Portable generator system for providing temporary power to an electrical-distribution system

• US 9,203,276 B1
• Filed: 03/10/2014
• Issued: 12/01/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VMC Power Systems
• Original Assignee: VMC Power Systems
• Inventors: McCartney, Mark C., Valente, Nicolas V.
• Primary Examiner(s): TA, THO DAC
• Application Number:
  US14/202,374
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 290/1.A, 290/1.R
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 63/047 Movable engine-generator combinations on wheels
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 27/002 Arrangements provided on the transformer facilitating its transport
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 11/33 Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics H02K11/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 5/00 Casings; Enclosures; Supports

Abstract

A portable generator produces secondary voltage to feed a portable trailer mounted transformer through secondary cables. Transformer voltages are stepped up to primary levels with disconnects/fuses protecting the transformer and generator. From the fuses a primary underground cable feeds a junction box mounted on the bottom side of the portable trailer for underground applications. Overhead applications include a temporary overhead erectable structure with overhead disconnects. A temporary ground rod with a grounding cable is used to establish a path to ground and a common neutral system for the portable trailer and all components of the portable generator apparatus and system.

Claims

1. A portable generator system for providing temporary power to an electric power distribution system, the portable generator system comprising:

a generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, wherein the generator is independent from an engine system of a vehicle;

a voltage interface electrically connected with the generator and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator;

a voltage regulator electrically connected with the generator and the voltage interface, wherein the voltage regulator is configured to maintain a predetermined voltage level to the voltage interface;

a circuit breaker between the generator and the voltage interface for electrically disconnecting the generator from the voltage interface;

a primary interface electrically connected with the voltage interface, wherein the primary interface is configured to be electrically connected with the electrical-distribution system;

a transformer configured to step up voltage to a first voltage at the primary interface from a second voltage at the voltage interface, wherein the first voltage is from 601 to 35,000 volts; and

a vehicle system comprising wheels and one or more axles configured to transport the generator, the voltage interface, the voltage regulator, the circuit breaker, the primary interface, and the transformer.

2. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary interface comprises an overhead interface for making an overhead electrical connection to the electrical-distribution system.

3. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary interface comprises an underground interface for making a connection to the electrical-distribution system having wires underground.

4. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary interface comprises:

an overhead interface for making an overhead electrical connection; and

an underground interface for making a connection to wires underground.

5. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a transformer protection between the transformer and the primary interface, the transformer protection comprising a fuse and/or a disconnect.

6. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a voltage synchronizer electrically connected with the voltage regulator.

7. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle system further comprises an enclosure for enclosing the voltage interface, the voltage regulator, and the transformer.

8. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 7, wherein enclosure further encloses the generator and the circuit breaker.

9. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrical-distribution system is for providing power to a plurality of customers.

10. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of customers is between two customers and one hundred customers.

11. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of customers are residences.

12. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a telemetry display for monitoring voltage and/or current between the transformer and the primary interface; and

a temperature monitoring device for monitoring a temperature of the transformer.

13. The portable generator system for providing temporary power to the electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 12, wherein:

the telemetry display receives data and/or electrical signals from a potential transformer and a current transformer; and

the potential transformer and/or the current transformer determine voltage and/or current between the transformer and the primary interface.

14. A method for providing temporary power to an electric power distribution system, the method comprising:

providing a generator system having;

a generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, wherein the generator is independent from an engine system of a vehicle;

a primary interface;

a switch between the generator and the primary interface;

a transformer between the generator and the primary interface; and

a vehicle system comprising wheels and one or more axles configured to transport the generator, the switch, the primary interface, and the transformer;

transporting, using the vehicle system, the generator system to a location to connect with the electrical-distribution system;

starting the generator;

opening the switch;

connecting the primary interface to the electrical-distribution system;

closing the switch; and

stepping up, using the transformer, voltage to a first voltage at the primary interface from a second voltage at the voltage interface, wherein the first voltage is from 601 to 35,000 volts.

15. The method for providing temporary power to an electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 14, wherein the switch is between the transformer and the primary interface.

16. The method for providing temporary power to an electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 14, wherein:

the switch is a first switch;

the first switch is between the generator and the voltage interface;

a second switch is between the transformer and the primary interface; and

the second switch is opened before closing the first switch.

17. The method for providing temporary power to an electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 14, wherein:

the primary interface comprises an overhead structure; and

the method further comprises erecting the overhead structure for connecting electrical power to an overhead electrical connection.

18. The method for providing temporary power to an electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 14, further comprising grounding the generator system before closing the switch.

19. The method for providing temporary power to an electrical-distribution system as recited in claim 14, further comprising verifying power is off to the electrical-distribution system before closing the switch.

20. A portable generator system for providing temporary power to an electric power distribution system, the portable generator system comprising:

a generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, wherein the generator is independent from an engine system of a vehicle;

a voltage interface electrically connected with the generator and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator;

a voltage regulator electrically connected with the generator and the voltage interface, wherein the voltage regulator is configured to maintain a predetermined voltage level to the voltage interface;

a primary interface electrically connected with the voltage interface, wherein the primary interface is configured to be electrically connected with the electrical-distribution system;

a switch between the generator and the primary interface for electrically disconnecting the generator from the primary interface;

a transformer configured to step up voltage to a first voltage at the primary interface from a second voltage at the voltage interface, wherein the first voltage is from 601 to 35,000 volts; and

a trailer comprising wheels, one or more axles, and a hitch assembly, wherein the trailer is configured to transport the generator, the voltage interface, the voltage regulator, the circuit breaker, the primary interface, and the transformer.