Genset comprising an electric generator driven by an internal combustion engine for generating power in the form of a power generation unit, control unit for controlling a genset and method for operating the genset

Abstract

The invention relates to a genset (100) having an internal combustion engine (10) and an electric generator (20), which is driven by the internal combustion engine (10), for generating power, wherein the internal combustion engine (10) and the electric generator (20) are in the form of a power generation unit (101) which is arranged in a housing (200), and comprising a temperature detection unit (80.3), which is associated with the power generation unit (101) and is arranged in or outside of the housing (200), wherein the housing (200) furthermore has arranged therein: - a cooling system (80) comprising a heat exchanger (80.1) and an air-guiding device (80.2), wherein the cooling system (80) is designed to be operated selectively in a normal operating mode (B1) and in a heat recirculation operating mode (B2) depending on at least one temperature (T) detected by the temperature detection unit (80.3). According to the invention, - in the normal operating mode (B1), a first air flow (LS1) can be guided from a supply air side (70) of the housing (200) to the power generation unit (101) and then to an exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200), and - in the heat recirculation operating mode (B2), a second air flow (LS2) can be guided through a supply air region (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) to the power generation unit (101), optionally to the supply air side (70) of the housing (200), and subsequently can be guided out of the housing (200) through an exhaust air region (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200), wherein - the guiding of the air flow in the heat recirculation operating mode (B2) for heat recirculation is designed to use waste heat of the heat exchanger (80.1) for enhanced temperature control of the air flow to the power generation unit (101).

Description

[0001] 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0002] 1

[0003] Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH November 27, 2025

[0004] DESCRIPTION

[0005] Genset comprising an electric generator driven by an internal combustion engine for power generation in the form of a power generation unit, control unit for controlling a genset and method for operating the genset

[0006] The invention relates to a genset with an electric generator driven by an internal combustion engine for generating electricity in the form of a power generation unit arranged in a housing and with a temperature sensing unit, wherein a cooling system comprising a heat exchanger and an air guide device is arranged in the housing.

[0007] A "generator set," referred to hereafter as a "genset," comprises an internal combustion engine and an electric generator driven by the internal combustion engine. The genset as a whole, and the generator in particular, serves to generate electricity. The genset is therefore designed as a power generation unit and is typically used to generate electrical energy in a location where no public power grid is accessible. This applies on the aforementioned large scale especially to gensets with power outputs in the "MW" (megawatt) range. For this purpose, a genset includes an internal combustion engine, in particular a large diesel engine. The internal combustion engine drives a generator. The internal combustion engine, such as a large diesel engine, is generally powered by fossil fuels, and the generator driven by the internal combustion engine produces electrical energy, which is fed into a generator connection—primarily to a grid, e.g., a power grid.The electrical energy is supplied to an island or microgrid, or to a consumer. It can be temporarily stored in a storage system for later use.

[0008] During operation, the internal combustion engine generates heat, so the engine and any other components inside the genset should be cooled by a cooling system. Genset cooling systems can cool the engine using air and / or water cooling.

[0009] The term "cooling system" as used here generally refers to an air conditioning system. An air conditioning system in this sense is nevertheless at least designed as shown in 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0010] 2. To be operated in a cooling environment, i.e., in an environment fundamentally designed to lower the temperature of the genset. A cooling system—possibly generally designed as an air conditioning system—in particular includes a heat exchanger, which is optionally designed as a cooler.

[0011] In addition to cooling operation of the cooling system—which may be designed as an air conditioning system—a housing vent is typically implemented to dissipate heat from the interior of the housing, primarily from the power generation unit, into the external environment. For this purpose, a convective flow of fresh air from the external environment of the genset is drawn through the housing and then released back into the external environment along with waste heat from the interior of the housing.

[0012] Gensets can generally be used in all climates. However, if the ambient temperature is very cold, the power generation unit, especially the internal combustion engine, can cool down so drastically due to convective cooling that its operating temperature not only deviates from its optimal range, but its operation is also restricted or even jeopardized. This is particularly important to avoid when generating electricity—that is, electrical energy—in locations where there is no access to a public power grid.

[0013] The use of a power generation unit or similar energy production device in a region with very cold ambient temperatures, such as in winter or in an arctic environment, is particularly problematic. At ambient temperatures below approximately -20°C, the fresh air used for the necessary housing ventilation can cool the internal combustion engine and potentially other components inside the housing so drastically that the power generation unit—especially the internal combustion engine—and potentially other components fall below a permissible minimum operating temperature.

[0014] This can negatively impact not only the lifespan of the power generation unit—the internal combustion engine is particularly at risk—and potentially other components. Furthermore, the operation of the internal combustion engine can be negatively affected, for example, by... 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0015] 3

[0016] The emission values ​​of the internal combustion engine may deviate from the desired or required target emission values ​​due to falling below the minimum operating temperature.

[0017] EP 3 050 196 Bl describes a portable genset for power outputs in the 100 kW range, in which a recirculating air operation can be activated depending on the outside temperature. The genset has a high-pressure fan and a fan. The high-pressure fan draws air from an engine compartment into a generator compartment, while the fan draws air in the opposite direction, from the generator compartment into the engine compartment. The high-pressure fan creates positive pressure in the generator compartment, drawing ambient air into the engine compartment. This air is then forced by the high-pressure fan into the generator compartment, where it escapes through openings in the genset due to the resulting positive pressure.

[0018] If the outside temperature is too low, a recirculation mode can be activated by switching off the high-pressure fan or reducing its output to a minimum. This results in a reversal of the pressure conditions inside the genset. With the high-pressure fan switched off, there is now positive pressure in the engine compartment, causing air to flow from the engine compartment into the generator compartment and then back into the engine compartment via the fan. A large portion of the air circulated through the genset then remains inside due to this recirculation mode and can thus warm up. However, the volume of air moved in this way is comparatively very limited.

[0019] The problem is that the combustion engine of the power generation unit is constantly and initially exposed to unfavorably cold outside air. In particular, inertial losses and power losses, and especially dead times when handling large air masses, can lead to unfavorable ventilation conditions.

[0020] This is where the invention comes in, the object of which is to provide an improved genset in which the operation of the power generation unit, in particular the internal combustion engine, is ensured. This is to be guaranteed even under extremely cold conditions. This is to be guaranteed particularly in a genset with a high power capacity, well into the megawatt range, where larger air masses are required for ventilation. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0021] 4

[0022] The problem is solved by the invention in a first aspect with a genset of claim 1.

[0023] This genset comprises an internal combustion engine and an electric generator driven by the internal combustion engine for generating electricity, wherein the internal combustion engine and the electric generator are designed in the form of a power generation unit arranged in a housing and with a temperature sensing unit associated with the power generation unit, arranged inside or outside the housing.

[0024] The housing further contains a cooling system comprising a heat exchanger and an air guide device, wherein the cooling system is designed to be operated selectively in a normal operating mode and in a heat recovery operating mode, depending on at least one temperature detected by the temperature sensing unit.

[0025] According to the invention, it is provided that in the normal operating mode a first airflow can be directed from an air supply side of the housing to the power generation unit, in particular to the internal combustion engine, and then to an exhaust air side of the housing, and in the heat recovery operating mode a second airflow can be directed through an air supply area on the exhaust air side of the housing to the power generation unit, optionally to the air supply side of the housing, and then through an exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing out of the housing, in particular to the internal combustion engine and then to the air supply side, wherein the airflow in the heat recovery operating mode is designed for heat recovery, to utilize waste heat from the heat exchanger, in particular in the form of a cooler, for increased temperature control of the airflow to the power generation unit, in particular to the internal combustion engine.

[0026] In other words, the invention proposes a heat recovery operating mode in which, by utilizing waste heat from the heat exchanger, particularly in the form of a cooler, the airflow is heated to a higher temperature directly by the power generation unit, in particular by the internal combustion engine. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0027] 5

[0028] Unlike the previously mentioned recirculating air operation, this system primarily involves directly supplying the power generation unit, particularly the internal combustion engine, with a warm airflow. This protects the power generation unit, especially the internal combustion engine, even at very low temperatures, particularly arctic cold, because the waste heat from the heat exchanger, especially in the form of a cooler, is used directly and is not first exposed to cold outside air.

[0029] The heat recovery operation described here has significant advantages over the recirculating air operation known from the prior art.

[0030] In heat recovery mode, a second airflow is directed through a supply air area on the exhaust side of the housing to the power generation unit, optionally via the supply air side of the housing. A particular advantage is that, in heat recovery mode, a second airflow can be directed through a supply air area on the exhaust side of the housing to the supply air side of the housing. This portion of the second airflow can therefore be generated independently of the state of an exhaust air area on the exhaust side of the housing. Switching on airflow-driving elements such as fans or similar devices in the supply air area on the exhaust side or the exhaust air area on the exhaust side of the housing is generally not necessary; at most, airflow-driving elements such as fans or similar devices in the supply air area on the exhaust side are switched on or off within a sufficient timeframe.

