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CLAIMS
Having described my invention, I claim:
1. A power distribution and storage system for a household or other building, comprising: a. a first means for supplying energy to said power distribution system for an indeterminate period of time; b. a second means for converting said energy supplied to said power distribution system into motion; c. a generator operatively connected to said second means, said generator configured to convert said motion produced by said second means into a first electric current transmitted to a high-load circuit, wherein said first electric current is a high wattage alternating current; d. an alternator operatively connected to said second means, said alternator configured to convert said motion produced by said second means into a second electric current transmitted to a battery, wherein said second electric current is a direct current; and e. an inverter electrically connected to said battery, said inverter configured to transform direct current from said second electric current or said battery into a low-wattage alternating current which is then fed to a low-load circuit.
2. The power distribution system of claim 1, said second means further comprising a steam engine, said steam engine configured to convert energy provided by a fluid into motion.
3. The power distribution system of claim 2, said first means comprising a solar collector configured to preheat said fluid before said fluid is transmitted to said steam engine.
4. The power distribution system of claim 3, further comprising a boiler configured to vaporize said fluid after said fluid is preheated by said solar collector.
5. The power distribution system of claim 2, further comprising a boiler configured to vaporize said fluid before transmitting said fluid to said steam engine.
6. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said high-load circuit further comprises an air conditioner configured to cool said household.
7. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said high-load circuit further comprises high wattage household loads.
8. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said low-load circuit further comprises a television.
9. The power distribution system of claim 8, wherein said low-load circuit further comprises low wattage household loads.
10. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said low-load circuit further comprises lighting configured to illuminate the interior of said household.
11. The power distribution system of claim 2, wherein said steam engine further comprises a turbine configured to rotate an output shaft.
12. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said high-load circuit further comprises an electric motor.
13. The power distribution system of claim 12, wherein said high-load circuit comprises a switch having an on position and an off position, wherein when said switch is in said on position, current is transmitted to said electric motor.
14. The power distribution system of claim 13, wherein said switch is automatically actuated to said on position when said household or building is not otherwise using said high-load circuit to provide power to high-wattage loads.
15. The power distribution system of claim 2, further comprising a conduit configured to transmit said fluid away from said steam engine after said fluid passes through said steam engine.
16. The power distribution system of claim 15, wherein said conduit is configured to recirculate said fluid back to a position upstream of said steam engine.
17. The power distribution system of claim 15, wherein said conduit transmits said fluid to a heated water circuit, wherein said thermal energy of said fluid is further harvested. 1 S. The power distribution system of claim 15, further comprising: a. ' a conduit configured to transmit said fluid away from said steam engine after said fluid passes through said steam engine; b. a control valve downstream of said conduit, said control valve having a first position and a second position; c. wherein when said control valve is in said first position, said fluid passing through said conduit is further transmitted to a heated water circuit, said heated water circuit configured to further harvest said thermal energy of said fluid; and d. wherein when said control valve is in said second position, said fluid passing through said conduit is recirculated to a position upstream of said steam engine.
19. The power distribution system of claim I 5 wherein said second means is actuated by a thermostat.
20. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said first means, said second means, said generator, said alternator, and said inverter are attached to a common frame so that said first means, said second means, said generator, and said alternator may be readily transported together from one location to another.
21. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of wheels operatively attached to said common frame such that said power distribution system can be rolled across the ground.
22. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising an automatic actuation means for actuating said second means when the charge of said battery drops below a defined threshold.
23. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein said power distribution system is configured to simultaneously store a charge in said battery while said generator produces said first electric current.
24. The power distribution system of claim 1, further comprising an automatic actuation means for actuating said second means when the charge of said battery drops below a defined threshold.
25. The power distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel, said solar panel configured to charge said battery.
26. The power distribution system of claim 2, further comprising a. a boiler configured to vaporize said fluid before transmitting said fluid to said steam engine; and b. a hot water heater upstream of said boiler, said hot water heater configured to preheat said fluid before transmitting said fluid to said boiler.
