This invention is directed toward an integrated backup electrical generator and heating system designed to allow continual use of the heating system in the absence of an external source of electricity, the system sharing fuel and electrical inputs and sharing exhaust output so to facilitate ease of installation and related methods of use and installation.
Cogeneration represents a relatively new concept in the field of generating electricity. Traditionally, electricity has been created by centralized facilities—typically through burning fossil fuels, and this electricity is then transported through an electrical grid to individual residential and commercial facilities.
Within the past several years, cogeneration systems have been developed to essentially reduce both need and reliance on these electrical grids. More specifically, cogeneration systems typically employ an engine (typically an internal combustion engine) or a power station located in proximity to the residential or commercial facilities it serves, so to simultaneously generate both electricity and useful heat. Most cogeneration systems utilize a centralized reservoir of fossil fuel to create electricity, heat running water and air, and in some instances even provide energy back into the power grid for credit.
Recently, there have been several forms of cogeneration systems developed for use in residential homes and smaller commercial facilities. These systems have been dubbed “mini-cogeneration” systems due to their modest size and performance. Another common name associated with these systems is a distributed energy resource (“DER”) system.
Regardless of the moniker, these systems produce usually less than 5 kW of power. Instead of burning fuel to heat space or water, some of the energy is converted to electricity in addition to heat. This electricity can be used within the home or a business, and if permitted by municipal grid management entities may even be sold back to the municipal electricity grid. Such a cogeneration system offers a cost effective means of reducing CO2 emissions—even compared to the use of photovoltaic devices for the production of energy.
Apart from the energy conservation associated with mini-cogeneration systems, the technology also offers additional logistical benefits. Such cogeneration systems often offer more reliable energy solutions to residential dwellings in rural areas wherein it is difficult access the electrical grid. Additionally, these systems offer stable energy supplies in areas affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes where the downing of power lines during such disasters leads to large periods without power.
While there exists multiple benefits for micro-cogeneration systems, they typically fail to adequately harvest much of the heat byproduct created from the engines, which could be used to heat air and water to be used throughout a facility.
Under normal conditions, residential heating systems require the use of electricity. Even when the main source of combustion is a fossil fuel, such as oil, natural gas, or propane there is almost always a need for electricity to at least power an air blower motor, power water pumps in a boiler unit, or to provide power to a transformer and igniter in a steam unit. In the case of a power failure during the winter months, homes and homeowners can potentially be in a considerable amount of danger. Water pipes can freeze in only a few hours in the absence of an internal heat source. Additionally, the temperature within the home can rapidly fall to dangerously low levels, placing homeowners in peril.
Portable gasoline generators which are normally for the purpose of providing power to lights and appliances during a power outage are not typically equipped or installed to provide power to heat-providing sources.
Additionally, in warmer months, tropical storms, lightning, power blackouts due to overloaded power grids, and other phenomenon cause loss electrical power. The loss of television, fan, lights, refrigerators, and other appliances is an inconvenience, if not dangerous. During widespread losses in electricity, pumping gasoline for use in a generator is difficult for most gas pumps rely on electric power to operate.
Most natural gas sources operate during loss of electrical power. Installing a natural gas or propane automatic generator, which is wired to a home's breaker or fuse panel, could prevent all the above mentioned problems. Such installations however require extremely expensive equipment, the installation of gas pipes, new electrical connections, and in most applications are extremely expensive upgrades.
Air-cooled fossil fuel generators produce a substantial amount of heat and exhaust under normal operation, yet are designed to operate outdoors where there is sufficient air available for cooling and exhaust discharge. Attempting to operate a generator within a confined environment is met with a significant amount of mechanical challenges, including cooling and discharging heat and exhaust gasses in a safe manner.
Accordingly, there is a need in the field for a highly efficient electricity generation system wherein an indoor generator is easily and cost effectively integrated with an existing furnace or boiler to provide seamless backup power to a facility and provide a means for a fuel-powered heating system to operate. Such a system should comprise a scheme for extracting generator exhaust gasses in a safe and efficient manner that is additionally cost effective to implement. Finally, such improved system should preferably be compact, self-contained and easy to use.
