Patent ID: 6750557
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: F01D,F02C

Abstract:
A redundant prime mover system to drive a machine comprising:an engine coupled to the machine; a motor/generator coupled to the machine and an electrical network connection; and a controller communicably coupled to the engine and the motor/generator, the controller having at least three operating modes including a first operating mode comprising the engine driving the machine, a second operating mode comprising the motor/generator driving the machine, and a third operating mode comprising the engine driving the machine and the motor/generator such that the motor/generator generates electricity for delivery to the electrical network connection, wherein the controller selects the first operating mode whenever a first estimated operational cost for the engine is less than an estimated operational cost for the motor/generator, the second operating mode whenever an estimated operational cost for the motor/generator is less than or equal to the first estimated operational cost for the engine, and the third operating mode whenever a selling price for the electricity is greater than the second estimated operational cost for the engine.