial power system to an electrical load to supply power to the electrical load in conjunction with the commercial power system. A so-called cogeneration apparatus has been proposed in which hot water generated by using exhaust heat of an engine is supplied to a heat load, and a technique described in Patent Document 1 can be given as an example. In Patent Document 1, it is also proposed to provide an electric heater in the water circulation system to prevent the water circulation system from freezing when the outside air temperature is low.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-266243 (paragraph 0015, FIG. 1, etc.)

  By the way, a cogeneration apparatus is provided with the heat exchanger which heats the cooling water of an internal combustion engine by heat-exchanging with exhaust heat. When the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine passes through the heat exchanger, moisture contained in the exhaust gas may be condensed to become condensed water, which may stay in the exhaust path of the heat exchanger. When the cogeneration apparatus is stopped in such a state, when the outside air temperature decreases (specifically, when the temperature decreases to 0 ° C. or lower), the condensed water freezes and the exhaust path is blocked, thereby There was a risk that the next operation could not be performed.

  Thus, it is conceivable to arrange an electric heater for preventing freezing in the exhaust path of the heat exchanger as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, but in this case, the configuration of the apparatus becomes complicated and the power consumption increases. There is an inconvenience of doing.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, without complicating the configuration of the apparatus even when the condensed water of the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is frozen and the exhaust path of the heat exchanger is closed. An object of the present invention is to provide a cogeneration apparatus that can perform the next operation.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in claim 1, a generator that can be connected to an AC power supply path from a commercial power system to an electric load, and a power generation unit that includes an internal combustion engine that drives the generator, A cogeneration apparatus connected to the internal combustion engine and having at least a heat exchanger that heats the cooling water of the internal combustion engine by exchanging heat with exhaust heat, and the heat exchanger is output from the internal combustion engine When the pressure of the taken-in exhaust gas is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the intake port for taking in the exhaust gas, the first and second exhaust ports for discharging the taken-in exhaust gas, and the second exhaust port are arranged. And a pressure valve for opening the valve.

  In the cogeneration apparatus according to the second aspect, the second discharge port is configured to be provided above the first discharge port in the direction of gravity.

  The cogeneration apparatus according to claim 3 is configured to include a catalyst device disposed between the intake port and the first and second discharge ports.

  In the cogeneration apparatus according to a fourth aspect, the first and second discharge ports are configured to be connected to the muffler through independent exhaust passages.

  In the cogeneration apparatus according to claim 1, the heat exchanger connected to the internal combustion engine and heats the cooling water of the internal combustion engine by exchanging heat with the exhaust heat to take in the exhaust output from the internal combustion engine. An inlet, first and second exhaust ports for discharging the introduced exhaust gas, and a pressure valve that is disposed in the second exhaust port and opens when the pressure of the introduced exhaust gas exceeds a predetermined value. In other words, the heat exchanger has two outlets (first and second outlets) and a pressure valve is arranged at one outlet (second outlet). Exhaust gas introduced into the exchanger is discharged through the first discharge port during normal times (specifically, when the first discharge port is not closed), and the first discharge port is closed. When the pressure of the exhaust gas taken into the heat exchanger rises, the pressure valve opens. , And it is discharged through the second outlet.

  As a result, even if the first exhaust port, which is the exhaust path of the heat exchanger, is closed by freezing of condensed water generated by condensation of moisture in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas is discharged to the second exhaust port. Therefore, the next operation of the cogeneration apparatus can be performed without incurring a complicated configuration of the apparatus and an increase in power consumption.

  In the cogeneration apparatus according to claim 2, since the second discharge port is configured to be provided above the first discharge port in the direction of gravity, in addition to the above-described effects, in the second discharge port, Condensed water can be made difficult to stay as compared with the first discharge port, and the second discharge port can be prevented from being blocked by freezing of the condensed water.