The invention described herein discloses a system and related method of installing a generator in a facility comprising the placing of a backup electrical generator proximate a heating apparatus, with a number of connections being made as part of the installation process.
In particular, the method comprises the connecting of an exhaust output of the electrical generator with an exhaust output of the heating apparatus so that the electrical generator and heating apparatus share a common exhaust flue. Also contemplated is connecting a fossil fuel source to the heating apparatus to provide fuel to a fuel input of the heating apparatus as well as connecting the fossil fuel source to the electrical generator to provide fuel to a fuel input of the electrical generator so that the electrical generator and heating apparatus share the common fossil fuel source.
Additionally, the method includes connecting an electrical control circuit of the electrical generator to a draft inducer of the heating apparatus so that the control circuit activates the draft inducer when the electrical generator is producing exhaust gasses. Also, contemplated is the connecting of the electrical generator's electrical input to a power grid that supplies power to the facility. A generator relay circuit is connected to both the generator's electrical input and the electrical output of the electrical generator, so that the relay circuit communicates electrical service from the power grid to the heating apparatus when the electrical generator is powered off and the relay communicates electricity generated by the electrical generator to the heating apparatus when the generator is powered on.
Besides installation, a method of heating a facility is also contemplated by the invention. In particular, the method comprises operating a fossil-fuel fuelled heating apparatus for the purpose of providing heating to a facility, and operating a fossil-fuel powered electrical generator that shares a fuel source with the heating apparatus. The generator comprises an exhaust conduit for the purpose of exhausting combustion gases, the generator's exhaust conduit sharing a flue with an exhaust conduit of the heating apparatus. Additionally, the exhaust gasses of the electrical generator heating a first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger being in communication with a second heat exchanger for the purpose of heating a facility with heat that radiates from the second heat exchanger.
The invention also contemplates a method of heating a facility comprising operating an integrated electrical generator and heating system apparatus comprising a heating apparatus that comprises a fuel burner that produces heat, a heat exchanger that is heated by the burner, a draft inducer to promote an influx of combustion air and exhausting of exhaust gas created by the burner. A flue is in communication with the draft inducer, wherein the flue is a path for the heating apparatus exhaust gas to escape from the system. A heating apparatus fuel input line is in communication with the burner to provide fuel to the burner. Additionally, a fuel-powered electrical generator comprises an electrical input, a first electrical output, a generator fuel input line, an air intake conduit, and an exhaust conduit.
The generator accepts electrical service from an electrical power grid through the electrical input, and the generator delivers electricity to the heating apparatus through the first electrical output. The generator accepts air required for combustion through the intake conduit and exhausts combustion exhaust gas through the exhaust conduit, wherein the exhaust conduit of the generator communicates with the flue of the heating apparatus. At least one normally closed relay communicates with electrical service from the power grid to the first electrical output when the generator is powered off, and the relay communicates electricity generated by the generator to the first electrical output when the generator is powered on. The electrical exhaust gas relay is activated by the generator when the generator is generating power, and the exhaust gas relay signals the draft inducer to activate, the draft inducer generating a vacuum that evacuates at least one of generator exhaust gas and heating apparatus exhaust gas from the system.
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.
Positioned between the central power plant 100 and the residential or commercial facility 300 is the electric grid 200. This electric grid 200 consists of various transformers, power stations and power lines that transport electricity from the central power plant 100. This electricity is then supplied to residential or commercial facilities 300 for use.
When a residential or commercial facility employs the invention, it must also include various components to properly service the overall apparatus. This includes a fuel source 400 that supplies a sufficient amount and quantity of energy to the cogeneration system 500. Such fuel source 400 may include, but is certainly not limited to, a reservoir 410 of fossil fuels, such as petroleum, oil, propane, butane, ethanol, natural gas, liquid natural gas (LNG) or fuel oil. Alternatively, the fuel source 400 may alternatively be a fuel line 420 such as a natural gas or propane line supplied by a municipality. Regardless, either fuel source 400 must supply sufficient energy to power the cogeneration system 500—which in turn can create electricity and usable heat for the furnace 600 and other appliances.
