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Title:
CONTAINERISED GENERATOR SYSTEMS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/215773
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, and an associated container, fluid connector, kit and method. The generator includes first and second shipping containers comprising first and second portions, respectively, of a fluid system of the generator; and a fluid connector coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication, wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

Inventors:
ANDERSON BARRY (GB)
BRETMAN ARNOLD (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2018/051408
Publication Date:
November 29, 2018
Filing Date:
May 23, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
AGGREKO UK LTD (GB)
International Classes:
F02B63/04; B65D85/68; F16L37/28
Foreign References:
US20160160752A12016-06-09
US20150292435A12015-10-15
US5564471A1996-10-15
US20100327575A12010-12-30
US4327770A1982-05-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MARKS & CLERK LLP (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the generator comprising:

first and second shipping containers comprising first and second portions, respectively, of a fluid system of the generator; and

a fluid connector coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication, wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system,

and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

2. The generator according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to close upon decoupling of the fluid connector from the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system. 3. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a valve,

and wherein the valve is configured to open under an action associated with coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first or second portions of the fluid system, and/or to close under an action associated with decoupling of the fluid connector from the at least one of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

4. The generator according to claim 3, wherein the fluid connector further comprises a connector coupling member configured to couple to a container coupling member forming part of the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

5. The generator according to claim 4, wherein the connector coupling member is configured to couple to and/or decouple from the container coupling member by rotation thereof, and wherein the action associated with coupling and/or decoupling comprises rotation of the connector coupling member.

6. The generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid connector comprises a flexible hose.

7. The generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first shipping container comprises a combustion engine, and wherein the fluid system forms part of a cooling system for the combustion engine.

8. The generator according to claim 7, wherein the second shipping container comprises one or more heat transfer units configured to transfer heat from a coolant fluid within the cooling system, and wherein the fluid system passes the coolant from the combustion engine to the heat transfer units.

9. The generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the second shipping container is stacked on top of the first shipping container.

10. The generator according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid system is a fluid circuit.

1 1. The generator according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of fluid connectors coupled to first and second portions of one or more fluid systems of the generator.

12. A shipping container for use in a containerised generator, and comprising: a first or a second portion of a fluid system of the generator connectable to the other of the first portion or second portion of the fluid system by a fluid connector; and a container coupling member configured to couple to a connector coupling member of the fluid connector at a first end thereof,

and further configured to open a sealing arrangement at the first end of the fluid connector upon such coupling.

13. A shipping container for use in a containerised generator for generating electrical power, the shipping container comprising: a first portion or a second portion of a fluid system of the generator; and a fluid connector in fluid communication with the first or second portion of the fluid system and configured to couple to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system formed within a further shipping container,

the fluid connector further comprising a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom, and further configured to open upon coupling of the fluid to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system. 14. The shipping container according to claim 13, wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to close upon decoupling of the fluid connector from the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

15. The shipping container according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a valve,

and wherein the valve is configured to open under an action associated with coupling of the fluid connector to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system, and/or to close under an action associated with decoupling of the fluid connector from the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

16. The shipping container according to claim 15, wherein the fluid connector further comprises a connector coupling member configured to couple to a container coupling member forming part of the other of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

17. The shipping container according to claim 16, wherein the connector coupling member is configured to couple to and/or decouple from the container coupling member by rotation thereof,

and wherein the action associated with coupling and/or decoupling comprises rotation of the connector coupling member.

18. The shipping container according to any of claims 13 to 17, comprising a further sealing arrangement at a second end of the fluid connector, the further sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the first or second portions of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the first or second portions of the fluid system.

19. The shipping container according to any of claims 13 to 18, further comprising a fluid for use in the fluid system, wherein the fluid is retained within the fluid connector and optionally within the first portion of the fluid system.

20. A fluid connector for connecting first and second portions of a fluid system of a containerised generator, the first and second portions of the fluid system being within first and second shipping containers respectively, the fluid connector comprising:

a sealing arrangement at a first end of the fluid connector, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to one of the first and second portions of the fluid system,

wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the one of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

21. The fluid connector according to claim 20, comprising a further sealing arrangement at a second end thereof, the further sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the other of the first and second portions of the fluid system,

wherein the further sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

22. The fluid connector according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the sealing arrangement and/or the further sealing arrangement is configured to close upon decoupling of the fluid connector from the first and second portions of the fluid system.

