System for charging battery of a diesel generator (DG) set

Abstract

Disclosed is system (10) for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set without use of dynamo. Specifically, the DG set includes a engine (10) with an alternator (20). The system (100) further comprises a stationary charging device (30) configured on the alternator (20) to supply power to a battery (40) for charging. In an embodiment, the stationary charging device (30) is selected from any one a stepdown transformer and switched mode power supply unit.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR CHARGING BATTERY OF A DIESEL GENERATOR SET

[0002] Field of the invention:

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a battery charging system for diesel generator set and more particularly, the present invention relates to a battery charging system for diesel generator set without dynamo.

[0004] Background of the invention:

[0005] A diesel generator (DG) (also known as a diesel genset) is the combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator (often an alternator) to generate electrical energy. The alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current.

[0006] Specifically, the diesel generator further includes a dynamo to charge the battery, a starter motor to start the engine.

[0007] When the engine of the DG starts, dynamo and alternator also rotate along with the engine. A starter motor is required to start the engine of the DG set. The starter motor is powered electrically by a battery. Further, the battery is also required for to start some electrical and electronic devices within the DG set.

[0008] Hence, the battery needs charging from time to time using DC Power. In the DG set, this DC voltage is provided to battery by a dynamo. The dynamo is low voltage alternator, is Specifically, the dynamo is installed on engine and connected with engine mechanically with rubber belt and pulleys. The components of the dynamo such as cooling fan, sliprings, carbon brushes, springs, and the like contribute on increasing mechanical load on engine of the DG set and reduces the efficiency of the engine at least by 10%. More specifically, the dynamo is situated on engine body of the DG set and connect mechanically with the engine crank shaft by means of pulleys and a tight rubber belt. The components of the dynamo such as rubber belt, carbon brush and slip rings are consumable as these parts have wear and tear and have to be replaced after some time. The carbon brushes are tightly placed on the slip rings but not soldered or connected permanently. This may cause more chances of jumping of the carbon brushes on sliprings thus causing loss of electrical energy.

[0009] Also, once the battery is charged, there is no need to charge the battery continuously until the battery is discharged. However, in conventional DG set the dynamo is permanently mechanically connected to the engine. This causes continuous mechanical load on the engine and also reduces the life of battery.

[0010] Furthermore, in case of maintenance or replacement of the dynamo, the DG set has to be stopped.

[0011] Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a system for charging a battery of the DG set, which overcomes abovementioned drawbacks.

[0012] Objects of the invention:

[0013] An object of the present to increase efficiency of the engine of the diesel generator (DG) set.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to reduce mechanical load on the engine set of the DG set.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to increase life of a battery of the DG set. Summary of the invention

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention provides system for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set without use of dynamo. Specifically, the DG set having a diesel engine with an alternator. The system comprises a stationary charging device configured on the alternator to supply power to a battery for charging. In an embodiment, the stationary charging device is selected from any one a stepdown transformer and switched mode power supply unit.

[0017] The system further comprises a overcharging protection circuit is inbuilt in any one of the step down transformer and SMPS, wherein the overcharging protection electronic circuit manages output voltage and the input voltage.

[0018] Brief description of the drawings:

[0019] The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

[0020] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system for charging a battery of diesel generator (DG) set, in accordance with the present invention

[0021] Detailed description of the invention:

[0022] The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

[0023] The present invention provides a system for charging a battery of diesel generator (DG) set, in accordance with the present invention. The system increases efficiency of the engine of the diesel generator (DG) set. Further, the system reduces mechanical load on the engine set of the DG set. Also, the system increases life of a battery of the DG set.

[0024] Referring now to figure 1, there is shown a system (100) for charging battery of a diesel generator (DG) set without use of dynamo. The DG set includes an engine (10) (prime mover) with an alternator (20). For the propose of clarity the term diesel generator (DG) is used throughout the description. However, it is evident to those skilled in the art that the engine can be operated by means of diesel, petrol, gas or any kind of fuel known in the art. Though the system (100) is described herewith for DG set, it is also evident to those skilled in the art that the system (100) can be utilized for gensets of the windmills, hydropower mills, and the like.

[0025] The system (100) further comprises stationary charging device (30) configured on the alternator (20) to supply power to a battery (40) for charging. In an embodiment, the stationary charging device (30) may be incorporated within the alternator (20).

[0026] In an embodiment, the stationary charging device (30) is a stepdown transformer. Generally, the alternator of the DG set generates 230v ac or 440v AC current. However, this AC current cannot be used to charge the battery (40) directly. The dynamo of used in prior art generates 6-18 v DC current to be used for small scale applications such as supplying power to starter motor and other electronics of the DG set.

[0027] In the present invention, the stepdown transformer retrieves small voltage of amount 6-18 v from the alternator generating s 23 Ov ac or 440v AC current. Specifically, the stepdown transformer coverts (input side) high voltage from the alternator into (output side) low voltage of about 6-18v and also convert AC current into the DC current. The electrical energy generated then can be used for charging the battery. The battery is used for powering small scale applications such as supplying power to starter motor and other electronics. Thus, the need of having a dynamo is eliminated supplying power to the battery. This increases efficiency of the engine of the DG set.

[0028] In another embodiment, the stationary charging device (30) is a switched mode power supply unit.

[0029] Specifically, the stationary charging device (30) is connected to the alternator (20) of the DG set from input voltage side and to the battery (40) from output side.

[0030] The system (100) is further provided with an overcharging protection electronic circuit (not shown). The overcharging protection circuit is inbuilt in any one of the step-down transformers and SMPS. Specifically, the overcharging protection electronic circuit manages output voltage and the input voltage from the alternator (20) to the battery (30). Further, the overcharging protection electronic circuit helps in not only reducing overcharging of the battery but also cut offs the input voltage side also after the battery is fully charged.

[0031] In preferred embodiment, the wherein the stationary charging device (30) is electrically connected to the alternator (20) by means of wires. In preferred embodiment, the stationary charging device (30) do not contain any moving part and consumable parts like, rubber belt, carbon brush, slipring and the like. Hence, there is no friction losses and maintenance is ZERO as against dynamo of the prior art.

[0032] The stationary charging device (30) can be easily replaced it with new one without need to stop the running DG set. Further, the stationary charging device (30) can easily be installed anywhere in DG set canopy or in the control panel of the DG set. Advantages of the invention

[0033] 1. The system (100) of the present invention do not require moving and consumable parts and hence zero maintenance.

[0034] 2. The system (100) provides over charging protection circuit for a battery which is inbuilt.

[0035] 3. The system reduces mechanical load of the load on the engine of DG set thus increasing its efficiency.

[0036] 4. The system (100) also increase life of a battery.

[0037] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

aim1. A system (100) for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set without use of dynamo, the DG set having an engine (10) with an alternator (20), the system (100) comprising a stationary charging device (30) configured on the alternator (20) to supply power to a battery (40) for charging.

2. The system (100) for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stationary charging device (30) is selected from any one a stepdown transformer and switched mode power supply unit.

3. The system (100) for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stationary charging device (30) is connected to the alternator (20) of the DG set from input voltage side and to the battery (40) from output side.

4. The system (100) for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set as claimed in claim 1, wherein a overcharging protection circuit is inbuilt in any one of the step down transformer and SMPS, wherein the overcharging protection electronic circuit manages output voltage and the input voltage.

5. The system for charging a battery of a diesel generator (DG) set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stationary charging device is electrically connected to the alternator.

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