[0031] In heat recovery mode, a second airflow is directed through an air intake area on the exhaust side of the housing to the power generation unit, then through the air intake side of the housing, and finally out of the housing through an exhaust area on the exhaust side. A particularly advantageous feature is that the remaining portion of this second airflow then utilizes the exhaust area on the exhaust side of the housing and can be routed out of the housing from there.

[0032] In normal operating mode, a first airflow is directed from an intake side of the enclosure to the power generation unit and then to the exhaust side of the enclosure. It should be noted that in normal operating mode, a first airflow can be directed from an intake side of the enclosure to the power generation unit, in particular to the internal combustion engine, and then to the exhaust side of the enclosure. This first airflow is particularly relevant in part 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0033] 6 from an air supply side of the housing to the power generation unit and in a further part then to the exhaust air side of the housing, namely to the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing and there out of the housing.

[0034] In other words, the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing is used for both the further part of the first airflow in normal operating mode and for the further part of the second airflow in heat recovery operating mode; namely, in the same flow direction in one direction out of the housing.

[0035] A switching of elements driving the continuous airflow, such as fans or the like, is not required in the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing.

[0036] This is a significant advantage when operating with large air volumes. The fundamental problem is that directing air masses in different and potentially opposing directions by switching on the fans is associated with inertia and power losses, which can also lead to downtime in the ventilation process. This problem is exacerbated by the larger power range of the genset. The airflow design according to the invention avoids such problems.

[0037] Further advantages of the invention lie in the fact that, in addition to the actual cooling operation by the cooling system, a housing ventilation for a power generation unit — also referred to as an energy generation unit — is provided, which is also suitable in environments with very low temperatures of below -20°C,

[0038] In heat recovery mode, it is ensured that the internal combustion engine or other components of the power generation unit do not fall below a permissible minimum operating temperature during operation of the genset; i.e., the internal combustion engine or other components of the power generation unit should be exposed to pre-heated fresh air from the environment of the genset during operation, even at very low ambient temperatures such as temperatures below -20°C, and when the casing is vented using waste heat from the heat exchanger.

[0039] It is also advantageous to ensure that the internal combustion engine or other components of the power generation unit deviate only within acceptable limits from their respective desired operating temperatures. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0040] 7

[0041] Furthermore, an advantage of the invention is that it provides a simple technical solution that can be applied to a wide range of gensets and, in particular, allows for easy retrofitting into existing gensets. The supplied fresh air / intake air is drawn through the cooler and thus heated before it reaches the interior of the housing. This results in less immediate cooling of the interior compared to normal operation. The cooling of the high-temperature and low-temperature cooling water circuits continues to function as required by means of a continuous airflow through the cooler, i.e., by utilizing waste heat from the heat exchanger, specifically in the form of the cooler.

[0042] As soon as temperatures rise, the control system switches back to normal operation at defined limits, so that no disadvantages arise from the heat recovery operation.

[0043] The invention's concept can be implemented using existing hardware (e.g., coolers). This means that only limited additional hardware is required for implementation; consequently, additional costs are limited – the solution can also be implemented as a retrofit.

[0044] Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and specify in detail advantageous possibilities for realizing the concept explained above within the scope of the task and with regard to further advantages.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the genset, it is provided that in normal operating mode, a first airflow can be directed from an intake air side of the housing to the power generation unit, namely to the internal combustion engine and then to the exhaust air side of the housing; and in heat recovery operating mode, a second airflow can be directed through an intake air area on the exhaust air side of the housing to the intake air side of the housing and then through an exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing out of the housing, namely to the internal combustion engine and optionally to the intake air side and then to the exhaust air side, wherein the airflow in heat recovery operating mode is designed for heat recovery, utilizing waste heat from the heat exchanger, particularly in the form of a cooler, for increased temperature control of the airflow to the power generation unit, namely to the internal combustion engine. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0046] 8

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the genset, the temperature sensing unit is configured to detect at least one temperature, wherein the at least one detected temperature includes at least one outside temperature of an external environment of the genset. This allows the temperature-dependent operation of the cooling system in normal operating mode or heat recovery mode to depend, in particular, on the outside temperature of the genset. Based on the outside temperature detected by the temperature unit, the heat recovery mode of the cooling system can be activated, especially at colder outside temperatures, to pre-temper cold fresh air from the outside environment of the genset using the waste heat from the at least one heat exchanger before the fresh air reaches the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the genset, the air guidance system comprises a number of active and / or passive flow elements. The air guidance system is configured to direct an airflow through the genset according to the normal operating mode and / or the heat recovery operating mode, which is the opposite of the normal operating mode.

[0049] Active flow elements, particularly ventilation elements such as fans or the like, are defined as flow generators that are actively driven to maintain their flow-generating function and whose function is only present during operation, such as fans. Passive flow elements, particularly ventilation elements such as louvers or the like, are defined as components whose function—influencing a flow, for example, by slowing down, accelerating, redirecting, or preventing a flow—is determined by their positioning. It is also conceivable that passive flow elements can be automatically adjusted, allowing their position to be varied and thus altering the way the flow is influenced.Passive flow elements can be actively controlled; however, if their function is solely determined by their positioning, they are considered passive flow elements. Examples of passive flow elements include static flaps, flaps, louvers, throttles, and the like, with manual or automatic adjustment. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb.

[0050] 9

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the genset, the supply air side and the exhaust air side each have at least one ventilation opening, wherein at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side can be opened or closed by a passive flow element. Fresh air from the genset's external environment can be drawn in through these ventilation openings and released to the external environment along with waste heat from the genset's internal components. Closable ventilation openings allow the genset to be sealed during transport or storage, thus protecting the internal components from weather and contamination. By selectively opening and / or closing the ventilation openings during genset operation, for example, using passive flow elements such as flaps, the airflow path through the genset can be altered.Different combinations of open and closed ventilation openings allow for the creation of various airflow paths through the genset. This effect can be further enhanced by active flow elements such as fans, arranged so that a number of fans are directed to convey air along a specific flow path. Bidirectional fans are also suitable for this purpose, as they allow for reversing their flow direction and can thus be used to convey air along two different flow paths through the genset.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the genset, the exhaust air side of the genset is divided into an exhaust air section and a supply air section by an internal partition, thus dividing an internal area of ​​the genset at least partially into spatially separated flow regions. The supply air side is in fluid-conducting communication with the exhaust air side through these two spatially separated flow regions. Closing the at least one opening on the supply air side causes an airflow to be drawn into the genset through the exhaust air side and expelled from the genset via the exhaust air side. By dividing the exhaust air side into an exhaust air section and a supply air section, dedicated inlet and outlet paths are provided for the airflow when the supply air side is closed, through the at least one ventilation opening on the exhaust air side.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment of the genset, the number of active and / or passive flow elements is arranged such that an airflow in the normal operating mode 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0054] 10. Air is conveyed from the supply air side to the exhaust air side through the exhaust air area and / or the supply air area from the genset. In normal operating mode, if an airflow is conveyed from the supply air side to the exhaust air side through the exhaust air area and the supply air area from the genset, this advantageously increases the airflow capacity and thus the cooling capacity for the genset.

[0055] Advantageously, in heat recovery mode, closing at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side directs an airflow through the supply air area on the exhaust air side to the supply air side and then through the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side out of the genset. By utilizing the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side in the same flow direction from the housing, losses are minimized and dead times are avoided when switching between normal operating mode and heat recovery mode. The genset's ventilation operation is exceptionally flexible, dynamic, and adaptable with minimal losses and virtually no dead times.

[0056] If an airflow is conveyed from the supply air side to the exhaust air side through the exhaust air area and the supply air area from the genset in normal operating mode, the operation of the supply air area on the exhaust air side can be ramped down with sufficient lead time.

[0057] In particular, during normal operation, an airflow can be drawn into the genset from the outside environment by a number of active flow elements, such as fans, through at least one ventilation opening, for example, on the supply air side of the genset. The flow path of the drawn-in airflow leads through the genset towards the exhaust air side. The airflow first passes through the at least one internal combustion engine and then through the at least one heat exchanger. The waste heat from the internal combustion engine and the heat exchanger is dissipated into the outside environment of the genset by the airflow being expelled from the genset through the at least one ventilation opening on the exhaust air side.

[0058] Since, in normal operating mode, an airflow runs along the same direction on both the supply and exhaust air sides, it is irrelevant for normal operating mode whether the airflow on the exhaust air side is discharged through the exhaust air area, the supply air area, or both. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0059] 11

[0060] In particular, in the heat recovery operating mode, at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side of the genset is closed, so that an airflow can only enter and exit the genset via the exhaust air side.

[0061] For this purpose, dividing the exhaust air side into a supply air area and an exhaust air area is particularly advantageous.