23. The fluid connector according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the sealing arrangement and/or the further sealing arrangement comprises a valve,

and wherein the valve is configured to open under an action associated with coupling of the fluid connector to the first or second portions of the fluid system, and/or to close under an action associated with decoupling of the fluid connector from the first or second portions of the fluid system.

24. The fluid connector according to claim 23, wherein the fluid connector further comprises a connector coupling member at the first end and/or the second end, the connector coupling member being configured to couple to a container coupling member forming part of the first and/or second portions of the fluid system.

25. The fluid connector according to claim 24, wherein the connector coupling member is configured to couple to and/or decouple from the container coupling member by rotation thereof,

and wherein the action associated with coupling and/or decoupling comprises rotation of the connector coupling member.

26. The fluid connector according to any of claims 20 to 25, filled with a fluid for use in the fluid system. 27. A kit of parts for forming, when assembled, a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the kit of parts comprising:

a first shipping container comprising a first portion of a fluid system of the generator;

a second shipping container comprising a second portion of the fluid system of the generator; and

a fluid connector configured to be coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication,

wherein the fluid connector comprises sealing arrangements at first and second ends thereof, the sealing arrangements being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the first and second portions of the fluid system,

and wherein the sealing arrangements are configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the first and second portions of the fluid system.

28. A kit of parts for forming, when assembled, a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the kit of parts comprising:

a first shipping container comprising a first portion of a fluid system of the generator; a second shipping container comprising a second portion of the fluid system of the generator; and

a fluid connector coupled to the first portion of the fluid system and configured to be coupled to the second portion of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication,

wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system,

and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system.

29. A kit of parts according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the fluid connector, the first portion of a fluid system and/or the second portion of a fluid system is pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system.

30. A method of shipping a containerised generator for generating electrical power, the method comprising:

shipping a first shipping container comprising a first portion of a fluid system of the generator pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system;

shipping a second shipping container comprising a second portion of a fluid system of the generator pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system; and

shipping a fluid connector pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system and configured to be coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication,

the fluid connector comprising at least one sealing arrangement at first and/or second ends thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system,

and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

31. The method according to claim 30, comprising shipping one of the first and second shipping containers with the fluid connector coupled to the first or the second fluid portion, respectively.

32. The method according to claim 30, comprising shipping the fluid connector decoupled from the first and the second fluid portions.

33. A method of deploying a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the method comprising:

coupling a first end of a fluid connector to a first portion of a fluid system of the generator, the first portion being within a first shipping container and the fluid connector being pre-filled with fluid for the fluid system,

wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the first portion of the fluid system,

and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the first portion of the fluid system. 34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising coupling a second end of a fluid connector to a second portion of a fluid system, the second portion being within a second shipping container,

wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a second end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system,

and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system.

Description:
Containerised Generator Systems

Technical Field Described examples relate to containerised generators and deployment systems and methods for containerised generator systems. Such generator systems may comprise engine units and generator units and be configured to provide electric power.

Background

Containerised generator systems are readily transportable, and can be deployed at sites at which supply of electric power to the site from a power distribution network is prohibitive or insufficient for the needs at site. Such generator systems may also be used where there is an absence of power networks, or indeed where a typically-used power network has been disrupted in some manner (e.g. due to acts of nature). In some cases, the site may be used to feed power to an existing network.

Such transportable generator systems may be stand alone, or may be modular in so far as the power output at site can be provided cumulatively from multiple transportable generator systems, e.g. where a single power output is provided.

Typically, such generator systems can be deployed and operated from containers that meet standardised shipping container requirements (e.g. dimensions, etc.). Those containers may be modified from a standard container in so far as access panels, air inlet panels, or the like may be provided. Those containers may be referred to as "shipping containers" herein, although this may be understood as referring to the outer dimensions of the container and need not refer to any other features or properties of the containers. In some cases, the generator systems may be deployed for a period of time, and then removed from site and used elsewhere. The standardised shipping containers are sometimes referred to as ISO containers, which have predefined sizes, shipping weight constraints, etc. At site, it is typical to require some form of ground works in order to accommodate the containerised generator systems.

There is a continuing need to deploy, including retrieve, such containerised generator systems quickly and effectively so as to reduce deployment time and costs. Further, and to prevent unwanted downtime at site, there is a continuing desire to improve the deployment and instalment methods used.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues. Summary

In some examples there are described containerised generator systems, methods for shipping and deployment (including retrieval), and kits of parts that may be deployed (or assembled) at site. Aspects of the described systems and methods may help reduce deployment time and costs, and/or maintain or improve the reliability, serviceability and lifespan of such systems, either during or after deployment.