27. The power distribution system of claim 24, further comprising an automatic deactivation means for deactivating said second means after said batteries have charged.
28. The power distribution system of claim 1, further comprising an automatic transfer switch configured to transfer power from said generator to said low load circuit.
29. The power distribution system of claim 24, further comprising an automatic transfer switch configured to transfer power from said generator to said low load circuit after said automated actuation means actuates said second means.
30. The power distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a remote starter, said remote starter configured to permit actuation of said second means from a location remote to said second means.
31. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising a remote starter, said remote starter configured to permit actuation of said second means from a location remote to said second means.
32. The power distribution system of claim 31, further comprising a timer, said timer configured to deactivate said second means after said second means runs for a designated interval of time.
33. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising a set of jumper cables, said jumper cables configured to electrically connect to said battery.
34. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising a DC control panel electrically connected to said battery, said DC control panel configured to supply direct current to a DC-powered device from said battery.
35. The power distribution system of claim 20, wherein said battery and said inverter are attached to said common frame.
36. The power distribution system of claim 32, wherein said timer is further configured to activate said second means at a pre-designated time.
37. The power distribution system of claim 1, said second means further comprising an electric motor.
38. The power distribution system of claim 37, said first means further comprising an AC line power source configured to transmit electric power to said household or other building.
39. The power distribution system of claim 1, said second means further comprising a gas engine.
40. The power distribution system of claim 39, said first means further comprising a gas feed line configured to transmit a combustible gas to said household.
41. The power distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a switch having an on position and an off position, said switch configured to activate said second means when said switch is positioned in said on position.
42. The power distribution system of claim 41, wherein said switch is electronically connected to a thermostat of said household, said switch configured to activate said second means.
43. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising a first cord reel including a first electric cord, said first electric cord capable of being connected to said generator.
44. The power distribution system of claim 43, further comprising a second cord reel including a second electric cord, said second electric cord capable of being connected to said inverter.
45. The power distribution system of claim 20, further comprising an air compressor configured to electrically connect to said battery. |
TITLE: POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Background - Field of the Invention.
This invention relates to the field of household power distribution systems. More specifically, this invention comprises a retroflttable power distribution system for delivering power to a household or other building via high-load and low-load power circuits.
2. Background - Prior
Various power distribution systems exist for household applications. Most households obtain power from a common electrical power grid as a primary power source. Some of the other power systems serve as a back-up power supply for the household when the household's primary power source is not functional. Most back-up power supply systems are stand-alone systems which operate independently of the household's primary power source. Gas-powered generators are the most common back-up power supply systems. Gas- powered generators are generally activated manually when a household loses power provided by the primary power system.
In addition, some power systems are auxiliary systems to assist the household's primary power source. Some households obtain power from "renewable" sources to supplement power received from the household's primary power source. As an example, some households obtain power or energy from solar or geothermal sources in addition to using power from the common electrical power grid. Although these alternative sources may also be used as a back-up power supply, households which utilize these alternative power sources often draw power from these alternative sources on a continuous basis.
Although many power systems exist for serving various household power and energy needs, there remains a need for a retrofittable power system that can serve both continuous operating and back-up power needs. It is therefore desirable to provide a retrofitted power
distribution system which can provide power to a household for both back-up and continuous operation needs.
SUMMARY
The present invention is a power distribution system for retrofitting to a household or other building. The power distribution system includes a means for supplying energy to the power distribution system for an indeterminate period of time. The power distribution system further comprises a means for converting the energy supplied to the power distribution system into motion. A generator is operatively connected to the energy converting means and converts the motion produced by the energy converting means into an electric current. The electric current produced by the generator is used to power a high-load circuit.
An alternator is also operatively connected to the energy converting means. The alternator is configured to convert the motion produced by the energy converting means into electric current in a separate circuit. The alternator transmits this electric current to a bank of storage batteries. An inverter is electrically connected to the bank of batteries and transmits an electric current from the bank of batteries to a low-load circuit. As such, the present invention acts as an energy storage system.