In addition, usable heat 602 created by the cogeneration system 500 can be used to heat air from a return air handler 630 prior to being introduced into the furnace 610 for heating. By doing so, the system essentially pre-heats the incoming cooler air prior to being warmed by the furnace 610, which in turn requires less energy (and results in less strain on the furnace 610). This is one of many forms of energy conservation contemplated by the invention.
Once heated air leaves the furnace 610, it is positioned within a supply air handler 640 to be circulated throughout the residential facility 300. Alternatively, when cooler air is desired, the convention contemplates having the air conditioning unit 620 supply cooler air to the supply air handler 640. As such, the apparatus taught by the invention requires interplay and interconnectivity between the cogeneration system 500, the furnace 610, the air conditioning unit 620 and both air handlers 630 and 640 to ensure efficient cooling and heating of air circulated throughout the home.
As illustrated in
Regardless of the type, the energy source 430 is drawn out of the reservoir 410 and treated for injection into the modified engine 520 through a regulator system 504. This regulator system 504 ensures that the energy source 430 is fed to the modified engine 520 at a specific pressure and flow rate—regardless of the outside temperature, pressure or weather conditions. Because the cogeneration system 500 will be employed in a variety of conditions from low lying areas to the mountains, in tropical climates to arctic regions, the regulator system 504 must be self-regulating, robust and capable of handling large swings in weather conditions.
As illustrated in
Positioned between the reservoir 410 and fuel pump 507 are a plurality of fuel valves 505 and 506. More specifically, there is a first fuel valve 505 and second fuel valve 506—which function to help regulate the flow and velocity of the energy source 430. The underlying purpose of both fuel valves 505 and 506 is to ensure redundancy in case one valve malfunctions, becomes clogged or becomes inoperable.
A pressure regulator 510 is positioned after the fuel pump 507 to ensure the proper pressure of the energy source 430 prior to entry into the modified engine 520. The energy source 430 travels throughout both fuel valves 505 and 506, the fuel pump 507 and the pressure regulator 510 through a sixteen gauge shell, two inch fire rated insulation acoustic lined conduit 508 which includes a sixteen gauge interior body with powder coating.
Once the pressure of the power source 430 stabilizes through use of the pressure regulator 510, the fuel then enters the modified engine 520. As illustrated with reference to
With reference to
The modified engine 520 illustrated in both
The function and purpose of the vibration mount 524 is to ensure that the modified engine 520 is not only secure but also that it does not create a distinct frequency—through the turning of the various pistons 521, shaft 522, and alternator 523 (shown in greater detail in FIG. 6)—to risk degrading the quality of usable electricity flowing from the cogeneration system 500. This is because the electricity grid 200 requires a very specific and regulated electricity supply.
The uniform feed of electricity to both the facility 300 and electricity grid 200 is further aided by the harmonic distort alternator 525. As shown in
Overall efficiency of the catalytic converter 530 is based upon two primary chemical properties: (a) selection of the correct platinum based catalytic material, and (b) regulation of the proper temperature and pressure of the hot gases 603 when entering the catalytic converter 530. More specifically, the invention contemplates feeding the various hot gases 603 into the catalytic converter 530 at between 800 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit and at a pressure ranging between 80 to 100 psi. The preferred catalytic material is a combination of palladium and platinum. More specifically, the preferred catalyst contemplated by the invention includes 5-30% palladium and 70-95% platinum by weight. However, other percentages are contemplated by the invention. Based upon the invention, the catalytic converter 530 is 99.99% efficient in converting the various hot gases 603 into non-toxic treated byproduct 604.
Hot gases 603 treated by the catalytic converter 530 are then transported into one or more cooling manifolds 540 and 550. As shown in both
As shown in greater detail in
As shown in
Materials drawn from both liquid separators 560 and 565 are then placed in a separator loop 570. This loop 570 functions to circulate the various cooled by-products and allow off gassing through a vent 590. The vent 590 may be aided by a fan 580.