[0062] In particular, it is advantageous if the number of active flow elements, especially ventilation elements such as fans or the like, is arranged such that a subset of the number of active flow elements, especially ventilation elements such as fans or the like, draws in an airflow through the supply air area of ​​the exhaust air side and conveys it into the genset, and another subset of the flow elements, especially ventilation elements such as fans or the like, is arranged such that it draws in an airflow from the supply air side and conveys it through the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side out of the genset.

[0063] This is facilitated by the two flow chambers on the exhaust side of the genset, separated from each other by the partition wall. The airflow generated by a subset of the flow elements, particularly ventilation elements such as fans or the like, is conveyed through the supply air chamber on the exhaust side into the genset towards the supply air side, which is closed off by a passive flow element. The airflow first passes through at least one heat exchanger, where it is pre-tempered by the heat from the heat exchanger, and then passes through at least one internal combustion engine.

[0064] Alternatively, at least a subset of the flow elements, particularly ventilation elements such as fans or the like, can also be bidirectionally operable. For example, all flow elements can be bidirectionally operable. In this case, in normal operating mode, all flow elements can convey air from the supply air side through the exhaust air section and the supply air section of the exhaust air side of the genset.

[0065] In heat recovery operating mode, the subset of bidirectional flow elements, in particular ventilation elements such as fans or the like, which are arranged in the flow direction upstream of the flow area located towards the supply air area of ​​the exhaust air side, can reverse their flow direction, so that this subset of the bidirectional 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0066] 12

[0067] Flow elements, in particular ventilation elements such as fans or the like, draw air into the genset through the supply air area on the exhaust air side of the genset, while the other part of the flow elements, in particular ventilation elements such as fans or the like, continue to expel air through the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the genset.

[0068] If an airflow is conveyed from the supply air side to the exhaust air side through the exhaust air area and the supply air area from the genset in normal operating mode, the operation of the supply air area on the exhaust air side can be ramped down with sufficient lead time.

[0069] It is also advantageous for the number of flow elements, particularly ventilation elements such as fans or the like, upstream of the flow area assigned to the exhaust side to be unidirectional flow elements that simply convey air through the exhaust area on the exhaust side from the genset, since a reversal of the direction of rotation for these flow elements is not strictly necessary when switching between operating modes. In this case, only the flow elements assigned to the flow area assigned to the supply side are bidirectional flow elements that can vary their conveyance direction according to the normal operating mode or the heat recovery operating mode.

[0070] In a preferred further development of the genset, it comprises a control unit which is designed to receive temperature data from the temperature sensing unit and to compare the temperature data with at least one temperature threshold value and, based on the comparison, to issue control commands to the number of active and / or passive flow elements.

[0071] By issuing control commands to the number of active and passive flow elements, the control unit is able to control the cooling system or the air distribution unit, in particular - by receiving temperature data from the temperature detection unit and comparing it with at least one temperature threshold value - to control it in a temperature-dependent manner.

[0072] In a preferred further development of the genset, the control unit is configured to operate the cooling system in recirculation mode when at least one outside temperature reaches a 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0073] 13

[0074] The temperature threshold is not exceeded, or otherwise the cooling unit should be operated in normal operating mode.

[0075] This allows the control unit to regulate the cooling system based on at least one ambient temperature of the genset's surroundings, such that an airflow is directed from the supply air side to the exhaust air side, or an airflow is directed from the exhaust air side to the supply air side of the genset, according to the normal operating mode and the heat recovery operating mode. The control unit can therefore operate the cooling system based on the ambient temperature in such a way that an airflow is pre-tempered using the waste heat from the at least one heat exchanger, or not, before the airflow comes into contact with the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0076] This offers the advantage of automated activation of a specific operating mode and switching between operating modes, depending on at least one temperature, in particular at least one ambient temperature of the genset. For example, the heat recovery operating mode of the cooling system can be automatically activated when the temperature sensing unit detects a drop in the ambient temperature of the genset below a certain temperature threshold.

[0077] Furthermore, an automatic switch from heat recovery mode to normal operating mode can occur when the temperature sensing unit detects that the ambient temperature exceeds a certain threshold, and an automatic switch to normal operating mode can occur when the ambient temperature exceeds a certain temperature threshold. The temperature threshold can be defined by a user.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment of the genset, the control unit is configured to operate the cooling system in recirculation mode when the at least one outside temperature falls below a lower temperature threshold, or in normal operating mode when the at least one outside temperature exceeds an upper temperature threshold, or in a hybrid operating mode when the at least one outside temperature lies between the upper and lower temperature thresholds. The hybrid operating mode is characterized in that the at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side is partially open or partially closed, and the number of active flow elements is operated such that an airflow according to 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0079] 14

[0080] Heat recovery operating mode and an airflow is promoted by the genset according to the normal operating mode. The temperature threshold can be defined by a user.

[0081] This advantageously results in an improved ability to react to varying ambient temperatures of the genset, through the heat recovery operating mode for very cold temperatures below the lower temperature threshold, the normal operating mode for warmer temperatures above an upper temperature threshold, and the hybrid operating mode for a transitional range of temperatures between the upper and lower temperature thresholds. The upper and lower temperature thresholds can be defined by the user.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment of the genset, the control unit is configured to receive at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine from the temperature sensing unit and is configured, by selecting the normal operating mode, the heat recovery operating mode, or the hybrid operating mode depending on the at least one ambient temperature of the genset, to control the at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine within a defined temperature range. By selecting the operating mode depending on at least one ambient temperature with the overarching goal of controlling at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine within a defined temperature range, the advantage arises of operating the at least one internal combustion engine in an optimal temperature range, independent of the ambient temperature of the genset's surroundings.

[0083] The operation of the cooling system in normal operating mode, heat recovery operating mode, or hybrid operating mode can include secondary cooling operation in addition to primary cooling operation. For example, in primary cooling operation, the cooling system can cool the internal combustion engine via water cooling, and in secondary cooling operation, it can additionally direct an airflow for crankcase ventilation through the genset, according to the three operating modes. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0084] 15

[0085] In the case of pure air cooling of the internal combustion engine, the operation of the cooling system in normal operating mode, heat recovery operating mode, or hybrid operating mode can be the primary cooling operation of the cooling system.

[0086] The problem is solved according to a second aspect by a control device according to claim 9. The control device is designed to control a genset according to the concept of the invention, namely in a normal operating mode and in a heat recovery operating mode depending on at least one temperature detected by a temperature sensing unit.

[0087] In particular, the control unit is designed to guide a first airflow in a normal operating mode from an air supply side of the genset to an exhaust air side of the genset, or to guide a second airflow in a heat recovery operating mode through an air supply area on the exhaust air side of the housing to the air supply side of the housing and then through an exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing out of the housing, wherein

[0088] - the guidance of the second airflow in heat recovery operating mode is designed to recover heat, to use waste heat from at least one heat exchanger for temperature control of the airflow.

[0089] In a preferred further development of the control unit, it is configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensing unit and to compare the temperature data with defined temperature thresholds and, based on the comparison, to issue control commands to the number of active and / or passive flow elements, wherein the temperature data includes at least one outside temperature of an outside environment of the genset.

[0090] In a further preferred embodiment of the control unit, it is designed to operate the cooling system in recirculation mode when at least one outside temperature falls below a temperature threshold, or otherwise to operate the cooling unit in normal operating mode.

[0091] Preferably, the control unit is configured to operate the cooling system in recirculation mode when at least one outside temperature falls below a lower temperature threshold. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0092] 16, or to operate in normal operating mode when the at least one outside temperature exceeds an upper temperature threshold, or to operate in a hybrid mode when the at least one outside temperature is between the upper and lower temperature thresholds, wherein the hybrid mode is characterized in that the at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side is partially open or partially closed and the number of active flow elements is operated such that an airflow according to the heat recovery operating mode and an airflow according to the normal operating mode is conveyed through the genset.

[0093] Preferably, the control unit is configured to receive at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine from the temperature sensing unit and, by selecting the normal operating mode or the heat recovery operating mode or the hybrid operating mode depending on the at least one outside temperature of the genset, to control the at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine within a defined temperature range.

[0094] The problem is solved according to a third aspect by a method according to claim 12. The method is designed to operate the genset according to the concept of the invention.

[0095] The method for operating a genset, optionally in a normal operating mode or a heat recovery operating mode depending on at least one temperature detected by a temperature sensing unit, preferably with a control unit, comprises the following steps:

[0096] Receiving at least one outside temperature of an outside environment of the genset

[0097] Comparison of at least one received outside temperature with a temperature threshold value,

[0098] Activation of the heat recovery operating mode when the received temperature is below the temperature threshold, by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements of the air guide unit to close the at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side of the housing and to recirculate heat to guide a second airflow through a supply air area on the exhaust air side of the housing to 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0099] 17

[0100] air intake side of the housing and then through an exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing out of the housing,

[0101] Otherwise, the normal operating mode is activated by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements of the air guidance unit to open at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side of the housing and to guide a first airflow from the supply air side of the housing to the exhaust air side of the housing through the exhaust air area and / or the supply air area out of the housing.

