Integrated system for providing heating and electrical power to an enclosure

Abstract

A co-production system for providing heating and electrical power to an enclosure, the system including a heat engine for heating the enclosure and providing electrical power to the enclosure. A first conduit coupled to the heat engine is configured to move a fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure to transfer thermal energy from the fluid to the enclosure. The system further includes a heat pump configured to provide at least heating and cooling to the enclosure. At least a second conduit is coupled to the heat pump. The second conduit is configured to move a fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure to transfer thermal energy from the fluid to the enclosure.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201880052130.6, which is entitled "Cogeneration System and Method for Generating Heat and Electricity" and has entered the Chinese national phase with the international application PCT / US2018 / 039310 filed on June 25, 2018.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 525,513, filed June 27, 2017, entitled “COGENERATION SYSTEM FORGENERATING HEATING, COOLING, AND / OR ELECTRICITY,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This document relates to, but does not claim priority to, U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 16 / 017,296 (IMB0002PA1), 16 / 017,050 (TMB0002PA2), and 16 / 017,187 (IMB0002PA3), all of which were filed on the same date as this application. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to a cogeneration system, and more specifically to a cogeneration system for generating heating, cooling and / or electrical energy. Background Technology

[0005] Today, many communities receive electricity from central power plants (such as power plants) via transmission and distribution networks (also known as power grids). Centralized power plants typically process fuels (such as coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, or oil) to produce heat energy, which drives a heat engine to produce mechanical work, which is then converted into electrical energy. These power plants may include prime movers (such as steam or gas turbines) to perform the work. Using the heat energy produced by processing fuels (such as through combustion or chemical reactions), a prime mover can be driven to work (e.g., using dynamic gas or vapor pressure). The prime mover is typically connected to a generator to convert mechanical work into electrical energy. The generator can generate electricity in response to the motion of the prime mover (e.g., the rotation of a shaft connected to the prime mover). This electrical energy can then be provided to consumers via the transmission and distribution lines of the network. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosure may include: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosure and supply electrical energy to it; a heat pump configured to heat and cool the enclosure; a first conduit connected to the heat engine; a second conduit connected to the heat pump; and a third conduit connected to the heat pump, wherein the heat pump may be configured to simultaneously provide heating and cooling to the enclosure. The first conduit may be filled with a first heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure. The second conduit may be filled with the first heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure. The third conduit may be filled with the second heat transfer fluid, and the third conduit may be configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the enclosure to provide cooling to the enclosure.

[0007] The heat engine may also include a heat exchanger, and a first conduit may be connected to the heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the heat engine to the enclosed body. The first and second conduits may be configured and arranged to transfer heat energy to the enclosed body via a first heat transfer fluid to provide spatial heating to the enclosed body. The cogeneration system may also include a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a heating system associated with the enclosed body, and the first and second conduits may be fluidly connected to the heating system heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the heating system heat exchanger to provide heating to the enclosed body. The cogeneration system may be combined with a heating system associated with the enclosed body. The cogeneration system may also include a thermal storage system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a thermal storage system associated with the enclosed body, and the first and second conduits may be fluidly connected to the thermal storage system heat exchanger to transfer energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system heat exchanger. The cogeneration system may be combined with a thermal storage system. The thermal storage system may be a hot water storage tank, and a first conduit and a second conduit may be fluidly connected to a heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to transfer heat energy from a first heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to heat the water in the hot water storage tank. The cogeneration system may also include a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a cooling system associated with the enclosure, and a third conduit may be fluidly connected to the cooling system heat exchanger such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the enclosure to provide cooling to the enclosure. The cogeneration system may incorporate a cooling system associated with the enclosure.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first and second heat transfer fluids may contain ethylene glycol. The heat engine may also include a generator, and the heat pump may be an electric motor. The generator may be configured and arranged to selectively supply electrical energy to the electric motor of the heat pump. The heat pump may be configured and arranged to provide heating and cooling to the enclosure without requiring the operation of the heat engine. The heat engine may be configured and arranged to provide heating and electrical energy to the enclosure without requiring the operation of the heat pump. The heat engine and heat pump may be configured and arranged to operate simultaneously, such that the heat engine provides heating and electrical energy to the enclosure and provides electrical energy to enable the heat pump to operate, and the heat pump provides heating and cooling to the enclosure.

[0009] In another embodiment, the cogeneration system for providing heating and electrical energy to an enclosure may include: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosure and provide electrical energy to it; a heat pump configured to heat the enclosure; a first conduit connected to the heat engine; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump and the first conduit. The first conduit may be filled with a heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to it. The second conduit may be filled with a heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to it. The first and second conduits may be fluidly connected such that the heat transfer fluid in the first conduit is the same as the heat transfer fluid in the second conduit.

[0010] The first conduit may be connected in series to the second conduit, such that heat transfer fluid moves from the second conduit to the first conduit, or vice versa. The heat engine may also include a heat exchanger, and the first conduit may be connected to the heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the heat exchanger to a closed system, and the heat pump may also include a condenser. The second conduit may be connected to the condenser to transfer heat energy from the condenser to the closed system. In one embodiment, the first conduit is connected in series to the second conduit, such that heat transfer fluid moves from the condenser of the heat pump to the heat exchanger of the heat engine, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the cogeneration system may further include a valve connecting the first conduit to the second conduit, and the first conduit may be connected in parallel with the second conduit, such that heat transfer fluid from the first conduit is selectively mixed with heat transfer fluid from the second conduit by the valve. The heat engine may further include a heat exchanger, and a first conduit may be connected to the heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the heat exchanger to the closed body. The heat pump may further include a condenser, and a second conduit may be connected to the condenser to transfer heat energy from the condenser to the closed body. The first conduit may be connected in parallel to the second conduit, such that the heat transfer fluid moving through the condenser of the heat pump is selectively mixed by a valve with the heat transfer fluid moving through the heat exchanger of the heat engine. In an embodiment, the heat transfer fluid in the first conduit and the heat transfer fluid in the second conduit contain ethylene glycol. The cogeneration system may further include a third conduit connected to the heat pump. The third conduit may be filled with heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to a heat source, such that the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the heat source, which in turn causes the heat pump to operate, thereby providing cooling to the closed body. The first and second conduits may form a separate piping system with the third conduit, such that the closed body absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid in the first and second conduits, while the heat transfer fluid in the third conduit absorbs heat energy from the heat source. The heat transfer fluid in the third conduit may not be mixed with the heat transfer fluid in the first and second conduits.

[0011] In another embodiment, the cogeneration system for providing heating and electrical energy to the enclosure may include: a heat engine configured to generate heating and electrical energy to the enclosure; a heat pump configured to generate heating to the enclosure; a heat storage tank constructed and arranged to transfer heat energy from a region outside the enclosure to the heat pump; a heat storage system associated with the enclosure and including a heat storage system heat exchanger; a first conduit connected to the heat engine; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump. The first conduit may be filled with a first heat transfer fluid and may be constructed and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the heat storage system heat exchanger, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the heat storage system. The second conduit may be filled with the first heat transfer fluid and may be constructed and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the heat storage system heat exchanger, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the heat storage system. The first and second conduits can be fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, so that the first heat transfer fluid from the first and second conduits is transferred to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to store thermal energy within the thermal storage system.

[0012] The thermal storage system may be a hot water storage tank, and a first conduit and a second conduit may be fluidly connected to a heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to transfer a first heat transfer fluid from the first conduit and the second conduit to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, thereby transferring heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the fluid in the hot water storage tank. The cogeneration system may also include a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a heating system associated with the enclosure, and the first conduit and the second conduit may be fluidly connected to the heating system heat exchanger to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the first conduit and the second conduit to the heating system heat exchanger to provide heating to the enclosure. The cogeneration system may also include a third conduit connected to a heat pump, the third conduit being filled with a second heat transfer fluid, and the third conduit being configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to a heat source, where the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the heat source. The first and second conduits are fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, such that a first heat transfer fluid is transferred from the first and second conduits to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to store thermal energy within the thermal storage system, and a third conduit is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the cooling system to transfer a second heat transfer fluid from the cooling system heat exchanger to the heat pump for cooling the enclosed body.

[0013] In another embodiment, the cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to a closed body may include: a heat engine configured to generate heating and electrical energy to the closed body; a heat pump configured to generate heating and cooling to the closed body; a first conduit connected to the heat engine; a second conduit connected to the heat pump; a third conduit connected to the heat pump; and a valve device. The first conduit may be filled with a first heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the closed body, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the closed body to provide heating to the closed body. The second conduit may be filled with the first heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the closed body to provide heating to the closed body. The third conduit may be filled with a second heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the closed body to provide cooling to the closed body. The valve device can be configured and arranged to selectively connect a first conduit and a second conduit to deliver a first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide at least one of space heating and water heating, and to selectively connect a third conduit to deliver a second heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide at least one of space cooling and thermal energy for the heat pump.

[0014] The cogeneration system may further include a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosure, and a valve device configured and arranged to selectively connect a first conduit and a second conduit to the heating system to selectively transfer a first heat transfer fluid to the heating system heat exchanger via the first and second conduits. The cogeneration system may also include a thermal storage system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a thermal storage system associated with the enclosure, and a valve device configured and arranged to selectively connect a third conduit to the thermal storage system to selectively transfer a second heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system heat exchanger via the third conduit. The cogeneration system may incorporate a thermal storage system associated with the enclosure. The valve device may be configured and arranged to selectively connect a third conduit to the thermal storage system heat exchanger to selectively transfer a heat transfer fluid to a heat pump via the third conduit. The cogeneration system may also include a heat storage unit configured and arranged to be coupled to a heat storage system heat exchanger associated with the enclosure, and the valve device may be configured and arranged to selectively connect a third conduit to the heat storage system heat exchanger to selectively transfer a second heat transfer fluid to the heat storage unit via the third conduit.

[0015] In another embodiment, the cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to the enclosure may include: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosure and supply electrical energy to it; a heat pump configured to heat and cool the enclosure; a first conduit connected to the heat engine; a second conduit connected to the heat pump; and a third conduit connected to the heat pump. The heat engine may be configured to supply electrical energy to operate the heat pump. The first conduit may be filled with a first heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to it. The second conduit may be filled with the first heat transfer fluid and may be configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to it. The third conduit may be filled with a second heat transfer fluid, and the third conduit may be configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the enclosure to provide cooling to the enclosure.

[0016] The cogeneration system may further include: a generator configured and arranged to be connected to a heat engine; an energy storage system configured and arranged to be connected to the generator via one or more cables; and a switchboard configured and arranged to be connected to the generator and configured to distribute electrical energy to the enclosure. The energy storage system may be configured to receive electrical energy supplied by the generator and selectively transfer that electrical energy to one of the heat pump and the switchboard. The cogeneration system may further include a grid isolation device configured and arranged to isolate the switchboard from the grid metering. The cogeneration system may further include a grid isolation device configured and arranged to isolate the switchboard from the grid metering if the enclosure is receiving electrical energy from the generator connected to the heat engine. The cogeneration system may further include a grid isolation device configured and arranged such that electrical energy generated by the generator associated with the heat engine can be transferred to one or more energy suppliers.

[0017] In another embodiment, the cogeneration system for providing heating to at least the enclosure may include: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosure; a heat pump configured to heat the enclosure; a first conduit connected to the heat engine; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump. The cogeneration system may also be used to provide electrical energy to the enclosure, and the heat engine is configured to heat the enclosure and provide electrical energy to it. The first conduit may be filled with a first heat transfer fluid configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure. The second conduit may be filled with the first heat transfer fluid and configured to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure. The first and second conduits may be fluidly connected and configured to isolate the first heat transfer fluid between the first and second conduits in at least one of proportional and adiabatic manner.

[0018] The heat engine may also include a heat exchanger, and a first conduit may be connected to the heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the heat engine to the enclosed body. The cogeneration system may also include a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a heating system associated with the enclosed body, and the first and second conduits may be fluidly connected to the heating system heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the heating system heat exchanger to provide spatial heating to the enclosed body. The cogeneration system may also include a thermal storage system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a thermal storage system associated with the enclosed body, and the first and second conduits may be fluidly connected to the thermal storage system heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system heat exchanger. The thermal storage system may be a hot water tank, and the first and second conduits may be fluidly connected to the thermal storage system heat exchanger to transfer heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system heat exchanger to heat water in the hot water tank. The hot water tank may include one or more heat exchangers. The cogeneration system may further include: a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a cooling system associated with a closed enclosure; a third conduit coupled to a heat pump, the third conduit being filled with a second heat transfer fluid and configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed enclosure, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the closed enclosure to provide cooling to the closed enclosure. The third conduit may be fluidly coupled to the cooling system heat exchanger, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the closed enclosure to provide cooling to the closed enclosure, and the heat pump may be configured to simultaneously provide heating and cooling to the closed enclosure. The first and second heat transfer fluids may contain ethylene glycol. The heat engine may further include a generator, and the heat pump may further include an electric motor. The generator may be configured and arranged to selectively provide electrical energy to the electric motor of the heat pump.

[0019] A heat pump can be constructed and arranged to provide heating and cooling to an enclosed space without requiring the operation of a heat engine; a heat engine can be constructed and arranged to provide heating and electrical energy to the enclosed space without requiring the operation of a heat pump; or the heat engine and heat pump can be constructed and arranged to operate simultaneously, such that the heat engine provides heating and electrical energy to the enclosed space and provides electrical energy to enable the heat pump to operate, and the heat pump provides heating and cooling to the enclosed space. The heat engine and heat pump can be constructed and arranged to operate simultaneously, such that the heat engine provides heating and electrical energy to one or more parts of the enclosed space and provides electrical energy to enable the heat pump to operate, and the heat pump provides heating and cooling to one or more parts of the enclosed space.

