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

• US 9,608,500 B2
• Filed: 11/25/2015
• Issued: 03/28/2017
• 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:
  US14/952,229
• Publication Number:
  US 20160211729A1
• Time in Patent Office: 489 Days
• Field of Search: None
• 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 system for providing temporary electrical power, the system comprising:

a power source, wherein the power source provides electrical energy at a first voltage;

a transformer, wherein;

the transformer is electrically connected with the power source;

the transformer steps up electrical energy at the first voltage, from the power source, to a second voltage; and

the second voltage is equal to or between 601 volts and 35,000 volts;

an interface, wherein;

the interface is electrically connected with the transformer;

the interface is configured to be energized at the second voltage from the transformer;

the interface is configured to be electrically connected with an electrical-distribution system, to energize the electrical-distribution system to the second voltage; and

a vehicle configured to transport the transformer.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a trailer.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the interface is configured to make an underground connection with the electrical-distribution system.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the interface is comprises:

an overhead interface configured to connect with an overhead electrical-distribution system; and

an underground interface configured to connect with an unground electrical-distribution system.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises integral plumbing for fire suppression.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a catch basin to contain a possible leak from the transformer.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the power source is a generator.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a fuse or a disconnect between the transformer and the interface.

9. A method for providing temporary electrical power, the method comprising:

transporting a system for providing temporary electrical power, the system comprising;

a power source, wherein the power source provides electrical energy at a first voltage;

a transformer electrically connected with the power source; and

an interface electrically connected with the transformer;

connecting the interface to a section of an electrical-distribution system;

providing electrical power at a first voltage, using the power source, to the transformer;

stepping up the first voltage to a second voltage, using the transformer, wherein the second voltage is equal to or between 601 volts and 35,000 volts; and

energizing the section of the electrical-distribution system to the second voltage, using the interface electrically connected with the transformer.

10. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 9, the method further comprising verifying the section of an electrical-distribution system is not energized before connecting the interface to the section of the electrical-distribution system.

11. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 9, wherein:

the section of the electrical-distribution system comprise a power line;

a utility company is responsible for maintenance of the power line; and

the power line is used to provide electrical power to more than one customer of the utility company.

12. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 9, the method further comprising assessing the section of the electrical-distribution system to assure a load of the section of the electrical-distribution system is within a capability of the system for providing temporary electrical power.

13. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 12, wherein assessing the section of the electrical-distribution system to assure the load of the section of the electrical-distribution system is within the capability of the system for providing temporary electrical power is based on an outside temperature.

14. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 9, the method further comprising monitoring electrical loads to keep within standards of a utility company that is responsible for the electrical-distribution system.

15. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 9, the method further comprising grounding the system for providing temporary electrical power, with a temporary grounding rod, before energizing the section of the electrical-distribution system to the second voltage.

16. A method for providing temporary electrical power, the method comprising:

assessing a section of line to be energized, wherein the section of line is part of an electrical-distribution system;

maneuvering a system for providing temporary power into position;

grounding the system for providing temporary power;

opening a switch between an interface of the system for providing temporary power and a power source of the system for providing temporary electrical power;

connecting the system for providing temporary power to the section of line to be energized;

providing electrical power at a first voltage using the power source;

stepping up the electrical power from the first voltage to a second voltage, using a transformer, wherein the second voltage is equal to or between 601 volts and 35,000 volts; and

closing the switch, energizing the section of line to the second voltage.

17. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 16, the method further comprising monitoring and maintaining, using telemetry, the second voltage to within a standard set by a utility or owner of the section of line.

18. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 16, wherein energizing the section of line provides a plurality of customers electrical power.

19. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 16, the method further comprising monitoring a temperature of the system for providing temporary power.

20. The method for providing temporary electrical power as recited in claim 16, wherein assessing the section of line to be energized includes determining a number of customers connected to the section of line.