According to the invention in a first aspect, there is provided a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the generator comprising: first and second shipping containers comprising first and second portions, respectively, of a fluid system of the generator; and a fluid connector coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication, wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system. By opening the sealing arrangement on connection to coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system, the fluid connector may be placed transit while filled with fluid. This obviates the need to top up the fluid system after the first and second portions are connected. Optionally, the sealing arrangement is configured to close upon decoupling of the fluid connector from the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the sealing arrangement comprises a valve, and wherein the valve is configured to open under an action associated with coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first or second portions of the fluid system, and/or to close under an action associated with decoupling of the fluid connector from the at least one of the first or second portions of the fluid system. Optionally, the fluid connector further comprises a connector coupling member configured to couple to a container coupling member forming part of the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the connector coupling member is configured to couple to and/or decouple from the container coupling member by rotation thereof, and wherein the action associated with coupling and/or decoupling comprises rotation of the connector coupling member.

Optionally, the fluid connector comprises a flexible hose.

Optionally, the first shipping container comprises a combustion engine, and wherein the fluid system forms part of a cooling system for the combustion engine.

Optionally, the second shipping container comprises one or more heat transfer units configured to transfer heat from a coolant fluid within the cooling system, and wherein the fluid system passes the coolant from the combustion engine to the heat transfer units.

Optionally, the second shipping container is stacked on top of the first shipping container.

Optionally, the fluid system is a fluid circuit.

Optionally, the generator further comprises a plurality of fluid connectors coupled to first and second portions of one or more fluid systems of the generator. According to the invention in an aspect, there is provided a shipping container for use in a containerised generator, and comprising: a first or a second portion of a fluid system of the generator connectable to the other of the first portion or second portion of the fluid system by a fluid connector; and a container coupling member configured to couple to a connector coupling member of the fluid connector at a first end thereof, and further configured to open a sealing arrangement at the first end of the fluid connector upon such coupling. According to the invention in an aspect, there is provided a shipping container for use in a containerised generator for generating electrical power, the shipping container comprising: a first portion or a second portion of a fluid system of the generator; and a fluid connector in fluid communication with the first or second portion of the fluid system and configured to couple to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system formed within a further shipping container, the fluid connector further comprising a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom, and further configured to open upon coupling of the fluid to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system. Optionally, the sealing arrangement is configured to close upon decoupling of the fluid connector from the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the sealing arrangement comprises a valve, and wherein the valve is configured to open under an action associated with coupling of the fluid connector to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system, and/or to close under an action associated with decoupling of the fluid connector from the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the fluid connector further comprises a connector coupling member configured to couple to a container coupling member forming part of the other of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the connector coupling member is configured to couple to and/or decouple from the container coupling member by rotation thereof, and wherein the action associated with coupling and/or decoupling comprises rotation of the connector coupling member.

Optionally, the shipping comprises a further sealing arrangement at a second end of the fluid connector, the further sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the first or second portions of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the first or second portions of the fluid system. Optionally, the shipping container further comprises a fluid for use in the fluid system, wherein the fluid is retained within the fluid connector and optionally within the first portion of the fluid system.

According to the fluid connector for connecting first and second portions of a fluid system of a containerised generator, the first and second portions of the fluid system being within first and second shipping containers respectively, the fluid connector comprising: a sealing arrangement at a first end of the fluid connector, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to one of the first and second portions of the fluid system, wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the one of the first or second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the fluid connector comprises a further sealing arrangement at a second end thereof, the further sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the other of the first and second portions of the fluid system, wherein the further sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the other of the first or second portions of the fluid system. Optionally, the sealing arrangement and/or the further sealing arrangement is configured to close upon decoupling of the fluid connector from the first and second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the sealing arrangement and/or the further sealing arrangement comprises a valve, and wherein the valve is configured to open under an action associated with coupling of the fluid connector to the first or second portions of the fluid system, and/or to close under an action associated with decoupling of the fluid connector from the first or second portions of the fluid system. Optionally, the fluid connector further comprises a connector coupling member at the first end and/or the second end, the connector coupling member being configured to couple to a container coupling member forming part of the first and/or second portions of the fluid system. Optionally, the connector coupling member is configured to couple to and/or decouple from the container coupling member by rotation thereof, and wherein the action associated with coupling and/or decoupling comprises rotation of the connector coupling member. Optionally, the fluid connector is filled with a fluid for use in the fluid system.