[0102] In a further preferred embodiment, the following is provided: activation of the heat recovery operating mode when the received temperature is below the lower temperature threshold, by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements of the air guide unit to close the at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side of the housing and to guide a second airflow through the supply air area on the exhaust air side of the housing to the supply air side of the housing and subsequently through the exhaust air area on the exhaust air side of the housing out of the housing, activating the normal operating mode.If the received temperature is above the upper temperature threshold, control commands are sent to the active and / or passive flow elements of the air guide unit to open at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side of the housing and to guide a first airflow from the supply air side of the housing to the exhaust air side of the housing through the exhaust air area and / or the supply air area out of the housing, and the hybrid operating mode is activated if the received temperature is between the upper temperature threshold and the lower temperature threshold.by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements of the air guide unit to partially open or close the at least one ventilation opening on the supply air side of the housing and to guide a second airflow through the housing according to the heat recovery operating mode and to guide a first airflow through the housing according to the normal operating mode. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb,

[0103] 18

[0104] Embodiments of the invention are now described below with reference to the drawings and comparison with the prior art, some of which is also shown. These drawings are not necessarily to scale; rather, where explanatory, they are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. For further details regarding the teachings directly apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that numerous modifications and changes concerning the form and details of an embodiment can be made without deviating from the general idea of ​​the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the drawings, and the claims can be essential for the further development of the invention, both individually and in any combination.Furthermore, the invention encompasses all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawing, and / or the claims. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact shape or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below, nor is it limited to an object that would be restricted compared to the object claimed in the claims. For specified dimensioning ranges, values ​​lying within the stated limits are also disclosed as limit values ​​and may be used and claimed as desired. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this is shown in:

[0105] FIG. 1: Schematic representation of a genset with a cooling system according to a preferred design

[0106] embodiment,

[0107] FIG. 2: schematically a cooling system in a preferred first embodiment (view (a)) and in a preferred second embodiment (view (b));

[0108] FIG. 3: Schematic representation of a functionality for temperature-dependent operation of the

[0109] Cooling system of FIG. 1, i.e. in a normal operating mode (Bl) and a recirculation operating mode (B2),

[0110] FIG. 4: Detailed diagram of the genset with cooling system of FIG. 1 in normal operating mode, 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0111] 19

[0112] FIG. 5: Detailed diagram of the genset with cooling system of FIG. 1.

[0113] Heat recovery operating mode,

[0114] FIG. 6A: the genset with cooling system of FIG. 1 in a hybrid operating mode,

[0115] FIG. 6B: the genset with cooling system of FIG. 1 in a hybrid operating mode and with a partition wall dividing the cooling system,

[0116] FIG. 7: a preferred design of a control unit,

[0117] FIG. 8: A temperature-dependent method of the genset with a cooling system in a first preferred embodiment,

[0118] FIG. 9: A temperature-dependent method of the genset with a cooling system in a second preferred embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 1 shows a genset 100 with an electric generator 20 driven by an internal combustion engine 10 for generating electricity in the form of a power generation unit 101, which is arranged in a housing 200. The genset 100 with an internal combustion engine 10 and a cooling system 80 further provides in the housing 200 that the cooling system 80 comprises at least one heat exchanger 80.1—in this case in the form of a radiator—and an air distribution unit 80.2—in this case comprising a number of flow elements 80.4, 80.5, 80.5.1, 80.5.2, such as valves, flaps, throttles, or the like, as well as pipe sections or the like for flow guidance—and a temperature sensing unit 80.3.

[0120] Furthermore, the housing 200 of the genset 100 has an air supply side 70 and an exhaust side 60. At least one ventilation opening 70.1, 60.1 is provided on both the air supply side 70 and the exhaust side 60.

[0121] The internal combustion engine 10 of the housing 200 is located inside the housing 200 on the air intake side 70.

[0122] The cooling system 80 is located inside the housing 200 on the exhaust air side 60.

[0123] At least the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 can be passively

[0124] Flow element, such as a ventilation flap 80.4, closed or open 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0125] 20. Furthermore, the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60 can also be closed or opened by a passive ventilation element 80.4. On the exhaust air side 60, the ventilation opening 60.1 is divided by an intermediate wall 210 inside the housing 200 into a supply air area 60.1.2 and an exhaust air area 60.1.1.

[0126] The partition 210 extends inside the housing 200 and divides an area between the exhaust air side 60 and the cooling system 80, at least partially, into two spatially separated flow areas SI and S2, wherein the supply air side 70 is in fluid-conducting communication with the exhaust air side 60 through the two flow areas SI and S2, which are at least partially separated. Furthermore, the partition 210 extends into the air distribution unit 80.2 and divides it into two areas, wherein a first area is in fluid-conducting communication with the first flow area S1 and a second area is in fluid-conducting communication with the second flow area S2. Alternatively, the air distribution unit 80.2 can have its own internal partition 210, which, in an assembled state of the genset 100, represents a continuation of the partition 210.

[0127] The air guidance unit 80.2 comprises a number of active and / or passive flow elements, in particular ventilation elements such as fans / dampers 80.5 or the like. Active flow elements 80.5 are flow generators that are actively driven to maintain their flow-generating function and whose function is only given during their operation.

[0128] An example of active flow elements are fans 80.5; here, the first flow elements 80.5.1 are in the first flow area S1, and the second flow elements 80.5.2 are in the second flow area S2. Passive flow elements are components whose function—influencing a flow, for example, slowing down or accelerating, redirecting, or preventing a flow—is determined by their positioning. It is also conceivable that passive flow elements, such as ventilation flaps 80.4, are automatically adjustable, so that their positioning is variable. For example, passive flow elements 80.4 can be automatically adjusted to close or open ventilation openings 70.1, 60.1, or to open or close flow channels for an airflow. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0129] 21

[0130] As described at the beginning, the problem is the potential for the interior of the housing 200 of the genset 100 and the components contained therein to cool down (i.e., falling below the permissible operating temperatures) during operation at low outside temperatures TA in winter or in arctic regions.

[0131] A cooling system 80, in particular a front-mounted cooling system of a housing 200 of the genset 100, can, for example, primarily serve to cool the coolant for an engine (HT - high temperature) as well as for the charge air (NT - low temperature) of the internal combustion engine. In this process, the cooling system 80 draws fresh air from the environment through the interior of the housing 200, thereby also ventilating it and, among other things, counteracting heat build-up caused by secondary heat sources (e.g., radiant heat from the engine and exhaust silencer, generator exhaust air, etc.).

[0132] While this concept has proven effective in temperate climates and temperature conditions, it can lead to the aforementioned problem in very cold ambient conditions (approximately below -20°C). In this case, the cooling system 80, operating under load, supplies the necessary high volumes of fresh air to cool the cooling water circuits. Due to its low temperature, this fresh air cools the interior significantly (despite the presence of secondary heat sources). This can cause the design temperatures of the components located inside the vehicle to fall below the permitted levels, negatively impacting their service life and the fundamental operation of the internal combustion engine (e.g., deviations in emission values ​​due to excessively low engine operating temperature).

[0133] In the exemplary embodiment of the genset 100 shown in FIG. 1, the air guidance unit 80.2 comprises a number of fans 80.5.

[0134] The number of flow elements - not being limited below - fans 80.5 is arranged such that it can generate an airflow in a direction extending from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 and in a direction extending from the exhaust air side 60 to the supply air side 70.

[0135] In particular, the fans 80.5 – i.e., the first and second fans 80.5.1, 80.5.2 – are divided into a first and second group by the partition 210, with the first group of fans 80.5.1 being arranged such that they draw air through the partition 210.

[0136] 22

[0137] 210 first flow area S1 conveys air and the second group of fans 80.5.2 conveys air through the second flow area S2.

[0138] It is also conceivable that at least one fan 80.5—that is, at least one of the first and second fans 80.5.1, 80.5.2—is bidirectionally operable. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the air distribution unit 80.2 of the cooling system 80 comprises active flow elements, such as fans 80.5, which are arranged decentrally at other locations within the housing 200 and are not centrally located in the cooling unit 80. For example, fans 80.5 could also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the ventilation openings 60.1 and / or 70.1 or at other locations within the housing 200. Furthermore, passive flow elements 80.4 can be provided centrally in the cooling system 80, and / or arranged decentrally at other locations inside or outside the housing 200, such as the ventilation flap 80.4 at the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 and / or the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust side 60 of the housing 200.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 of the housing 200 is automatically opened or closed by a ventilation flap 80.4. In other embodiments, it is conceivable that all ventilation openings 60.1, 70.1 and optionally further ventilation openings are opened or closed by automatic ventilation flaps 80.4. Opening or closing the ventilation opening 70.1 by the ventilation flap 80.4 results in different airflows through the interior of the housing 200, generated by the active flow elements 80.5.

