Co-generation plant module system

• US 4,657,290 A
• Filed: 10/03/1984
• Issued: 04/14/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Craig L. Linden
• Original Assignee: Craig L. Linden
• Inventors: Linden, Craig L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shoop, Jr., William M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Duncanson, Jr., W. E.
• Application Number:
  US06/657,205
• Time in Patent Office: 923 Days
• Field of Search: 290/2, 290/40 R, 60/645, 60/659, 237/12.1
• US Class Current: 290/2
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 1/04 with fuel-air mixture admission into cylinder
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 63/04 for electric generators
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 63/044 the engine-generator unit being placed on a frame or in an housing
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 77/11 Thermal or acoustic insulation
• CPC Class Codes: F02G 2260/00 Recuperating heat from exhaust gases of combustion engines and heat from cooling circuits
• CPC Class Codes: F02G 5/02 Profiting from waste heat of exhaust gases
• CPC Class Codes: F02G 5/04 in combination with other waste heat from combustion engines
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 2200/26 Internal combustion engine
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 20/14 Combined heat and power generation [CHP]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies

Abstract

A co-generation plant module system having a fluid tight housing with an internal chamber formed by a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. A prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, has its drive shaft connected to an electricity generator and both of these components are mounted on a sub-frame that would allow them to be raised up out of the internal chamber for servicing. An exhaust gas heat exchanger is mounted in the chamber and this is connected to the internal combustion engine. Air and fuel are supplied from outside the housing to the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas leaving the exhaust gas exchanger is vented to the outside of the housing. The electricity generated by the generator is also connected to the outside of the housing. A layer of insulation of a predetermined R value insulates the walls of the housing. A sufficient volume of heat exchange fluid to submerge the internal combustion engine and generator is contained within the internal chamber of the fluid tight housing.

Claims

1. A co-generation plan module system comprising:

a housing having an internal chamber formed by a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls;

an engine positioned within said chamber and characterized in operation by the generation of heat;

means for circulating cooling fluid through said engine for collection of said heat and for circulating said cooling fluid to the exterior of said housing for extraction of said heat;

means for supplying air from outside said housing to said engine;

means for supplying fuel from outside said housing to said engine;

an electricity generator mounted in said housing and being connected to said engine;

means venting exhaust gas from said engine to the outside of said housing;

means for carrying electricity generated by said generator to the outside of said housing; and

heat insulating means completely filling the remaining space in said chamber whereby said heat insulating means comprises a quiescent thermal barrier tending to cause said heat to pass into said cooling fluid rather than into said heat insulating means.

2. A co-generation plant module system as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for draining said heat exchange fluid out of said internal chamber.

3. A co-generation plant module system as recited in claim 1 wherein said engine has an oil heat exchanger built into its engine pan.

4. A co-generation plant module system as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for turbo-charging said engine.

5. A co-generation plant module system as recited in claim 4 further comprising means for storing compressed gases and releasing them into the intake manifold of the turbo-charged engine for instant manifold boost.

6. A co-generation plant module system as recited in claim 1 further comprising afterburner means for the engine for elevating the temperatures during high thermo needs.