Various energy converting means which are capable of converting energy to motion may be employed in the present invention. In one example, an electric motor is connected to the household's electrical power source. The generator and alternator may both be coupled to the main pulley of the motor. In another example, a boiler and steam engine may be used to rotate an output shaft. The alternator and generator may be connected to pulleys on the output shaft. In yet another example, the alternator and generator are coupled to the main pulley of an internal combustion engine running on natural gas. The gas-combustion engine receives its fuel supply from a gas feed line integrated with the household. The reader should
note that propane, diesel, or other fuel sources may also be used. Accordingly, a gas tank or cylinder may also be used to supply fuel to the gas-combustion engine.
The high-load circuit includes high-wattage household loads such as the household's air conditioner and low-wattage household appliances. The generator is configured to supply high current 110 volt or high current 220 volt power. The low-load circuit includes low- wattage household loads such as televisions, satellite receivers, computers, and lighting. The battery bank runs a DC to AC inverter producing 110 VAC. This is relatively "clean" low wattage AC power which is suitable for the aforementioned low-wattage household loads.
The power distribution system may be controlled by a main switch. The user turns on the main switch when high-load appliances are being used. The user turns off the main switch when only low-wattage loads are being used. The main switch may further be integrated with the HVAC thermostat so that the energy converting means is activated when air conditioning or heating is needed.
DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a retrofittable power distribution system employing an electric motor.
FIG. 2 shows a retrofittable power distribution system employing a steam engine.
FIG. 3 shows a retrofittable power distribution system employing a gas-combustion engine.
FIG. 4 shows a retrofittable power distribution system employing a steam engine and a solar heating circuit.
FIG. 5 shows a retrofittable power distribution system employing a steam engine and an electric motor.
FIG. 6 shows a retrofittable power distribution system employing a steam engine and a heated water circuit.
FIG. 7 demonstrates a retrofittable power distribution system integrated with a preexisting distribution system.
FIG. 8 shows a portable, retrofittable power distribution system employing a gas combusting engine.
FIG. 9 shows a portable, retrofittable power distribution system employing a gas combusting engine.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS
10 electrical power source
12 switch
14 electric motor
16 main pulley
18 generator
20 alternator
22 pulley
24 pulley
26 belt
28 belt
30 high-load circuit
32 batteries
34 inverter
36 low-load circuit
38 water heater
40 boiler
42 conduit
steam engine output shaft gas engine gas feed line exhaust solar collectors solar storage tank back-up preheater pump pump alternator generator batteries inverter switch low load circuit high load circuit heated water circuit control valve water supply switch generator distribution panel automatic transfer switch high load transfer switch
94 distribution panel
96 high load transfer switch
98 electric motor
100 low load transfer switch
102 solar panel
104 fuse breaker
106 charge controller
108 generator
110 power distribution system
112 gas engine
114 alternator
116 generator
118 belt
120 inverter
122 DC control panel
124 jumper cable box
126 air compressor
128 batteries
130 cord reel
132 cord reel
134 solar panel
136 level adjuster
138 frame
140 wheels
142 magneto
144 cigarette lighter
146 charge controller
148 voltage regulator sensor
150 remote starter
152 timer
154 automatic transfer switch
156 voltage regul ator sensor
158 starter
160 fuel tank
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention, a power distribution system for retrofitting to a household or other building, is illustrated in FIG. 1. The power distribution system includes a means for supplying energy to the power distribution system for an indeterminate period of time. In the current example, the power distribution system receives electrical power from electrical power source (10). Electrical power source (10) may be the household's primary electrical power source. For example, the household owner may use the main power input to the household's primary electrical load center as an input to the power distribution system.
The power distribution system further comprises a means for converting the energy supplied to the power distribution system into motion. Various energy converting means capable of converting energy to motion may be employed in the present invention. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, electric motor (14) is used to convert electrical energy into rotational motion of an output shaft. Main pulley (16) is attached to the output shaft of electric motor (14) and rotates along with the output shaft.