  In the cogeneration apparatus according to claim 3, the heat exchanger is configured to include a catalyst device disposed between the intake port and the first and second exhaust ports, that is, taken from the intake port. Since the exhaust gas passes through the catalyst device and then is discharged through the first or second exhaust port, in addition to the above-described effect, the exhaust gas is purified by the catalyst device from both the first and second exhaust ports. The exhausted exhaust can be discharged.

  In the cogeneration apparatus according to claim 4, since the first and second discharge ports are configured to be connected to the muffler by independent exhaust passages, in addition to the above-described effects, the first discharge port and the muffler Even when the exhaust passage connecting the two is closed by freezing of condensed water, the exhaust can be exhausted by another exhaust passage connecting the second exhaust port and the muffler. It can be done reliably.

  The best mode for carrying out a cogeneration apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram generally showing a cogeneration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the code | symbol 10 shows a cogeneration apparatus. The cogeneration apparatus 10 includes a generator (in the figure) composed of a multipolar coil that can be connected to an AC power supply path (power line) 16 from a commercial power source (commercial power system) 12 to a domestic electrical load (electric load) 14. 20, an internal combustion engine (shown as “ENG” in the figure, hereinafter referred to as “engine”) 22, a power generation unit 26 including a power generation control unit 24, and an engine 22. An exhaust heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 30 that heats the cooling water of the engine 22 by exchanging heat with exhaust heat is provided, and is installed indoors.

  The commercial power supply 12 outputs AC power of 50 Hz (or 60 Hz) at 100/200 V AC from a single-phase three-wire. The power generation unit 26 is integrated and accommodated in the power generation unit case (housing) 32 together with the exhaust heat exchanger 30. Specifically, the power generation unit case 32 is divided into two chambers by a partition 32a, and the generator 20 and the engine 22 are arranged vertically in the right chamber in the figure, and the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is also arranged. On the other hand, the power generation control unit 24 is accommodated in the left chamber.

  The engine 22 is a water-cooled four-cycle single-cylinder OHV type spark ignition engine that uses city gas (or LP gas; hereinafter simply referred to as “gas”) as a fuel, and has a displacement of, for example, 163 cc. Although illustration is omitted, in the power generation unit case 32, the cylinder head and the cylinder block of the engine 22 are arranged in the horizontal (horizontal) direction, and one piston is arranged in the inside thereof so as to be able to reciprocate.

  The intake air supplied from the intake duct 22a is mixed by a mixer with gas (shown as “GAS” in the figure) supplied from a gas supply source via a solenoid valve (not shown), and the generated mixture is a combustion chamber. When it is ignited by a spark plug (not shown), it burns to drive the piston, and the power generation unit case 32 rotates the crankshaft connected to the piston in the longitudinal (gravity) direction. Thus, the generated exhaust gas flows from the exhaust pipe (not shown in FIG. 1) through the exhaust duct 34 connected to the power generation unit case 32 and is discharged outdoors.

  Reference numeral 36 indicates a passage (cooling water circulation passage) for cooling water (antifreeze) for cooling the engine 22. The passage 36 is formed so as to pass through a heat generating portion such as a cylinder block of the engine 22. Accordingly, the cooling water flowing inside the passage 36 is heated while exchanging heat with the heat generating portion to cool the engine 22 and also passes through the exhaust heat exchanger 30 and is heated.

  The generator 20 is fixed on a crankcase inside a flywheel (not shown) attached to the upper end of the crankshaft, and generates AC power when rotating relative to the flywheel. The output of the generator 20 is sent to the power generation control unit 24.

  Although not shown, the power generation control unit 24 includes an electronic control unit (Electronic Control Unit; hereinafter referred to as “ECU”) composed of a microcomputer, an inverter, and a DC / DC converter. The inverter converts the output of the generator 20 into AC100 / 200V (single phase) via a DC / DC converter or the like.