[0140] A particularly advantageous feature here is the ability to direct the airflow through the housing 200 practically simply by controlling the ventilation flaps 80.4, so that the fans 80.5—that is, at least one of the first and second fans 80.5.1, 80.5.2—can continue to operate virtually unchanged. This eliminates dead times during which cooling performance is insufficient—for example, due to the switching off and / or on of certain fans. Air masses retain their direction when switching between a normal operating mode Bl and a heat recovery operating mode B2; the latter will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0141] 23

[0142] This ensures a consistently sufficient cooling capacity even during dynamic or transient operation, or makes it possible with comparatively reduced effort and minimal losses during the operation of the flow elements 80.5. The cooling system 80 can be operated in different operating modes Bl, B2, and B3, depending on at least one temperature T detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3.

[0143] FIG. 2 shows in view a) an exemplary embodiment of the cooling unit 80 and in view b) a further embodiment of the cooling unit 80. In view a), the cooling unit 80 comprises a heat exchanger 80.1 and an air distribution device 80.2, which includes a number of active and / or passive flow elements 80.5, 80.5.1, 80.5.2, 80.4. In the embodiment shown, the air distribution device 80.2 includes a number of fans 80.5 as active flow-generating flow elements. The fans are arranged in such a way that they can generate an airflow in at least two different directions, so that, for example, in a normal operating mode Bl of the cooling system 80, an airflow can be conveyed from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200, and in a heat recovery operating mode B2, an airflow can be conveyed from the exhaust air side 60 to the supply air side 70.Furthermore, the cooling system 80 can be operated in a hybrid operating mode B3, which is a combination of the other two operating modes.

[0144] The cooling system 80 shown in view a) includes further active flow elements not shown, such as fans 80.5. These further active flow elements 80.5 can be arranged at different locations in the genset 100, such as directly at the ventilation opening 60.1, 70.1 on the exhaust air side 60 or the supply air side 70. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one fan 80.5 can be operated bidirectionally. The active flow elements 80.5 shown in view a), such as the fans 80.5 mentioned as examples, are separated into two groups by the partition 210, with a first group of fans 80.5.1 conveying air through the flow area S1 and a second group of fans 80.5.2 conveying air through the flow area S2. Basically, only one of the active flow elements, such as the first or second of the fans 80.5.1, 80.5.2, is used.2 in one of the two areas SI, S2 created by the partition wall 210 within the cooling system 80 is required to realize, in conjunction with the controlled ventilation flaps 80.4, the operating modes of a normal operating mode Bl, a heat recovery operating mode B2 and / or a hybrid operating mode B3. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb.

[0145] 24

[0146] In the embodiment shown in view a), no passive flow elements 80.4 are depicted, although it is conceivable that the air distribution unit 80.2 includes passive flow elements such as ventilation flaps 80.4 in the immediate vicinity of the cooling system 80. In particular, however, passive flow elements 80.4 are arranged at ventilation openings 60.1, 70.1 of the housing 200 in order to guide different airflows through the genset 100 by opening or closing the respective openings.

[0147] The embodiment of the cooling system 80 shown in view b) comprises an air distribution unit 80.2 on both sides of the heat exchanger 80.1, with a number of active flow elements 80.5, such as fans. In this embodiment, the active flow elements 80.5 of the air distribution units 80.2 can each be assigned a flow direction corresponding to a normal operating mode Bl or a heat recovery operating mode B2; insofar as a first flow element 80.5.1 is designed to generate a first airflow LSI in normal operating mode Bl and a second flow element 80.5.2 is designed to generate a second airflow LS2 in heat recovery operating mode B2.

[0148] In one modification, at least one of the 80.5 fans can be operated bidirectionally. The active flow elements 80.5 are separated into two groups by the partition 210, with a first group conveying air through the first flow area S1 and a second group conveying air through the second flow area S2.

[0149] The concept of the invention—as exemplified by the embodiments shown here—in short, provides an additional operating mode—the heat recovery operating mode B2—for cold ambient conditions, in which the fresh air / supply air is heated by means of a counter-rotating recirculation operation via the heat exchanger 80.1, such as the cooler. The cooler thus serves as a heat source for the interior of the housing 200, and the heat source primarily heats the fresh air / supply air to the power generation unit 101, in particular the internal combustion engine 10, and then the interior of the housing 200 is also heated.

[0150] The concept of the invention also includes, for example, the differentiation of operating modes into a first operating mode for summer operation (previously existing normal operating mode or, in particular, the one mentioned here 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb).

[0151] 25

[0152] Normal operating mode Bl) and winter operation (previously non-existent operating mode or, in particular, the heat recovery operating mode B2 mentioned here).

[0153] A control strategy can determine which operating mode is present based on the prevailing ambient temperature.

[0154] To enable winter operation, the exhaust air side from the cooling system 80 is divided in the middle by a partition wall 210, as shown in FIG. 1 and also in the following FIG. 4 to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

[0155] The air supply side 70 can then be temporarily closed (e.g. by means of blinds).

[0156] FIG. 3 shows a possible embodiment of the operation of the cooling system 80 of the genset 100 as a function of at least one temperature T detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3. In this embodiment, operation of the cooling system 80 in the normal operating mode Bl and the recirculation mode B2 is shown. The temperature sensing unit 80.3 comprises a number of temperature sensors (not shown) for detecting temperatures T inside the housing 200 and / or in an external environment of the genset 100.

[0157] The operation of the cooling system 80 in the various operating modes of a normal operating mode Bl, a heat recovery operating mode B2, and / or a hybrid operating mode B3 can therefore be dependent on a temperature T detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3, in particular on an outside temperature TA of the external environment of the genset 100. In an embodiment not shown here, the temperature sensors of the temperature sensing unit 80.3 are arranged at several and also different locations in or on the genset 100. The positions of the temperature sensors of the temperature sensing unit 80.3 can be selected according to requirements and function.

[0158] Figure 3 shows a comparison of a temperature T detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3 with a defined temperature threshold T*. If the temperature T is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold T*, the cooling system 80 operates in normal operating mode Bl. In normal operating mode Bl, 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0159] 26. It is provided that the active flow elements, such as fans 80.5, generate an airflow that runs from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200. To enable such an airflow, the ventilation openings 60.1 and 70.1 on the exhaust air side 60 and supply air side 70 are open. In particular, the ventilation flap 80.4 is positioned to keep the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 open. The airflow generated by the fans 80.5 therefore passes through the ventilation opening.

[0160] 70.1 on the supply air side 70 through the genset 100 and first passes the combustion engine 10 and then the heat exchanger 80.1, before the airflow on the exhaust air side 60 exits the genset 100 through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 and / or the supply air area 60.1.2 at the ventilation opening 60.1.

[0161] If the temperature T is lower than the temperature threshold T*, the cooling system 80 is switched to recirculation mode B2. Recirculation mode B2 is characterized by the fact that the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 is closed by the ventilation flap 80.4 being moved into a position that closes the ventilation opening 70.1. The ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60 remains open. The fans 80.5 of the air distribution unit 80.2 can be operated as in normal operating mode Bl, so that they convey an airflow from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 through the flow space S1 formed by the partition wall 210 and through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 of the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60 from the genset 100. However, no ambient air is drawn into the genset 100 through the closed ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70. The air passes through the flow chamber S1 and the exhaust air area 60.1.Air conveyed from the genset 100 creates a suction effect, so that in heat recovery operating mode B2, air from the outside environment is drawn through the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60, through the supply air area 60.1.2, and into the flow chamber S2 formed by the partition wall 210. Due to the fans 80.5, this airflow first passes the heat exchanger 80.1 and then the combustion engine 10. The airflow then passes through the flow chamber S1 and subsequently through the exhaust air area.

[0162] Air is drawn from the genset 100 through the ventilation opening 60.1.1 on the exhaust side 60. The airflow according to heat recovery operating mode B2 can be generated by a number of fans 80.5 located downstream of the flow area S1, creating a flow from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 and drawing air through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 from the genset 100. A resulting suction effect draws air through the supply air area 60.1.2 on the exhaust side 60 into the genset 100. It is 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0163] 27. It is also conceivable that the number of fans 100 is divided into a first and second subset, wherein the first subset, as explained, is arranged downstream of the first flow area S1 to convey air out of the genset 100 through the exhaust side 60, and the second subset of fans 80.5 is arranged in the opposite direction downstream of the flow area S2 to convey air through the exhaust side 60 into the genset 100. It is also conceivable that at least one fan 80.5 of the number of fans 80.5 is bidirectionally operable.

[0164] In a modified embodiment not shown here, only a single fan can be optionally but permanently arranged behind the first flow area S1 or behind the second flow area S2.

[0165] Recirculation mode B2 is characterized in particular by the fact that an airflow conveyed by the genset 100 first passes through the heat exchanger 80.1 before passing through the internal combustion engine 10. This makes it possible for the airflow to be pre-tempered by utilizing waste heat from the heat exchanger 80.1 before it passes through the internal combustion engine 10.

