Power generation system and method
First Claim
1. A method of generating and distributing electric power to meet localized demand, said method comprising:
- providing a local environment;
providing a hybrid power generator including an internal combustion engine and an electric motor generator unit, wherein the engine and the generator unit are coupled with a common drive assembly;
engaging the internal combustion engine with equipment serving the local environment; and
operating the internal combustion engine to apply mechanical energy to drive the equipment serving the local environment, including operating the generator unit to drive the engine at startup.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is disclosed for generating and distributing electric power for localized use. The method entails providing an enclosed building having an air conditioning and ventilation unit for supplying cooled air within the building, the unit including a closed loop circuit configured to operate a closed loop refrigeration cycle, including a compressor operable to compress a working fluid of the closed loop circuit. The method further includes engaging an internal combustion engine with the compressor and operating the internal combustion engine to drive the compressor, thereby transferring energy to the refrigeration cycle. The method may also involve engaging an electric motor with the compressor and operating the electric motor to drive the compressor, thereby transferring energy to the refrigeration cycle.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of generating and distributing electric power to meet localized demand, said method comprising:
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providing a local environment; providing a hybrid power generator including an internal combustion engine and an electric motor generator unit, wherein the engine and the generator unit are coupled with a common drive assembly; engaging the internal combustion engine with equipment serving the local environment; and operating the internal combustion engine to apply mechanical energy to drive the equipment serving the local environment, including operating the generator unit to drive the engine at startup. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of generating and distributing electric power for localized use, said method comprising:
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providing an internal combustion engine, an electric motor generator, and a drive assembly engageable with said engine and said generator; engaging the internal combustion engine in coupled relation with equipment serving a localized environment via the drive assembly; operating the internal combustion engine to apply mechanical energy to drive the equipment serving the localized environment; then, engaging an electric motor generator unit in coupled relation with the equipment serving the localized environment via the drive assembly; and operating the electric motor generator unit to drive the equipment serving the localized environment. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification