초록 ▼

A self-powered heating system includes a boiler for generating steam, an expander for extracting mechanical and electrical energy from the steam and a heat exchanger for transferring heat energy from the steam to room air. A fan mounted adjacent to the heat exchanger forces room air to be heated pas

A self-powered heating system includes a boiler for generating steam, an expander for extracting mechanical and electrical energy from the steam and a heat exchanger for transferring heat energy from the steam to room air. A fan mounted adjacent to the heat exchanger forces room air to be heated past the heat exchanger and through the space being heated. An electric pump returns condensate from the heat exchanger to the boiler. The mechanical and electrical power for operating the fan and pump are provided by the expander. In particular, the expander extracts mechanical energy from the low pressure steam supplied by the boiler to power the fan and includes a magneto for generating an alternating current which may be converted to a direct current for powering the pump. The electrical power generated by the magneto is also sufficient to power a steam valve to the expander and a fuel valve regulating fuel flow to the burner. In another embodiment, the system includes a high pressure water heater for small-scale cogeneration of heat and electrical power. The high pressure hot water is expanded to obtain mechanical energy for driving a generator and, thereby, producing a supply of electrical power. Hot water and steam from the expander are passed through a condenser to transfer heat to a supply of secondary water. The heated secondary water may then be used for space heating purposes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A small-scale cogeneration system for providing heat and electrical power, the system having a working fluid, which may be subjected to a high pressure and heated, and a generator for producing electrical power from the energy present in the high pressure, heated working

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A small-scale cogeneration system for providing heat and electrical power, the system having a working fluid, which may be subjected to a high pressure and heated, and a generator for producing electrical power from the energy present in the high pressure, heated working fluid, the system comprising:a source of expanded working fluid in liquid and vapor phase;a condenser connected to receive the source of expanded working fluid in liquid and vapor phase;means for circulating a secondary water supply in proximity to the liquid and vapor phase of working fluid in the condenser allowing the secondary water to be heated as the working fluid condenses; anda controller for governing the operation of the cogeneration system, the controller connected to the generator for receiving and monitoring electrical power output from the generator, the controller configured and arranged to cause the source of expanded working fluid in liquid and vapor phase to be received at the condenser, rein the condenser includes an outer jacket and the circulating means comprises:at least one passageway extending inside the jacket; anda secondary water pump coupled to the at least one passageway and configured to convey secondary water through the passageway.