According to the invention in an aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for forming, when assembled, a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the kit of parts comprising: a first shipping container comprising a first portion of a fluid system of the generator; a second shipping container comprising a second portion of the fluid system of the generator; and a fluid connector configured to be coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication, wherein the fluid connector comprises sealing arrangements at first and second ends thereof, the sealing arrangements being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the first and second portions of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangements are configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the first and second portions of the fluid system. According to the invention in an aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for forming, when assembled, a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the kit of parts comprising: a first shipping container comprising a first portion of a fluid system of the generator; a second shipping container comprising a second portion of the fluid system of the generator; and a fluid connector coupled to the first portion of the fluid system and configured to be coupled to the second portion of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication, wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system.

Optionally, the fluid connector, the first portion of a fluid system and/or the second portion of a fluid system is pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system.

According to the invention in an aspect, there is provided a method of shipping a containerised generator for generating electrical power, the method comprising: shipping a first shipping container comprising a first portion of a fluid system of the generator pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system; shipping a second shipping container comprising a second portion of a fluid system of the generator pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system; and shipping a fluid connector pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system and configured to be coupled to the first and second portions of the fluid system such that the first and second portions of the fluid system are in fluid communication, the fluid connector comprising at least one sealing arrangement at first and/or second ends thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the at least one of the first and second portions of the fluid system.

Optionally, the method comprises shipping one of the first and second shipping containers with the fluid connector coupled to the first or the second fluid portion, respectively. Optionally, the method comprises shipping the fluid connector decoupled from the first and the second fluid portions.

According to the invention in an aspect, there is provided a method of deploying a containerised electrical generator for generating electrical power, the method comprising: coupling a first end of a fluid connector to a first portion of a fluid system of the generator, the first portion being within a first shipping container and the fluid connector being pre-filled with fluid for the fluid system, wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a first end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the first portion of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the first portion of the fluid system.

Optionally, the method comprises coupling a second end of a fluid connector to a second portion of a fluid system, the second portion being within a second shipping container, wherein the fluid connector comprises a sealing arrangement at a second end thereof, the sealing arrangement being closed to prevent fluid egress therefrom prior to coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system, and wherein the sealing arrangement is configured to open upon coupling of the fluid connector to the second portion of the fluid system.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. As will be appreciated, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to systems may be equally appropriate as features of embodiments relating specifically to methods of operation or use, and vice versa.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in reducing deployment time and costs of containerised generator systems.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of the Figures A description of exemplary methods and apparatus is now given, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary containerised generator system having first and second shipping containers; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary containerised generator system comprising a fluid system;

Figure 3 shows fluid connectors coupled to first and second portions of a fluid system of a containerised generator system;

Figure 4 shows fluid connectors coupled to first and second portions of a fluid system of a containerised generator system; and

Figures 5A and 5B show sections through an exemplary sealing arrangement of a fluid connector and a corresponding sealing arrangement of a fluid portion of a fluid system at different stages of operation.

Description of Specific Embodiments

As explained above, there is a need for improved ways to reduce deployment time, complication and costs for containerised generator systems, i.e. generator systems that are deployed in containers that comply with shipping container standards.

Containerised generator systems that produce electric power typically comprise a number of system components, such as engine units coupled together with generator units. These containerised systems are configured to convert mechanical energy provided by the engine into electrical energy at the generator, and so provide an electric power output from the system. Such power output may be supplied to a local power network for further distribution, and/or may be used locally at site. The generator systems may be standalone, or may be modular in so far as the power output from each deployed generator system can be provided cumulatively, e.g. effectively as a power plant, which may supply a local power network or the like.

The following described examples relate to new systems and methods that provide exemplary ways to deploy (including retrieve), maintain, etc. such containerised generator systems. In the following examples, engine units have been described that use internal combustion to produce mechanical power, and in particular are configured to operate using a gas fuel. While engine units running on gas fuel have been considered in the examples below, it will be appreciated that aspects of the following description may equally be used with alternative fuels, such as Heavy Fuel Oil and indeed alternative engine units. A skilled reader will readily be able to implement those various embodiments accordingly. Similarly, the following examples describe systems and methods for use with containers that comply with the 20-foot (6m) ISO shipping container standards. However, it will be appreciated by a skilled reader that aspects of the following description may be equally be used with alternatively-sized shipping containers.

It will also be appreciated that herein the term "shipping container" may generally relate to a container that complies with shipping container standards (e.g. dimensions). In some cases, however, those "shipping containers" may be specifically configured for deployment of a generator system, and may comprise additional components, access panels, etc., as will be appreciated.

Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a containerised generator system 100. The generator 100 comprises a number of system components including an engine unit 1 10 and a generator unit 120, which are coupled together. It will be appreciated that a first shipping container 130 may be specifically configured for the purpose of housing the engine unit 1 10 and generator unit 120, or the like. For example, the container 130 may comprise specifically configured air inlet baffles, access panels, or the like, as will be appreciated. For clarity, these are not shown in Figure 1.

As mentioned, the engine unit 110 is configured to operate using a gas fuel. An air induction device 140 may also be coupled to an inlet of the engine unit 110. Such air induction devices 140 may comprise, for example, a turbocharger unit configured to improve the power output of the engine unit 110. Ancillary system components 150 are also shown and provided within a second shipping container 160. Such ancillary components 150 may include at least part of a cooling system, intake filters, forced induction or air compressor devices, switchgear, or the like.

Prior to deployment, each system component 110, 120, 140 can be operatively arranged and coupled together within the container 130 and ready for use when deployed.

Each of the first and second shipping containers 130, 160 may be a single 20ft (6m) container. The second 20ft (6m) container 160 may house at least part of a cooling system and may be placed on top of the first 20ft (6m) container 130 housing the engine unit 1 10 and generator unit 120. The second (upper) container houses a heat exchange (or transfer) system (e.g. cooling radiators) 170 configured to cool a coolant used in the engine unit 110. This means the cooling fluid circuit is in both lower and upper containers 130, 160, which may be split for transport.

The generator system 100 may be considered to be stackable using multiple shipping containers 130, 160. As such, the system 100 comprises the first shipping container 130 and the second shipping container 160, where the second container 160 has been stacked on top of the first container 130. In doing so, the effective footprint of the system 100 shown in Figure 1 can be considered to be the same as that for a 20ft (6m) shipping container. It is noted that Figure 1 shows a gap between the first and second shipping containers 130, 160 but this is for clarity of the figure and in some practical implementations the second container 160 may rest on top of the first shipping container 130.

Each of the containers 130, 160 may be 20ft (6m) ISO shipping containers. In the exemplary containerised generator system 100 of Figure 1 , certain system components 150, 170 can be provided in the second container 160, and appropriately coupled via apertures 180 in the containers 130, 160 (e.g. using cables, hoses, pipework, or the like) to the system components 1 10, 120, 140 in the first container 130.

The cooling unit 170 is provided in the second container 160 and is connected to the engine unit 1 10 via a fluid connector 190 and first and second portions of a fluid system (shown in Figure 2). The fluid connector 190 places the first and second portions of a fluid system in fluid communication, as explained below. A single fluid connector 190 is shown in Figure 2 for illustrative purposes but, as will be appreciated, in some exemplary methods and apparatus there may be a plurality of fluid connectors connecting first and second portions of one or more fluid systems. A flow of air (see arrows) may be passed over or through the cooling unit 170 by taking a path from side apertures 200 in the walls of the container 160, through or over the cooling unit 170 and out of an aperture 210. Fans 220 above the cooling unit 170 may be used to help draw the air flow. In other embodiments, the apertures may be in different locations and the path taken by the air may be different. Figure 2 shows the containerised generator system 100 with the engine unit 1 10 in first container 130 and the cooling unit 170 in the second container 160. Other features of the shipping containers 130, 160 have been omitted for clarity. By way of an example, the containerised generator system 100 includes two fluid systems, a first fluid system 225A and a second fluid system 225B. In some embodiments, the first fluid system 225A may be a low temperature fluid system and the second fluid system 225B may be a (relatively) higher temperature fluid system. That is, the coolant in the low temperature fluid system is intended to be cooler than the coolant in the higher temperature fluid system because it runs through a cooler part of the engine unit 110.

Both the first fluid system 225A and the second fluid system 225B have a first portion 230A, 230B provided within the first shipping container 130 and connected to the engine unit 110, and a second portion 240A, 240B provided within the second shipping container 130 and connected to the cooling unit 170. The first portion 230A of the first fluid system 225A flows through a cooler part of the engine unit 1 10 than the first portion 230B of the second fluid system 225B.

It is noted that the fluid systems 225A, 225B are shown schematically in Figure 2. In practical implementations, the cooling unit 170 may comprise radiator units having cooling elements (e.g. fins) over which air flows to transfer heat from the coolant fluid running through the fluid systems 225A, 225B to the air passing through the cooling unit 170. In such implementations, the low temperature fluid system 225A (e.g. the pipework, cooling elements etc.) may be positioned upstream of the higher temperature fluid system 225B, with respect to the flow of air over or through the cooling unit 170. That is, air flowing over or through the cooling unit 170 will come into contact with the second fluid portion 240A of the first fluid system 225A before then coming into contact with the second fluid portion 240B of the first fluid system 225B. This allows an efficient transfer of heat from the cooling unit 170 to the environment through the flow of air.

