Device for providing electrical energy

Abstract

A device (100) for providing electrical energy comprises a housing (102) with an air inlet (114) and an air outlet (116), a fan (124) for conveying an airflow (112) along a cooling air path running between the air inlet (114) and the air outlet (116), an internal combustion engine (104), an exhaust system (110) and a generator (106), as well as a baffle element (122) which is arranged inside the housing (102) opposite the air inlet (114) in order to deflect the airflow (112) entering through the air inlet (114).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a device for providing electrical energy, for example in the form of a power generating unit.

[0002] Mobile power generator sets enable the provision of electrical energy even in remote locations. revelation

[0003] Against this background, the approach presented here introduces an improved device for providing electrical energy according to the main claim. Advantageous further developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim are possible through the measures listed in the dependent claims.

[0004] Advantageously, an airflow can be optimized through a housing containing components to be cooled using a baffle element.

[0005] A device for providing electrical energy has the following characteristics: a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan to promote an airflow along a cooling air path running between the air inlet and the air outlet; an internal combustion engine for providing kinetic energy, wherein the internal combustion engine is arranged inside the housing; an exhaust system that is connected to the internal combustion engine to expel exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine out of the housing; a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, the generator being located inside the housing; and a baffle element that is located inside the housing opposite the air inlet in order to deflect the airflow entering through the air inlet.

[0006] The device can be designed, for example, as a diesel generator or a mobile power generator set. It can be configured to generate and supply electrical energy by burning fuel. The housing can have closed walls or at least partially open walls. The housing can be rectangular. The combustion engine can be a diesel engine, optionally with an exhaust gas turbocharger. Optionally, the combustion engine can be operated with either high-quality or low-quality fuel. The generator can be designed as an electric machine and, for example, mechanically coupled to the combustion engine via a shaft. Using the exhaust system, exhaust gases produced during the operation of the combustion engine can be discharged and optionally cleaned.The air inlet and outlet can be formed by openings in the walls of the housing. The cooling air path can be designed to direct the airflow through the housing in such a way as to cool components of the device that heat up during operation. The airflow can be redirected at least once. Using a baffle element, the airflow can be directed in a desired direction. The baffle element can be made of, for example, plastic or metal. In one embodiment, the baffle element serves solely to redirect the airflow. The fan can be driven electrically or mechanically using the internal combustion engine. The cooling air path can be routed, at least partially, along a gap between components of the device or, for example, through a pipe.

[0007] The fan can be located inside the housing. In this case, the fan can be positioned at a suitable location within the cooling air path between the air inlet and the air outlet. Alternatively, the fan can be located outside the housing, for example, at the air inlet or the air outlet. Multiple fans can also be used to drive the airflow.

[0008] The baffle element can be positioned directly opposite the air inlet to initially deflect the airflow immediately after it enters the housing through the air inlet. No other element can be located between the air inlet and the baffle element. This allows the airflow to be directed as desired immediately upon entering the housing.

[0009] The air inlet can be located in a first side wall of the housing. The baffle element can be angled relative to this first side wall. The baffle element can be positioned so that the airflow entering through the air inlet is deflected towards a second side wall of the housing adjacent to the first. At the second side wall, the airflow can be deflected again towards the outlet.

[0010] The air outlet can be located in a third side wall adjacent to the first side wall, with the second and third side walls facing each other. This allows the airflow to be directed longitudinally through the housing, thus enabling the cooling of as many components of the device as possible.

[0011] The device can have at least one air guide element or a plurality of air guide elements. The at least one air guide element can be shaped to redirect the airflow exiting the air outlet towards the underside of the device. The underside can be the side on which the device rests on a surface, such as the floor, when ready for operation. Thus, the airflow can flow downwards after leaving the housing.

[0012] The device may include a deflector with an outlet. The deflector may be shaped to receive the airflow exiting the air outlet, redirect it towards the outlet, and release it through the outlet into the surrounding area. For example, the device may be arranged as a box-shaped extension on an outer wall of the housing. The deflector may be open on the side of the air outlet to receive the airflow exiting the air outlet and direct it towards the outlet. This can achieve sound attenuation.

[0013] The outlet can be located on the top side of the deflector. This allows the airflow to be directed upwards when the device is in operation. This also allows the sound pressure to be directed upwards.

[0014] The deflection device can be designed as a box attached to the outside of the housing. The box can have side walls and a base that can seal the air outlet airtight against an outer wall of the housing on the sides and bottom. The top of the box can be open to allow the outlet to be formed.