Generator (18) is operatively connected to main pulley (16) and converts the motion produced by the electric motor (14) into an electric current. Belt (28) connects pulley (24) of generator (18) to main pulley (16) so that pulley- (24) rotates along with main pulley (16). The electric current produced by generator (18) is used to power high- load circuit (30). High-load circuit (30) includes high-wattage household loads such as the household's air conditioner and low-load appliances. Generator (18) is configured to supply high current 110 volt or high current 220 volt power. This is an alternating current circuit.
Alternator (20) is also operatively connected to electric motor (14). Alternator (20) is configured to convert the motion produced by electric motor (14) into another electric current. This is a direct current circuit. Belt (26) connects pulley (22) of alternator (20) to main pulley (16) so that pulley (22) rotates along with main pulley (16). Alternator (20) transmits this direct electric current to a bank of batteries (32) which stores the charge. Inverter (34) is electrically connected to the bank of batteries (32) and transmits an electric current from the bank of batteries (32) to low-load circuit (36). It should be noted that energy storage devices other than batteries may similarly be used. The low-load circuit includes low-wattage household loads such as televisions, satellite receivers, computers, and lighting. The bank of batteries (32) runs a direct current to inverter (34) which converts the DC input to 110 VAC. This is relatively "clean" low wattage AC power which is suitable for the aforementioned low- wattage household loads.
The power distribution system may be controlled by a main switch, illustrated by switch (12). The user turns on the main switch when high-load appliances are being used. The user turns off the main switch when only low-wattage loads are being used. The main switch may further be integrated with the HVAC thermostat so that electric motor (14) is activated when air conditioning or heating is needed. Also, the system stores power from the main power source for later use. This allows the user to have the option of storing power
during off-peak rate hours, like the middle of the night. Obviously, the system illustrated in FIG. 1 would store energy anytime the high-load circuit is in use.
It should be noted that the present design allows for the use of relatively inexpensive, off-the-shelf components. For example, a 200 A automotive alternator, 3 hp electric motor, and pulley drive system is typically less expensive than a comparable 200 A AC to DC charger.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. Boiler (40) is fluidly connected to the household's water heater (38). Boiler (40) produces steam which powers steam engine (44). Boiler (40) may be electric or gas powered. The kinetic energy of steam produced by boiler (40) is converted to rotary motion by steam engine (44). Although a steam turbine type steam engine is illustrated in FIG. 2, many different types of steam engines may be used for steam engine (44). Rotation of the turbine in steam engine (44) causes rotation of output shaft (46) and pulleys attached to output shaft (46). Conduit (42) is provided for recirculation of steam to boiler (40).
Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, generator (18) is operatively connected to a pulley on output shaft (46) and converts the motion produced by steam engine (44) into an electric current. Belt (28) connects pulley (24) of generator (18) to the pulley on output shaft (46) so that pulley (24) rotates along with the pulley. Although not illustrated in the present drawing view, a simple transmission system or gearbox may be used to match the rotational speed of output shaft (46) to the design requirements of generator (18). The electric current produced by generator (18) is used to power high-load circuit (30). As in the previous embodiment, high-load circuit (30) includes high-wattage household loads such as the household's air conditioner and low-load appliances. Generator (18) is configured to supply high current 110 volt or high current 220 volt power.
Alternator (20) is also operatively connected to steam engine (44). Alternator (20) is configured to convert the motion produced by steam engine (44) into another electric current. Belt (26) connects pulley (22) of alternator (20) to a pulley on output shaft (46) so that pulley (22) rotates along with the pulley. Alternator (20) transmits this electric current to a bank of batteries (32) which stores the charge. Inverter (34) is electrically connected to the bank of batteries (32) and transmits an electric current from the bank of batteries (32) to low-load circuit (36). As in the previous embodiment, low-load circuit (36) includes low-wattage household loads such as televisions, satellite receivers, computers, and lighting. The bank of batteries (32) runs a direct current to inverter (34) producing 110 VAC.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. Gas engine (48) is a gas-combustion engine configured to combust liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, propane or other gaseous fuel source. Gas feed line (50) supplies gas engine (48) with a continuous supply of fuel. If the household is plumbed for natural gas, gas feed line (50) may be plumbed directly to the household's natural gas feed line. Alternatively, an integrated gas tank (such as that used with respect to the portable embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 8 and 9) may be used to supply fuel to gas engine (48). Gas engine (48) exhausts byproducts of the combustion process through exhaust (52). Starter (158) is provided for starting gas engine (48). Gas engine (48) converts combustion energy into the rotation of an output shaft and main pulley (16).
Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2, generator (18) is operatively connected to main pulley (16) and converts the motion produced by gas engine (48) into an electric current. Belt (28) connects pulley (24) of generator (18) to main pulley (16) so that pulley (24) rotates along with main pulley (16). The electric current produced by generator (18) is used to power high-load circuit (30). As in the previous embodiments, high-load circuit (30) includes high-wattage household loads such as the household's air conditioner
and low appliances. Generator (18) is configured to supply high current 110 volt or high current 220 volt power.
Alternator (20) is also operatively connected to gas engine (48). Alternator (20) is configured to convert the motion produced by gas engine (48) into another electric current. Belt (26) connects pulley (22) of alternator (20) to main pulley (16) so that pulley (22) rotates along with main pulley (16). Alternator (20) transmits this electric current to a bank of batteries (32) which stores the charge. Inverter (34) is electrically connected to the bank of batteries (32) and transmits an electric current from the bank of batteries (32) to low-load circuit (36). As in the previous embodiments, low-load circuit (36) includes low-wattage household loads such as televisions, satellite receivers, computers, and lighting. The bank of batteries (32) runs a direct current to inverter (34) producing 110 VAC.
Gas engine (48) (of FIG. 3) and boiler (40) (of FIG. 2) may also be activated by a main switch like the electric motor embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The main switch may also be integrated with the household's thermostat so that the main switch is turned on when air-conditioning or heating is needed. When large appliances are not being used, low-load circuit (36) may run off the stored charge in batteries (32).
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 may be made portable, so that the power distribution system may be transported from one location to another. For example, gas engine (48), generator (18), alternator (20), batteries (32), and inverter (34) may be attached to a common frame. Wheels may be provided on the bottom of the frame for easier transport. Power cords may be provided for connecting high-load and low-load circuits to the unit. For example, one power cord may be electrically connected with the output of generator (18) for supplying high wattage power for high wattage loads. A second power cord may be electrically connected to inverter (34) for providing low wattage power for low wattage loads. Also a remote starter and/or a timer may be used to control gas engine (48)
(similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9). Such a portable power distribution system may have particular utility in providing power for a campsite or other remote location where electric power is otherwise unavailable.
The benefits of the proposed power distribution system are numerous. Those that are skilled in the art know that the proposed power distribution system is easy to retrofit and integrate into the existing power distribution systems of most households. In the electric motor embodiment of FIG. 1, the power distribution system may be integrated to the household through the primary load center. The main power input line to the household may be routed to electric motor (14) through switch (12). The outputs of the power distribution system from generator (18) and inverter (34) may be electrically connected to the appropriate household circuits. The proposed system provides many other benefits including improved generator longevity and efficiency. These benefits are achieved, in part, because the energy coming into the system is being divided into a portion which is used immediately and a portion which is being stored for future use.
• In the steam engine embodiment, boiler (40) may be fluidly connected to the household's existing water heater. As such, boiler (40) receives preheated water from the water heater and heats the water further to the boiling point. The gas or electric heating elements of boiler (40) may be powered by the household's main power input line or the household's gas supply line, respectively. The outputs of the power distribution system from generator (18) and inverter (34) may be electrically connected to the appropriate household circuits using a prior art load distribution center.
In the gas engine embodiment, gas engine (48) is supplied fuel by a fuel tank or the household's gas supply line. The outputs of the power distribution system from generator (18) and inverter (34) may be electrically connected to the appropriate household circuits at the junction box.