In the embodiment shown in
Filtered and regulated electricity can then be directed to two receptacles: either a battery 660 (which alternatively can be an inverter) for later use or directly to the facility 300. As shown in
As further shown in
As illustrated in
As further shown in
Positioned parallel to the collection chamber 541 is a heat exchanger 547 that consists of a plurality of conduits 544-546 in which the actual heat exchange takes place. The first conduit 544 is larger in both length and diameter in comparison to the second conduit 545 and the third conduit 546. Moreover, it is preferable that the first conduit 544 is of a sufficient size and dimension to encapsulate and fit over both the second conduit 545 and the third conduit 546.
The first conduit 544 includes a water intake 548 and a corresponding water discharge 549. Connected to the first conduit 544 through the water intake 548 is a water supply line 542. The water supply line 542 provides cooling water 543 to the first cooling manifold 540—typically from the municipal water supply available in the facility 300—which is at ambient temperature. However, the cooling water 543 can alternatively be any liquid capable of heat exchange. Thus, this water supply line 542 helps fill the first conduit 544 with cooling water 543 to help in the heat exchange process.
Positioned within the first conduit 544 of the heat exchanger 547 is the second conduit 545. Both hot gases 603 and treated byproduct 604 enter the second conduit 545 through the chamber collection 541. Heat exchange occurs when the warmer second conduit 545 is cooled by the surrounding cooling water 543 positioned within the first conduit 544. This heat exchange can cause portions of the gaseous treated byproduct 604 to liquefy—causing separation with the hot gases 603.
Warmed cooling water 543 is then removed and repositioned through an outlet 549 in the first conduit 544, which in turn feeds a second heat exchanger 547 positioned directly below the first heat exchanger 547. This removed warmed cooling water 543 then flows into the inlet 548 of the second heat exchanger to fill another first conduit 544. This process of removing, repositioning and re-feeding cooling water 543 can continue throughout as many heat exchangers 547 as necessary to effectuate appropriate separation.
After use within the various heat exchangers 547 positioned within the cooling manifold 540, the cooling water 543 is then removed and emptied into a heat exchange module 800 (described in greater detail below). Upon leaving the cooling manifold 540, the cooling water 543 is typically well above ambient temperature and is typically above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Such cooling water 543 constitutes useful heat that can be used for a variety of various applications including, but certainly not limited to, assisting in heating water for use and consumption throughout the home or commercial facility.
Positioned within the second conduit 545 of each heat exchanger 547 is a third conduit 546. The third conduit 546 functions primarily to collect the various cooled and now liquefied treated byproduct 604. Positioned on the bottom of each third conduit 546 are perforations sufficient to collect liquid by product 604 cooled within the second conduit 545. Positioned at the distal end of the third conduit 546 is a connecting elbow 552. Positioned outside of both the first conduit 544 and second conduit 545, the connecting elbow 552 further effectuates liquefaction and condensing of the byproduct 604 (via air cooling) and then transports this liquid to the first liquid separator 560.
As further shown in
Likewise, cooled hot gases 603 (which remain in the second conduit 544) are then transported to the next heat exchanger for additional cooling. This continues until the hot gases 603 reach near ambient temperature. This also helps ensure any treated byproduct 604 is properly separated for placement in the condensate drain 553. Any remaining hot gases 603 may be recycled back from the first cooling manifold 540 into the catalytic converter 530. Alternatively, these hot gases 603 may be additionally treated and cooled in a second cooling manifold 550.
Preferably, the liquid treated byproduct 604 is passed through the first liquid separator 560 shown in both
The invention is further directed to a heat exchange module 800 (hereinafter the “module 800”).
As illustrated in
The insulate 845 includes a first insulate layer 846, a second insulate layer 847 and a third insulate layer 848. These three layers of insulate 845 are positioned outside the inner shell 841 which helps effectuate heat transfer, as well as maintain an above ambient temperature environment within the insulated housing 840. Moreover, the inner shell 841 is made of a lightweight and durable material such as a ceramic, composite, glass or metal. More specifically, the inner shell 841 can be of uni-body construction and formed from aluminum.