The fluid connector 190 shown in Figure 1 may be configured to connect the first and second portions of the fluid systems 2125A, 225B shown in Figure 2, or any other fluid systems used for the generator 100. As mentioned, in exemplary methods and apparatus, there may be a plurality of fluid connectors. In Figure 2, the first fluid system 225A includes first and second fluid connectors 190A, 190B to form a fluid circuit. The first and second fluid connectors 190A, 190B, fluidly couple the first and second fluid portions 230A, 240A of the first fluid system 225A between the first and second shipping containers 130, 160. Thus, the first fluid system 225A forms a fluid circuit. The second fluid system 225B may be similarly configured using first and second fluid connectors 190C, 190D.

The fluid connectors 190A-D for both fluid systems pass through the apertures 180 in the containers 130, 160, in order to make the connection between the engine unit 1 10 and the cooling unit 170. Although in Figure 2 the fluid systems are shown having two fluid connectors with the first and second fluid portions forming a fluid circuit, in other arrangements, the fluid system may comprise only one fluid connector.

The first and second fluid portions may not be in the engine unit 1 10 and/or the cooling unit 170 but may be associated with different components of a generator system and/or may be located elsewhere within the containers 130, 160. In other embodiments, the fluid passing through the fluid systems may not be coolant but could be another fluid, such as fuel. The fluid connectors 190A-D are shown in Figure 3. The fluid connectors 190A-D are shown extending upwards from the engine unit 110 in the first container 130 through two apertures 180 and into the second container 160. The fluid connectors 190A-D comprise flexible hoses, which may have a braided outer. This allows an increased tolerance in the positioning of the connections to the engine unit 1 10 and cooling unit 170 when compared with a hard piped circuit. This means that there is flexibility in the positioning of the engine unit 110 and the cooling unit 170 within the containers 130, 160.

The fluid connectors 190A-D allow coolant to circulate between the engine unit 1 10 and the cooling unit 170 to allow heat produced by the engine unit 1 10 to dissipate into the environment. This is helped by the flow of air passing over the cooling unit 170 as described above.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the fluid connectors 190A and 190C. Although reference will only be made to the first fluid system 225A, the features described may be equally applicable to the second fluid system 225B. Further, although fluid connector 190A is described in detail, the other fluid connectors 190B-D may have similar features. A first (upper) end region 255 of the first fluid connector 190A comprises a sealing arrangement 260 (shown in Figures 5A and 5B). The first end 255 includes a connector coupling member 280 which will be described in more detail later. The first sealing arrangement 260 allows fluid to be retained within the fluid connector 190A by preventing fluid egress from the first end 255 prior to the fluid connector 190A being coupled to the second portion 240A of the first fluid system 225A. When coupled to the first and second portions 230A, 240A, the fluid connector 190A facilities a fluid connection therebetween.

The fluid connector 190A is connected at a second (lower) end region 290, opposite the first end region 255, to the first portion 230A of the fluid system 225A. In the exemplary arrangement of Figure 4, this attachment is made by a flange joint 300. However, the attachment may also be made by a sealing arrangement similar to those explained below and used at the first end region 255 for connection to the second portion 240A. In other arrangements, other attachment means can be provided instead of the flange joint 300 as would be understood in the art.

The flange joint 300 allows the fluid connector 190A to be in fluid communication with the first portion 230A. In exemplary arrangements, the first connector 190A can be attached to the first portion 230A prior to shipping of the first container 130. In such arrangements, the fluid connector 190A may be pre-filled with fluid for use in the fluid system 225A prior to shipping. The fluid may be retained in the fluid connector 190A by the sealing arrangement 260.

The sealing arrangement 260 seals fluid within the fluid connector 190A. This means that fluid can be sealed within the fluid connector 190A during shipping. Once the containers 130, 160 have been shipped, they are then deployed, i.e. they are positioned in the desired location and their components are connected so they are ready for operation. In this case, deployment includes fluidly connecting the fluid connector 190A to the second portion 240A of the fluid system 225A. This is achieved by opening the sealing arrangement 260 to fluidly couple the first and second fluid portions 230A, 240A.

As the sealing arrangement 260 is located at the first end region 255 of the fluid connector 190A, the fluid connector 190A can be filled with fluid before coupling to the second portion 240A of the fluid system 225A.

The fluid coupling of the fluid connector 190A to the second portion 240A occurs with no loss of fluid, i.e. fluid does not escape from the first fluid system 225A when the fluid connector 190A is coupled to the second portion 240A. Further, after the fluid connector 190A fluidly couples the first and second portions 230A, 240A, then the fluid system 225A is filled with fluid and there is no requirement for manual filling of the fluid system with fluid to compensate for the volume of the fluid connector 190A. The term "filled with fluid" encompasses substantially filled with fluid as would be understood by a skilled person, e.g. the fluid system does not need to be topped up with fluid (e.g. coolant) before it can function in cooling the engine unit but there may still be some air etc. in the fluid system 225A that can be bled off.

The fluid connector 190A avoids the need for coolant connections piped from the engine to the side of the first container via hard piping and valves to an external flange on the lower container 130. Use of the fluid connector 190A reduces time to install and decommission the containerised generator system 100 by avoiding the need to bolt stub pipes with matching flanges and quick release connectors to the container flange on both the upper and lower containers and then joining them externally via a flexible rubber hose with quick connectors on their ends. Use of the fluid connector 190A has the benefit of avoiding the difficulty of installation using an internal connection with bellows and valving in tight space restrictions, which is another method of connecting the fluid system 225A. Furthermore, using the fluid connector 190A means there is no lost fluid (e.g. coolant) that needs to be topped up and the risk of external spills during the process has been reduced.

Figure 5A shows a side view of the first end 255 of the fluid connector 190A in contact with a corresponding end 310 of the second portion 240A of the fluid system 225A. For the purposes of this description, the terms "connector" and "container" will be used to distinguish similar features relating to each of the fluid connector and the first/second portions of the fluid system, respectively.

The connector coupling member 280 and a container coupling member 320 of the end 310 of the second portion 240A are configured to couple together. Such coupling opens the connector sealing arrangement 260 and optionally also a container sealing arrangement 325. That is, when the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 310 couple together, the fluid connector 190A and the second portion 240A become fluidly coupled together.

In other embodiments, the fluid connector 190A may additionally or alternatively comprise a sealing arrangement at the second end 290 comprising a further connector coupling member for coupling to a further container coupling member of the first fluid portion 230A. This is not described in detail herein, but one or more of the features described in relation to the first end 255 may apply to the second end 290.

The connector coupling member 280 includes a tubular housing 330 with a first opening 340 at a first end 360 of the connector coupling member 280 and a second opening 370 at a second end 380, opposite the first end 360. The connector coupling member 280 may also comprise keying features configured to mate with corresponding keying features of the container coupling member 320.

The connector sealing arrangement 260 has a valve which includes an elongate piston 390 and a valve body 400 for sealing of the first opening 340. The coupling member 280 is configured to axially move the piston 390 relative to the housing 330 to unseal the first opening 340. This may be done on coupling of the connector coupling member 280 to the container coupling member 320. The hose portion of the fluid connector 190A extends from the connector coupling member 280 at the second end 380. The container coupling member 320 also has a tubular housing 410 with a first opening 420 at a first end 430 and a second opening 440 at a second end 450 opposite the first end 430. The container coupling member 320 has a valve which includes an elongate piston 460 and a valve body 470 for sealing of the first opening 420. The elongate piston 460 of the container coupling member 320 can move axially relative to the housing 410 to unseal (and therefore open) the first opening 420. The container coupling member 320 has a biasing member 480 (e.g. a spring) located around the elongate piston 460 which acts on the valve body 470. The spring 480 biases the elongate piston 460 towards the first end 430 of the container coupling member 320 in order to seal the first opening 420. The rest of the second portion 240A of the fluid system 225A can be connected to the container coupling member 320 at the second end 450 of the container coupling member 320.

Figure 5B shows the fluid connector 190A coupled to the container coupling member 320. A locking mechanism 490 may be engaged to axially lock the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320 together. The locking mechanism 490 allows the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320 to be coupled when they are brought together.

Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the operation of the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320 will now be described. Figure 5A shows a section through the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320 when initially brought together but not fully coupled. In this configuration, both the first opening 340 of the connector coupling member 280 and the first opening 420 of the container coupling member 320 are sealed by their respective valve bodies 400, 470. The locking mechanism 490 is not engaged, but is in position to lock the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320 together.

To couple the fluid connector 190A and the second portion 240A of the fluid system 225A such that fluid can flow between them the piston 390 is axially moved relative to the housing 330 of the connector coupling member 280 in the direction of the first end 360 of the connector coupling member 280.