  The power generation output of the power generation unit 26 is about 1.0 kW. The output of the inverter is connected to the downstream side of the breaker 38 of the power supply path 16. The generator 20 also functions as a starter motor that cranks the engine 22 when energized from the commercial power supply 12 through the inverter. The ECU of the power generation control unit 24 switches the function of the generator 20 between the starter and the generator and controls the operation of the engine 22 and the like.

  The cogeneration apparatus 10 includes a hot air heating unit (thermal load) 40 in addition to the power generation unit 26.

  The hot air heating unit 40 includes an exhaust heat exchanger 42 connected to the cooling water passage 36 of the engine 22, a burner 44, and a sensible heat exchanger connected to the combustion gas intake / exhaust passage 44 a of the burner 44. 44b and the latent heat exchanger 44c, and the intake air is sent to both the exhaust heat exchanger 42 and the sensible heat exchanger 44b and the latent heat exchanger 44c to exchange heat, and the generated hot air is passed through the hot air passage A blower 46 for supplying air to the room and a hot air heating unit controller 50 are provided. The hot air heating unit 40 is accommodated in the hot air heating unit case 52 and connected to each room via a hot air passage (not shown).

  Hereinafter, the above-described configuration will be described individually. The power generation unit 26 and the hot air heating unit 40 are connected by a cooling water passage 36. That is, the cooling water passage 36 extends from the engine 22 toward the hot air heating unit 40 and is connected to the exhaust heat exchanger 42, where heat is exchanged with the cold air in each room sucked by the blower 46. It returns to the engine 22 through the exhaust heat exchanger 30.

  The cold air is heated by heat exchange in the exhaust heat exchanger 42 to become hot air, and is supplied to each room from a blower duct (not shown) through the hot air passage by the blower 46. Heat up. The burner 44 is a combustion fan that sucks air from outside through the intake / exhaust passage 44a, mixes it with the supply gas, and burns it. The combustion gas generated thereby passes through the sensible heat exchanger 44b and the latent heat exchanger 44c and is discharged to the outside from the intake / exhaust passage 44a.

  The sensible heat exchanger 44 b and the latent heat exchanger 44 c are heated by exchanging heat with air passing through a blower duct (not shown) of the blower 46. Specifically, the sensible heat exchanger 44b radiates heat up to the dew point of the combustion gas, and the latent heat exchanger 44c radiates heat below the dew point.

  While the blower 46 draws in cold air from each room, the temperature is raised by heat exchange in the exhaust heat exchanger 42, and hot air heated further by combustion of the burner 44 is blown from the air duct to each room. Heat each room.

  Similarly to the ECU of the power generation control unit 24, the hot air heating unit control unit (hereinafter referred to as “hot air control unit”) 50 also includes an ECU (electronic control unit) formed of a microcomputer. The ECU of the hot air control unit 50 is communicably connected to the ECU of the power generation control unit 24, and is also communicably connected to a remote controller 60 (generally showing the remote controllers in each room). The remote controller 60 is operated by a user and used for setting a target room temperature and the like.

  In FIG. 1, T is a temperature sensor 62 (generally indicating sensors in each room), 64, 66, P is a heat exhaust pump 70, V is a valve 72, and signal lines are partially omitted. These are electrically connected to the hot air control unit 50.

  The hot air control unit 50 drives the exhaust heat pump 70 and the valve 72 to pump the cooling water flowing through the passage 36 to the exhaust heat heat exchanger 42, and each room sucked by the cooling water flowing through the passage 36 and the blower 46. Heat exchange with cold air.

  Next, the operation of the hot air control unit 50 and the power generation control unit 24 when operating the cogeneration apparatus 10 in conjunction with the commercial power source 12 will be described. In the heating operation, the hot air control unit 50 is arranged in each room. The output of the temperature sensor 62 is compared with the target room temperature set by the user via the remote controller 60. When the detected temperature falls below the target room temperature, the power generation control unit 24 is instructed to operate the power generation unit 26. When the detected temperature reaches the target room temperature, the operation is stopped. Then repeat it.