[0020] The cogeneration system may further include: a thermal storage system associated with the enclosed space and including one or more heat exchangers; and a thermal storage tank. The third conduit may be fluidly connected to the thermal storage system and the thermal storage tank to move second heat transfer fluid from one or more heat exchangers of the thermal storage system in a first direction to supply heat energy to the thermal storage tank to prevent excessive ice buildup on the thermal storage tank, and to move second heat transfer fluid from the thermal storage tank in a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the second heat transfer fluid to the one or more heat exchangers of the thermal storage system. The cogeneration system may also include a valve device configured and arranged to selectively connect the first and second conduits to deliver the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosed space to provide at least one of space heating and water heating, and to selectively connect the third conduit to deliver the second heat transfer fluid to the enclosed space to provide at least one of space cooling, water cooling, and thermal energy to the heat pump. The cogeneration system may further include: a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosure; and a thermal storage system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a thermal storage system associated with the enclosure. The valve device may be configured and arranged to selectively connect a first conduit and a second conduit to at least one of the heating system and the thermal storage system, wherein selective coupling to the heating system allows selective transfer of a first heat transfer fluid via at least one of the first and second conduits to the heating system heat exchanger to provide space heating, and selective coupling to the thermal storage system allows selective transfer of a first heat transfer fluid via at least one of the first and second conduits to the thermal storage system heat exchanger to provide water heating. The cogeneration system may further include a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a cooling system associated with the enclosure. The valve device can be configured and arranged to selectively connect the third conduit to at least one of a cooling system and a thermal storage system, wherein selective connection to the cooling system allows heat energy to be absorbed into a second heat transfer fluid in the third conduit via a heat exchanger of the cooling system to provide space cooling, and selective connection to the thermal storage system allows heat energy to be absorbed into a second heat transfer fluid in the third conduit via a heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to provide at least one of water cooling and thermal energy for the heat pump.

[0021] In embodiments, the cogeneration system described herein may incorporate a cooling system associated with an enclosed structure. The cogeneration system may incorporate a heating system associated with an enclosed structure. The cogeneration system may incorporate a heat storage system associated with an enclosed structure. The cogeneration system may be integrated with an enclosed structure. The enclosed structure may be a building. The enclosed structure may be a motor vehicle. The cogeneration system may be configured and arranged as an auxiliary power unit. The auxiliary power unit may be used for a motor vehicle. The auxiliary power unit may be used for an enclosed structure. The heat pump may be a vapor compression heat pump. The heat engine may include a fuel combustion engine. The heat engine may be a closed-loop Brayton cycle heat engine.

[0022] In one embodiment, a method of providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosure using a cogeneration system may include: generating thermal and electrical energy through the operation of a heat engine; providing thermal energy through the operation of the electrical energy of the heat engine using a heat pump; transferring thermal energy from the heat engine and the heat pump to a first heat transfer fluid; and providing at least one of space heating and water heating to the enclosure via the first heat transfer fluid at a heat exchanger of a heating system associated with the enclosure, configured and arranged to be coupled to the enclosure. The method may further include providing space cooling to the enclosure via a second heat transfer fluid through the operation of the heat pump, the second heat transfer fluid absorbing thermal energy from the enclosure at a heat exchanger of a cooling system associated with the enclosure, wherein at least one of space heating and water heating of the enclosure is provided simultaneously with space cooling of the enclosure.

[0023] The method may further include providing thermal energy to a heat exchanger of a thermal storage system, the heat exchanger being configured and arranged to be coupled to a thermal storage system associated with an enclosed body. Prior to providing thermal energy to the heat exchanger, at least one of space heating and water heating may be provided to the enclosed body. Thermal energy may be provided to the thermal storage system periodically to maintain the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage system above a certain threshold level. The method may further include providing thermal energy from the heat exchanger to a second heat transfer fluid, and providing thermal energy from the second heat transfer fluid to a heat storage tank to prevent excessive ice buildup on the heat storage tank. The method may further include providing thermal energy from the heat exchanger to the second heat transfer fluid, and providing thermal energy to a heat pump by absorbing thermal energy from the second heat transfer fluid to enable the heat pump to operate. The method may further include providing electrical energy to an energy storage system, the energy storage system being configured and arranged to selectively transfer electrical energy to at least one of a heat pump and a distribution panel.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, a method of providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosure using a cogeneration system may include: generating heat and electrical energy by operating a heat engine; providing heat energy by operating a heat pump; transferring the heat energy from the heat engine and heat pump to a first heat transfer fluid; and moving the first heat transfer fluid through a valve device configured and arranged to distribute the first heat transfer fluid to one or more cogeneration system components. The method may further include providing at least one of space heating and water heating to the enclosure via the first heat transfer fluid at a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosure, thereby moving a second heat transfer fluid through a valve device configured and arranged to distribute the second heat transfer fluid to one or more cogeneration system components without contact with the first heat transfer fluid, and providing space cooling to the enclosure via the second heat transfer fluid by operating a heat pump, the second heat transfer fluid absorbing heat energy from the enclosure at a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a cooling system associated with the enclosure.

[0025] The method may further include: moving a first heat transfer fluid from at least one of a heat engine and a heat pump through a valve device along a first direction to supply heat energy to a heating system heat exchanger to provide heating to the enclosed body; and moving the first heat transfer fluid from the heating system heat exchanger through the valve device along a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the first heat transfer fluid to at least one of the heat engine and the heat pump, thereby allowing the first heat transfer fluid to absorb more heat energy from at least one of the heat engine and the heat pump. The method may further include: moving a second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump through a valve device along a first direction to receive heat energy from a cooling system heat exchanger to provide cooling to the enclosed body; and moving the second heat transfer fluid from the cooling system heat exchanger through the valve device along a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the second heat transfer fluid to the heat pump, wherein more heat energy is transferred from the second heat transfer fluid to the heat pump. The method may further include: moving a second heat transfer fluid from a first thermal storage system heat exchanger and through a valve device along a first direction to supply heat energy to a heat pump to operate the heat pump; and moving the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump and through the valve device along a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the second heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system heat exchanger. The method may further include: moving the second heat transfer fluid from the first thermal storage system heat exchanger and through a valve device along a first direction to supply heat energy to a thermal storage tank to prevent excess ice buildup on the thermal storage tank; and moving the second heat transfer fluid from the thermal storage tank and through the valve device along a second direction opposite to the first direction to return the second heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system heat exchanger.

[0026] In another embodiment, a method of providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a cogeneration system may include: generating thermal and electrical energy through the operation of a heat engine; providing thermal energy through the operation of a heat pump; transferring the thermal energy from the heat engine and heat pump to a first heat transfer fluid; providing at least one of space heating and water heating to the enclosed body via the first heat transfer fluid at a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosed body; and providing thermal energy to a thermal storage system heat exchanger via at least one of the first and second heat transfer fluids configured and arranged to be coupled to a thermal storage system associated with the enclosed body.

[0027] The method may further include providing spatial cooling to the enclosure via a second heat transfer fluid that absorbs heat energy from the enclosure at a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a cooling system associated with the enclosure. The method may also include supplying electrical energy generated by the heat engine to one or more energy suppliers. Heat energy may be periodically supplied to the thermal storage system to maintain the thermal energy stored in the system above a certain threshold level.

[0028] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a cogeneration system including a heat engine and a heat pump that provides heating, cooling and electrical energy to an enclosed body, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a cogeneration system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the generation of energy.

[0031] Figure 3 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, it includes directing... Figure 1 The diagram shows a combined system of a Brayton cycle heat engine and a vapor compression heat pump that provides heating, cooling and electrical energy within a closed enclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a Brayton cycle heat engine operatively connected in series to a vapor compression heat pump.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system including a vapor compression heat pump operatively connected in series with a Brayton cycle heat engine, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to supply space heating and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a heat engine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to supply water heating and electrical energy to a closed body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a combined heat and power system configured to supply space to an enclosed body using a heat engine, as well as water heating and electrical energy, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat engine to provide electrical energy to a closed body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump to provide space heating to an enclosed body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump to supply water for heating to a closed body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump to supply space and water heating to an enclosed body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump to provide space cooling to an enclosed body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump to provide water heating and space cooling to an enclosed space, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump to remove ice at the contact point with a heat storage device such as an external heat exchanger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to provide space heating to an enclosed body using a heat pump and a thermal storage system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to supply space heating and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a heat pump, a heat engine, and a thermal storage device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to provide water heating and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a heat pump and a heat engine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a combined heat and power system configured to supply space, water heating, and electricity to an enclosed space using a heat pump and a heat engine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to provide space cooling and electrical energy to an enclosed space using a heat pump and a heat engine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a combined heat and power system configured to supply water heating, space cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed space according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to use a heat pump and a heat engine to remove ice at the contact points with the heat storage tank and to provide electrical energy to the enclosure, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system configured to supply space heating and electricity to an enclosed body using a heat pump, a heat engine, and a thermal storage system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] These and other features of this embodiment will be better understood by reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Systems and methods for cogeneration systems configured to provide heating, cooling, and / or electrical energy to enclosed structures are disclosed. As discussed in more detail below, in one embodiment, the system is configured for use with enclosed structures such as residential, municipal, commercial, or any other type of building (e.g., home or office). As described below, in another embodiment, the system is configured as an auxiliary power unit (APU) and can be configured for use with enclosed structures such as vehicles (including various types of automobiles, including but not limited to long-haul trucks). In yet another embodiment, the system is configured as an APU and can be configured for a variety of mobile applications, including but not limited to military temporary power systems, microgrids, and marine applications.

[0054] As discussed in more detail below, the system can broadly include heat engines and heat pumps that can operate together or separately to provide heating, cooling, or electrical energy (or a combination thereof). The heat engine can provide heating or electrical energy (or both) to the enclosure. In some examples, the heat energy generated by the heat engine can also be used for, for example, process heating. In some examples, the cogeneration system can also be configured to transfer electrical energy generated by the heat engine to the power grid. A first conduit attached to or otherwise coupled to the heat engine is filled with a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid allows the heat energy generated by the heat engine to be used to heat the enclosure. The system also includes a heat pump that can heat or cool the enclosure (or both). The heat pump can provide heating and cooling to the enclosure simultaneously or one at a time. Second and third conduits coupled to the heat pump can be filled with heat transfer fluids. The second conduit is constructed and arranged to allow the heat energy generated by the heat pump to be transferred to the enclosure for space heating and / or water heating. The third conduit is constructed and arranged to allow heat energy to be absorbed from the enclosure by the heat transfer fluid to provide space cooling.

[0055] General Overview

[0056] Thermal power plants (such as those including central power plants) are not efficient at supplying electricity to consumers (e.g., generating and distributing electricity). For example, many central power plants have a generation efficiency of less than 50%. This poor efficiency is likely due to heat losses (e.g., waste heat) inherent in the conversion of heat energy into electrical energy. The efficiency of such centralized systems can decrease further as the distance of electricity transmission from the power source to the consumer increases. Heat losses (e.g., heat) occur as electricity is transmitted along the distribution lines (i.e., the power grid) that connect consumers to the central power plant. As a result, it is estimated that only about 34% of the energy generated from fuel processed by the central power plant can be provided to consumers.

[0057] Once electricity is generated, managing its distribution presents numerous challenges. For example, supplier-side management (SSM) techniques are often used to manage electricity distribution. Such techniques may involve generating electricity based on the power plant's demand or environmental conditions rather than on the user's demand or environmental conditions. For instance, when a power plant is more efficient (e.g., when fuel costs are high or consumer demand is low), it may generate less electricity than its rated capacity. As a result, electricity distribution is based on the availability of power generated by the central power plant rather than consumer demand. Therefore, there may not be enough electricity to meet consumer demand during certain periods of the year (e.g., peak demand periods). In many such cases, users may suffer from power losses (e.g., power outages).

[0058] Therefore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a system and method for a cogeneration system configured to provide heating, cooling, and / or electrical energy to an enclosed structure are disclosed. As mentioned above, the enclosed structure can be any type of building, such as, but not limited to, fixed structures, houses, offices, retail buildings, schools, hotels, and / or factories. In some other embodiments, the enclosed structure can be a mobile platform, such as a campervan, bus, mobile home, or semi-trailer tractor. The system includes a heat engine and a heat pump, which can operate together or separately to provide heating, cooling, or electrical energy (or a combination thereof) to the enclosed structure. As discussed in more detail below, a heat engine (e.g., a closed-loop turbine Brayton cycle heat engine) can provide heating or electrical energy (or both) to the enclosed structure by processing a working fluid contained therein to generate thermal energy. In other embodiments, the heat engine can be configured differently, such as, but not limited to, an open-loop Brayton cycle (e.g., a jet engine), an Otto cycle gas piston engine, a diesel engine, a steam or organic Rankine cycle engine, a fuel cell, a Stirling engine, or a thermoelectric generator. The first conduit attached to or otherwise connected to the heat engine is filled with a heat transfer fluid, such as, but not limited to, ethylene glycol or water. In a general sense, a heat transfer fluid is a medium (e.g., a liquid or gas or other phase change material) capable of absorbing and transferring heat energy. The heat transfer fluid makes it possible to use the heat energy generated by the heat engine or heat pump (or both) to heat an enclosed space.

