Method And Apparatus For Cogeneration Heat Recovery

Abstract

The present invention overcomes several disadvantages inherent in the operation of heat generating systems, particularly in the operation of engine-generators sets. The present apparatuses and methods increase the efficiency of these systems and provide means to economize fuel in their operation. The present invention applies to many type of engines and engines set combinations, but particularly to engine generator sets that run on fuels. Heat generating systems such as an engine-generator set are immersed in a medium similar, but not necessarily equal to, one used on oil cooled or liquid filled electrical transformers with high thermal conductivity and a high voltage rating. The medium in the unit recovers wasted heat (thermal energy). The heat recovered is transferred with a heat transfer unit or heat exchanger and utilized directly, as useful energy, for many purposes, such as heating, or cooling with the use of absorption or adsorption chillers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 519,638 filed 26 May 2011, the entire contents and substance of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to heat recovery from the operation of a heat generating system immersed in a medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to heat recovery, and the dampening of noise, generated by an internal combustion engine-generator set, enclosed in a thermally insulated housing, and immersed in a non-combustible medium with a high heat transfer value and a high level of electrical isolation capacity. The present invention allows recovery of wasted heat energy from the engine-generator set and dampens noise generated by the engine-generator set.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Engine-generator sets are used in countless applications where a read...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about apparatuses and methods for recovering heat generated during the operation of a heat generating system. The invention includes a thermally insulated housing, a medium in heat transfer communication with the heat generating system, and a heat recovery subsystem to recover heat from the medium. The recovered heat can be transferred to an adsorption chiller or a heater. The invention also includes a dampening subsystem to dampen at least a portion of the noise generated by the heat generating system. The recovered heat can be transferred to the medium without enclosing all components of the system. The technical effects of the invention include improved energy efficiency and reduced noise and vibration during operation."

Problems solved by technology

These sets are often used at construction sites, or outdoors where adverse weather conditions are unpredictable or unavoidable.

In these types of conditions, loss of electrical power due to the failure of the engine-generator set can result in a significant economic loss.

One problem plaguing the use of generator sets of this type is that these devices are noisy and uneconomical to operate.

Since they must be run continuously to supply electricity, the noise generated by the internal combustion engine is unsuitable for many purposes, including their use in residential areas.

Although many attempts have been made to enclose or house these units in special noise attenuation enclosures, these attempts have not been entirely satisfactory because, in addition to other problems, the level of noise reduction is not sufficient to effectively quiet the noise from the internal combustion engine.

Noise abatement structures applied externally to the engine-generator set results in bulky and expensive noise control systems.

Enclosures or housings supplied to reduce noise also tend to vibrate, thereby resulting in secondary noise emissions.

In addition, problems have been experienced with the air cooling systems in such enclosed generator sets.

Yet by enclosing the heat generating components, such as the internal combustion engine and alternator, with heat sensitive components, such as the starting battery and electrical controls, serious reliability issues arise.

Using an air cooled engine for a small enclosed stand-by engine-generator set is very cost effective compared to fluid cooled engines, however using an air cooled engine creates significant design issues related to purging the housing of the air rejected from an air cooled engine.

Another significant design issue is to prevent heated air from recirculation back into the engine air intake, especially in areas containing heat sensitive components.

While noise and housing problems exist, another potentially more serious problem with the present design of electrical generator sets is that while a generator set is in operation, approximately 60 to 70 percent of the fuel used in the engine is converted into waste heat.

This waste heat severely limits the efficiency of the generator set.

Images