[0015] The generator can be thermally coupled to the cooling air path. This allows waste heat generated by the generator during operation to be dissipated from the housing using the airflow.

[0016] The exhaust system may optionally include an exhaust aftertreatment device for treating the exhaust gas from the combustion engine, optionally a silencer, and at least one connecting pipe for routing the exhaust gas. The exhaust aftertreatment device may include a particulate filter and a catalytic converter.

[0017] The device can be part of an energy supply system, which may, for example, include a plurality of such devices.

[0018] Examples of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device; Fig. 2 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a device; and Fig. 3 Another sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a device.

[0019] In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and acting similarly, without repeating these elements.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 100 for providing electrical energy. The device 100 has a housing 102 that encloses an internal combustion engine 104 and a generator 106. The device 100 can be used, for example, to generate electricity. For this purpose, during operation of the device 100, the internal combustion engine 104 is active and drives, for example, a shaft coupled to the generator 106. This operates the generator 106 and generates an electrical voltage. By way of example, terminals of the generator 106 are connected via electrical lines to at least one external electrical connection of the device 100, for example, to a socket 108 on the housing 102.

[0021] The internal combustion engine 104 is operated with a suitable liquid or gaseous fuel, for example diesel. Exhaust gases produced during the operation of the internal combustion engine 104 are discharged from the housing 102 using an exhaust system 110, for example to an exhaust pipe attached to a ceiling of the housing 102, which is optionally part of the exhaust system 110.

[0022] To cool components of the device 100 that heat up during operation, such as the generator 106, an airflow 112 is directed through the housing 102. As the airflow 112 passes through the housing 102, it absorbs thermal energy and dissipates it into the environment surrounding the device 100. For this purpose, the housing 102 has an air inlet 114 and an air outlet 116, and optionally a deflector 118 with an outlet 120.

[0023] After entering the housing 102 from the surroundings of the device 100 through the air inlet 114, the airflow 112 flows along a cooling air path to the air outlet 116 and optionally then through the deflecting device 118 to the outlet 120. The airflow 112 is released into the surroundings of the device 100 through the outlet 120. A baffle element 122 is arranged inside the housing 102 opposite the air inlet 114. According to one embodiment, after entering the housing 102, the airflow 112 directly impacts a surface of the baffle element 122 and is deflected by it. According to another embodiment, the baffle element 122 has a flat impact surface for deflecting the airflow 112. To promote the airflow 112, the device 100 has a fan 124, which is arranged by way of example inside the housing 102.For example, the fan 124 is arranged in the direction of airflow 112 between the baffle element 122 and the air outlet 116. According to different embodiments, the fan 124 is arranged, for example, in the direction of airflow 112 upstream of the generator 106 or downstream of the internal combustion engine 104, for example between the internal combustion engine 104 and the air outlet 116.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the housing 102 has a first side wall 131, a second side wall 132, a third side wall 133, and a fourth side wall 144. In the Fig. In the illustration shown, the first side wall 131 is at the front, the fourth side wall 144 is not visible at the rear, the second side wall 132 is not visible on the left, and the third side wall 133 is on the right of the housing 102. The side walls 131, 132, 133, 134 can be formed, for example, by sheets, grids, or struts, according to different embodiments. According to one embodiment, the housing 102 has a top and a bottom, on which the device 102 is placed, for example, on the ground.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the air inlet 114 is formed in the first side wall 131, for example in the form of at least one through-opening. The baffle element 122, shown here purely schematically, is oriented such that the airflow 112 coming from the air inlet 114 is deflected towards the second side wall 132. For this purpose, the baffle element 122, here for example in the form of a sheet metal plate, is oriented at an angle to the first side wall 131.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the air outlet 116 is arranged on the third side wall 133 and the airflow 112 is guided, for example, at least approximately in a straight line, i.e., without further deflections, from the second side wall 132 to the third side wall 133 and optionally guided through the air outlet 116 there using an air guide element 140.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the airflow 112 is guided past the generator 106 or through a housing of the generator 106 on its way from the second side wall 132 to the air outlet 116.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the fan 124 is arranged between the second side wall 132 and the generator 106. According to an alternative embodiment, the fan 124 is arranged adjacent to the third side wall and thus directly in front of the air outlet 116.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the housing 102 has at least one air guide element or a plurality of air guide elements on the third side wall 133. For example, the third side wall 133 comprises the plurality of air guide elements. According to one embodiment, at least one air guide element is arranged at the level of the air outlet 116 and is oriented such that the airflow 112 is deflected downwards when leaving the housing 102, i.e., for example, towards a surface on which the device 100 is placed. According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one air guide element at the level of the air outlet 116 is oriented such that the airflow 112 is deflected upwards when leaving the housing 102.

