Abstract:
A system for generating and recovering energy comprising an electric generator integrated with a consumer&#39;s utility provider&#39;s network to generate electrical energy. Electrical power is transmitted from an electric power grid to a control box at a location requiring energy (e.g., home or business) via a bidirectional meter which measures power delivered by and to the power grid. The control box powers an AC driver which feeds a load to and controls the speed of a motor. A torque multiplier multiplies a first torque output from the motor to produce a second torque output which is fed to an alternator. The power generated by the electric generator is transmitted to a remote location for consumption. In one embodiment, exported energy is returned to the utility provider in exchange for credit against the consumer&#39;s account or for payment. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention functions as an independent power plant.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This original non-provisional application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/865,720, filed Aug. 14, 2013, and entitled “Freenergy GM Generator,” which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to an alternative energy cogeneration system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric generator for generating sufficient power to sustain the energy requirements of the consumer, either residential or commercial, and exporting surplus power generated to a utility provider. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Generally, when a consumer—whether residential or commercial—consumes energy, the energy comes from the electric company (i.e., the utility provider) via an electric power grid. The electricity passes through an electricity meter and into a main power switch box at a residence or commercial business to provide the energy needed to sufficiently meet the consumer&#39;s daily energy usage demands. Prices for obtaining energy vary depending on the season. For example, in the summer, temperatures can reach triple digits in some regions of the country requiring an increase in energy consumption to maintain the environment in a comfortable setting. Similarly, during the winter, additional energy is required to heat up the setting to a comfortable atmosphere. In regions where the climate is particularly harsh (e.g., inordinately high or low sustained temperatures), the utility bills can become difficult to manage and pay. The consumer can reduce their consumption costs by doing without certain high energy consuming appliances, e.g., heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and other devices. However, this effectively makes it inconvenient and potentially dangerous for the consumer. 
         [0007]    When power from the electric power grid fails (e.g., blackout, brownout, natural catastrophes, etc. . . . ), many people turn to generators to provide electricity to their home or business. There exist in the art generators that run on fossil fuel, e.g., gasoline, natural gas, diesel, bio-diesel, etc. . . . . These types of generators are often expensive, cumbersome, and noisy. These also contribute to an already polluted atmosphere and to climate change by releasing pollutants and carcinogens as byproducts. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is a need for a relatively compact, pollution-free, environmentally friendly, electric generator that can be integrated with a consumer&#39;s electricity supply network (i.e., electric power grid) and can supply the sufficient power requirements of an end user while simultaneously lowering the consumer&#39;s metered usage by generating a surplus of power and returning same to the utility provider for credit or payment. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is an electric energy recovery appliance, or electric generator. The present invention has application in both urban and rural settings. In an urban setting, the present invention is coupled to the electricity provider&#39;s network, i.e., electric power grid. Electric energy travels through the transmission lines of the electricity provider. The generator of the present invention generates the same amount of energy used during the day as was supplied by the utility provider. The energy generated by the generator in excess of what is required to meet the consumer&#39;s energy consumption demands is “returned” back to the utility provider generating a net zero account on the utility bill of (or even payment to) the consumer. 
         [0010]    A bidirectional meter facilitates this process. After a series of step downs to bring the voltage to safe and manageable levels for consumer usage, the power arrives at the bidirectional meter of the home or business. The bidirectional meter, generally calibrated in kilowatt hour (kWh), is used to measure the amount of power used from the power grid when the electricity travels from the power grid to the consumer&#39;s residence or business. As the electricity passes through the bidirectional meter (and a reading is taken—for billing purposes), the electricity enters the home or business at the main power switch box. From the main power switch box, the electrical power travels to the electric generator&#39;s coupling module (i.e., control box) where the energy generated by the generator and the provider&#39;s energy couple together. This coupled energy then enters the circuit breaker load center which supplies all the user&#39;s energy demands. 