[0059] In one embodiment, the heat energy generated by the heat engine can also be stored in one or more thermal storage devices. These devices maintain or retain the thermal energy that can be used to improve system performance. For example, in one embodiment, when the external temperature is very low and below a level where people can effectively operate a heat pump, the stored thermal energy can be used as a heat source by the heat pump. As described below, in one embodiment, the stored thermal energy can also be used for other purposes, such as removing ice from the contact points with the thermal storage device, such as an external heat exchanger, or recovering thermal energy to prevent energy consumption in the environment and improve the performance of the cogeneration system.

[0060] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the cogeneration system can be configured to operate without using electrical energy from an energy supplier via the grid. For example, in one embodiment, a heat engine can provide electrical energy to operate a heat pump. This off-grid operation allows the enclosure to operate without the risk of frequent power outages due to fluctuations in energy demand associated with an energy supplier. In one embodiment, the heat engine provides electrical energy to operate both the heat pump and the enclosure. In one embodiment, the cogeneration system may also include other energy-generating devices, such as, but not limited to, solar panels, to supply electrical energy to operate the enclosure or the heat pump (or both). In one embodiment, the cogeneration system may include one or more energy storage devices, such as batteries or capacitors, to store energy generated by the heat engine (or other energy-generating devices) for future use or as backup power.

[0061] The system also includes a heat pump configured to heat and / or cool an enclosure (or both). In one embodiment, the heat pump is configured as a vapor compression cycle heat pump, and in another embodiment, the heat pump may be configured as a reverse Brayton cycle, thermoelectric, or other form of heat pump. By transferring thermal energy from a working fluid contained therein to a heat transfer fluid in the system, the heat pump can provide heating and cooling to the enclosure simultaneously or one at a time. Generally, the working fluid can be a gas or a liquid, such as propane. As described below, in one embodiment, both the second and third conduits coupled to the heat pump are filled with a heat transfer fluid. In one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid is the same fluid in each of the first, second, and third conduits of the cogeneration system. Depending on the given application, the heat transfer fluid in the second conduit can transfer thermal energy generated by the heat pump to the enclosure for space heating and / or water heating. Additionally, the heat transfer fluid in the third conduit can absorb thermal energy from the enclosure to provide space cooling, or absorb thermal energy from the surrounding environment via a heat storage tank to enable the heat pump to operate. In one embodiment, the use of the heat transfer fluids in the second and third conduits allows for space cooling of some enclosure areas while providing heating to another enclosure area. According to this disclosure, the configuration of multiple cogeneration systems will be readily apparent.

[0062] Exemplary cogeneration system application

[0063] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a cogeneration system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a heat engine 100 and a heat pump 400 providing heating, cooling, and / or electricity to an enclosure 500. As previously described herein, there are many drawbacks associated with receiving electrical energy solely from a central power station. Therefore, the cogeneration system of the present disclosure can provide a more reliable and efficient alternative to traditional centralized power distribution systems. More specifically, the cogeneration system described herein is configured to locally generate heat and electricity to meet the heating, cooling, and electrical needs of an enclosure (e.g., a home, commercial or other building or vehicle). Thus, according to one embodiment, consumers may not need to rely on a centralized power station via the grid to obtain electricity. Furthermore, consumers may not need to be constrained by the fluctuating requirements (e.g., the availability and cost of electricity) common to centralized power systems. In one embodiment, the cogeneration system of the present disclosure can be connected to the enclosure's existing heating, cooling, and distribution systems. In another embodiment, the cogeneration system can replace existing heating and cooling systems. Regardless of its installation method, the cogeneration system of the present disclosure eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems and backup generators. In another embodiment, when the cogeneration system 10 generates more electrical energy than the enclosure requires, the cogeneration system 10 can supply power to the grid.

[0064] Additionally, the combined power system described herein can also be used as a power source when no commercially available power source is available. In one embodiment, the combined power system 10 can be an auxiliary power unit used with a stationary (e.g., a home or office building) or mobile (e.g., a motor vehicle) platform. In one embodiment, the combined power system 10 can be configured to replace a conventional backup energy source, such as a generator, to provide energy during periods of power shortage (e.g., a power outage). The combined power system can be configured to connect to or otherwise interface with an existing temporary or auxiliary electrical system within an enclosed space. In other embodiments, the combined power system can be configured as an auxiliary power unit (APU) to provide energy to a mobile platform (e.g., a long-haul truck). Generally, an APU can be a device that provides energy to a vehicle but functions differently from the function that causes the vehicle to move. For example, in some embodiments, the combined power system 10 can be used to provide heating, cooling, and / or electrical energy to an occupant compartment (e.g., the cab of a truck) to allow occupants to remain comfortably in the vehicle when the main drive engine is not running (e.g., not idling). Therefore, heating, cooling, and / or electrical energy can be provided to the vehicle's compartments (e.g., the cab of a truck or the cargo space of a trailer) without the main drive engine running. As a result, truck fleet owners and operators can reduce fuel costs, engine hours, maintenance, and service costs because the vehicle's main drive engine is not used for extended periods when the vehicle is not in operation (e.g., when the driver is resting overnight). In some embodiments, the cogeneration system 10 can provide electrical energy, heating, and cooling to long-haul trucks or their trailers (or both). In some other embodiments, the cogeneration system 10 can also provide electrical energy to charge one or more of the vehicle's batteries. Regardless of the availability of commercial power, the cogeneration systems of this disclosure provide heating, cooling, and / or electrical energy to the enclosed space. Broadly speaking, Figure 1 The illustrated cogeneration system 10 includes a heat engine 100, multiple conduits 200, cables 300, a heat pump 400, and a enclosure 500. In some embodiments, the heat engine 100 and the heat pump 400 may be configured and arranged as a single unit or device housed within a common enclosure (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown by the dashed lines in the diagram). In other embodiments, the heat engine 100 and the heat pump 400 may be placed separately from each other to install or otherwise connect the cogeneration system to the enclosure 500. As further described herein, regardless of their installation, the heat engine 100 and the heat pump 400 provide thermal or electrical energy (or both) to the enclosure 500 via conduit 200 and cable 300.

[0065] The cogeneration system 10 includes a heat engine 100 for converting thermal energy (e.g., heat) into work that can be used to generate electricity. The heat engine 100 processes fuel (e.g., wood chips, coal, oil, propane, natural gas, or other biogas) to generate thermal energy. When the fuel is processed or otherwise consumed, the heat engine 100 generates work (e.g., mechanical work such as rotating a shaft), which can be used to generate electricity to operate other components of the cogeneration system 10 (e.g., heat pump 400). In one embodiment, the generated electricity may also be supplied to a centralized power generation system (e.g., a power grid) depending on the electrical energy demand of the enclosure 500. In addition to generating electricity, the heat engine 100 may also generate thermal energy (e.g., heat) when it processes fuel to produce mechanical work. This thermal energy may be transferred to one or more components of the cogeneration system 10 or the enclosure 500, as discussed further herein.

[0066] One or more conduits 200 attached to heat engine 100 are used to distribute heat energy within cogeneration system 10. Conduits 200 transfer heat transfer fluid from heat engine 100 to one or more components of cogeneration system 10. Generally, heat transfer fluid is a medium (e.g., a liquid or gas) capable of absorbing and transferring heat energy. In one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid comprises ethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the heat transfer fluid comprises water. In yet another embodiment, the heat transfer fluid is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol. Depending on the given application, conduits 200 may be filled with a common heat transfer fluid, or different conduit segments may contain different fluids. In an exemplary embodiment, conduits 200 may be pipes, conduits, tubing, or other piping systems for transferring heat transfer fluid to various components of cogeneration system 10. Conduits 200 may be constructed and arranged to form separate high-temperature and low-temperature heat transfer fluid paths or loops. Each path may include one or more fluid pumps for moving the heat transfer fluid through conduits 200. A heat transfer fluid can absorb heat energy from a high-temperature thermal energy storage unit (e.g., heat engine 100) and transfer it to a low-temperature thermal energy storage unit (e.g., a heat exchanger). Those skilled in the art will recognize that pumps, valves, distributors, or other fluid flow devices integrated into or otherwise connected to conduit 200 can be used to move the heat transfer fluid through the cogeneration system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the cogeneration system 10 may include proportional valves to direct the heat transfer fluid from the enclosure 500 back to the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405. As a result, the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 can operate at different outputs, thereby improving system efficiency. Many piping system configurations will be apparent according to this disclosure.

[0067] One or more cables 300 are also attached to the heat engine 100 for distributing the electrical energy generated by the heat engine 100 to other components of the cogeneration system 10. For example, the cable 300 can electrically connect the heat engine 100 to the heat pump 400 so that the heat pump 400 can operate using the electrical energy provided by the heat engine 100. Depending on the given application in which the cogeneration system 10 operates, the cable 300 can also connect the heat pump 400 to the enclosure 500 to provide alternative electrical energy sources (such as the power grid or a battery) to operate the heat pump 400.

[0068] The cogeneration system 10 includes a heat pump 400 for transferring thermal energy (e.g., heat) from a high-temperature storage unit to a low-temperature storage unit. As those skilled in the art will understand, the heat pump 400 is a device for transferring thermal energy from a heat source to a space or object (e.g., a radiator) at a relatively low temperature. In operation, the working fluid of the heat pump 400 both absorbs and transfers thermal energy. More specifically, the high-temperature working fluid of the heat pump 400 transfers thermal energy to a heat transfer fluid via a heat exchanger (also called a condenser), which in turn transfers heat to the enclosure 500. Additionally, the low-temperature working fluid of the heat pump 400 absorbs thermal energy from another heat transfer fluid in communication with a high-temperature source (e.g., the area surrounding the enclosure 500), enabling the low-temperature working fluid to be converted into a high-temperature fluid, thereby providing thermal energy. To accomplish this heat transfer process, power is input into the cogeneration system 10 in the form of electrical energy supplied to the heat pump 400. Depending on the given application in which the cogeneration system 10 operates, the power source for operating the heat pump 400 may include, but is not limited to, the heat engine 100, a battery, or the power grid.

[0069] like Figure 1As shown, the cogeneration system 10 also includes an enclosed body 500 that receives thermal and electrical energy from the heat engine 100 and the heat pump 400. In a general sense, the enclosed body 500 can be any space or area where electrical or thermal energy (or both) is used, for example, to operate electrical appliances. In an exemplary embodiment, the enclosed body 500 is a residence, such as a single-family home. In other embodiments, the enclosed body 500 can be any type of building or structure, such as, but not limited to, churches, schools or other government buildings, multi-family structures (e.g., apartments or condominium buildings), retail (e.g., department stores or restaurants), or commercial structures (e.g., office buildings or factories). In other embodiments, the enclosed body 500 can be a mobile platform, such as a motor vehicle, campervan, bus, mobile home, or long-haul truck (e.g., a semi-trailer truck). Thermal energy generated by the heat engine 100 or the heat pump 400 (or both) is transferred to the enclosed body components via heat transfer fluids carried by multiple conduits 200 and other piping system components. Similarly, electrical energy provided by the heat engine 100 is transferred to one or more components of the enclosed body 500 via cables 300. Some conduits 200 serve as supply and return lines to move heat transfer fluid between the enclosure 500 and the heat engine 100 or heat pump 400 (or both). Conduits 200 and cables 300 have already been described earlier herein. Many other enclosure configurations will be apparent from this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 2This is a block diagram of a cogeneration system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating energy generation. Typically, the cogeneration system 10 of this disclosure can supply energy to meet the heating, cooling, and electrical needs of an enclosed space (e.g., a home or office building) while using significantly less energy compared to current systems (or combinations of systems) currently available on the market. For example, as described herein, in one particular embodiment, the cogeneration system 10 can operate using between 20% and 50% less energy than current systems. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat engine 100 can use approximately 13.9 kW of fuel (e.g., oil, natural gas, or propane) to generate up to 5 kilowatts (kW) of electrical energy. It can be seen that the fuel consumed by the heat engine 100 is converted into heat energy (e.g., 8.9 kW) and electrical energy (e.g., 5.0 kW). Some of the heat energy (e.g., 1.4 kW) is waste heat or unused heat, which is transferred to areas outside the enclosed space 500 (e.g., the surrounding environment) during heat engine operation. The remaining thermal energy (e.g., 7.5 kW) can be transferred into the enclosure for space heating or water heating (or both). In addition to thermal energy, the heat engine 100 can also generate electrical energy. It can be seen that the heat engine 100 can generate electrical energy (e.g., 5 kW), which can be used to power the heat pump 400 or the enclosure 500. Once received, the heat pump 400 uses the electrical energy from the heat engine 100 to generate thermal energy. During operation, the heat pump 400 absorbs thermal energy (e.g., 6.8 kW) from the surrounding environment to generate thermal energy (e.g., 10.8 kW), which can be used to supply space heating or water heating (or both) to the enclosure 500. In one example, the cogeneration system can receive thermal energy directly from the environment (e.g., thermal energy stored in a thermal storage tank such as a body of water or underground). In this case, the ducts of the cogeneration system can contact the thermal storage tank (e.g., a lake or river within the environment or a portion of underground within the environment) to receive thermal energy from it. In other examples, as will be further described herein, the cogeneration system can indirectly receive thermal energy from the environment by using, for example, a heat exchanger. The cogeneration system 10 can generate approximately 18.3 kW of thermal energy (at an ambient temperature of -10°C) and 1 kW of electrical energy for use by the enclosure 500. It can be seen that the cogeneration system 10 can be configured to provide sufficient energy (thermal and electrical) to the enclosure 500 without using electrical energy from an energy supplier via the grid. Therefore, the cogeneration system 10 can be used for off-grid operation. However, as will be further described herein, in one embodiment, the cogeneration system 10 can also be used as a grid drainer (e.g., an energy consumer) or energy source (e.g., an energy provider) in response to fluctuating demand for available energy.