[0030] If the deflection device 118 is provided, the airflow 112 is directed, according to one embodiment, towards a base of the deflection device 118 using at least one air guide element at the level of the air outlet 116, and then deflected towards the outlet 120. According to one embodiment, the outlet is arranged opposite the base of the deflection device 118 on a top surface of the deflection device 118.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the deflection device 118 is box-shaped. For example, the deflection device 118 has two side walls, a rear wall, and a base. The two side walls are aligned, for example, parallel to the first side wall 131 and the fourth side wall 134 and are attached to the third side wall 133 on both sides of the air outlet 116. The rear wall closes off the deflection device opposite the air outlet 116. The base is attached to the third side wall 133 below the air outlet 116.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the airflow 112 between the air inlet 114 and the air outlet 116 is deflected exclusively by means of the baffle element 122, for example a flat sheet, the second side wall 132, and optionally the deflecting element 140. If the deflecting device 118 is provided, the airflow 112 between the air outlet 116 and the outlet 120 is deflected exclusively by means of the base and the rear wall of the deflecting device 118, according to one embodiment.

[0033] One longitudinal axis of the device 100 is in Fig. 1 is characterized, for example, by an x-axis, a transverse axis by a y-axis, and a vertical axis by a z-axis. According to one embodiment, the housing 102 is at least approximately rectangular.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a device 100, as illustrated, for example, by Fig. 1 is described. For example, the cut runs perpendicular to the vertical axis of the device 100.

[0035] The diagram shows the course of the airflow 112 from the vicinity of the device 100 through the air inlet 114 into the housing 102, deflected by the impact element 122 towards the second side wall 132 and deflected again, for example at the second side wall 132, towards the air outlet 116.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the airflow 112, originating from the second side wall 132, is first directed through a motor-generator unit 250 with exhaust aftertreatment and then through a radiator-fan unit 252 to the air outlet 116. The generator 106, the internal combustion engine 104 (also referred to as the engine), and the exhaust aftertreatment unit 254 are shown schematically within the motor-generator unit 250 with exhaust aftertreatment. The fan 124 is shown schematically within the radiator-fan unit 252.

[0037] The described approach enables targeted airflow and noise reduction for the device 100, which is designed, for example, as a containerized, cross-sectional power generator. The device 100 can be used, for example, to supply power to field camps and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) as well as a cross-sectional power generator.

[0038] The Device 100 can be used as a power generator in various civilian or military scenarios, such as field camps, and must meet stringent noise reduction requirements. This is necessary to comply with the minimum noise level requirements of <80 dB stipulated by occupational safety regulations. Further reduction of noise emissions contributes to tactical advantages.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the airflow of air 112 is designed and technically configured such that, despite any back pressure that may arise in the system, flow separation is prevented in order to dissipate thermal losses from the system and simultaneously maintain the motor 104 in its optimal operating condition. Due to the severely limited space within the system, as well as a potentially strictly limited weight budget, the air of airflow 112 cannot be arbitrarily routed over various profiles until sufficient sound pressure level attenuation is achieved.

[0040] For the reasons mentioned above, a standard solution cannot be integrated, as neither the required space nor the weight permits such integration. Commercially available silencers are unsuitable for power generator sets with strict noise emission requirements due to their size and weight (as they are often based on a metal frame).

[0041] The described approach makes it possible to meet (customer) requirements for noise emissions while simultaneously complying with requirements for the overall weight of the power generator unit.

[0042] Furthermore, optimal airflow within the system, i.e. within the device 100, is ensured.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the described approach utilizes a construction of a special impact wall as an impact element 122 and an integrated air guide including a defined outlet of the air of the airflow 112 through the air outlet 116 and optionally through the outlet 120 of the deflecting device 118.

[0044] The described approach enables optimal, space-saving airflow in a strictly limited installation space for the air routing from the air inlet 114 to the air outlet 116 or to the outlet 120 of the device 100, which is designed as an exemplary power generator unit.

[0045] Furthermore, it is possible to achieve an even weight distribution and low counter-pressure with minimal weight expenditure.

