2485 results about "Cogeneration" patented technology

A power cogeneration system employing a partially-open gaseous fluid cycle method and apparatus devices for oxy-fuel combustion conversion of a given hydrocarbon composition fuel's heat-value energy into mechanical or electrical power energy, and transferred useful heat energy, with accompanying large reductions of consumed fuel and undesirable exhaust emissions.

This invention provides a system and method for cogeneration of electric power and building heat that efficiently interfaces a liquid-cooled electric power generator with a multi-zone forced hot water (hydronic) space heating system. The system and method utilizes an electric generator with an electric output capacity (kW) that is near the time-averaged electric power consumption rate for the building and with a heat generation capacity that is useful for meeting building heating needs. This generator is operated as the priority source of heat for the building, but normally only when there is a demand for heat in building, with the intent of running the generator for long periods of time and generating a total amount of electric energy (kWhs) that is significant in comparison to the total electric energy consumption of the building over time. The actual onsite time-variable power demand (kW) is met by a combination of the cogenerated electric power produced on site and quantities of electric power from the public electric power grid or another external power source. Hence, useful electric power is generated on site as a by-product of the required generation of heat for space or water heating. The generator is run at a speed / operating condition that is appropriate to maintaining a long operational life.

This invention provides a system and method for cogeneration of building heat and electric power and that efficiently interfaces a warm air heating system with a liquid-cooled electric power generator. The system and method utilizes an electric generator that is rated at near the time-averaged electric power consumption for the building. This generator is operated as the priority source of heat for the building, but normally only when there is a demand for heat in building. In this manner, the generator can run to generate a significant part of the building's electric power but in a manner that is typically supplemented in variable quantities by power from a public power grid. The heat output is directed via a liquid coolant circuit on the generator, as needed, to the warm air heating unit for the building. The warm air heating unit blows return air through a cabinet and out to the supply duct(s). The warm liquid coolant is directed through a primary heat exchanger in the cabinet. The air is passed over this primary heat exchanger to provide heat to the building. When heat from primary heat exchanger is insufficient to heat the building fully, an auxiliary heater, operated typically by burning fuel, supplements the heat through one or more auxiliary heat exchangers arranged in line along the airflow path with the primary heat exchanger. The blower that directs the airflow is controlled variably in speed to create the most efficient use of electric power by the blower and a desirable heated air delivery temperature.