[0166] Especially at very cold ambient temperatures, pre-heating an airflow for casing ventilation is advantageous, as this prevents excessive cooling of the internal combustion engine 10. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if at least one temperature T detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3 is an outside temperature TA of the external environment of the genset 100, or at least includes one. It is particularly advantageous if, in the temperature adjustment necessary for selecting the respective operating mode Bl, B2, B3, the temperature threshold T* is used with a temperature T in the form of an outside temperature TA of the external environment of the genset 100 detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3.

[0167] The temperature threshold T* can be selected to suit a specific internal combustion engine. For example, the temperature threshold T* can be set to 0 °C to always use heat recovery operating mode B2 when the ambient temperature of genset 100 falls below 0 °C. Alternatively, the temperature threshold T* can be set to -20 °C to only activate heat recovery operating mode B2 when temperatures fall below critical levels for optimal operation of internal combustion engine 10. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0168] 28

[0169] Temperatures T for tempering the airflow using the waste heat from the heat exchanger

[0170] to use 80.1.

[0171] The flow directions of the first airflow LSI through the genset 100 in the normal operating mode Bl and the second airflow LS2 in the heat recovery operating mode B2 are indicated in FIG. 3 (by arrows with dotted line).

[0172] FIG. 4 shows a genset 100 with a cooling system 80, operating in normal operating mode Bl. The design of the genset 100 is the same as that of the genset 100 in FIG. 1.

[0173] The flow directions of the first airflow LSI through the genset 100 in normal operating mode Bl are shown in FIG. 3 (arrows with dotted lines indicate the flow direction of the air of the first airflow LSI generated by the fans 80.5). Normal operating mode Bl is characterized by the fact that the ventilation openings 60.1, 70.1 on the exhaust side 60 and the supply side 70 are open. In particular, the ventilation flap 80.4 on the supply side 70 is positioned so that the ventilation opening 70.1 is open. The airflow runs from the supply side 70 through the genset 100 to the exhaust side 60, with the air of the first airflow LSI drawn in from the outside environment directly impacting the internal combustion engine 10. In the embodiment shown, the air of the first airflow LSI is passed through the fans 80.5.1 through the flow space S1 formed by the partition wall 210 and through the exhaust air area 60.1.1. The air is conveyed to the outside through the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust side 60. It is also possible that the first and second fans 80.5.1, 80.5.2 are arranged or operated such that the air is conveyed from the genset 100 through both flow areas SI, S2 formed by the partition wall 210, respectively, through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 and the supply air area 60.1.2 on the exhaust side 60.

[0174] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a first subset of the number of fans 80.5.1 conveys an airflow through the flow area S1 through the exhaust air area.

[0175] 60.1.1 from the genset 100. The airflow entering the genset 100 through the supply air area 60.1.2 results from a suction effect due to the driven first set of fans 80.5. It is also possible that a second set of fans 80.5.2, arranged in the opposite direction to the first set of fans 80.5.1, creates a 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0176] 29

[0177] Airflow is conveyed through the supply air area 60.1.2 into the genset 100. In heat recovery operating mode B2, a second airflow LS2 can thus be directed through a supply air area 60.1.2 at the exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200 to the supply air side 70 of the housing 200 and subsequently through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 at the exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200 out of the housing 200, in particular to the internal combustion engine 10 and then to the supply air side 70.

[0178] FIG. 5 shows the genset 100 from FIG. 4, with the cooling system 80 operating in heat recovery mode B2. In heat recovery mode B2, the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 of the housing 200 is closed. For this purpose, the ventilation flap 80.4 is positioned to close the ventilation opening 70.1. The ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60 is open. The number of fans 80.5 of the air distribution unit 80.2 is arranged such that it conveys an airflow through the supply air area 60.1.2 of the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60 into the genset 100 and then through the flow area S2 to the supply air side 70. The airflow passes through the heat exchanger 80.1, where it is tempered by its waste heat, and then passes through the internal combustion engine 10. The airflow then flows back towards the exhaust air side 60, where it passes through the flow area S1 and then through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 of the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust side 60 exits from the genset 100.

[0179] FIG. 6A shows the genset 100 from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, where the cooling unit 80 is also operated in a hybrid operating mode B3. The hybrid operating mode B3 combines the normal operating mode Bl with the heat recovery operating mode B2.

[0180] Additionally, the solution optionally offers this further "hybrid" operating mode, which represents an intermediate stage between the normal summer operation described above and the heat recovery operation. This intermediate stage serves to further regulate the temperatures T of the cooling water circuits and the interior.

[0181] Hybrid operating mode B3 can be used, for example, when very cold outside temperatures (TA) necessitate winter operation, but the interior of the housing (200) heats up considerably after prolonged winter operation at high engine power, potentially exceeding certain temperature limits. In this operating condition, the supply air side (70) is no longer completely closed, but is partially (e.g., by means of louvers) 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0182] The vent at 30° is slightly opened, allowing some fresh air from the supply air side 70° to enter the enclosure interior directly without being heated. This results in more effective cooling of the interior and the cooling water circuits compared to pure heat recovery operation. However, significantly less cooling is achieved than in pure summer mode.

[0183] In hybrid operating mode B3 of the cooling system 80, the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 is partially open. The ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side is open. The fans 80.5—here, the first fans 80.5.1—of the air distribution unit 80.2 are operated in such a way that they convey an initial airflow LSI according to the normal operating mode Bl through the partially open ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 through the flow area S1 and subsequently through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 of the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60.

[0184] Additionally, the fans 80.5 - here the second fans 80.5.2— convey a second airflow LS2 according to the heat recovery operating mode B2 through the supply air area 60.1.2 of the ventilation opening 60.1 on the exhaust air side 60 through the flow area S2 into the genset 100, whereby this second airflow LS2 is pre-tempered by the waste heat of the heat exchanger 80.1 before it passes the internal combustion engine 10 and is then conveyed back to the exhaust air side 60 with the airflow according to the normal operating mode Bl.

[0185] FIG. 6B shows—as does FIG. 6A—the genset 100 with cooling unit 80 in hybrid operating mode B3 and with a partition 210 that divides the cooler of the cooling unit 80. This partition 210 in FIG. 6B is thus a variant of the partition 210 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6A.

[0186] It also extends inside the housing 200 and divides an area between the exhaust air side 60 and the cooling system 80, at least partially, into two spatially separated flow areas SI, S2. Here too, the supply air side 70 is in fluid-carrying communication with the exhaust air side 60 through the two flow areas SI, S2, which are at least partially separated.

[0187] In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B provides that a first part 81 of the heat exchanger 80.1 is operated in normal operating mode Bl and a second part 82 of the heat exchanger 80.1 is operated in heat recovery operating mode B2. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0188] 31

[0189] Heat recovery is achieved here—as shown in FIG. 6B—by operating the cooling system 80 only "on one side," meaning that only the cooling fans of one half of the radiator are in normal operation. Cooling fans of the other half can either be switched off or run in the opposite direction. The effect is essentially the same regardless of whether the fans are switched off or running in the opposite direction.

[0190] The supply / fresh air is now drawn in exclusively from the exhaust air side 60 and drawn through the first part 81 of the heat exchanger 80.1, in particular the second half of the cooler, into the interior of the housing 200, specifically initially into the second flow area S2. Here, the fresh air first passes through the heat exchanger 80.1 in the form of the cooler and is heated by it before flowing into the interior, in particular before it encounters the internal combustion engine 10.

[0191] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a control device 111 with a control unit 110. The control unit 110 is communicatively connected to the temperature sensing unit 80.3 of the control device 111, so that the temperature sensing unit 80.3 can transmit at least one detected temperature TA in the form of a temperature value to the control unit 110. The temperature sensing unit 80.3 of the cooling system 80, which is associated with the power generation unit 101, transmits a detected temperature T, preferably an outside temperature TA of an external environment of the genset 100 or a temperature T at the power generation unit 101, to the control unit 110 of the genset 100. The control unit 110 can transmit control commands to the temperature sensing unit 80.3 to cause the temperature sensing unit 80.3, for example, to detect at least one temperature T and then transmit this at least one detected temperature T to the control unit 110.

[0192] Furthermore, the control unit 110 is communicatively connected to active flow elements 80.5 of the control device 111, such as a number of fans 80.5, in such a way that the active flow elements 80.5 can transmit information to the control unit 110 and the control unit 110 can transmit control commands to the active flow elements 80.5. Thus, the active flow elements 80.5 can transmit information such as direction of rotation and / or speed to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can transmit control commands to the active flow elements 80.5, for example, to increase or decrease the speed of the active flow elements 80.5 and / or to reverse the flow direction of the active flow elements 80.5. The control unit 110 is preferably connected to 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0193] 32 of the active flow elements 80.5, 80.5.1, 80.5.2 are interconnected in such a way that each individual active flow element 80.5, 80.5.1, 80.5.2 can be controlled individually. This enables the control unit 110 to transmit control commands to each individual active flow element 80.5, 80.5.1, 80.5.2 and thereby control each individual active flow element 80.5 with regard to its rotational speed and / or its flow direction.