         [0011]    Once the consumer&#39;s energy demands are met, the excess energy generated by the generator is exported back to the power grid. The bidirectional meter is also used to measure the amount of excess power generated by the present invention and exported to the power grid of the utility provider. When the amount of energy generated by the present invention and exported to the power grid is less than the amount of power delivered to the consumer from the power grid, a net credit towards the consumer&#39;s consumption bill is realized providing savings to the user of from 50-99%. In regions that allow for the purchase of energy by the utility provider, payment by the utility provider to the consumer may be made for the purchase of power generated when the amount of energy generated by the present invention and exported to the power grid is greater than the amount of power delivered to the consumer from the power grid. When the amount of electricity delivered equals the amount of electricity returned, the result is a net zero balance. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the energy recovery appliance of the present invention includes a motor having 3600 rpm and an AC generator, or alternator, having 1800 rpm. Using an AC driver to control the speed and torque of the motor, the AC driver applies a load to the motor to work at half the normally required energy (i.e., 1800 rpm) without losing torque. The torque output by the motor is 3.04 Kg. This torque output is applied to a torque multiplier weighing 58.2 Kg. The torque multiplier multiplies the torque output generated by the motor by a factor of three. This increased torque output is fed to the alternator allowing the alternator to perform at full capacity (i.e., 1800 rpm), as illustrated below: 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0013]    As shown by the example above, approximately 30 kWh are generated from the alternator (or AC generator) of which approximately 24.4 kWh can be used to supply the energy consumption needs of the consumer. A smaller portion (approximately 5.6 kWh) is fed back to the motor to maintain continuous power to the motor. If the energy demand is greater than the approximate 24.4 kWh generated with the use of one generator, then, multiple generators may be coupled together (e.g., in parallel) to increase the energy output. 
         [0014]    The generator generates the necessary energy sufficient to meet all of the user&#39;s utility demands. As the user is also connected to the commercial electric energy provider, all the surplus energy generated by the present invention is returned to the commercial supplier through the bidirectional meter (and a reading is taken—for credit purposes) creating a net positive count in the user&#39;s favor (e.g., amount of energy delivered by the utility provider less the returned excess energy generated by the present invention), thereby reducing the consumer&#39;s energy consumption by as much as 99%. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the consumer may send more energy back to the utility provider than what is delivered to the consumer and get paid for the excess amount “returned.” This returned energy may then be distributed by the utility company among other consumers. The consumer may request the amount of kilowatts needed and more to send back to the electricity service provider. 
         [0016]    In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may include (as an extra accessory) an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to provide emergency power when electricity from the utility provider fails while connected to the electric power grid of electricity provider. This application must be pre-established during installation as either a recuperation appliance or as an emergency plant. 
         [0017]    In yet another alternative embodiment, the present invention has its application in a rural setting and may generate the amount of electricity needed independent of and without being connected to an electric power grid (“off grid”) of an electricity provider. This alternative embodiment also requires an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Such use is ideal for a green project or for a place without an electricity provider or as a power plant. 
         [0018]    The present invention is installed and connected, or coupled, into the electric installation of the home or business of the end user. The installation of the generator is best performed by trained personnel. To begin installation, it is necessary to mark the location where the generator will be located. Installation can be made outdoors. However, given its properties and price, and depending on the climate—extreme climates in particular—the present invention should be kept in a covered, fresh, closed area with access to the air conditioning unit of the home or business to maintain and maximize durability. The location requires an area of at least 25 cm from a wall of a building (home or business). The location should be dry, covered and even. 
         [0019]    A base is installed to provide a platform for the generator. The generator is mounted onto and rests upon the base. The base is raised such that the generator and its housing are not exposed (at least not continuously) to moisture from the ground, e.g., rain, snow, dew, etc. The dimensions of the base should be larger than the generator. The dimensions of the base are 140 cm long by 65 cm wide by 7 cm high, approximately. 
         [0020]    The control box, which controls performance of the generator, is mounted on the wall, preferably inside of the building (home or business) to avoid rain, dirt, moisture and tampering by unauthorized individuals or vandals. The appropriate electric lines, including the ground line, are then connected to the generator. Connections are also made between the generator and control box. A computer is connected to the generator to calibrate the generator using a predetermined program. This calibration must take place during installation of the generator at the home or business of the consumer. Once the generator has passed all of the initial testing, the generator is ready for use. The present invention is compact, efficient, does not generate contaminant emissions and is not invasive. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to take advantage of the power transmission from the utility provider to the home or business by utilizing a portion of that transmitted energy to power an electric generator. 