[0071] Exemplary combined heat engine and heat pump system

[0072] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cogeneration system 15 including a closed-loop Brayton cycle heat engine 105 (hereinafter referred to as heat engine 105) and a vapor compression heat pump 405 (hereinafter referred to as heat pump 405) to supply... Figure 1 The enclosed space 500 shown provides heating, cooling, and electrical energy. A first conduit 200A is attached to or otherwise connected to a heat engine 105, and is filled with a heat transfer fluid so that the heat energy generated by the heat engine can be used to heat the enclosed space. The heat transfer fluid may be a first heat transfer fluid. A second conduit 200E and a third conduit 200F are connected to a heat pump 405, and are also filled with a heat transfer fluid. The second conduit 200E is constructed and arranged to allow heat energy generated by the heat pump 405 to be transferred to the enclosed space for space heating and / or water heating. The third conduit 200F is constructed and arranged such that the heat transfer fluid can absorb heat energy from the enclosed space to provide space cooling. The heat transfer fluid associated with the second conduit 200E may be the first heat transfer fluid associated with the first conduit 200A, and the heat transfer fluid associated with the third conduit 200F may be a second heat transfer fluid. The first conduit 200A and the second conduit 200E may be fluidly connected and configured to isolate a first heat transfer fluid between the first conduit 200A and the second conduit 200E in at least one of proportional and thermal insulation manner. As described in further detail below, the first heat transfer fluid may pass proportionally between the first conduit 200A and the second conduit 200E through the valve device 510.

[0073] As can be seen, the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 are connected in parallel to each other via conduits 200A and 200E, allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow to each component in separate paths. This type of configuration allows the cogeneration system 15 to move the heat transfer fluid without experiencing heat loss due to the movement of the heat transfer fluid through the heat engine 105 or heat pump 405 when the heat transfer fluid is not operating. In an exemplary embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 may include the heat engine 105, the heat pump 405, and the enclosure 500.

[0074] heat engine

[0075] The cogeneration system 15 includes a heat engine 105 to generate heat and electricity to operate one or more other components of the system 15 (e.g., a heat pump 405). In some embodiments, a closed-loop Brayton cycle heat engine (e.g., heat engine 105) offers several advantages over other types of heat engines. These advantages include, for example, higher efficiency, smaller mass and size, longer engine maintenance intervals, imperceptible vibration, and flexible packaging. In an exemplary embodiment, heat engine 105 is a turbine and is capable of generating up to 5 kilowatts (kW). In other embodiments, heat engine 100 may be an open-loop Brayton cycle (e.g., a jet engine), an Otto cycle gas piston engine, a diesel engine, a steam or organic Rankine cycle engine, a fuel cell or Stirling engine, or a thermoelectric generator. Depending on the given application, the type of heat engine implemented in the cogeneration system 15 can be selected based on a number of factors, including electrical efficiency, emissions, fuel flexibility, and tuner ratio. As can be seen, the heat engine 105 includes a heat source 110, an expander 120, a heat engine regenerator 130, a heat exchanger 140, a compressor 150, a heat source regenerator 160, and a generator 170.

[0076] Heat engine 105 includes a heat source 110 for transferring thermal energy to a working fluid. The heat source 110 operates as a heat storage device to raise the temperature of the working fluid when it comes into contact with the heat source 110. The working fluid can be a gas or liquid that actuates or otherwise operates the machine. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat source 110 is a combustion device that includes, for example, a burner and a combustion chamber. The heat source 110 generates thermal energy through the combustion of fuel (e.g., fossil or renewable fuel). Attached to the heat source 110 are a fuel pipe 113, an intake pipe 116, and an exhaust pipe 119 to facilitate combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber of the heat source 110. The fuel pipe 113 is adapted to supply fuel, such as oil, propane, or natural gas, to the combustion chamber of the heat source 110. In some other embodiments, the fuel pipe is configured to supply renewable fuels, such as biofuels, including, for example, wood chips and biomass or biofuels (biogas, biooil), renewable fuels. As can be seen, the intake pipe 116 is also attached to the heat source 110. The intake pipe 116 is adapted or otherwise configured to supply air to the heat source 110 for combustion of fuel therein. Once the fuel is consumed, exhaust gases can exit the heat source via the exhaust pipe 119 attached thereto. The exhaust pipe 119 is configured to transport the exhaust gases from the heat source 110 to the surrounding environment. According to this disclosure, many other heat source configurations will be apparent.

[0077] The heat engine 105 includes an expander 120 for changing the pressure of the working fluid from high pressure to low pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the expander 120 is a turbine expander, such as a radial flow turbine, in which high-pressure gas expands to generate work, such as mechanical motion of a shaft. The output work of the expander 120 can be used to operate the compressor 150 during the operating cycle of the heat engine 105 to compress the working fluid at another point. Additionally, as will be further described herein, the work generated by the expander 120 can be used to operate the generator 170 to generate electrical energy. In some other embodiments, the expander 120 may be an axial flow turbine or a positive displacement mechanism. When it generates work through the expander 120, the pressure of the working fluid decreases to a lower pressure, but remains at a relatively high temperature compared to the ambient environment. Therefore, the efficiency of the heat engine 105 can be improved by transferring some of the heat energy from the low-pressure working fluid to the high-pressure working fluid shortly afterward during the closed cycle of the engine 105.

[0078] Heat engine 105 includes a heat engine regenerator 130 (hereinafter referred to as regenerator 130) to transfer thermal energy from the high-temperature working fluid exiting expander 120 to other low-temperature working fluids. In a general sense, regenerator 130 is a device for recovering waste heat energy (e.g., heat). In an exemplary embodiment, regenerator 130 recovers or absorbs thermal energy from the high-temperature working fluid exiting expander 120 and transfers it to other low-temperature working fluids before entering heat source 110. As a result, heat source 110 consumes less fuel because the working fluid entering heat source 110 is at a higher temperature, thus improving the overall efficiency of heat engine 105. In an exemplary embodiment, regenerator 130 is a vertical flat-plate counter-current heat exchanger that physically separates the high-temperature working fluid from the low-temperature working fluid. During operation, the high-temperature working fluid flows through regenerator 130 and contacts a surface, such as a wall or panel. Through this contact, the panel absorbs thermal energy from the high-temperature working fluid through convection. The heat energy is transferred through the wall via conduction and absorbed by the low-temperature working fluid in contact with the opposite surface of the panel. In another embodiment, the regenerator 130 can be a counter-current heat exchanger, such as a horizontal plate or a honeycomb heat exchanger. Although heat energy has already been absorbed from the high-temperature working fluid, more heat energy can still be recovered from it. Therefore, the efficiency of the heat engine 105 can still be improved while recovering this additional heat energy.

[0079] The heat engine 105 also includes a heat exchanger 140 for transferring thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the working fluid of the heat engine 105 to the heat transfer fluid of the cogeneration system 15. As described above, the working fluid exiting the heat engine regenerator 130 contains thermal energy removed from the working fluid (and the heat engine), which can be used elsewhere within the cogeneration system 15 (e.g., to heat the enclosure 500) or discharged to a heat storage tank. In a general sense, the heat exchanger 140 can be a device for transferring thermal energy between a solid object and a fluid, or between two or more fluids. In some applications, two or more fluids can be separated by barriers (e.g., walls, pipes, or panels) to prevent fluid mixing. In other applications, the fluids can be in direct contact with each other (e.g., mixed together). In an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 140 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. In such embodiments, as will be described in more detail herein, the heat exchanger 140 enables the absorption of thermal energy from the working fluid of the heat engine 105 and its transfer to the heat transfer fluid of the cogeneration system 15 to provide thermal energy (e.g., heat) to the enclosure 500. In other embodiments, heat exchanger 140 may be a plate or shell-and-plate heat exchanger. Regardless of its specific configuration, heat exchanger 140 reduces the amount of unrecovered heat energy (e.g., waste heat) generated by engine 105, thus improving the overall efficiency of heat engine 105.

[0080] The heat engine 105 also includes a compressor 150 for moving the working fluid from a low pressure to a high pressure. Generally, the compressor 150 can be a mechanical device that increases gas pressure by reducing the volume of the contained gas. As described above, the working fluid entering the compressor 150 is at a low pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) when flowing through the expander 120. Work is input to the cogeneration system 15 to compress the working fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressor 150 receives input (e.g., mechanical work in the form of a rotating shaft) from the expander 120. Because the working fluid flows through the compressor 150, the pressure of the working fluid increases significantly, but the temperature of the working fluid increases only slightly. Therefore, the working fluid can move to the heated heat source 110, thus preparing for the next heat engine operating cycle.

[0081] In some embodiments, the heat engine 105 may include a heat source regenerator 160 for transferring heat energy from exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe 119 to the low-temperature air flowing through the intake pipe 116. In a general sense, the heat source regenerator 160 is a device for recovering waste heat energy (e.g., heat), such as a heat exchanger. More specifically, the heat source regenerator 160 recovers or absorbs heat energy from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 119 and transfers it to the low-temperature air flowing through the intake pipe 116, which then enters the heat source 110. As a result, since the air entering the heat source 110 is at a temperature higher than the ambient air temperature, less fuel is used to raise the temperature of the working fluid, thus improving the overall efficiency of the heat engine 105.

[0082] The heat engine 105 also includes a generator 170 for generating electricity using the output of work provided by the expander 120. In a general sense, the generator 170 is a device that converts mechanical energy (e.g., a rotating shaft) into electrical energy for use. In an exemplary embodiment, the generator 170 may be a variable-speed generator having an operating range of 50,000 to 80,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and capable of generating up to 5 kW of electrical energy. In some other embodiments, the generator 170 may be an electric motor-type generator that uses a permanent magnetic field and a commutator to generate direct current. In other embodiments, the generator 170 may be a direct current or alternating current generator having coils of wire rotating in a magnetic field to generate electrical energy. Many other generator configurations will be apparent according to this disclosure.

[0083] heat pump

[0084] The cogeneration system 15 also includes a heat pump 405 for supplying or removing heat energy from the enclosure 500. As previously described, the heat pump 405 is configured to supply heat energy to the enclosure 500. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat pump 405 is an advanced vapor compression cycle heat pump. In some such embodiments, the heat pump 405 is a two-stage compression cycle heat pump. In other embodiments, the heat pump 405 may be a solid-state or other chemical reaction process for absorbing or removing heat energy. Regardless of its configuration, the heat pump 405 can operate in a temperature range between -10 degrees Celsius (°C) and 15°C. In some applications, note that the heat pump 405 can still supply heat energy to the enclosure 500 even when the ambient temperature is as low as -30°C. As a result, the cogeneration system 15 can be installed and operated in most locations where a heating system is in operation.

[0085] Heat pump 405 includes a working fluid that absorbs heat energy from one thermal energy storage unit and transfers it to another. Generally, the working fluid can be a machine-actuated gas or liquid. In an exemplary embodiment, the working fluid of heat pump 405 is propane. Propane has several advantages over synthetic materials, including lower cost, lower toxicity, and less environmental impact. In some other embodiments, the working fluid can be a refrigerant. Regardless of its working fluid, heat pump 405 can be configured, for example, with an hermetically sealed package to prevent the working fluid from contaminating or otherwise contacting the surrounding environment. Such a package allows heat pump 405 to operate safely outside the enclosure 500 with a variety of different working fluids. In contrast, conventional heat pump systems move the working fluid through the enclosure. As a result, conventional heat pumps have a limited amount of working fluid that can be safely used within the enclosure. Heat pump 405 of this disclosure is not limited to this. More specifically, heat pump 405 can use a variety of different types of working fluids because it can be sealed and packaged to prevent fluid leakage into the surrounding environment. Additionally, the working fluid of the heat pump 405 can be retained outside the enclosure 500, where it can be safely used and contained without posing a danger to the occupants inside the enclosure 500. As a result, the heat pump 405 uses less working fluid because the working fluid is retained in the pump 405 rather than being moved to transfer heat to the enclosure 500.

[0086] Heat pump 405 may include an electric motor 410, a compressor 420, a condenser 430, a pressure reducing valve 440, and an evaporator 450. In a general sense, electric motor 410 converts electrical energy (e.g., electrical energy from generator 170) into mechanical work (e.g., rotating a shaft). As will be further described herein, the work output from electric motor 410 can be used to operate compressor 420. In an exemplary embodiment, electric motor 410 is an alternating current (AC) motor. In some embodiments, electric motor 410 is a direct current (DC) motor. Regardless of its configuration, electric motor 410 provides work to operate heat pump 405.

[0087] As can be seen, the heat pump 405 is coupled to or otherwise connected to the heat engine 105 to receive electrical energy via the generator 170 and cable 300. In one embodiment, when operating, the heat engine 105 can supply electrical energy to power the heat pump 405, thereby avoiding the use of electrical energy from a supplier (e.g., the power grid) that may be expensive or not always available. The cogeneration system 15 can also be alternatively configured to electrically connect the heat pump 405 to the power grid and / or one or more energy storage systems via cable 300 to receive electrical energy from sources other than the heat engine 105 when it may be undesirable or impossible to operate the heat engine 105.