[0194] Furthermore, the control unit 110 is communicatively connected to a number of passive flow elements 80.4 of the control device 111, such as ventilation flaps 80.4, in such a way that the passive flow elements 80.4 can transmit information, such as the current position of a ventilation flap 80.4, to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can transmit control commands to the number of passive flow elements 80.4, such as commands for a complete opening or a complete closing of a passive flow element 80.4, or commands for a gradual opening or a gradual closing of a passive flow element 80.4.

[0195] Furthermore, the control unit 110 is designed to detect the effects of control commands, for example concerning the active and / or passive flow elements, on an interior temperature, such as, in particular, the temperature T of the internal combustion engine 10. For example, the effect of a gradual opening or closing of a ventilation flap 80.4 in hybrid operating mode B3 can be detected, and it can be determined, if necessary, whether a ventilation flap has been opened or closed too far or too little. In such a way, a passive or active flow element 80.5 is activated within a control loop until, for example, an interior temperature is reached within an appropriate temperature range.

[0196] The control device 111 is configured with the control unit 110 to control a number of active flow elements 80.5 and a number of passive flow elements 80.4 according to the normal operating mode Bl, the recirculation operating mode B2, or the hybrid operating mode B3. The selection of a particular operating mode is advantageously dependent on at least one outside temperature TA, which is detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3 and transmitted to the control unit 110. The selection of a particular operating mode Bl, B2, or B3 aims to control at least one operating temperature of at least one internal combustion engine 10 such that it remains within a defined and preferred temperature range during the operation of the at least one internal combustion engine 10. 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0197] 33

[0198] The at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine 10 is recorded by the temperature detection unit 80.3 and transmitted to the control unit 110.

[0199] In other embodiments of the control unit 110, it can be communicationally linked with other elements of the genset 100, or several control units 110 can be communicationally linked with the elements shown in FIG. 7 and / or with other elements of the genset 100.

[0200] It is advantageously possible to retrofit existing gensets 100, which basically have the necessary components for the realization of the individual operating modes Bl, B2 and B3, with the solution according to the invention with regard to the control device 111 by means of a modified programming of their control unit 110.

[0201] Furthermore, it is possible to retrofit active flow elements 80.5, such as fans, and passive flow elements 80.4, such as manually or automatically adjustable flaps, to a cooling system 80 on existing gensets 100 via the control unit 111. Ventilation openings 60.1 of a housing 200 (not shown in FIG. 7) can also be added to existing gensets 100 for control by the control unit 111. An existing genset 100 can be enabled to operate a cooling system 80, and thus the genset 100, according to the solution according to the invention by subsequently adding ventilation openings 60.1, as well as active flow elements 80.5 and passive flow elements 80.4, and optionally a temperature sensing unit 80.3, and by means of an adapted control program of the control unit 110.

[0202] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for controlling the cooling system 80 of the genset 100 in the normal operating mode Bl or the heat recovery operating mode B2. The temperature sensing unit 80.3 of the cooling system 80, which is associated with the power generation unit 101, transmits a detected temperature T, preferably an outside temperature TA of an outside environment of the genset 100 or a temperature T at the power generation unit 101, to a control unit 110 of the genset 100.

[0203] The control unit 110 is further specified by a defined temperature threshold value T*, which may be stored in a memory and / or a user interface 112 of the control unit 110 or elsewhere in the control device 111 and / or via the user interface 112 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0204] 34 can be specified. This temperature threshold T* can be defined by a user.

[0205] The control unit 110 compares the temperature value T transmitted by the temperature sensing unit 80.3 with the defined temperature threshold T*. If the temperature T is greater than the temperature threshold T* or if the temperature T equals the temperature threshold T*, the control unit 110 puts the cooling system 80 into normal operating mode Bl by opening or keeping open the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 and operating the fans 80.5 in such a way that they convey an airflow from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 through the genset 100. If the temperature T is less than the temperature threshold T*, the cooling system 80 is switched to heat recovery operating mode B2 by the control unit 110, in which the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 is closed or remains closed and the fans 80.5 are operated in such a way that they create an airflow through the supply air area 60.1.2 on the exhaust air side 60 into the genset 100 to the supply air side 70 and then from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 from the genset 100.

[0206] FIG. 9 shows a method 400 for controlling the cooling system 80 of the genset 100 in the normal operating mode Bl or the heat recovery operating mode B2 or the hybrid operating mode B3. In this method 400, a detected temperature T, preferably an outside temperature TA, is transmitted to the control unit 110 by the temperature sensing unit 80.3.

[0207] Furthermore, the control unit 110 is predefined with an upper temperature threshold TI and a lower temperature threshold T2, which can be stored in a memory and / or a user interface 112 of the control unit 110 or elsewhere in the control device 111 and / or can be specified via the user interface 112. The upper temperature threshold TI and the lower temperature threshold T2 can be defined by a user. The control unit 110 first compares the temperature T transmitted by the temperature sensing unit 80.3 with the upper temperature threshold TL. If the temperature T is greater than the upper temperature threshold TI or if the temperature T equals the upper temperature threshold TI, the cooling system 80 is switched to normal operating mode Bl by opening or leaving open the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 and the 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0208] 35

[0209] Fans 80.5 are operated in such a way that they convey an airflow from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 through the genset 100.

[0210] If the temperature T is not greater than the upper temperature threshold TI or equals the upper temperature threshold TI, the control unit 110 compares the temperature T with the lower temperature threshold T2. If the temperature T is less than the lower temperature threshold T2 or equals the lower temperature threshold T2, the cooling system 80 is switched by the control unit 110 to heat recovery operating mode B2, in which the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 is closed or remains closed, and the fans 80.5 are operated such that they convey an airflow through the supply air area 60.1.2 on the exhaust air side 60 into the genset 100 to the supply air side 70 and then from the supply air side 70 to the exhaust air side 60 through the exhaust air area 60.1.1 from the genset 100. If the temperature T is not less than the lower temperature threshold T2 or equals the lower temperature threshold T2, the cooling system 80 is switched to heat recovery operating mode B2 by the control unit 110.

[0211] If the temperature threshold T2 is located between the upper temperature threshold TI and the lower temperature threshold T2, the cooling system 80 is switched to hybrid operating mode B3 by the control unit 110, in which the number of fans 80.5 is operated according to the heat recovery operating mode B2 and the ventilation opening 70.1 on the supply air side 70 of the housing 200 is partially open, so that an airflow according to the normal operating mode Bl and an airflow according to the heat recovery operating mode B2 is conveyed through the genset 100.

[0212] In summary, the construction and operation of a genset 100 according to the concept of the invention in several embodiments has been described here, each embodiment comprising a genset 10, an internal combustion engine 10, and an electric generator 20 driven by the internal combustion engine 10 for generating electricity, wherein the internal combustion engine 10 and the electric generator 20 are designed in the form of a power generation unit 101, which is arranged in a housing 200 and is associated with a temperature sensing unit 80.3, arranged in or outside the housing 200.

[0213] The housing 200 further contains: a cooling system 80 comprising a heat exchanger 80.1 and an air distribution device 80.2, 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0214] 36

[0215] - wherein the cooling system 80 is designed to be operated either in a normal operating mode Bl and in a heat recovery operating mode B2.

[0216] According to the concept of the invention, in normal operating mode Bl, depending on at least one temperature T detected by the temperature sensing unit 80.3, an airflow can be directed from an air supply side 70 of the housing 200 to the power generation unit 101, in particular to the internal combustion engine 10, and then to an exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200, and in heat recovery operating mode B2, a second airflow LS2 can be directed through an air supply area 60.1.2 at the exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200 to the power generation unit 101, optionally to the air supply side 70 of the housing 200, and subsequently through an exhaust air area 60.1.1 at the exhaust air side 60 of the housing 200 out of the housing 200, in particular to the internal combustion engine 10 and then to the air supply side 70, wherein the direction of the airflow in the Heat recovery operating mode B2 is designed for heat recovery, a waste heat from the heat exchanger 80.1, in particular in the form of a cooler, to be used for increased temperature control of the airflow to the power generation unit 101, in particular to the internal combustion engine 10.

