Backup community power

• US 7,501,719 B2
• Filed: 04/11/2006
• Issued: 03/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Community Power Corporation
• Original Assignee: Community Power Corporation
• Inventors: Bruser, Jonathan B., Melnick, Walter, Corsentino, Vincent Michael Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Deberadinis; Robert L.
• Application Number:
  US11/402,149
• Publication Number:
  US 20070236087A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,064 Days
• Field of Search: 307/64
• US Class Current: 307/64
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/08 requiring starting of a prime-mover

Abstract

An improved method and apparatus for providing backup community power. The improved system is able to deliver power to a community in the event of power failure of the lines feeding it by way of a large scale generator being integrated with the existing power lines in a community and being selectively switched between power sources to maintain electrical power to a community.

Claims

1. A system for providing backup power to a community electrically connected to a regional power transmission grid comprising:

a. a community comprising a plurality of buildings to which electricity is provided via a system of community power transmission lines, substantially all of which are buried;

b. at least one generator

c. a switch positioned intermediately between said community power transmission lines and said grid, said switch further positioned intermediately between said community power transmission lines and said generator, wherein said switch is configured to electrically connect and disconnect said community power transmission lines and grid, and wherein said switch is further configured to electrically connect and disconnect said generator from said community power transmission lines.

2. A system for providing backup community power according to claim 1 wherein said generator is portable.

3. A system for providing backup community power according to claim 1 wherein said generator is fixed on site.

4. A system for providing backup community power according to claim 1 further comprising an on site bulk fuel storage tank operatively connected to said generator.

5. A method of providing backup power to a community electrically connected to a regional power transmission grid, wherein the community comprises a plurality of buildings to which electricity is provided via a system of community power transmission lines, substantially all of which are buried, wherein the method comprises:

a. electrically disconnecting said community from said regional power transmission grid upon an interruption of power from said transmission grid to said community;

b. electrically connecting said buried community power transmission lines to a generator located proximate to said community;

c. operating said generator to provide electricity to said buildings within said community via said buried community power transmission lines; and

d. terminating the operation of said generator and reconnecting said community to said regional power transmission grid upon restoration of a power supply from said transmission grid to said community.

6. A method of providing backup community power according to claim 5 further comprising providing service and operation of said at least one generator.

7. A method of providing backup community power according to claim 5 further comprising the step of assessing required power and basing said generator'"'"'s capacity on same.