Positioned on the top side 842 of the inner shell 841 is the first inlet 810. The first inlet 810 functions to inject cooling water 543 from either cooling manifold (540 or 550) into the module 800. The first inlet 810 connects to a vertical injector 811 which introduces the now warmed cooling water 543 into the bottom of the inner shell 841. Upon residing within the inner shell 841 for a pre-specified period of time, the cooling water 543 can be removed from the insulated housing 840 through the first outlet 850. The cooling water 543—now cooled through contact with the cold water supply 825—can return to either cooling manifold (540 or 550) to help further effectuate heat exchange with the hot gases 603.
As further shown and illustrated in
Prior to entry in the tankless water heater 900, the now warmed water supply 825 is well above ambient temperature. Accordingly, the heating of this warmed water supply 825 requires less energy within the tankless water heater 900 in order to supply warm water to various parts of the home or commercial facility (in comparison with traditional tankless water heaters 900 which receive water directly from a municipal source). Moreover, this efficiency is no longer dependent upon the temperature of the water supply 825 provided by a municipal authority (or outside well)—or based upon the outside weather conditions. Put another way, implementation of the module 800 allows use of the tankless water heater 900 in any geographic location—regardless of whether the home or commercial facility is in a warm weather climate.
One issue presented by the module 800 is the risk of pressure differentials. Because the cooling water 543 (positioned within the inner shell 841) transitions from hot to cold (upon heat exchange with the municipal or well based water supply 825) such cooling water 543 can have thermal expansion. Accordingly, the invention contemplates a pressure relief valve 880 positioned on the top side 542 to exhaust and remove any necessary excess cooling water 543 created through heat exchange. An emergency drain pan 881 can be positioned below the bottom side 842 of the insulated housing 840 to collect such excess cooling water 543. Alternatively, fluid received from the pressure relief valve 880 can be returned to either manifold 540 or 550.
As shown and illustrated in
In addition,
Alternatively, the controller 950 can order removal of cooling water 543 from the insulated housing 840 for purposes of introduction into the air exchanger 890 (based upon communication with the furnace). Similarly, once cooling water 543 is removed for use in the air exchanger 890, the controller 950 can determine if there is sufficient fluid within the inner shell 841 and draw more cooling water 543 from one or more manifolds (540 and 550). This helps to ensure not only that there is no stagnation of the cooling water 543 within the insulated housing 540, but also that the temperature of such cooling water 543 can effectively make thermal contact with (and warm) the cooling coils 830.
Referring initially to
The generator 1002 is of a type well-known in the art, wherein a fuel-powered engine (not shown) actuates an alternator (not shown) to generate alternating current (AC) power. A control panel (not shown), also well known in the art, on the generator indicates the status of the generator 1002 utilizing at least an AC voltmeter, run timer, and circuit breakers. The control panel also comprises electrical outputs 1010, 1014 and an auto idler circuit for automatically reducing engine RPM in the absence of an electrical load.
Still referring to
In this embodiment, unlike a traditional portable or standby generators, an appliance connected directly to the generator 1002 operates under normal conditions even when the generator 1002 is powered off. The same holds true for items plugged into the outlets 1012, as these too maintain electrical current in the absence of generator 1002 power. This improvement allows for the convenience of an automatic transfer switch without the need for an automatic transfer switch, and is accomplished utilizing at least one series of normally closed relays 1022 which allow electrical current to travel through the relay 1022 to the heating apparatus 1004 and electrical outlets 1012. No energy is required to keep the relay 1022 contact in the closed position, since the relay 1022 is normally closed in a non-energized state. Therefore even upon failure of the relay 1022, electrical outlets 1012 and the heating apparatus 1004 still receive electricity. In the event of a power failure, the generator 1002 automatically powers on due to an engine start relay circuit (not shown), wherein the engine start relay is normally open when the generator receives electricity from the local electrical service 1018, but upon loss of electricity closes and causes the engine to start. When the generator 1002 is generating electricity, the relay 1022 is placed in an open state that connects electrical connections 1010, 1014 to the generator 1002 effectuating a transfer of electricity source from the local electrical service 1018 to that of the generator 1002.
The generator 1002 comprises an air intake conduit 1033 that provides air to the generator's 1002 engine. There is also an exhaust conduit 1024 in communication with the engine so that combustion gasses have a route to exit from the generator 1002.