The proposed power distribution system provides both back-up power and continuous operation power capabilities. The previous description illustrates how the power distribution system may be used for continuous operation. For back-up power applications, the high-load circuit (30) and low-load circuit (36) remain electrically connected to electrical power source (10) so long as power is available. In the electric motor variant, generator (18) may be removed or disconnected from the system so that high-load circuit (30) remains powered by electrical power source (10). As illustrated and described later with respect to FIG. 7, the power distribution system is electrically connected to low-load circuit (36) through a switch. The user may turn the switch to the "on" position when the household is not receiving power from electrical power source (10), such as in a power outage. Batteries (32) then provide back-up power to low-load circuit (36) through inverter (34).
If the gas engine embodiment or the steam engine with gas heating element embodiment is used, the power distribution system may serve a back-up power function for high-load circuit (30) as well. For example, the household may continue to use electric power source (10) to power high-load circuit (30) and low low- load circuit (36) when electric power is available. When electric power is unavailable, however, the user may turn a switch to the "on" position to activated a gas- powered boiler (40) or gas engine (48).
The proposed power distribution system is particularly well-suited for households geographically situated in regions which routinely experience blackouts and brownouts. The energy converting means may operate during non-peak operating times (i.e., times when the community's electrical demands are not as high) in order to store energy for future use during a blackout. It should be noted that the gas engine embodiment and the steam engine with gas heating element embodiment may be operated continuously in these geographic regions. It should be further noted that even the electrical input variant may be used continuously as well. In the event of a power outage, however, the system would be unable to operate high
wattage loads. Low-wattage loads, such as the lighting may still be used since these loads obtain their power from energy stored in the bank of batteries.
FIG. 4 illustrates how solar energy may be used to preheat water in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. Solar collectors (54) may be any type of device to collect solar energy. In the present illustration, solar collectors (54) are the type of solar collectors that capture thermal energy. Solar collectors (54) capture direct radiation from the sun and transfer the heat to a transfer fluid. The transfer fluid is preferably water or a water-glycol solution. Solar storage tank (56) is used to hold the transfer fluid once it has been heated. Pump (60) may be used to circulate the transfer fluid through solar collectors (54). Pump (60) may be activated by a controller which observes temperature readings from temperature sensors positioned near solar collectors (54). When the temperature sensors indicate that the temperature is above a certain threshold transfer fluid is circulated through solar collectors (54) and back to solar storage tank (56). Solar storage tank (56) is preferably well insulated to mitigate heat transfer through the storage tank walls.
Pump (62) transfers the fluid from solar storage tank to backup preheater (58). Backup preheater (58) is used to preheat the fluid to a certain temperature before sending the fluid to boiler (40). Backup preheater (58) may be any type of heater or heat exchanger, including gas or electric powered water heaters. Backup preheater (58) may be used as a backup system for heating the fluid during periods when an insuffient amount of solar energy has been collected. This may be necessary during rainy seasons or when the household's energy demands are unusually high.
FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 4 integrated with other power delivery systems. In the current embodiment, generator (18) provides power to the high load circuits of the household through high load transfer switch (96) and distribution panel (94). Inverter (34) provides power to the household's low load circuits via low load transfer switch (100)
and distribution panel (94). Distribution panel (94) may be the household's standard distribution panel which also receives power through electrical power source (10).
Switch (72) may be used to provide power to electric motor (98) from distribution panel (94). Electric motor (98) drives alternator (64) and generator (66). Generator (66) provides electric power to high-load circuit (76). High-load circuit (76) may be used to power high-load appliances of the household (through a transfer switch and distribution panel (94)) or may be sold to the power company. Alternator (64) provides direct current to batteries (68). Batteries (68) store power until needed, inverter (70) is electrically connected to batteries (68) and provides low-wattage AC power to low-load household circuits via low load transfer switch (74) and distribution panel (94). The low wattage power provided by inverter (70) may be used to provide back-up power to the low load circuits supplied with power by inverter (34) or it may provide electric power to a completely separate circuit. Generator (108) may also be connected to distribution panel (94), preferably through a high load transfer switch, to provide backup power to the household in the event of a power outage or if the system breaks down.