As shown in Figure 5B, the valve body 400 attached to the piston 390 pushes on the valve body 470 of the container sealing arrangement 325 attached to the piston 460, overcoming the bias applied by the biasing member 480. Axial movement of the valve body 400 may be actuated by the rotation of the connector coupling member 280 relative to the container coupling member 320. This may be achieved by any number of means, which will be evident to the skilled person, but may in some arrangements cause keying features to mate on the coupling members 280, 320 and a cam surface may drive the piston 390. Further, engagement of the locking mechanism 490 may also be actuated by rotation of the connector coupling member 280. Therefore, actuation of the valve body 400 and engagement of the locking mechanism 490 may occur simultaneously. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 490 may be engaged manually whilst the biasing force is overcome.

When the locking mechanism 490 is engaged, relative axial movement of the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320 is prevented.

As shown in Figure 5B, actuation of the valve body 400 unseals the first opening 340 of the connector coupling member and the first opening 420 of the container coupling member.

In some exemplary methods and apparatus, the sealing arrangement 260 may be closed by decoupling the connector coupling member 280 from the container coupling member 320. This may be achieved by rotation of the connector coupling member 280 relative to the container coupling member 320 in a direction opposite to that required to couple the connector coupling member 280 and the container coupling member 320, and which may actuate the valve body 400. The biasing member 480 of the container sealing arrangement 325, acts on the valve body 470 to push the valve body 470 into a position sealing the first opening 420. The valve body 470 of the container coupling member therefore pushes the valve body 400 of the connector coupling member 280 back into a closed position with respect to the first opening 340. Therefore, the connector coupling member 280 may be decoupled from the container coupling member 320 without any loss of fluid from the fluid system 225A.

The connector sealing arrangement 260 and the container sealing arrangement 325 allow the first and second portions 230A, 240A of the fluid system 225A, to be in fluid communication. More particularly, the coupling of the fluid connector 190A and the container coupling member 320 actuates the valve in the sealing arrangement 260. In the example of Figures 5A and 5B the valve in the container sealing arrangement 325 is also actuated. This opens the valves, which means the fluid connector 190A and the second portion 240A are in fluid communication.

The sealing arrangement 260 with the coupling member 280 and the corresponding sealing arrangement 325 with the corresponding coupling member 320 are purely an exemplary arrangement and in other embodiments different sealing arrangements could be used.

Although the above description has the fluid connector 190A configured to be connected to the first portion 230A during shipping, in other embodiments, the fluid connector 190A could be connected to the second portion 240A during shipping. This means that the fluid connector 190A would have the sealing arrangement at its second (lower) end region 290 and the first fluid connector fluid connector 190A would be configured to be connected to the first portion 230A when deployed. Alternatively, the fluid connector 190A may be shipped independently in cases where a sealing arrangement is present at first and second ends. The fluid connector 190A may not be fluidly coupled, or at least not attached, to the first and second fluid portions 230A, 240A, during shipping. In these cases, the sealing arrangement comprises a first sealing arrangement at a first (upper) end region 255 of the fluid connector 190A, and a second sealing arrangement at a second (lower) end region 290 of the fluid connector 190A, opposite the first end region 255. In these cases, the fluid connector 190A may be pre-filled with fluid when shipped. In addition, the first and second fluid portions 230A, 240A, may also be pre-filled with fluid when shipped. The containerised generator system 100 has the advantage that the fluid system can be filled with fluid when shipped and then the connection between the containers 130, 160 can be quickly made when deployed. The coupling of the connector coupling member and the container coupling member is quick and increases safety because it avoids the chance of fluid (which may be hot and under pressure) being realised from the fluid system. Further, the use of multi bolt flanges and the loss of fluid from the fluid system are avoided. The time it takes to deploy the containerised generator system 100 is further reduced because it is not necessary to top up the fluid system with coolant, as would need to be done if the operator had to connect a pipe which was not filled with fluid between the containers 130, 160. Avoiding the need to transport coolant for topping up the fluid system separately in storage vessels also cuts down on the quantity of items that needs shipped and the available space. This also reduces the risk of these storage vessels being stolen or misplaced. Installation and decommissioning time and cost for field connection/disconnection of a containerised generator system is reduced. Although the above description has been concerned with a containerised generator system, the system and apparatus described are also suitable for other containerised systems comprising shipping containers and fluid circuits being fluidly coupled between the shipping containers.

The skilled person will be able to envisage further embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.