         [0022]    It is a further object of the present invention to generate sufficient power to power the home or business in a rural setting to reduce a consumer&#39;s dependency on a utility provider 
         [0023]    It is still a further object of the present invention to “return” power generated by an electric generator in excess of what is sufficient by the end user to power the home or business to the utility provider for a credit towards the user&#39;s account (thus, lowering the user&#39;s energy consumption costs from 50% to 99%) or for a payment for the exported power generated by the consumer (depending on the amount of energy generated and exported by the consumer to the utility provider). 
         [0024]    It is a further object of the present invention that the public generate their own electric energy in a clean, independent and responsible manner, thus contributing to the improvement of the quality of life economically and ecologically thereby creating and later increasing public energy independence and ecological conscience. 
         [0025]    One advantage of the present invention is that the energy returned to the utility provider is clean and of high quality. Another advantage is that through the continued use of the present invention, consumers become more aware of the benefits of producing their own clean power and minimize their dependency on fossil based fuels, such as gas. Such awareness or energy consciousness leads to the consumer switching from fossil fuel powered appliances over to clean electrically powered appliances and reducing the carbon footprint being left behind which, in turn, further reduces environmental pollution. 
         [0026]    There is a need for an electric generator that allows for a relatively short period of time for a complete return on investment, has zero emission contaminants, zero nonrenewable combustible consumption and is compact, convenient and aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0027]    As used herein, the terms “utility provider,” “utility supplier,” “utility service provider,” “utility company,” “electricity provider,” “electricity service provider,” “electricity supplier” and “electric company” are synonymous. Similarly, “consumer,” “user,” and “end user,” are also synonymous. “Electricity,” “power,” and “electrical power” are also synonymous. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective environmental view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the generator of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of the control module mounted within a panel of the control box of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  depicts a rear view of the control module mounted within a panel of the control box of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of the electronics panel of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  shows a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of the co-generation system of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  depicts an alternative embodiment of the co-generation system of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternative embodiment of the co-generation system of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  depicts an alternative embodiment of the co-generation system of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a graphical representation of the return on investment over time of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of the present invention. Renewable energy assembly  10  is comprised of generator  12  and control box  16 . Generator  12  is enclosed within housing  14 . Control box  16  is mounted on wall  17  and is in electronic connection with generator  12  enclosed in housing  14 . 
         [0040]    Cover  32  is attached to top  36  of housing  14  using hinges  34 , although other types of similar attachments may also be used. To open, cover  32  is swung about an axis parallel to hinges  34  to rest on top  36  of housing  14 . In the open position, generator  12  and its components are exposed for easy access thereto by a user. To close, cover  32  is rotated about an axis parallel to hinges  34  toward front  38  of housing  14  thereby sealing generator  12  wholly within housing  14 . Vents  68  on exterior of housing  14  allow any excess heat generated or any hot humid air build up within housing  14  to be vented out. Housing  14 , thus, provides external protection to the components within from the natural elements, including the sun, wind, dust and rain. Weather stripping  40  between where cover  32  and housing  14  come together provide additional protection against moisture or precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, etc.) or dust. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the dimensions of generator  12  with housing  14  are approximately 140 cm×70 cm×70 cm. Housing  14 , containing generator  12  therein, rests on an installation base or platform  30  which is slightly larger than housing  14 . In one embodiment, platform  30  is approximately 130 cm long by 110 cm wide by 7 cm high. In another embodiment, platform  30  may be approximately 140 cm long by 65 cm wide by 7 cm high. One of the functions of the platform is to protect the generator in the event of flooding. Otherwise, the size of the platform is not critical so long as the generator fits within the boundaries of the platform. It is contemplated that variances of these dimensions can be made and still be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , AC driver (speed control)  52  works with alternating current (AC current). AC driver  52  is electrically connected to and provides AC current to motor  42  via conduit  66 . In the present invention, motor  52  is a 15 hp 3600 rpm WEG Motor model 01536ET3M254TW. AC driver  52  feeds motor  42  with half the normally required energy without reducing torque output by motor  42 . Motor  42  converts electrical energy received from AC driver  52  into rotational mechanical energy sufficient to turn output shaft  44 . In the present invention the AC driver is an N3, A510 AC Driver by Teco Westinghouse. 