  Further, when the detected room temperature does not reach the target room temperature even after the lapse of the specified time, or when the difference between the detected room temperature and the target room temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the hot air control unit 50 The burner 44 is operated and burned until it reaches the target room temperature, and warm air heated by the burner 44 is supplied to each room by the blower 46.

  When the power of the commercial power source (commercial power system) 12 is insufficient, the power generation control unit 24 operates the power generation unit 26 to supply power to the home electrical load 14.

  Further, in the case where a power failure occurs in the commercial power source 12, the operation when the cogeneration apparatus 10 is operated independently without being linked to the commercial power source 12 will be described. The unit 26 is activated, and thereafter, the power generation output is adjusted so that the voltage becomes constant according to the increase / decrease of the household electrical load 14.

  When the power generation unit 26 operates, heat output is generated even during idle operation where power generation output is not generated. However, the hot air control unit 50 performs heating similar to that at the time of connection with the commercial power source 12 according to the heat demand. Operate, burner drive, etc.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection relationship between the engine 22 housed in the power generation unit case 32 and the exhaust heat exchanger 30. In FIG. 2, the power generation control unit 24 and the like are not shown for simplification, and the input / output direction of the cooling water passage 36 is different from that in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is provided along the exhaust pipe 22 b of the engine 22. The cooling water passage 36 extends to the warm air heating unit 40 through heat generating parts such as the exhaust heat exchanger 30 and the cylinder block of the engine 22 and raises the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the heat exchange by heat exchange.

  FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an actual structure of the exhaust heat exchanger 30 schematically shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the exhaust heat exchanger 30 has a cylindrical shape, specifically, a cylindrical shape, and in the drawing (in the direction of gravity), exhaust gas output from the engine 22 is connected to an exhaust pipe 22b of the engine 22 at the top. An intake port 30a is formed. Further, a first exhaust port 30b for exhausting the exhaust gas taken in is formed in the lower part of the exhaust heat exchanger 30 in the gravity direction. Further, the upper portion of the exhaust heat exchanger 30, specifically, the upper portion in the direction of gravity from the first discharge port 30b and in the vicinity of the intake port 30a is taken in the same way as the first discharge port 30b. A second discharge port 30c is provided for discharging the exhaust.

  One end of a first exhaust hose 74 is connected to the first outlet 30b, and the other end of the first exhaust hose 74 is airtightly connected to the muffler 22c as shown in FIG. Similarly, one end of the second exhaust hose 76 is connected to the second exhaust port 30c, and the other end of the second exhaust hose 76 is airtightly connected to the muffler 22c. As described above, the first and second exhaust ports 30b and 30c are connected to the muffler 22c through independent exhaust passages (specifically, the first exhaust hose 74 and the second exhaust hose 76).

  The muffler 22c is airtightly connected to the exhaust duct 34 described above. Therefore, the exhaust gas discharged from the engine 22 passes through the first or second exhaust hoses 74 and 76 via the exhaust heat exchanger 30, and is discharged from the exhaust duct 34 to the outside while being silenced by the muffler 22c. In addition, a condensate water hose 78 is connected to the muffler 22c, and the condensate generated by the condensation of moisture in the exhaust gas by the muffler 22c is configured to be discharged outside the power generation unit case 32.

  A pressure release valve (pressure valve) is connected to the second exhaust port 30c of the exhaust heat exchanger 30 (more precisely, as shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion between the second exhaust port 30c and the second exhaust hose 76). ) 80 is arranged (inserted).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the pressure release valve 80 shown in FIG. 3 in an enlarged manner.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure release valve 80 is disposed above the valve body 80a on the paper surface of the valve body 80a and the valve body 80a disposed so as to close the second discharge port 30c. It comprises a stopper 80b for regulating displacement (deformation), a pressure release valve body 80c for accommodating the valve body 80a and the stopper 80b, and the like.