[0088] The heat pump 405 also includes a compressor 420 for increasing the pressure and temperature of the working fluid of the heat pump 405. In a general sense, note that the compressor 420 can be a mechanical device that increases gas pressure by reducing the volume of the contained gas. In other words, the compressor 420 can be a device that moves the working fluid from a low pressure to a high pressure. During operation, the compressor 420 receives input, such as work, from the electric motor 410. This work is used to operate the compressor 420, in which the working fluid is compressed. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressor 420 can be a scroll compressor. In some other embodiments, the compressor 420 can be a rotary piston or reciprocating piston compressor. During operation, the working fluid enters the compressor 420 at a relatively low pressure and temperature. Once compressed, the working fluid (e.g., propane gas) undergoes an increase in temperature and pressure.

[0089] In one embodiment of a vapor compression heat pump, heat pump 405 may further include a condenser 430 for transferring heat energy from the working fluid of heat pump 405 to the heat transfer fluid of cogeneration system 15. Generally, condenser 430 may be a device such as a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat energy from one fluid or solid to another. As described above, the working fluid exits compressor 420 and contains a certain amount of heat energy. This heat energy can be used elsewhere within cogeneration system 15, for example, to heat enclosure 500. More specifically, condenser 430 absorbs heat energy from the working fluid and transfers it to the heat transfer fluid. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid increases, making it usable to provide heat to enclosure 500 (e.g., space or water heating). On the other hand, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid decrease due to the transfer of heat energy to the heat transfer fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, condenser 430 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. In such embodiments, the working fluid and heat transfer fluid may be separated by barriers (e.g., walls, pipes, or panels) to prevent fluid mixing. In other embodiments, the condenser 430 may be a plate or plate-and-shell heat exchanger. Many other condenser configurations will be apparent from this disclosure.

[0090] In one embodiment, the heat pump 405 may also include a pressure reducing valve 440 (also referred to as an expansion valve) to reduce or lower the pressure of the working fluid. Generally, the pressure reducing valve 440 may be a device that reduces the fluid's input pressure at its output to a specific value, thereby regulating the fluid flow rate. As described above, the working fluid exits the condenser 430 at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. To prepare the working fluid for the next operating cycle, the pressure of the working fluid within the heat pump 405 will be reduced. The working fluid may flow or otherwise pass through the pressure reducing valve 440 to reduce its pressure. Additionally, as the working fluid expands as it moves through the pressure reducing valve 440, the temperature of the working fluid also decreases.

[0091] In one embodiment of a vapor compression heat pump, heat pump 405 may further include an evaporator 450 that enables the working fluid to absorb heat energy from another thermal energy source or storage device. Broadly speaking, evaporator 450 may be a device such as a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat energy from one fluid to another. In an exemplary embodiment, evaporator 450 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger configured to transfer heat energy from the heat transfer fluid of cogeneration system 15 to the working fluid of heat pump 405. In such embodiments, the working fluid and heat transfer fluid may be separated by barriers (e.g., walls, pipes, or panels) to prevent fluid mixing. In other embodiments, evaporator 450 may be a plate or shell-and-plate heat exchanger. As described above, the working fluid's temperature has decreased when it leaves pressure reducing valve 440. To increase its temperature, the working fluid may flow or otherwise move through evaporator 450. More specifically, evaporator 450 absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid and transfers it to the working fluid. As a result, the temperature and pressure of the working fluid increase.

[0092] The heat pump 405 also includes a heat storage device, such as an external heat exchanger 460, for transferring heat energy from the surrounding environment to a heat transfer fluid. As previously described, a heat exchanger can be a device configured to transfer heat energy from one fluid or gas to another. In an exemplary embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 includes an external heat exchanger 460, such as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, configured to function as a heat source or radiator depending on a given application. A heat source is a medium that transfers heat energy to another medium or device, while a radiator is a medium that absorbs heat energy from another medium or device. More specifically, the heat storage device can transfer heat energy from ambient air to the heat transfer fluid, thereby serving as a heat source to increase the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. In other embodiments, heat energy can be transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the ambient air via the external heat exchanger 460. In such embodiments, the heat exchanger 460 can function as a radiator that absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid for transfer and release into the ambient air. Due to the radiator, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid decreases. Additionally, note that a single or common heat exchanger configuration reduces both manufacturing / installation costs and system complexity compared to systems with multiple outdoor heat exchangers. In other embodiments, heat exchanger 460 may be a plate or shell-and-plate heat exchanger. In such embodiments, the external heat exchanger 460 may be operated using a low-pressure heat transfer fluid. In other embodiments, the cogeneration system 15 may include more than one heat storage unit, depending on the given application. In some other embodiments, the heat storage unit may be a geothermal system or integrated with a geothermal system to transfer heat energy to or from the ground. During operation, the heat transfer fluid exits the evaporator 450 at a temperature lower than the ambient air temperature. The heat transfer fluid may then flow through the heat exchanger 460, where it absorbs heat energy from the ambient air. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid increases, allowing it to supply heat energy to the working fluid of the heat pump 405 at the evaporator 450 in the next cycle, as previously described herein.

[0093] In some embodiments, heat pump 405 can be configured to receive heat energy from the surrounding environment without an outdoor heat exchanger. In this case, one or more conduits in fluid communication with heat pump 405 can be installed in the environment such that the conduits are in contact with a heat storage device present in the environment (e.g., buried underground or in a body of water). Heat energy from the heat storage device (e.g., geothermal energy) is transferred to the conduits, and a low-temperature heat transfer fluid moves therein to increase the fluid temperature. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid can be returned via one or more conduits to operate heat pump 405. Various other methods of transferring heat energy to the heat transfer fluid used to operate the heat pump will be apparent according to this disclosure.

[0094] Closed body

[0095] As described above, in one embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 further includes a closed enclosure 500, wherein thermal and electrical energy generated by the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 can be provided for providing heating, cooling, and / or electrical energy. Figure 3 As can be seen, the enclosure 500 may include a valve assembly 510 (including but not limited to a manifold), an internal heat exchanger 520, a thermal storage system 530, a power board 540, a grid metering system 550, a grid disconnector 560, a control panel 570, an energy storage system 580, and / or a solar panel 590. The valve assembly 510 may be configured to selectively connect to one or more conduits 200 to receive heat transfer fluid flowing from the heat engine 105 or the heat pump 405 (or both). Typically, the valve assembly 510 may be a single device such as a valve block, or a group of devices such as a set of individual valves, which guides or otherwise directs the flow of heat transfer fluid throughout the cogeneration system 15. Figure 3 As shown, valve device 510 is coupled to one or more conduits 200, which form a piping system for moving heat transfer fluid throughout the cogeneration system 15. More specifically, as will be further described herein, valve device 510 may be configured to selectively deliver heat transfer fluid (e.g., by redirecting or otherwise guiding the flow of fluid) to one or more components of the cogeneration system upon receipt. In one embodiment, valve device 510 creates a separate piping system that separates heat transfer fluid from heat engine 105 and heat pump 405 from conduits from other systems. Heat transfer fluid received from heat engine 105 or heat pump 405 (or both) may exit valve device 510 in at least one direction (e.g., in the supply direction) to other cogeneration system components. Similarly, heat transfer fluid from other cogeneration system components may exit valve device 510 in at least one other direction (e.g., in the return direction) to heat engine 105 or heat pump 405 (or both) to repeat a heating or cooling cycle, depending on the given application. Regardless of the configuration of the valve device 510, it guides the heat transfer fluid to move between the various components of the cogeneration system 15.

[0096] Enclosure 500 may include one or more internal heat exchangers to provide heating or cooling to the enclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the enclosure includes internal heat exchangers 520A and 520B (collectively referred to as 520) located within or near the enclosure 500 to provide heating or cooling thereto. As previously described herein, a heat exchanger can typically be, for example, a device for transferring thermal energy from one fluid to another. It can be seen that heat exchanger 520 is connected to one or more conduits 200 to receive and transfer heat transfer fluid between heat exchanger 520 and heat engine 105 or heat pump 405 (or both) via valve device 510. Depending on the given application, heat exchanger 520A (e.g., a heating system heat exchanger) may allow heat energy to be absorbed from the heat transfer fluid and transferred to the surrounding environment within the enclosure 500 to heat the enclosure. In this case, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid may be higher than the ambient air temperature of the enclosure 500 because the heat transfer fluid has already received thermal energy from heat engine 105 or heat pump 405 (or both). Therefore, the cogeneration system 15 is operating to heat the enclosure 500. In other applications, the heat transfer fluid may absorb heat energy from the ambient air within the enclosure 500. In such applications, as further described previously, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid may be lower than the ambient air temperature of the enclosure 500 because the heat transfer fluid moving through the heat exchanger 520B (e.g., a cooling system heat exchanger) has already transferred some of its heat energy to the working fluid of the heat pump 405. For such applications, the cogeneration system 15 is operating to cool the enclosure 500. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 520A may be part of an existing heating system for the enclosure 500, and the cogeneration system may be modified to accommodate an existing heating system. Similarly, in one embodiment, the heat exchanger 520B may be part of an existing cooling system for the enclosure, and the cogeneration system may be modified to accommodate an existing cooling system. In another embodiment, one or both of the heat exchangers 520A and 520B may be components of the cogeneration system, and the cogeneration system may also include a heating system and / or a cooling system for the enclosure.

[0097] In one embodiment, valve device 510 is configured to switch between operating modes to heat or cool at least a portion of enclosure 500, while an effective opposing operating mode simultaneously cools or heats another portion or component of enclosure 500 or another component of the cogeneration system. As a non-limiting embodiment, the cogeneration system can heat enclosure 500 while simultaneously cooling a pool of liquid within enclosure 500, or vice versa. As another non-limiting example, for instance in cold weather, a first operating mode of valve device 510 can direct the cogeneration system to heat enclosure 500 via heat exchanger 520A, which is configured to absorb heat energy from a first heat transfer fluid in the first conduit 200A and / or the second conduit 200E and transfer it to enclosure 500 to heat enclosure 500. The first operating mode of the valve device 510 can simultaneously direct the cogeneration system to use a heat storage device, such as an external heat exchanger 460, as a heat source, allowing a second heat transfer fluid from the third conduit 200F, whose temperature is lower than that of ambient air, to absorb heat energy from the external heat exchanger 460 to increase the temperature of the second heat transfer fluid. The valve device 510 can switch between the first operating mode and a second operating mode opposite to the first operating mode. As an example, and not a limitation, on a hot day, for instance, the second operating mode of the valve device 510 can direct the cogeneration system to cool the enclosure 500 via a heat exchanger 520B, which is configured to absorb heat energy from the enclosure 500 and transfer it to the second heat transfer fluid in the third conduit 200F to cool the enclosure 500. The second operating mode of the valve device 510 can simultaneously direct the cogeneration system to use the external heat exchanger 460 as a radiator, and the first heat transfer fluid, whose temperature is higher than that of ambient air, can be absorbed by the external heat exchanger 460 to lower its temperature.

[0098] The enclosure 500 also includes a thermal storage system 530 located within or near the enclosure 500. In a general sense, in one embodiment, the thermal storage system 530 is a device (or combination of devices) in which thermal energy is stored for later use. It can be seen that the thermal storage device 530 may be connected to multiple conduits 200 to allow heat transfer fluids to move to and from the device 530 to other components of the cogeneration system 15. As will be further described herein, depending on the given application, the thermal storage system 530 may contain or otherwise include cryogenic or hyperthermic heat transfer fluids for supplying cooling or heating to the enclosure. Therefore, as will be described in further detail herein, the thermal storage system 530 can be used as a heat source or a radiator. As mentioned above, a heat source is a medium or device that transfers thermal energy to another. On the other hand, a radiator absorbs thermal energy from another medium or device. In one exemplary embodiment, the thermal storage system 530 is a fluid tank (e.g., a hot water tank) that includes a heat exchanger (e.g., a thermal storage system heat exchanger) disposed therein. When the heat transfer fluid passes through the heat exchanger, it either transfers heat energy to the fluid in the tank to heat the fluid (e.g., heat water) or absorbs heat energy from the fluid in the tank to heat the heat transfer fluid, depending on the given application. As a result, the fluid in the tank is heated or cooled by the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchanger. In other embodiments, the thermal storage system 530 may be a phase change material. Many other thermal storage system configurations will be apparent according to this disclosure. The thermal storage system 530 may include one or more heat exchangers. As a non-limiting first embodiment, the thermal storage system 530 may include a thermal storage heat exchanger configured to store a heating or cooling medium for use in the thermal storage system 530. As a non-limiting second embodiment, the thermal storage system 530 may include a domestic water supply heat exchanger configured to heat or cool domestic water, for example, for a shower in the enclosure 500. As a non-limiting third embodiment, the thermal storage system 530 may include two heat exchangers, one a thermal storage heat exchanger and the other a domestic water supply heat exchanger.

[0099] Enclosure 500 also includes a switchboard 540, a grid meter 550, and a grid isolation device 560. As previously described herein, enclosure 500 may receive electrical energy from a power supplier via a transmission and distribution network (also known as the power grid) to meet its power needs. In a general sense, enclosure 500, such as a home or office building, may include a grid meter 550 for transferring electrical energy from the grid to the switchboard 540 of enclosure 500. The switchboard 540 is configured to distribute the received electrical energy to various locations throughout enclosure 500 for the operation of appliances therein. However, in some embodiments, cogeneration system 15 may be configured to supply electrical energy to enclosure 500 instead of using electrical energy received from the grid. In this case, enclosure 500 may be disconnected from or otherwise isolated from the grid to avoid transmitting electrical energy to the grid and causing damage to it. Therefore, to avoid damage to the grid, enclosure 500 may also include a grid isolation device 560. The grid isolation device 560 can typically be a device that disconnects or otherwise disrupts the electrical connection between the distribution board 540 and the meter 550. Furthermore, the grid isolation device can also be used to electrically isolate the enclosure from the grid when the grid is malfunctioning. In an exemplary embodiment, the grid isolation device 560 can be a switch that can physically operate to electrically isolate the enclosure 500 from the grid. In other embodiments, the grid isolation device can be an electrical disconnect device or an electronic switching mechanism.