         [0043]    Counterweight torque multiplier  46  has a disc configuration and is connected at one end to output shaft  44  via coupler  74 . Alternator  48  mechanically connects to counterweight torque multiplier  46  via input shaft  76 . Coupler  72  connects output shaft  44  to input shaft  76  of alternator  48 . A plurality of bars  50  is attached to torque multiplier  46  on one end and to alternator  48  on the other end, thereby providing additional structural stability. Torque multiplication takes place when torque multiplier  46  augments the torque output of motor  42  by a factor of three and sends this increased power to alternator  49  via coupler  74 . Automatic voltage regulator (AVR)  86 , shown mounted outside alternator  48 , is electronically connected to alternator  48  and maintains a constant quality and voltage level in the AC current generated by alternator  48 . In the present invention, alternator  48  is a 33 Kwh, 1800 rpm, 4 pole, double bearing, 60 Hz (depending on Hz needs) alternator with external control support AVR. Motor  42  is a 15 hp, 3600 rpm, 60 Hz (depending on Hz needs), 2 pole motor. However, the alternator and motor models can be changed as long as they comply with the specific requirements of the present invention and would still be within the contemplated invention. 
         [0044]    Generator  12  is electrically connected to control box  16  via conduit lines  18  and  20 . Clamps  22  and  24  secure conduit lines  18  and  20  to control box  16 . Conduit line  18  receives power from clamp  140  (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ). Conduit line  20  sends power to clamp  138  (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ). 
         [0045]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , circuit breaker load center  54  having switches  80  and  82  are electrically connected to AC driver  52  and alternator  48  via conduits  56  and  58 . Circuit breaker load center  54  receives power from the electricity supplier and from alternator  48  via conduit  56 . Circuit breaker load center  54  then sends out power received towards AC driver  52  and control box  16  via conduit  58 , creating the surplus energy and sending it out towards the electricity supplier. Circuit Breaker Load Center  54  has two (2) switches (switches  80  and  82 ). One switch receives energy from the electricity supplier. The other switch receives energy from alternator  48 . The switch that receives energy from the electricity supplier goes to AC driver  52 . The switch receiving energy from alternator  48  goes to control box  16 . Motor  42  and alternator  48  are mounted on to base  70  within housing  14 . For convenience, easier access, and providing as much free space as possible within housing  14 , AC driver  52  and circuit breaker load center  54  may be mounted to inside rear panel  84  of housing  14 , but should be mounted inside control box  16 . 
         [0046]    To install the present invention, an installation base or platform  30  is placed in a dry, covered and even area adjacent to the location (e.g., building) where generator  12  will be used. The area should be at least 25 cm from an outside wall of the building. Housing  14  rests on platform  30  which is slightly larger than housing  14 . Platform  30  is sufficiently high enough to keep generator  12  and housing  14  from contacting wet soil, as, for example, when it rains or snows. In the present invention, the base is 140 cm long by 65 cm wide by 7 cm high, though these dimensions can vary depending on the size of the generator being used (urban or rural). Other sizes are contemplated and do not exceed the invention as contemplated herein. 
         [0047]    The present invention may be utilized by the consumer. However, for safety reasons, the consumer only has limited access for certain limited purposes, such as pressing the emergency stop button and manually turning the unit on or off on/off application this for the users safety. In all other instances of use, trained personnel are required, e.g., installation, calibration, and maintenance of the present invention. The service life utility of the present invention is approximately 20 years, provided routine maintenance on a regularly scheduled basis is performed by trained and authorized personnel. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , control box  16  has a front panel  88  that opens about an axis parallel to pivot hinge  110  and pivot hinge  112 . In the present invention, front panel  88  is made of a dark semi-transparent, lightweight material, such as Plexiglas, polycarbonate or other similar material. Opening front panel  88  exposes middle panel  92  containing control module  94 . Weather stripping  93  along perimeter of inside edge of front panel  88  provides protection against dust and moisture. Control module  94  contains display  96  providing the user with the status of control module  94 . Control module  94  further contains a plurality of controls  98  and warning lights  100  and  102 . Emergency stop button  104  immediately shuts down the system when necessary. 
