Multi-purpose mobile power generating machine

• US 7,673,713 B2
• Filed: 10/26/2006
• Issued: 03/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Unger, Bruce E., Caruthers, Michael A., Shults, Richard F., Garnett, Stephen C., Betz, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson; Paul N
• Assistant Examiner(s): OLSZEWSKI, JOHN
• Application Number:
  US11/586,593
• Publication Number:
  US 20080099257A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,230 Days
• Field of Search: 180/65.1, 180/65.21, 180/65.22, 180/65.245, 180/65.27, 180/65.31
• US Class Current: 180/65.21
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/003 to auxiliary motors, e.g. for pumps, compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/006 to power outlets
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/20 Energy regeneration from auxiliary equipment
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/40 Working vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/18 Reluctance machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/10 for monitoring or controlling batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/30 for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Abstract

A dual purpose mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a power source configured to propel the mobile machine and generate electrical power for use offboard the mobile machine. The machine may also have a work tool driven by the power source.

Claims

1. A mobile machine, comprising:

a power source configured to propel the mobile machine and generate electrical power for use offboard the mobile machine, the power source including a transfer switch disposed between a generator and a motor, the transfer switch being operable to divert all electrical power produced by the generator away from the motor; and

a work tool driven by the power source.

2. The mobile machine of claim 1, wherein the power source further includes an internal combustion engine.

3. The mobile machine of claim 2, wherein the power source further includes:

a traction device;

wherein the generator is driven by the internal combustion engine and the motor is electrically coupled to the generator and operatively mechanically coupled to the traction device.

4. The mobile machine of claim 3, wherein electrical power from the generator is directed only to either the motor or offboard the mobile machine.

5. The mobile machine of claim 1, further including a power converter disposed between the generator and the transfer switch, the power converter configured to modify the electrical power produced by the generator.

6. The mobile machine of claim 5, wherein the power converter is configured to output AC power at multiple voltages and frequencies.

7. The mobile machine of claim 1, further including an interface electrically coupled to the transfer switch, the interface having at least one power outlet.

8. The mobile machine of claim 7, further including a power conditioner disposed between the transfer switch and the interface.

9. The mobile machine of claim 1, wherein a speed of the power source is regulated in response to an electrical power demand offboard the mobile machine.

10. The mobile machine of claim 1, wherein the work tool is hydraulically powered.

11. The mobile machine of claim 1, wherein the work tool is a blade.

12. A mobile machine, comprising:

an internal combustion engine;

a generator driven by the internal combustion engine to produce electrical power in the range of 100-2600 kW;

a traction device configured to propel the mobile machine;

a motor configured to receive electrical power from the generator and drive the traction device;

a transfer switch disposed between the generator and the motor, the transfer switch being operable to divert all electrical power produced by the generator away from the motor; and

an interface electrically coupled to the generator to selectively make all of the electrical power from the generator available for use offboard the mobile machine.

13. The mobile machine of claim 12, further including a power converter disposed between the generator and the transfer switch, the power converter configured to covert DC power from the generator to AC power at multiple voltages and frequencies.

14. The mobile machine of claim 12, further including a power conditioner disposed between the transfer switch and the interface.

15. The mobile machine of claim 12, wherein a speed of the internal combustion engine is regulated in response to an electrical power demand offboard the mobile machine.

16. A method of power management onboard a mobile machine, comprising:

generating an electrical power output;

receiving an operating mode input; and

directing all of the generated electrical power output through either an onboard power flow path or an offboard power flow path in response to the operating mode input via a transfer switch disposed between a generator and a motor, the transfer switch being operable to divert all electrical power produced by the generator away from the motor.

17. The method of claim 16, further:

including receiving a power demand from offboard the mobile machine; and

modifying the power directed through the offboard power flow path in response to power demand.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein modifying includes changing a fuel combustion amount.