In a preferred embodiment, the generator 1002 is enclosed by a housing 1036. The purpose of the housing 1036 is to provide for a more visually streamlined installation, and also to contain any exhaust gasses that inadvertently escape from the generator 1002. The housing 1036 comprises an emergency leak conduit 1038 in communication with the exhaust conduit 1024 for the purpose of scavenging exhaust gasses from within the housing 1036. To provide fresh air to the housing 1036, an intake port 1040 provides a path into the inside of the housing 1036 and the fresh air is used as a vehicle to aid in the exhaust of the gasses that may inadvertently escape from the generator 1002. To maintain a negative pressure to evacuate the housing 1036, a fan 1042 is in communication with the leak conduit 1038. The fan 1042 is activated when the generator is powered on by an electrical connection 1044 that provides power to the fan 1042, the connection being mediated by the relay 1022. The fan 1042, when powered on, creates a negative pressure within the housing 1036, which causes air external to the housing 1036 to enter into the housing 1036 through the intake port 1040 and then exits, along with scavenged exhaust gasses, the housing 1036 through the leak conduit 1038. When the generator 1002 is off, no power is provided to the fan 1042, for the relay is in the normally closed position. Should exhaust gas leakage occur, the leaked gas could not escape the cabinet, and would instead be drawn into the flue 1032. In a preferred embodiment, an alarm 1033 communicating with both a carbon monoxide sensor 1035 and a shut-down circuit on the generator 1002 prevents the generator 1002 from operating when exhaust gasses are detected by the carbon monoxide sensor 1035 and also provides an audible signal.
The generator 1002 generates power that is appropriate for the installation wherein the generator resides. For residential applications, the generator generates electricity that is compatible with the requirements of a household. In the United States, this would typically be 120 VAC single-phase power and 240 VAC single-phase power. In industrial settings, the generator generates at least one of single-phase and three-phase power ranging from 110 VAC to 480 VAC.
With continuing reference to
To ensure an adequate influx of air for combustion from the air source 1030, the heating apparatus 1004 comprises a draft inducer 1034. The draft inducer 1034 is a device well known in the art comprising an electric fan to create a positive draft that aids in the proper exhaust of combustion gasses. The draft inducer 1034 is in communication with the flue 1032, and is proximate the burner 1026. In a preferred embodiment, the draft inducer 1034 promotes exhaust of combustion gasses and also promotes the influx of air from an air source 1030 for combustion.
The burner 1026 of the heating apparatus 1004 requires a source of air 1030 that provides the air required for the combustion process. Additionally, a flue 1032 is in communication with the burner 1026 that allows the heating apparatus 1004 to exhaust combustion gasses from the heating apparatus 1004 through the exhaust gas exit 1006 of the system 1000. The flue 1032 is a conduit constructed of heat-resistant material that provides a point where exhaust gasses may be safely disbursed, which is typically to a point outside the structure being heated. The flue 1032 is constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metal, vitreous enamel, or transite.
With continuing reference to
The flue 1032 of the heating apparatus 1004 is in communication with the exhaust conduit 1024 of the generator 1002 at a Y-junction 1046. Therefore, the heating apparatus 1004 shares a common exhaust gas exit 1006 with the generator 1002. The emergency leak conduit 1038 in communication with the exhaust conduit 1024 is therefore also in communication with the common exhaust gas exit 1006. In a preferred embodiment, the flue 1032, exhaust conduit 1024, and the Y-junction 1046 are made of polyvinyl chloride pipe.
The power for the electrical outlets 1012 and the heating apparatus 1004 are relayed through a relay 1022 associated with the generator 1002, thus a single input source of electrical service 1018 powers the electrical outlets 1012 wherein the generator 1002 is installed and provides power to the heating apparatus 1004. When electrical service 1018 is not provided, the same electrical connections 1010, 1014 are utilized for electricity delivery to electrical outlets 1012 and the heating apparatus 1004, yet the generator 1002 provides the electricity in that case.