[0046] Furthermore, maximizing sound attenuation and thus achieving tactical advantages is possible when using the device 100 in, for example, field camps.

[0047] The device 100, for example, has a power output of 50kW, but the described approach can be applied accordingly to other power generator sets of other power classes.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment, air is drawn in at the air inlet 114, initially deflected within the system (here, within the housing 102) via the baffle element 122 (for example, a defined baffle plate), and guided through the generator 104 towards the air outlet 116 by means of the fan 124 (for example, a defined pressure fan) from the housing 102 and, if applicable, the deflection device 118. Over this path, the intake air is directed in such a way that the resulting flow velocities are reduced sufficiently to efficiently dissipate internal losses with the available volume flow and simultaneously achieve a sound pressure level of less than 65 dB(A), for example, 61 dB(A), without, however, causing flow separation.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 shows another sectional view of an embodiment of a device 100, as illustrated, for example, by Fig. 1 is described. For example, the cut runs transversely to the transverse axis of the device 100.

[0050] The diagram shows the course of the airflow 112 through the air outlet 116 out of the housing 102 and through the deflecting device 118 to the outlet 120 and from the outlet 120 out into the vicinity of the device 100.

[0051] According to one embodiment, at least one air guide element 140, or, by way of example, a plurality of air guide elements 140, is arranged in the direction of flow upstream of the air outlet 116. The at least one air guide element 140 is oriented such that the airflow 112 is directed obliquely downwards, i.e., towards the bottom of the housing 102, and is thus guided obliquely downwards through the air outlet 116 out of the housing 102.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the airflow 112, after passing through the air outlet 116, flows directly into an interior space of the optional deflecting device 118. According to another embodiment, the airflow 112 is deflected upwards from the base of the deflecting device 118 and flows along a rear wall of the deflecting device 118 to the outlet 120.

[0053] Optionally, the deflection device 118 has a flap for closing the outlet 120.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the air guide elements 140 are shaped as louvers which are arranged at an angle to the third side wall and stacked one above the other along the height of the third side wall. According to another embodiment, the air guide elements 140 are arranged only at the level of the air outlet 116.

[0055] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 3, according to one embodiment, the directed air outlet 116 further defines the airflow 112, representing a volume flow, which is forced out of the unit and directed upwards by the deflection within the deflection device 118. This measure results in a defined direction of the sound pressure associated with the flow.

Claims

[1] Device (100) for providing electrical energy, wherein the device (100) has the following features: a housing (102) with an air inlet (114) and an air outlet (116); a fan (124) for conveying an airflow (112) along a cooling air path running between the air inlet (114) and the air outlet (116); an internal combustion engine (104) for providing kinetic energy, wherein the internal combustion engine (104) is arranged inside the housing (102); an exhaust system (110) connected to the internal combustion engine (104) to expel exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (104) from the housing (102); a generator (106) coupled to the internal combustion engine (104) to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, the generator (106) being arranged inside the housing (102); and a baffle element (122) which is arranged inside the housing (102) opposite the air inlet (114) in order to deflect the airflow (112) entering through the air inlet (114). [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fan (124) is arranged inside the housing (102). [3] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the impact element (122) is arranged directly opposite the air inlet (114) to effect an initial deflection of the airflow (112) immediately after it enters the housing (102) through the air inlet (114). [4] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet (114) is arranged in a first side wall (131) of the housing (102) and the impact element (122) is oriented obliquely to the first side wall (131) in order to deflect the airflow (112) flowing in through the air inlet (114) towards a second side wall (132) of the housing (102) adjacent to the first side wall (131). [5] Device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the air outlet (116) is arranged in a third side wall (133) adjacent to the first side wall (131), wherein the second side wall (132) and the third side wall (133) are opposite each other. [6] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one air guide element (140) which is shaped to redirect the airflow (112) exiting through the air outlet (116) towards an underside of the device (100). [7] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a deflecting device (118) having an outlet (120), which is shaped to receive the airflow (112) flowing out of the air outlet (116) and to deflect it towards the outlet (120) and to release it through the outlet (120) to an environment of the device (100). [8] Device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the outlet (120) is arranged on an upper side of the deflecting device (118). [9] Device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the deflecting device (118) is formed as a box attached to an outside of the housing (102). [10] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the generator (106) is coupled to the cooling air path to dissipate waste heat from the generator (106) using the airflow (112) from the housing (102). [11] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed as a diesel generator or a power generator set for mobile use.

Images