  The valve body 80a is made of an elastic material such as rubber and formed so as to be displaced (deformed) upward as indicated by an imaginary line when the pressure of the exhaust gas acting from the second discharge port 30c side is a predetermined value or more. Is done. The stopper 80b is made of a metal material and is formed so as to be refracted upward in the vicinity of the central portion thereof. The valve body 80a and the stopper 80b are overlapped as shown in the figure, and the ends (the right end in the drawing) of the valve body 80a and the stopper 80b are fixed to the heat exchanger 30 by bolts 80d. The pressure release valve body 80c is also screwed and fixed to the heat exchanger 30 by a bolt 80e.

  As a result, the pressure release valve 80 is closed when the pressure of the exhaust gas acting from the second discharge port 30c side is less than a predetermined value (specifically, the second valve body 80a is indicated by a solid line). On the other hand, the valve body 80a opens when it exceeds a predetermined value. More specifically, the valve body 80a is deformed upward as indicated by an imaginary line, and the second discharge port 30c is opened. It will be. The predetermined value (the operating pressure of the pressure release valve 80) is set to a value (for example, 100 kPa) that can be determined that the first discharge port 30b and the like are blocked by freezing of condensed water, as will be described later. .

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, a chamber 30 d is formed inside the exhaust heat exchanger 30. The chamber 30d is divided into a central portion and a circumferential portion by a porous partition 30e. A three-way catalyst device (catalyst device) 82 is accommodated in the central portion, and a honeycomb heat transfer tube 30f is formed in the circumferential portion. Is done. The three-way catalyst device 82 is disposed downstream of the intake port 30a and upstream of the first and second exhaust ports 30b, 30c in the flow of exhaust gas in the exhaust heat exchanger 30, that is, exhaust gas. It arrange | positions between the inlet 30a and the 1st, 2nd discharge ports 30b and 30c in a flow.

  Next, an exhaust flow path (exhaust path) in the exhaust heat exchanger 30 and a flow path of cooling water flowing from the passage 36 will be described. The exhaust gas output from the engine 22 and taken in through the exhaust pipe 22b and the intake port 30a is purified by flowing through the three-way catalyst device 82 as indicated by an arrow a, and then separated from the partition 30e as indicated by an arrow b. It flows upward between the heat transfer tubes 30f. Next, as indicated by an arrow c, the exhaust gas reaches the upper part inside the exhaust heat exchanger 30 and passes through the vicinity of the second exhaust port 30c.

  Since the pressure release valve 80 disposed at the second discharge port 30c is closed during normal times (when the first discharge port 30b or the like is not closed), the exhaust is transmitted as indicated by an arrow d. After flowing through the heat pipe 30f, it is discharged from the lower first discharge port 30b as indicated by an arrow e. As described above, the exhaust discharged from the first discharge port 30b flows to the muffler 22c and the exhaust duct 34 via the first exhaust hose 74.

  The cooling water passage 36 is connected to the exhaust heat exchanger 30 at the side, and the low-temperature cooling water enters the exhaust heat exchanger 30 through the opening 30g as indicated by an arrow f, and then transmits as indicated by arrows g and h. After the heat pipe 30f flows in a spiral shape and exchanges heat with the exhaust gas to raise the temperature (in other words, after exchanging heat with the exhaust gas and cools the exhaust gas), the passage from the opening 30h is indicated by an arrow i. Return to 36.

  As described above, when the exhaust of the engine 22 passes through the exhaust heat exchanger 30 and is cooled, more precisely, through the heat transfer tube 30f of the exhaust heat exchanger 30, the moisture contained in the exhaust is condensed. Condensate is generated. This condensed water is an exhaust path of the exhaust heat exchanger 30, specifically, as shown by a broken line in FIGS. 2 and 3, the portion where the heat transfer tube 30f is formed in the exhaust heat exchanger 30, the first exhaust port 30b. It may stay in the vicinity or in the first exhaust hose 74 or the like.