The distribution system illustrated in FIG. 5 provides many advantages which would be readily apparent to one that is skilled in the art. For example, switch (72) may be automatically controlled to supply power to electric motor (98) when the household is not otherwise utilizing its high-load circuits. This allows the household to "bank" additional power in batteries (68) and/or sell power to the power company when high-load household appliances are not being used.
FIG. 6 illustrates a further improvement of the power distribution systems of FIGs. 4 and 5. In this embodiment, control valve (80) may be actuated to divert the recirculation of water through conduit (42) to heated water circuit (78) where the thermal energy of the fluid may be further harvested. Heated water circuit (78) may include many different appliances
and devices which utilize hot water. For example, heated water circuit (78) may direct the heated water to steam cleaners, hot water underfloor heating systems, hot tubs or pools. Control valve (80) may automatically controlled to divert heated water in conduit (42) when hot water is demanded by these systems. When there is no demand for hot water, the hot water may be recirculated back to boiler (40). Water supply (82) provides additional water to the system as needed. If water is not consumed by heated water circuit (78), additional water would only be needed in the event the system developed a leak.
FIG. 7 illustrates how the proposed distribution system may be electrically integrated into a pre-existing power distribution system. Distribution panel (88) represents a preexisting distribution panel for a household. Switch (12) allows power to be selectively provided to electric motor (14) which powers a high-load electric circuit (through generator (18) and high load transfer switch (92)) and a low-load electric circuit (through alternator (20), batteries (32), inverter (34), and automatic transfer switch (90)). Switch (84) is a combination switch which allows the user to connect standalone generator (86) or generator (18) to the high load household circuits via high load transfer switch (92) and distribution panel (88). Switch (84) allows the high load circuits of the household to be powered by standalone generator (86) when distribution panel (88) is not powered by electrical power source (10). Generator (86) may be remotely activated by a remote starter for greater convenience. Generator (86) may also be activated by a thermostat or timer.
Voltage regulator sensor (156) may be electrically connected to batteries (32). When voltage regulator sensor (156) perceives that the batteries have a low charge (i.e., the voltage drops below a defined threshold), voltage regulator sensor (156) may activate electric motor (14) by actuating switch (12). This feature prevents the interruption of power when the user is only utilizing power supplied by batteries (32) and inverter (34). Automatic transfer switch (90) then routes power from generator (18) to the circuits in distribution panel (88) which
normally receive power via inverter (34). Furthermore, voltage regulator sensor (156) may also be employed to deactivate electric motor (14) via switch (12) when voltage regulator sensor (156) perceives that the batteries have charged to their capacity (assuming that household is not otherwise using power supplied via generator (18)). At that point, automatic transfer switch (90) then would switch power back from generator (18) through inverter (34).
FIGs. 8 and 9 illustrate a portable embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, gas engine (112), alternator (114), inverter (120), batteries (128) and generator (116) are attached within frame (138). Pulleys on alternator (114) and generator (116) are driven by a pulley on gas engine (112) via belt (118). An integrated gas tank (as illustrated in FIG. 9 as fuel tank (160)) provides a supply of fuel to gas engine (112). Frame (138) is attached to wheels (140) allowing power distribution system (110) to be easily rolled from one location to another. Tracks, sleds, skis, or other objects suitable for transporting frame (138) across the ground can be used in place of wheels (140). Other components for the power distribution system are also attached within frame (138), including DC control panel (122), jumper cable box (124) (which houses a set of jumper cables), air compressor (126), and cord reels (132) and (130). These components will be discussed in greater detail in relation to the schematic provided in FIG. 9.