When the generator 1002 is powered on, electricity is provided by the generator 1002 to actuate an exhaust gas relay 1047, which provides power to the draft inducer 1034. The draft inducer 1034 is activated to expel the generator's exhaust through the common exhaust gas exit 1006 even if the furnace is not producing heat. The draft inducer 1034 also induces the evacuation of the generator's 1002 housing 1036. In one embodiment, the draft inducer 1034 is installed before the burner 1026, and in another embodiment, the draft inducer 1034 is installed after the junction of the Y-junction 1046.
A pressure switch 1048 communicates with the heating apparatus proximate the flue 1032, the draft inducer 1034, and also communicates electrically with the generator 1002. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure switch 1048 is a diaphragm type switch well known in the art wherein the switch monitors the relative pressure within the flue 1032 compared to the ambient pressure, detecting when the draft inducer 1034 is functioning. If the draft inducer 1034 is not functioning, the pressure switch 1048 detects the lack of a lower pressure in the flue 1032 and sends an electrical signal to the generator 1002, disabling the generator 1002 for safety purposes.
The fuel source 1008 in a preferred embodiment of the invention is shared, so that a common fuel line 1009 is utilized by both the generator 1002 and the heating apparatus 1004.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
The invention contemplates a method for the installation of the apparatuses described herein. In one embodiment, the installation process adds a generator 1002 to an existing facility's heating apparatus 1004 in a compact and efficient manner. In particular, the generator 1002 is installed to share existing fuel lines of the fossil fuel source 1008 utilized by the heating apparatus 1004. This eliminates the need to run new fuel source lines or add metering devices to the installation, for the basic fuel delivery infrastructure is already present in the facility. Additionally, the generator 1002 is installed to share the existing flue 1032 that is also utilized by the heating apparatus 1004. This eliminates the need to run substantial amounts of new flue conduit or undertake structural facility modifications that are otherwise necessary for a de novo flue 1032 installation.
To attach the generator's exhaust conduit 1024 to the heating apparatus' flue 1032, a y-junction 1046 is installed. Besides sharing a single flue 1032, the generator 1002 is installed so that an electric relay circuit 1022 of the generator 1002 controls the draft inducer 1034 of the heating apparatus 1004 so that exhaust gasses from the generator 1002 may effectively be exhausted through the flue 1032 even when the heating apparatus 1004 is not on.
The installation process routes the heating apparatus' power input 1010 through the generator 1002 so that the heating apparatus 1004 receives power, through the electric relay circuit 1022, from the local electrical service 1018 (which is connected to the generator 1002) when the generator 1002 is off. However, when the local electrical power service fails to provide electricity, the generator provides power, that it is itself generating, to the heating apparatus 1004 through the electric relay circuit 1022.
The invention also contemplates a method of use of the apparatuses described herein. In particular, a method of heating a facility comprises the operating of the heating apparatus 1004 and the operating of the generator 1002. Additionally, this embodiment of a heating method also comprises the heating of a heat exchanger 800 with both/either exhaust gasses from the generator 1022 and/or the burner 1026 of the heating apparatus 1004.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/445,056 filed on Apr. 12, 2012 entitled “Combination Heater and Electrical Generator System and Related Methods,” which in turn is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/824,857 filed on Jun. 28, 2010 entitled “Heat Exchange Module for Cogeneration Systems and Related Method of Use,” which in turn is a Continuation of published patent application Ser. No. 12/760,256 filed on Apr. 14, 2010 entitled “High Efficiency Cogeneration System and Related Method of Use,” which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/069,211 entitled “Combination Gas-Fired Furnace and Gas-Power Electrical Generator” filed on Feb. 8, 2008, which claims priority from provisional patent application 60/965,002 filed Aug. 16, 2007, provisional patent application 60/965,016 filed Aug. 16, 2007, provisional patent application 60/964,994 filed Aug. 16, 2007, and provisional patent application 60/920,925 filed Mar. 26, 2007 the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60965002 | Aug 2007 | US | |
60965016 | Aug 2007 | US | |
60964994 | Aug 2007 | US | |
60920925 | Mar 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12760256 | Apr 2010 | US |
Child | 12824857 | US | |
Parent | 12069211 | Feb 2008 | US |
Child | 12760256 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13445056 | Apr 2012 | US |
Child | 13488680 | US | |
Parent | 12824857 | Jun 2010 | US |
Child | 13445056 | US |