  For example, when the cogeneration apparatus 10 is stopped in a state where the condensed water stays, when the outside air temperature decreases (specifically, when the temperature decreases to 0 ° C. or lower), the condensed water freezes and the exhaust path is blocked. There is a risk that the next time the cogeneration apparatus 10 cannot be operated. An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-described problems.

  From that intention, the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is configured to include the second exhaust port 30c, the pressure release valve 80, and the like. That is, when the cogeneration apparatus 10 is started in a state where the exhaust path (the first exhaust port 30b, the first exhaust hose 74, etc.) of the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is closed due to the condensation water being frozen, the engine 22 The exhaust is taken into the exhaust heat exchanger 30 from the exhaust pipe 22b, and the pressure in the exhaust heat exchanger 30 gradually increases.

  When the pressure of the exhaust gas taken into the exhaust heat exchanger 30 exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure release valve 80 opens as described above. As a result, the exhaust gas in the exhaust heat exchanger 30, specifically the exhaust gas purified through the three-way catalyst device 82, passes through the second outlet 30 c and the pressure release valve 80 as indicated by an arrow k. , Flows through the second exhaust hose 76, the muffler 22c and the exhaust duct 34 and is discharged outdoors.

  Thus, even if the condensed water of the exhaust gas from the engine 22 is frozen and the first exhaust port 30b, which is the exhaust path of the exhaust heat exchanger 30, is closed, the exhaust gas is discharged to the second exhaust port 30c. Therefore, the cogeneration apparatus 10 can be operated without any trouble.

  Further, the exhaust before being cooled by the heat transfer tube 30f, that is, the exhaust at a relatively high temperature, is exhausted from the second exhaust port 30c. Accordingly, moisture in the exhaust is difficult to condense in the second exhaust port 30c, the pressure release valve 80, and the second exhaust hose 76 connected to the downstream side thereof, and therefore the second exhaust port 30c and the like are condensed water. It will not be blocked by freezing.

  When the cogeneration apparatus 10 is started, the temperature in the power generation unit case 32 gradually increases due to heat dissipation from the engine 22 or the like. As a result, the condensed water frozen at the first discharge port 30b is defrosted, the exhaust path of the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is opened, and the pressure in the exhaust heat exchanger 30 becomes less than a predetermined value. Thus, the pressure release valve 80 is closed. When the pressure release valve 80 is closed, the exhaust gas in the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is discharged through the first discharge port 30b.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the generator 20 that can be connected to the AC power supply path 16 from the commercial power system (commercial power source) 12 to the electrical load (home electrical load) 14 and the generator are driven. At least a power generation unit 26 comprising an internal combustion engine (engine) 22 and a heat exchanger (exhaust heat exchanger) 30 connected to the internal combustion engine and causing the cooling water of the internal combustion engine to exchange heat with exhaust heat to raise the temperature. In the cogeneration apparatus 10 provided, the heat exchanger 30 includes an intake 30a for taking in the exhaust gas output from the internal combustion engine, and first and second exhaust ports 30b and 30c for discharging the taken-in exhaust gas. And a pressure valve (pressure release valve) 80 that is disposed at the second discharge port and opens when the pressure of the introduced exhaust gas is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  That is, the exhaust heat exchanger 30 includes two discharge ports (first and second discharge ports 30b and 30c), and the pressure release valve 80 is disposed at one of the discharge ports (second discharge port 30c). Since the exhaust gas introduced into the exhaust heat exchanger 30 is normally discharged (specifically, when the first discharge port 30b is not closed), the exhaust gas is discharged through the first discharge port 30b. When the first exhaust port 30b is closed and the pressure of the exhaust gas taken into the exhaust heat exchanger 30 rises, the pressure release valve 80 opens, so that the exhaust is discharged through the second exhaust port 30c. It becomes. As a result, even if the first exhaust port 30b, which is the exhaust path of the exhaust heat exchanger 30, is closed due to the condensation water generated by condensation of moisture in the exhaust gas of the engine 22, the exhaust gas is exhausted. 2 can be discharged through the second discharge port 30c, so that the next operation of the cogeneration apparatus 10 can be performed without complicating the configuration of the apparatus and increasing the power consumption.