[0217] 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0218] 37

[0219] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0220] 10 Internal combustion engine, diesel engine

[0221] 20 electric generator

[0222] 60 Exhaust side

[0223] 60.1 Ventilation opening

[0224] 60.1.1 Exhaust air area

[0225] 60.1.2 Supply air area

[0226] 70 Air supply side

[0227] 70.1 Ventilation opening

[0228] 80 Cooling system

[0229] 80.1 Heat exchanger, radiator

[0230] 80.2 Air distribution unit

[0231] 80.3 Temperature sensing unit for the power generation unit

[0232] 80.4 passive flow element, ventilation flap

[0233] 80.5, active flow element, fan

[0234] 80.5.1, 80.5.2 first and second active flow element

[0235] 81 first part of the heat exchanger

[0236] 82 first part of the heat exchanger

[0237] 100 Genset

[0238] 101 power generation units

[0239] 110 Control unit

[0240] 111 Control device or control system

[0241] 112 Memory and / or user interface

[0242] 200 cases

[0243] 210 Z wi see wall

[0244] 300 operating procedures

[0245] 400 operating procedures

[0246] BL Normal operating mode

[0247] B2 Heat recovery operating mode

[0248] B3 Hybrid operating mode

[0249] 51 first flow area

[0250] 52 second flow area

[0251] T temperature 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb

[0252] 38

[0253] TA outdoor temperature

[0254] Temperature threshold

[0255] TI upper temperature threshold

[0256] T2 lower temperature threshold LS1, LS2 first, second airflow

Claims

2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb 39 REQUIREMENTS 1. Genset (100) comprising an internal combustion engine (10) and an electric generator (20) driven by the internal combustion engine (10) for generating electricity, wherein the internal combustion engine (10) and the electric generator (20) are designed in the form of a power generation unit (101) arranged in a housing (200) and with a temperature sensing unit (80.3) associated with the power generation unit (101) and arranged in or outside the housing (200), wherein the housing (200) further comprises: - a cooling system (80) comprising a heat exchanger (80.1) and an air distribution device (80.2), wherein the cooling system (80) is configured to be operated selectively in a normal operating mode (Bl) and in a heat recovery operating mode (B2) depending on at least one temperature (T) detected by the temperature sensing unit (80.3), such that - in normal operating mode (Bl) a first airflow (LSI) can be directed from an air supply side (70) of the housing (200) to the power generation unit (101) and then to an exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200), and - in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) a second airflow (LS2) can be directed through a supply air area (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) to the power generation unit (101), optionally to the supply air side (70) of the housing (200), and subsequently through an exhaust air area (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) out of the housing (200), wherein - the airflow guidance in heat recovery operating mode (B2) is designed to utilize waste heat from the heat exchanger (80.1) for increased temperature control of the airflow to the power generation unit (101).

2. Genset (100) according to claim 1, wherein - in the normal operating mode (Bl) a first airflow (LSI) can be directed from an air supply side (70) of the housing (200) to the power generation unit (101), namely to the internal combustion engine (10) and then to the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200), and - in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) a second airflow (LS2) through a supply air area (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) to 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb 40 Power generation unit (101), optionally to the supply air side (70) of the housing (200), and subsequently through an exhaust air section (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) out of the housing (200), namely to the internal combustion engine (10) and optionally to the supply air side (70), and then to the exhaust air side (60), wherein - the guidance of the airflow in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) is designed for heat recovery, to utilize waste heat from the heat exchanger (80.1), in particular in the form of a cooler, for increased temperature control of the airflow to the power generation unit (101), namely to the internal combustion engine (10).

3. Genset (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply air side (70) and the exhaust air side (60) have at least one ventilation opening (60.1, 70.1), wherein at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) can be opened or closed by a passive flow element (80.4).

4. Genset (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust air side (60) is divided by an intermediate wall (210) inside the housing (200) into the exhaust air area (60.1.1) and the supply air area (60.1.2) and divides an area within the housing (200) at least partially into two spatially separated flow areas (Sl) and (S2), wherein the supply air side (70) is in fluid-carrying communication with the exhaust air side (60) through the two at least partially spatially separated flow areas (Sl) and (S2).

5. Genset (100) according to claim 4, wherein the number of active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4) is arranged and controlled such that an airflow in the normal operating mode (Bl) is conveyed from the supply air side (70) to the exhaust air side (60) through the exhaust air area (60.1.1) and / or the supply air area (60.1.2) out of the genset (100) or in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) is conveyed by closing the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) an airflow through the supply air area (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) to the supply air side (70) and subsequently through the exhaust air area (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) out of the housing (200).

6. Genset (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit (110) configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensing unit (80.3). 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb 41 receive and compare the temperature data with at least one temperature threshold (T*) and, based on the comparison, issue control commands to the number of active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4).

7. Genset (100) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to operate the cooling system (80) in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) when the at least one outside temperature (TA) falls below a temperature threshold value (T*), or otherwise to operate the cooling unit 80 in the normal operating mode (Bl).

8. Genset (100) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (110) is configured, - to operate the cooling system (80) in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) when the at least one outside temperature (TA) falls below a lower temperature threshold (T2), or to operate it in the normal operating mode (Bl) when the at least one outside temperature (TA) exceeds an upper temperature threshold (TI), and / or - to operate in a hybrid operating mode (B3) when the at least one outside temperature (TA) is between the upper temperature threshold (TI) and the lower temperature threshold (T2), wherein the hybrid operating mode (B3) is characterized in that the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) is partially open or partially closed and the number of active flow elements (80.5) is operated such that an airflow according to the heat recovery operating mode (B2) and an airflow according to the normal operating mode (Bl) is conveyed through the housing (200).

9. Genset (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to receive at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine (10) from the temperature sensing unit (80.3) and to control the at least one operating temperature of the at least one internal combustion engine (10) within a defined temperature range by selecting the normal operating mode (B1) or the heat recovery operating mode (B2) or the hybrid operating mode (B3) depending on the at least one outside temperature (TA) of the housing (200). 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb 42 10. Control device (111) with a control unit (110) configured for controlling a genset (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in a normal operating mode (B1) and in a heat recovery operating mode (B2) depending on at least one temperature (T) detected by a temperature sensing unit (80.3), namely - to guide an initial airflow (LSI) in normal operating mode (Bl) from an air supply side (70) of the housing (200) to an exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200), or - to guide a second airflow (LS2) in a heat recovery operating mode (B2) through a supply air area (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) to the power generation unit (101), optionally to the supply air side (70) of the housing (200), and subsequently through an exhaust air area (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) out of the housing (200), wherein - the guidance of the second airflow (LS2) in heat recovery operating mode (B2) is designed to utilize waste heat from at least one heat exchanger (80.1) for temperature control of the airflow.

11. Control device (111) according to claim 10, configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensing unit (80.3) and to compare the temperature data with defined temperature thresholds (T*, TI, T2) and, based on the comparison, to issue control commands to the number of active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4), wherein the temperature data includes at least one outside temperature (TA) of an outside environment of the housing (200).

12. Control device (111) according to claim 11, configured to operate the cooling system (80) in the heat recovery operating mode (B2) when the at least one outside temperature (TA) falls below a temperature threshold value (T*), or otherwise to operate the cooling unit (80) in the normal operating mode (Bl).

13. Method (300) for operating a genset (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, optionally in a normal operating mode (B1) or a heat recovery operating mode (B2) depending on at least one of a Temperature sensing unit (80.3) detected temperature (T), preferably with a control device (111) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method comprises the steps: 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb 43 Receiving at least one outside temperature (TA) of an outside environment of the housing (200) of the genset (100), Comparison of at least one outside temperature (TA) with a temperature threshold value (T*), Activation of the heat recovery operating mode (B2) when the received temperature (T, TA) is below the temperature threshold (T*), by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4) of the air distribution unit (80.2) to close the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and to heat recovery to guide a second airflow (LS2) through a supply air area (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) to the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and subsequently through an exhaust air area (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) out of the housing (200), Otherwise, activation of the normal operating mode (Bl) by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4) of the air guidance unit (80.2) to open the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and to guide a first airflow (LSI) from the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) to the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) through the exhaust air area (60.1.1) and / or the supply air area (60.1.2) out of the housing (200).

14. Method (400) according to claim 13, wherein: the activation of the heat recovery operating mode (B2) when the received temperature (T, TA) is below the lower temperature threshold (T2), by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4) of the air guide unit (80.2) to close the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and for heat recovery to guide the second airflow (LS2) through the supply air area (60.1.2) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) to the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and subsequently through the exhaust air area (60.1.1) on the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) out of the housing (200), the activation of the normal operating mode (Bl) when the received Temperature (T, TA) above the upper temperature threshold (TI) is controlled by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4) of the 2024PF00013 WO / JD / NUE / anb 44 Air guidance unit (80.2) for opening the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and for guiding a first airflow (LSI) from the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) to the exhaust air side (60) of the housing (200) through the exhaust air area (60.1.1) and / or the supply air area (60.1.2) from the housing (200), and for activating the hybrid operating mode (B3) when the received temperature (T, TA) is between the upper temperature threshold (TI) and the lower temperature threshold (T2), by sending control commands to the active and / or passive flow elements (80.5, 80.4) of the air guidance unit (80.2) for partially opening or closing the at least one ventilation opening (70.1) on the supply air side (70) of the housing (200) and for heat recovery to guide a second airflow (LS2) according to the heat recovery operating mode (B2) through the housing (200) and to guide a first airflow (LSI) according to the normal operating mode (Bl) through the housing (200).

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