[0100] In one embodiment, the enclosure 500 may further include a control panel 570 for operating components of the cogeneration system, managing the transfer of electrical and thermal energy to meet the needs of the enclosure 500. In an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 570 may be a combination of hardware, software, or firmware for operating the cogeneration system 15 and monitoring its performance. Figure 3 As shown, control panel 570 is connected to one or more cables 300 for operatively connecting panel 570 to various components of cogeneration system 15. More specifically, control panel 570 can generate and transmit electrical signals to control or otherwise operate system components, such as heat engine 105 or heat pump 405. Control panel 570 may include transceivers (e.g., routers or cellular communication devices) for receiving or sending information via wired or wireless networks (e.g., local area networks or the Internet). For example, in one embodiment, control panel 570 may receive electricity prices from an electricity supplier in real time and subsequently determine how to operate cogeneration system 15 to most effectively and efficiently meet the electrical needs of enclosure 500. Additionally, control panel may include a graphical user interface to allow configuration or other use during system installation or operation. Many other control panel configurations will be apparent from this disclosure.

[0101] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the enclosure 500 may further include an energy storage system 580. Broadly speaking, an energy storage system 580 is a device (or combination of devices) that stores or maintains electrical energy and makes it available for future use, such as in off-grid use to start a cogeneration system and / or to meet demand fluctuations that allow a heat engine to operate at a relatively constant output power. It can be seen that the cogeneration system 15 may include one or more energy storage systems 580, which are electrically connected to other devices of the system 15 via cables 300. In operation, the cogeneration system 15 may be configured to transfer electrical energy, for example, from a generator 170 or solar panel 590 to the energy storage system 580, which can store electrical energy to provide backup power. Then, depending on the specific application, the electrical energy can be transferred from the energy storage system 580 to one or more cogeneration system components, such as an electric motor 410, to operate a heat pump 405 or to supply power to a distribution panel 540. The electrical energy from the energy storage system 580 can be used in many situations, including, for example, when electrical energy is not available from the grid (e.g., during a power outage) or when the cost of electrical energy supplied by the grid is high (e.g., during peak demand periods).

[0102] like Figure 3 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 500 may further include one or more solar panels 590, which provide renewable electrical energy to the source. In a general sense, note that a solar panel is a device configured to absorb or otherwise acquire energy (e.g., radiation in the form of light) from an external energy source (e.g., the sun) and convert it into heat or electrical energy. It can be seen that the solar panel 590 may be connected via cable 300 to one or more other cogeneration system components, for example, to an energy storage system 580. In some other embodiments, the solar panel may also be abutted to one or more conduits 200 to transfer heat to fluid flowing through it. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel is a photovoltaic module including photovoltaic solar cells.

[0103] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cogeneration system 15 including a closed-loop Brayton cycle heat engine 105 connected in series to a vapor compression heat pump 405 via conduits 200A and 200E. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cogeneration system including a vapor compression heat pump connected in series to a Brayton cycle heat source via conduits 200A and 200E. In some applications, the cogeneration system 15 may be configured to move heat transfer fluid from heat pump 405 to heat engine 105 (and vice versa), rather than to each component separately (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), the conduit 200 is in a parallel configuration.

[0104] Moving heat transfer fluid through conduits 200 arranged in series has several advantages. For example, a series configuration is less complex than a parallel conduit configuration because the piping system includes fewer components (e.g., fewer conduit segments and valves). Additionally, a series configuration can use less complex components, such as pumps or valves, which are easier to operate and configure. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the heat transfer fluid leaving valve assembly 510 can move along conduit 200 (as indicated by the arrow) and through condenser 430 to absorb heat energy from the working fluid of heat pump 405. The heat transfer fluid can then continue along conduit 200E to heat exchanger 140 of heat engine 105. At heat exchanger 140, the heat transfer fluid can absorb heat energy from the working fluid of heat engine 105. Upon receiving heat energy from heat engine 105, the heat transfer fluid can return to valve assembly 510 via conduit 200A, where it can be distributed to other components of the cogeneration system. In some other embodiments, cogeneration system 15 is constructed and arranged along... Figure 4 The heat transfer fluid moves in the opposite direction to the direction shown. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the heat transfer fluid can move from the heat engine 105 to the heat pump 405 (as indicated by the arrow) so that it can absorb heat energy before being distributed to other system components. Many other cogeneration system configurations will be apparent from this disclosure.

[0105] Example system running application

[0106] The cogeneration system disclosed herein can be operated to provide one or more services to enclosure 500. Services such as space heating and / or cooling, water heating, and the generation of thermal and electrical energy can be supplied or otherwise provided to enclosure 500 through the operation of a heat engine, heat pump, or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, cogeneration system 15 can be configured to determine whether to operate heat engine 105 or heat pump 405 (or both) based on a number of factors. Factors such as the availability of electrical energy from energy suppliers, market prices of electrical energy and fuels (e.g., fossil fuels or renewable chemical fuels), ambient temperature, backup energy (e.g., from thermal or energy storage systems), or the service needs of enclosure 500 can be considered individually or collectively to determine how to operate the cogeneration system components.

[0107] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 configured to supply space heating to an enclosed body 500 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As previously described herein, a heat engine 105 can generate both heat and electricity. In this application, the cogeneration system 15 can operate the heat engine 105 (as shown by the shaded lines) to supply or otherwise provide heating to the enclosed body 500 via a heat transfer fluid. It can be seen that the operation of the heat engine 105 is accomplished without operating the heat pump 405. In many cases, operating only the heat engine 105 to generate heat may be preferred. In one such case, the heat generated by the heat engine (cogeneration) is sufficient to meet the heat load when it meets the local power supply. Other cases may include grid-connected scenarios, where the system may generate electricity that can be output to the grid while simultaneously generating at least enough heat to meet the heat load. As a result, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to operate the heat engine 105 itself (as shown by the shaded lines and arrows) in the most practical case. Figure 6 In the illustrated application, a heat transfer fluid moves through heat exchanger 140 to absorb heat energy from the working fluid of heat engine 105. It can be seen that a high-temperature heat transfer fluid (shown as solid shaded) moves from heat engine 105 to valve assembly 510 via conduit 200A (i.e., the first conduit) attached to heat engine 105. At valve assembly 510, the high-temperature heat transfer fluid can be directed to multiple cogeneration system components. In this case, valve assembly 510 directs the high-temperature heat transfer fluid via conduit 200B to internal heat exchanger 520A. Once reaching heat exchanger 520A, ambient air in enclosure 500 absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid (as previously described) to heat enclosure 500. Upon leaving heat exchanger 520A, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (shown as shaded by the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid moves via conduit 200C or otherwise flows back to valve assembly 510 and heat exchanger 140 to repeat the heating cycle. As can be seen, in addition to heat energy, the heat engine 105 also generates electricity by operating the generator 170 (as shown by the solid black line). Electrical energy can be supplied to any number of cogeneration system components. In this case, the electrical energy is transmitted via cable 300 to the control panel 570, the energy storage system 580, and the power panel 540. In other cases, the generated electrical energy can be supplied to one or more energy suppliers via an electrical connection to the power grid.

[0108] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply heated water to a closed body 500 using a heat engine 105. It can be seen that the cogeneration system 15 can operate the heat engine 105 (as indicated by the shaded areas and arrows) without operating the heat pump 405 to supply or otherwise provide heated water to the closed body 500. Generally, water heating can be used for various purposes, such as domestic hot water use or hot water storage. As previously described, the heat transfer fluid can absorb heat energy from the heat exchanger 140, and it moves via conduit 200A (first conduit) to the valve device 510. At the valve device 510, the high-temperature heat transfer fluid (as indicated by the solid shaded area) can be guided via conduit 200D to the heat storage system 530 (e.g., a hot water tank). Once it reaches the heat storage system 530, the fluid disposed in the heat storage system 530 absorbs heat energy from the high-temperature heat transfer fluid, for example, via a heat exchanger disposed in a tank. As a result, the temperature of the fluid in the heat storage system 530 increases, thereby storing heat energy therein. This stored thermal energy can be sustained for a period of time (e.g., weeks or months) with little or no further heat input. Once stored in the thermal storage system 530, this thermal energy can be used to supply energy to other cogeneration system components, as will be further described herein. Upon leaving the thermal storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (as indicated by the shading through the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid can move via conduit 200°C or otherwise flow back to valve assembly 510 and heat exchanger 140 to repeat the heating cycle. It can be seen that the heat engine 105 also generates electrical energy, which can be used to operate cogeneration system components or can be sold to energy suppliers, as previously described herein.

[0109] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply space heating and water heating to a closed enclosure 500 using a heat engine 105. It can be seen that the cogeneration system 15 can only operate the heat engine 105 (as indicated by the shaded areas and arrows) to provide space and water heating to the closed enclosure 500. In this embodiment, for example, a high-temperature heat transfer fluid (as indicated by the solid shaded area) can move from the heat exchanger 140 of the heat engine 105 to a valve device 510 via conduit 200A (the first conduit). At the valve device 510, the high-temperature heat transfer fluid can be directed to the heat exchanger 520A via conduit 200B and to the thermal storage system 530 (e.g., a hot water tank) via conduit 200D, as previously described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve device 510 can simultaneously direct the high-temperature heat transfer fluid to both the heat exchanger 520A and the thermal storage system 530, thereby heating the closed enclosure 500 and simultaneously storing thermal energy. In other embodiments, valve device 510 may direct high-temperature heat transfer fluid to one component first, and then to another. For example, in one embodiment, cogeneration system 15 may be configured to prioritize the need for space heating before storing thermal energy. In this case, valve device 510 may direct all high-temperature heat transfer fluid to heat exchanger 520A until a desired temperature (e.g., 20 degrees Celsius) is reached within enclosure 500. In other cases, valve device 510 may vary the amount of high-temperature heat transfer fluid flowing to each component (e.g., 75% to heat exchanger 520A and 25% to thermal storage system 530). This may be necessary when the thermal storage system requires only limited input (e.g., when the temperature of the fluid in the thermal storage system is nearly the same as that of the heat transfer fluid). Regardless of its specific sequence or mode of operation, cogeneration system 15 can use heat engine 105 to heat enclosure 500 and store thermal energy for subsequent use by system 15, as previously described herein. Upon exiting the heat exchanger 520A and the thermal storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (as indicated by the shading through the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid can be returned to the valve assembly 510 via conduit 200C to repeat the space heating and thermal energy storage cycle. It can be seen that the heat engine 105 also generates electrical energy, which can be used to operate cogeneration system components or sold to energy purchasers via the grid, as previously described herein.

[0110] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply electrical energy to a closed system 500 using a heat pump 105. In this exemplary application, because the heat pump 405 does not generate electrical energy, the heat pump 105 is operated solely to generate electrical energy (as indicated by the shaded areas and arrows). Conversely, heat pumps such as heat pump 405 consume electrical energy to produce heating and cooling, as will be further described herein. The cogeneration system 15 can operate in this manner in many cases. For example, in one case, the closed system 500 may require electrical energy without requiring heating or cooling. As a result, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to operate only the heat pump 105 because there is no unmet or unsatisfactory thermal energy demand for the closed system 500 (e.g., no heating or cooling demand and the thermal storage system is at or near full capacity). In other cases, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to determine the most cost-effective way to supply electrical energy. For example, if electricity demand occurs when market prices are high (e.g., during peak hours, such as early morning), the cogeneration system 15 can operate the heat engine 105 to generate electricity instead of purchasing it from the grid. It can be seen that in this case, a high-temperature heat transfer fluid (shown as solid shaded) can move from the heat exchanger 140 via conduit 200A or otherwise flow to the valve assembly 510. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from the valve assembly 510 to the external heat exchanger 460 via conduit 200E. Once reaching the heat exchanger 460, the ambient air absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid, allowing the cogeneration system 15 to dispose of heat energy not needed by the system. Upon leaving the heat exchanger 460, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (shown as shaded by the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid can then move via conduit 200C or otherwise flow back to the valve assembly 510 to repeat the cycle and cool the heat engine 105. As previously mentioned in this article, the electrical energy generated by the heat engine 105 can be used to operate components of the cogeneration system or can be sold to an energy supplier.

[0111] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply space heating to an enclosure 500 using a heat pump 405. It can be seen that the cogeneration system 15 can only operate the heat pump 405 (as indicated by the shaded areas and arrows) to heat the enclosure 500. In many cases, operating only the heat pump 405 to generate heat may be preferred. In such a case, the cost of operating the heat pump 105 (e.g., fuel prices) may make operating the engine 105 more expensive than purchasing electricity from an energy supplier. In other cases, the demand for heating the enclosure may be high, while the demand for electricity may be low (e.g., there is little activity in the enclosure 500 in the evening and early morning). Other cases may include situations where grid electricity prices are relatively low, or where surplus solar energy is available on-site. As a result, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to use electricity from the grid to operate the heat pump 405 itself in the most practical circumstances. Figure 10 In the illustrated application, a heat transfer fluid moves through the condenser 430 of heat pump 405 to absorb heat energy from the working fluid of heat pump 405. It can be seen that the high-temperature heat transfer fluid (shown as solid shaded) moves from heat pump 405 to valve assembly 510 via conduits 200E and 200A. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from valve assembly 510 to internal heat exchanger 520A via conduit 200B. Once reaching heat exchanger 520A, the ambient air of enclosure 500 absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid (as previously described) to heat enclosure 500. Upon leaving heat exchanger 520A, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (shown as shaded by the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid can then move back to condenser 430 via conduit 200C to repeat the heating cycle.