  Further, the second discharge port 30c is configured to be provided above the first discharge port 30b in the direction of gravity. As a result, the condensed water can be less likely to stay in the second outlet 30c than the first outlet 30b, and the second outlet 30c is prevented from being blocked by freezing of the condensed water. can do.

  The exhaust gas taken in from the intake port is configured to include a catalyst device (three-way catalyst device) 82 disposed between the intake port 30a and the first and second discharge ports 30b and 30c. After passing through the three-way catalyst device 82, the three-way catalyst is configured to be discharged through the first or second discharge ports 30b and 30c. The exhaust gas purified by the device 82 can be discharged.

  Further, the first and second exhaust ports 30b and 30c are configured to be connected to the muffler 22c by independent exhaust passages (first and second exhaust hoses 74 and 76). Even if the exhaust passage (first exhaust hose 74) that connects the second exhaust port 22c and the muffler 22c is blocked by freezing of the condensed water, another exhaust passage that connects the second exhaust port 22c and the muffler 22c ( Exhaust gas can be discharged by the second exhaust hose 76), so that the next operation of the cogeneration apparatus 10 can be performed reliably.

  In the above description, the driving source of the generator 20 is a gas engine using city gas / LP gas as fuel, but it may be an engine using gasoline fuel or the like. Moreover, although the electric power generation output of the electric power generation unit 26, the displacement of the engine 22, etc. were shown by the specific value, these are illustrations and are not limited.

  In the embodiment, the AC power output from the commercial power source 12 is set to 100 / 200V. However, when the AC power output from the commercial power source 12 exceeds 100 / 200V, the corresponding voltage is output from the power generation unit 26. Needless to say.

1 is a block diagram generally showing a cogeneration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the connection relationship of the internal combustion engine (engine) accommodated in the electric power generation unit case shown in FIG. 1, and an exhaust heat exchanger. It is sectional drawing which shows the actual structure of the exhaust heat exchanger typically shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which expands and shows the pressure release valve shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Cogeneration apparatus, 12 Commercial power supply (commercial power system), 14 Domestic electric load (electric load), 16 Feeding path, 20 Generator, 22 Engine (internal combustion engine), 22c Muffler, 26 Power generation unit, 30 Exhaust heat exchange (Heat exchanger), 30a inlet, 30b first outlet, 30c second outlet, 74 first exhaust hose (exhaust passage), 76 second exhaust hose (exhaust passage), 80 pressure release Valve (pressure valve), 82 Three-way catalyst device (catalyst device)

Claims (4)

A generator that can be connected to an AC power supply path from a commercial power system to an electric load, and a power generation unit that includes the internal combustion engine that drives the generator, and the cooling water of the internal combustion engine that is connected to the internal combustion engine exhausts heat. In a cogeneration apparatus comprising at least a heat exchanger that raises the temperature by exchanging heat with the heat exchanger,
a. An intake for taking in the exhaust gas output from the internal combustion engine;
b. First and second outlets for discharging the taken-in exhaust;
c. A pressure valve disposed at the second exhaust port and opened when a pressure of the taken-in exhaust gas exceeds a predetermined value;
A cogeneration apparatus comprising:   The cogeneration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second discharge port is provided above the first discharge port in the direction of gravity. d. A catalyst device disposed between the intake and the first and second outlets;
The cogeneration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The cogeneration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second discharge ports are connected to a muffler through independent exhaust passages.

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