Referring back to FIG. 8, solar panel (134) is provided on top of frame (138). Level adjustors (136) allow the angle of solar panel (134) to be varied with respect to the ground. This feature allows the user to adjust the angle of solar panel (134) to maximize the solar energy collecting potential of power distribution system (110). Solar panel (134) may also be made to be removable from frame (138) so that that solar panel (134) may be placed at a different location than frame (138). v Although not illustrated herein, a simple suspension system may be provided between wheels (140) and frame (138). In addition, a hitch ball receiver may be attached to one end
of frame (138). With the addition of these components, the portable unit may be coupled to an automobile, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile or other vehicle and towed from one location to another.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, magneto (142) is provided to assist in the startup of gas engine (112). A separate battery may be included to provide start-up power for gas engine (112). As mentioned previously, gas engine (112) mechanically drives generator (116) and alternator (114). Fuel tank (160) supplies fuel to gas engine (112). High wattage AC power produced by generator (116) is provided to cord reel (132). Alternator (114) provides a DC current to batteries (128). Solar panel (134) also supplies batteries (128) DC current via charge controller (146). Batteries (128) supply low wattage AC power to cord reel (130) via inverter (120). DC control panel (122), which is electrically connected to batteries (128) provides DC power to various DC devices including, air compressor (126), jumper cable box (124) and cigarette lighter (144). By now the reader will appreciate that power distribution system (110) meets most of the power supply needs for a group of campers. For example, the jumper cables housed in jumper cable box (124) may be used to jump start an automobile. Air compressor (126) may be used to inflate a flat tire or other inflatable device. Cell phones and similarly adapted devices may be charged using cigarette lighter (144). Finally, cord reel (132) and cord reel (130) may be used to provide high wattage and low wattage AC power as needed.
Automatic actuation is a feature which may be added to any of the embodiments shown or described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, voltage regulator sensor (148) may be electrically connected to batteries (128). When voltage regulator sensor (148) perceives that the batteries have a low charge (i.e., the voltage drops below a defined threshold), voltage regulator sensor (148) may actuate starter (158) which starts engine (112). Automatic transfer switch (154) then routes power from generator (116) to the circuit that
normally receives its power from inverter (120) (in the present example, low wattage AC power cord reel (130)). This feature prevents the interruption of power when the user is only utilizing power supplied by the batteries and inverter.
Furthermore, the voltage regulator sensor may be employed to deactivate the engine via an on/off switch when the batteries have charged to their capacity. Automatic transfer switch (154) then routes power from inverter (120) to cord reel (130) when the engine is deactivated.
Remote starter (150) may also be used to remotely activate or deactivate engine (112). This feature allows the user of such a system to activate engine (112) without leaving the comforts of his or her tent, cabin, or other building. An integrated timer (152) may be employed to automatically deactivate engine (112) after it has run for a set interval of time. Integrated timer (152) may be further configured to activate engine (112) at various pre- designated times.
The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, generator (18) and alternator (20) may be operatively connected to the energy converting means in various ways. For example, gears may be used in place of the pulleys and belts. In addition, the system and switches may be computer controlled so that the user can set certain intervals when the components of the system would be used. Such a variation would not alter the function of the invention.
Furthermore, those that are skilled in the art will recognize that many conventional components may be incorporated into the proposed power distribution systems to improve performance, efficiency, or safety. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, solar panel (102) may be used to trickle charge batteries (32) via DC fuse breaker (104) and charge controller
(106). This will help maintain the batteries at full charge even when alternator (20) is idle. Also, it may be desirable to employ isolators, voltage regulators and other common electrical components for improved functionality.
The different drawing views are intended to provide examples of how the proposed retrofittable power system may be integrated to a household or other building. Although it is not illustrated in all of the drawing views, it is generally desirable to supply power to the high and low load circuits via transfer switches (such as in the examples illustrated in FIGs. 5 and 7). This allows the power to be supplied to the circuits without feeding power back onto the utility line. Likewise, components shown in the separate drawing views may be incorporated in a common system to combine the functionalities afforded by the various components. For example, a stand alone generator may be used in each system to provide backup power to the household. Also, heated water circuit (78) may be incorporated into the systems illustrated in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 or in any other system utilizing steam engine (44). The various drawing views are not intended to be exhaustive of the possible configurations of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given.
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