[0112] When the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200E absorbs heat energy from the working fluid of heat pump 405, the working fluid also absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200F. It can be seen that the temperature of the working fluid has decreased as it moves through pressure reducing valve 440. To raise its temperature and prepare the working fluid for entry into compressor 420, the working fluid can move through evaporator 450. At evaporator 450, the low-temperature working fluid absorbs heat energy from the high-temperature heat transfer fluid, thereby raising the temperature of the working fluid. Additionally, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200F decreases. After leaving evaporator 450, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid (as shown by the shaded line) can move from heat pump 405 to valve assembly 510 via conduit 200H. The low-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from valve assembly 510 to external heat exchanger 460 via conduit 200G. Once reaching heat exchanger 460, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the surrounding ambient air to increase its temperature. Upon leaving heat exchanger 460, the heat transfer fluid is at an elevated temperature (as shown by the darker shade). The heat transfer fluid, now at a higher temperature, is moved back to the evaporator 450 via duct 200F to repeat the cycle.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply heated water to a closed enclosure 500 using a heat pump 405. In an exemplary application, the cogeneration system 15 may operate only the heat pump 405 (as indicated by the shaded areas and arrows) to supply heated water to the enclosure 500. Figure 11 In the application shown, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the working fluid via the condenser 430 of the heat pump 405. It can be seen that the high-temperature heat transfer fluid (shown as solid shaded) moves from the heat pump 405 to the valve assembly 510 via conduits 200E and 200A. The heated heat transfer fluid moves from the valve assembly to the thermal storage system 530 (e.g., a hot water tank) via conduit 200D. Once reaching the thermal storage system 530, the fluid arranged in the thermal storage system 530 absorbs heat energy from the high-temperature heat transfer fluid, for example, via a heat exchanger arranged in a tank, as previously described herein. Upon leaving the thermal storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at a lower temperature (shown as shaded by the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid can be moved back to the condenser 430 of the heat pump 405 via conduit 200C to repeat the water heating cycle. A conduit 200F attached to the evaporator 450 is also shown, which is configured to supply a low-temperature heat transfer fluid to the cogeneration system components to allow the heat pump 405 to operate as described above. Figure 10 It operates as described.

[0114] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply space heating and water heating to a closed enclosure 500 using a heat pump 405. It can be seen that the cogeneration system 15 can operate the heat pump 405 (as shown in the shaded areas and arrows) without operating the heat engine 105 (as shown without the shaded areas and arrows) to provide space heating and water heating to the closed enclosure 500. It can be seen that in this configuration, a high-temperature heat transfer fluid (as shown in the solid shaded areas) moves from the condenser 430 to the valve assembly 510 via conduits 200E and 200A. The heated heat transfer fluid moves from the valve assembly 510 to the heat exchanger 520A via conduit 200B and then to the heat storage system 530 (e.g., a hot water tank) via conduit 200D. Heat pump 405 can supply space and water heating in various ways, such as simultaneously, separately (e.g., supplying space heating without supplying water heating, or vice versa), or proportionally (using 75% of the heat transfer fluid for space heating and 25% for water heating, or vice versa), as previously described herein. Upon exiting heat exchanger 520A and heat storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (as indicated by the shading through the zigzag lines). The reduced-temperature heat transfer fluid is returned to condenser 430 via conduit 200C to repeat the space and water heating cycle. Conduit 200F is also shown, which supplies the low-temperature heat transfer fluid to cogeneration system components so that heat pump 405, as previously described, is supplied relative to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 It operates as previously described.

[0115] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply space cooling to a closed enclosure 500 using a heat pump 405. As previously described herein, the heat pump 405 can also provide space cooling to the closed enclosure 500. In this application, the cogeneration system 15 can operate the heat pump 405 (as indicated by the shaded areas and arrows) to supply or otherwise provide space cooling to the closed enclosure 500 via a heat transfer fluid. Note that, for the reasons described above, the closed enclosure 500 can be cooled by the heat pump 405 without operating the heat engine 105. As a result, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured, in the most practical case, to use electrical energy from the grid to operate the heat pump 405 itself. Figure 13In the application shown, the working fluid of heat pump 405 absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid flowing through evaporator 450. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid decreases (as indicated by the shaded area). Upon leaving evaporator 450, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid may move from heat pump 405 via conduit 200F or otherwise flow to valve assembly 510. The low-temperature heat transfer fluid may move from valve assembly 510 to internal heat exchanger 520B via conduit 2001. Once reaching heat exchanger 520B, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the ambient air of enclosure 500, thereby cooling enclosure 500. Upon leaving heat exchanger 520B, the heat transfer fluid is at an elevated temperature (as indicated by the darker shade). The elevated-temperature heat transfer fluid moves back to evaporator 450 via conduit 200H to repeat the cooling cycle.

[0116] While the working fluid absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200F to provide cooling to the enclosed body, the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200E absorbs heat from the working fluid of heat pump 405. It can be seen that, in this configuration, the high-temperature heat transfer fluid (shown as solid shaded) moves from condenser 430 to valve assembly 510 via conduits 200E and 200A. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from valve assembly 510 to external heat exchanger 460 via conduit 200G. Once reaching heat exchanger 460, the ambient air absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid, enabling cogeneration system 15 to dispose of heat energy not needed by the system. Upon leaving heat exchanger 460, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (shown as shaded by the Z-shaped line). The cooled heat transfer fluid can then return to condenser 430 via conduit 200H to repeat the cycle and dispose of the heat energy generated by heat pump 405.

[0117] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to use a heat pump 405 to supply water for heating and space cooling to an enclosed body 500. In addition to... Figure 13 As shown, the heat energy generated by the heat pump 405 during the cooling cycle is transferred to the outside environment, and the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to recover this energy in a variety of ways. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 can recover or otherwise capture the heat energy generated by the heat pump 405 and store it for later use. It can be seen, as previously discussed... Figure 13As described herein, heat pump 405 can absorb heat energy from heat transfer fluid moving through third conduit 200F to cool enclosure 500. Additionally, cogeneration system 15 can store the heat energy generated by heat pump 405 because it provides space cooling to enclosure 500. As shown, high-temperature heat transfer fluid (shown as solid shaded) moves from condenser 430 to valve assembly 510 via conduits 200E and 200A. High-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from valve assembly 510 to heat storage system 530 (e.g., hot water tank) via conduit 200D. Once reaching heat storage system 530, fluids arranged in heat storage system 530 absorb heat energy from the high-temperature heat transfer fluid, as previously described herein, for example, via a heat exchanger arranged in a tank. Upon leaving heat storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (shown as shaded by the zigzag lines). The cooled heat transfer fluid can then move back to condenser 430 via conduit 200C to repeat the heat storage cycle. Note that in some embodiments, thermal energy may be stored by the cogeneration system 15 while simultaneously providing thermal energy to the enclosure 500. In other embodiments, however, the cogeneration system 15 may provide cooling to the enclosure 500 and store thermal energy intermittently or periodically as needed (e.g., to maintain a threshold level or capacity). For example, once system 530 reaches a desired thermal energy level, valve device 510 may first direct a high-temperature heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system 530 and then to an external heat exchanger 460. Thus, in some embodiments, the thermal storage system may periodically receive thermal energy to maintain the amount of thermal energy stored in the thermal storage system above a threshold level. A threshold level may be the minimum energy that can be stored in the thermal storage system 539 to operate the cogeneration system 15 for a period of time (e.g., 6 hours, 12 hours, one day, or several days). Various thermal storage configurations will be apparent according to this disclosure.

[0118] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to use a heat pump 405 to remove ice from a heat storage device such as an external heat exchanger 460. Under certain conditions (e.g., cold days when the heat pump operates at its performance coefficient), ice may form on the external heat exchanger 460, preventing it from functioning properly. Previous systems required providing unwanted cooling to the enclosure 500 and / or making physical alterations to components (e.g., adding or replacing valves) to remove ice from the heat exchanger. This unwanted cooling can be unpleasant and, in turn, uncomfortable for individuals inside the enclosure (e.g., cooling the enclosure in winter). Furthermore, physically altering or adding components to the system is time-consuming, inconvenient, and often results in delays in system operation. The cogeneration system of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one illustrative embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 may be configured to prevent excessive ice buildup or to remove ice from the external heat exchanger 460 without cooling the enclosure 500 or altering components. In an exemplary application, heat pump 405 can operate independently (i.e., without heat engine 105) to heat external heat exchanger 460, thereby preventing ice or melted ice from forming on the heat exchanger. In such an application, thermal storage system 530 can provide thermal energy to operate heat pump 405 instead of external heat exchanger 460. More specifically, as Figure 15 As shown, the working fluid of heat pump 405 absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid flowing through evaporator 450, as previously described herein. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid decreases (as indicated by the shaded area). Upon leaving evaporator 450, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid can move from heat pump 405 to valve assembly 510 via conduit 200F. The low-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from valve assembly 510 to heat storage system 530 via conduit 200K. Once reaching heat storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the fluid within it. Upon leaving heat storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at an elevated temperature (as indicated by the darker shade). The elevated-temperature heat transfer fluid is moved back to evaporator 450 via conduit 200H to enable operation of heat pump 405.

[0119] While the working fluid also absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200F, the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200E absorbs heat energy from the working fluid of heat pump 405 to raise its temperature. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid can then be supplied to external heat exchanger 460 to heat heat exchanger 460 or remove ice from heat exchanger 460. More specifically, as... Figure 15As shown in the embodiment, a high-temperature heat transfer fluid (as shown by solid shading) moves from the condenser 430 to the valve assembly 510 via conduits 200E and 200A. The high-temperature heat transfer fluid can then move from the valve assembly 510 to the external heat exchanger 460 via conduit 200G. Upon reaching the heat exchanger 460, the ambient air absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid, causing the ice formed on the heat exchanger to melt. Upon leaving the heat exchanger 460, the heat transfer fluid is at a reduced temperature (as shown by zigzag shading) and moves via conduit 200H to the condenser 430 to repeat the de-icing cycle.

[0120] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, configured to supply space heating to an enclosed body 500 using a heat pump 405 and a thermal storage system 530. In some embodiments, the cogeneration system 15 may be configured to use the thermal storage system 530 as a high-temperature storage device without utilizing an external heat exchanger 460. This configuration may be preferred when the ambient air temperature is low. This is especially true when the ambient temperature is approximately the same as the heat transfer fluid, resulting in little or no heat transfer from one to the other. To avoid this, the cogeneration system 15 may utilize the stored energy of the thermal storage system 530 as a heat source to operate the heat pump 405. As described above, the working fluid of the heat pump 405 absorbs heat energy from the heat transfer fluid flowing through the evaporator 450 as previously described herein. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid decreases (as indicated by shaded dots). Upon exiting the evaporator 450, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid may move from the heat pump 405 to the valve device 510 via conduit 200F. A low-temperature heat transfer fluid can move from valve device 510 to heat storage system 530 via conduit 200K. Upon reaching heat storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the fluid within it. When leaving heat storage system 530, the heat transfer fluid is at an elevated temperature (as indicated by the darker shade). The elevated-temperature heat transfer fluid moves back to evaporator 450 via conduit 200H to operate heat pump 405. Additionally, the heat transfer fluid in conduit 200E absorbs heat energy from the operating fluid of heat pump 405 and is transferred to internal heat exchanger 520A to heat the enclosure, as previously described herein.

[0121] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to supply space heating to an enclosed body 500 using a heat pump 405, a heat engine 105 and a heat storage device (external heat exchanger 460).

[0122] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to supply water heating to a closed body 500 using a heat pump 405 and a heat engine 105.

[0123] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to supply space and water heating to an enclosed body 500 using a heat pump 405 and a heat engine 105.

[0124] like Figure 17-19 As shown, the cogeneration system 15 can operate both the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 simultaneously to heat the enclosure 500 under certain conditions. In many cases, the cogeneration system can operate both the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 simultaneously. In one such case, for example, the heating demand for the enclosure 500 may exceed the heat output of the heat engine 105 itself. In other cases, it may be more cost-effective to use the electrical energy generated by the heat engine 105 instead of electricity from the grid (e.g., during peak energy consumption periods). Or in other cases, the electricity supplier may be unable to provide electricity from the grid (e.g., the electricity supplier disconnects the enclosure from the grid or during a power outage).

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 17-19 As shown, the heat engine 105 can generate both thermal and electrical energy, as previously described herein. A portion of the electrical energy generated by the heat engine 105 can be used to operate the heat pump. The remaining electrical energy can be used to supply power to the electrical components of the enclosure 500 (e.g., the power panel 540 and control panel 570) or stored by the energy storage system 580 for future use. It can be seen that the heat transfer fluids within conduits 200A (i.e., the first conduit) and 200E (i.e., the second conduit) each absorb thermal energy from the working fluids of the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405, respectively. As described above, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, high-temperature heat transfer fluids can be combined in series or parallel to move into the internal heat exchanger 520A to heat the enclosure 500. Additionally, as previously described, the operating fluid of the heat pump 405 can also absorb heat energy from heat transfer fluids in a conduit 200F (i.e., a third conduit) connected to other cogeneration system components (e.g., external heat exchanger 460 or thermal storage system 530) to operate the heat pump 405. In some other applications, combined high-temperature heat transfer fluids can also be supplied to the thermal storage system 530 (e.g.,...). Figure 18 (As shown) to store thermal energy. In other applications, such as Figure 19 As shown, the cogeneration system 15 can move a combined high-temperature heat transfer fluid between both the internal heat exchanger 520A and the thermal storage system 530 to complete both space heating and water heating of the enclosed body 500. As previously described herein, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to perform space heating and water heating operations simultaneously or one at a time. In some such cases, water heating may occur only periodically while space heating is being performed. Many other cogeneration system applications will be apparent according to this disclosure.

[0126] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to provide space cooling to an enclosed body using a heat pump 405 and a heat engine 105.

[0127] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to provide water heating and space cooling to an enclosed body using a heat pump 405 and a heat engine 105.

[0128] like Figure 20 and 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 can operate a heat engine 105 and a heat pump 405 to cool the enclosure 500, as described above. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the heat engine 105 can generate thermal and electrical energy, as previously described herein. Some of the electrical energy from the heat engine 105 can be used to operate the heat pump 405 to provide cooling to the enclosure 500. It can be seen that the heat transfer fluids within conduits 200A (first conduit) and 200E (second conduit) absorb thermal energy from the working fluids of the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405, respectively. High-temperature heat transfer fluids can be combined to transfer unwanted thermal energy from the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 to an external heat exchanger 460, where energy can be absorbed into the environment, as previously described herein. In some other applications, such as Figure 21 As shown, the combined high-temperature heat transfer fluid can also be supplied to the thermal storage system 530 to store the heat energy generated by the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 for subsequent use by the cogeneration system components. Additionally, the working fluid of the heat pump 405 can also absorb heat energy from the heat transfer fluid in the duct 200F (third duct) connected to other cogeneration system components (e.g., internal heat exchanger 520B) to provide cooling to the enclosure 500 as previously described herein.

[0129] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to use a heat pump 405 and a heat engine 105 to remove ice from a heat storage device such as an external heat exchanger 460.

[0130] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured to supply space heating to an enclosed body 500 using a heat pump 405, a heat engine 105 and a heat storage system 530.

[0131] like Figure 22 and Figure 23As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cogeneration system 15 can be configured to utilize the thermal storage system 530 as a high-temperature storage tank in place of the external heat exchanger 460. This is especially true when ice forms on the external heat exchanger 460 or when the ambient air temperature is so low that it adversely affects the performance of the heat pump 405. In the exemplary application, the heat pump 405 can receive thermal energy from the thermal storage system 530 via a heat transfer fluid in conduit 200F. It can be seen that the thermal energy generated by the heat engine 105 and the heat pump 405 can be transferred to the external heat exchanger 460 via high-temperature heat transfer fluids in conduits 200A and 200E. Once received, the high-temperature heat transfer fluid can transfer the thermal energy to the external heat exchanger 460, thereby causing the ice formed thereon to melt. Similarly, the cogeneration system 15 can direct high-temperature heat transfer fluid to the internal heat exchanger 520A to heat the enclosure 500, such as... Figure 23 As shown. Based on this disclosure, many other applications of cogeneration systems will be readily apparent.

[0132] Summarize

[0133] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body. The cogeneration system includes: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosed body and supply electrical energy; a heat pump configured to heat and cool the enclosed body; a first conduit connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosed body, such that thermal energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosed body to provide heating to the enclosed body; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump. The second conduit is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the closed body to provide heating to the closed body; and a third conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the third conduit is filled with a second heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the closed body to provide cooling to the closed body; and wherein the heat pump is configured to simultaneously provide heating and cooling to the closed body.

[0134] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a cogeneration system for providing heating and electrical energy to an enclosure, the cogeneration system comprising: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosure and supply electrical energy to the enclosure; a heat pump configured to heat the enclosure; a first conduit connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with a heat transfer fluid and the first conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure, such that thermal energy is transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump and the first conduit, wherein the second conduit is filled with a heat transfer fluid and the second conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that thermal energy is transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure; and wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are fluidly connected such that the heat transfer fluid in the first conduit is the same as the heat transfer fluid in the second conduit.

[0135] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a cogeneration system for providing heating and electrical energy to an enclosed body, the cogeneration system comprising: a heat engine configured to generate heating and electrical energy to the enclosed body; a heat pump configured to generate heating to the enclosed body; a heat storage tank configured and arranged to transfer thermal energy from a region outside the enclosed body to the heat pump; a heat storage system associated with the enclosed body and including a heat storage system heat exchanger; and a first conduit connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the heat pump. The heat pump transfers heat energy from a first heat transfer fluid to a heat storage system heat exchanger, thereby transferring heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the heat storage system; and a second conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the second conduit is filled with the first heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the heat storage system heat exchanger, thereby transferring heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the heat storage system; and wherein the first and second conduits are fluidly connected to the heat storage system heat exchanger, such that the first heat transfer fluid from the first and second conduits is transferred to the heat storage system heat exchanger to store heat energy within the heat storage system.

[0136] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body, the cogeneration system comprising: a heat engine configured to generate heating and electrical energy to the enclosed body; a heat pump configured to generate heating and cooling to the enclosed body; a first conduit connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosed body, such that thermal energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosed body to provide heating to the enclosed body; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump, wherein the second conduit is filled with the first heat transfer fluid and configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosed body. A first heat transfer fluid is supplied to the closed body to provide heating to the closed body; a third conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the third conduit is filled with a second heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the closed body to provide cooling to the closed body; a valve device is configured and arranged to selectively connect the first conduit and the second conduit to transfer the first heat transfer fluid to the closed body to provide at least one of space heating and water heating, and to selectively connect the third conduit to transfer the second heat transfer fluid to the closed body to provide at least one of space cooling and thermal energy to the heat pump.

[0137] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a cogeneration system for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body, the cogeneration system comprising: a heat engine configured to heat the enclosed body and provide electrical energy to the enclosed body; a heat pump configured for heating and cooling the enclosed body; a first conduit connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosed body, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosed body to provide heating to the enclosed body; and a second conduit connected to the heat pump, wherein... The second conduit is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the closed body to provide heating to the closed body; and a third conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the third conduit is filled with a second heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the closed body, such that the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the closed body to provide cooling to the closed body; and wherein the heat engine is configured to supply electrical energy to operate the heat pump.

[0138] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a cogeneration system, the method comprising: generating thermal energy and electrical energy by operating a heat engine; providing thermal energy by operating a heat pump utilizing electrical energy from the heat engine; transferring thermal energy from the heat engine and the heat pump to a first heat transfer fluid; providing at least one of space heating and water heating to the enclosed body via the first heat transfer fluid at a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosed body; and providing space cooling to the enclosed body via the operation of the heat pump via a second heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid absorbing thermal energy from the enclosed body at a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a cooling system associated with the enclosed body, wherein at least one of space heating and water heating is provided to the enclosed body simultaneously with space cooling of the enclosed body.

[0139] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a cogeneration system, the method comprising: generating thermal energy and electrical energy by operating a heat engine; providing thermal energy by operating a heat pump; transferring thermal energy from the heat engine and the heat pump to a first heat transfer fluid; moving the first heat transfer fluid through a valve device configured and arranged to distribute the first heat transfer fluid to one or more cogeneration system components; providing at least one of space heating and water heating to the enclosed body via the first heat transfer fluid at a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosed body; moving a second heat transfer fluid through the valve device configured and arranged to distribute the second heat transfer fluid to one or more cogeneration system components, wherein the first heat transfer fluid does not contact the second heat transfer fluid; and providing space cooling to the enclosed body via the second heat transfer fluid through operation of the heat pump, the second heat transfer fluid absorbing thermal energy from the enclosed body at a cooling system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a cooling system associated with the enclosed body.

[0140] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for providing heating, cooling, and electrical energy to an enclosed body using a cogeneration system, the method comprising: generating thermal energy and electrical energy by operating a heat engine; providing thermal energy by operating a heat pump; transferring thermal energy from the heat engine and the heat pump to a first heat transfer fluid; providing at least one of space heating and water heating to the enclosed body via the first heat transfer fluid at a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be coupled to a heating system associated with the enclosed body; and providing thermal energy to a thermal storage system heat exchanger via at least one of the first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid configured and arranged to be coupled to a thermal storage system associated with the enclosed body.

[0141] Another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a cogeneration system including a heat engine and a heat pump, which can be configured to provide heating only (e.g., for space heating, water heating, and / or process heating) without providing any electrical energy output. Unlike prior art in other engine-driven heat pumps, this cogeneration system may involve an intermediate stage of power generation, with 100% of the generated electricity used to drive the heat pump, thus resulting in no electrical energy output.

[0142] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible according to the present disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited by this detailed description, but rather by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cogeneration system for providing heating and electrical energy to an enclosed body, the cogeneration system comprising: A heat engine configured to generate electrical energy to the enclosure and to heat the enclosure via a first heat transfer fluid; A heat pump configured to heat the enclosure only via the first heat transfer fluid; A heat storage device is constructed and arranged to transfer heat energy from a region outside the enclosure to the heat pump. A thermal storage system associated with the enclosed body and including a thermal storage system heat exchanger; A first conduit is connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with the first heat transfer fluid, and the first conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, such that thermal energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system. as well as A second conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the second conduit is filled with the first heat transfer fluid, and the second conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the thermal storage system. and The first conduit and the second conduit are fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, such that a first heat transfer fluid from the first conduit and the second conduit is transferred to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to store thermal energy within the thermal storage system.

2. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal storage system is a hot water storage tank, and wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the first conduit and the second conduit to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, thereby transferring heat energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the fluid in the hot water storage tank.

3. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The cogeneration system also includes a heating system heat exchanger configured and arranged to be connected to a heating system associated with the enclosure; and The first conduit and the second conduit are fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the heating system to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the first conduit and the second conduit to the heat exchanger of the heating system, thereby providing heating to the enclosure.

4. The cogeneration system according to claim 3, wherein, The cogeneration system is combined with the heating system associated with the enclosure.

5. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The cogeneration system also includes a third conduit connected to the heat pump, wherein the third conduit is filled with a second heat transfer fluid and is configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to a heat source, where the second heat transfer fluid absorbs heat energy from the heat source.

6. The cogeneration system according to claim 5, wherein, The first conduit and the second conduit are fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system, such that the first heat transfer fluid is transferred from the first conduit and the second conduit to the heat exchanger of the thermal storage system to store thermal energy within the thermal storage system, and wherein the third conduit is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger of the cooling system to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger of the cooling system to the heat pump for cooling the enclosed body.

7. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat engine includes a fuel combustion engine.

8. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat engine is a closed-loop Brayton cycle heat engine.

9. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The cogeneration system is combined with a cooling system associated with the enclosure.

10. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The combined production system and the enclosed structure are combined, wherein the enclosed structure is a building.

11. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The combined production system and the enclosed body are combined, wherein the enclosed body is a motor vehicle.

12. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The combined production system is constructed and arranged as an auxiliary power unit.

13. The cogeneration system according to claim 12, wherein, The combined production system is constructed and arranged as an auxiliary power unit for motor vehicles.

14. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat pump is a vapor compression heat pump.

15. A combined heat and power system for providing heating, cooling and electrical energy to an enclosed body, the combined heat and power system comprising: A heat engine configured to provide electrical energy to the enclosure and to heat the enclosure via a first heat transfer fluid; A heat pump configured to heat and cool the enclosure solely via the first heat transfer fluid; A first conduit is connected to the heat engine, wherein the first conduit is filled with the first heat transfer fluid, and the first conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat engine to the enclosure, such that thermal energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure. A second conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the second conduit is filled with the first heat transfer fluid, and the second conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the first heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that heat energy is transferred from the first heat transfer fluid to the enclosure to provide heating to the enclosure. as well as A third conduit is connected to the heat pump, wherein the third conduit is filled with a second heat transfer fluid, and the third conduit is configured and arranged to transfer the second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump to the enclosure, such that heat energy is absorbed from the enclosure through the second heat transfer fluid to provide cooling to the enclosure. and The heat engine is configured to provide electrical energy to operate the heat pump.

16. The cogeneration system according to claim 15, wherein, The cogeneration system also includes: A generator, which is constructed and arranged to be connected to the heat engine; An energy storage system is constructed and arranged to be connected to the generator via one or more cables; A distribution board, constructed and arranged to be connected to the generator and configured to distribute electrical energy to the enclosure; and The energy storage system is configured to receive electrical energy provided by the generator and selectively transfer the electrical energy to one of the heat pump and the distribution board.

17. The cogeneration system according to claim 16, wherein, The cogeneration system also includes a grid isolation device, which is configured and arranged to separate the switchboard from the grid meters.

18. The cogeneration system according to claim 16, wherein, The cogeneration system also includes a grid isolation device configured and arranged such that electrical energy generated by the generator associated with the heat engine can be transferred to one or more energy suppliers.

19. The cogeneration system according to claim 15, wherein, The heat engine includes one of a fuel combustion engine and a closed-loop Brayton cycle heat engine, and the heat pump is a vapor compression heat pump.

20. The cogeneration system according to claim 16, wherein, The enclosure is either a building or a motor vehicle.

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