         [0049]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in the present invention, control box  16  is a Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) programmable logic controller (PLC), Control Module, Model 8620. In one embodiment, control box housing  90  is made up of material that has a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rating of 3. The dimensions of the control box are approximately 80 cm×60 cm×30 cm. It is contemplated that variances of these dimensions can be made and still be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , middle panel  92  opens by rotating about an axis parallel to pivot hinge  114  and pivot hinge  116  exposing back  106  of middle panel  92 . A plurality of terminals  108  on the back side of control module  94  provides the necessary wire connections for control module  94 . Connections to local area networks (LAN) are accomplished via Ethernet jack  118  for either on-site or remote control of control module  94 , and thus, the renewable energy assembly  10 , by the programming or maintenance specialized crew or trained personnel. Control module  94  may also be connected to a computer, laptop, tablet or other similar device, via PC jack  120 , the USB  122  is used to download activity records by the maintenance specialized crew or trained personnel. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  shows electronics panel  124  contained within control box housing  90 . Wires within conduit  20  traverse in and connect to control box housing  90  via clamp  138 . Wires within conduit  18  traverse in and connect to control box housing  90  via clamp  140 . A plurality of current transformers  134  and a plurality of current transformers  136  step up or step down the current voltage as appropriate Current transformers  134  come from alternator  48 . Current transformer  136  comes from the electricity provider&#39;s line 1. Current transformers  134  are 100/5 A. Current transformer  136  is 150/5 A. Battery  126  is a power source (replacing the use of a 24V DC battery) and is mounted on electronics panel  124 . The power source of the present invention is a Deep Sea Electronics, 24V self-seeking power supply, Model No. DSE  160 . 
         [0052]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , motorized operating mechanism  128  may also be mounted on electronics panel  124  and is positioned adjacent to and actuates molded case circuit breaker  130  in the event of power failure. In the present invention, motorized operating mechanism  128  is a Siemens Motorized Operating Mechanism, Model No. 3VT9100. Molded case circuit breaker  130  is a Siemens Molded case circuit breaker, Model No. 3VT1. Relays  132  connect to control module  94  and receive signals from control module  94  in 24V to close or open motorized operating mechanism  128  and relay signals therebetween. A plurality of terminals  142  connects to control module  94 . A plurality of fuses  144  connects energies from alternator  48  to control module  94  and from the electricity supply to control module  94 . A plurality of clamps  146  connects the electricity supply to control box  16 . 
         [0053]    Control box  16  interfaces with a Windows-based computer via PC jack  120  (see  FIG. 4 ). Control module  94  is the “brain” that starts and stops generator  12  depending on the amount of hours generator  12  is set to work (which is determined and set, i.e., programmed, by a specialized and trained programmer). Control box  16  further monitors that all component parts are safe and working correctly. Control box  16  further checks that the electricity levels are correct for the coupling. The control box is programmed by trained personnel. Programming of the control box  16  may be done at the control box or from some remote location. The present invention may be controlled or monitored remotely from a computer, cell phone or personal tablet device, such as an iPad or other similar device. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , alternative embodiment  300  of the generator portion (without housing) of a renewable energy assembly is shown. Alternative embodiment  300  is comprised of generator  310  contained within frame  312 . Panels (not shown) making a housing (not shown) are integrated into frame  312  forming a volume therein. Generator  310  is comprised of motor  326 , torque multiplier  334  and alternator  340 , all connected in series and rotatably fixed to a shaft using couplers  332  and  337 . 
         [0055]    Output shaft  330  extends distally from motor  326  and mechanically connects motor  326  to torque multiplier  334  via coupler  332 . Input shaft  338  mechanically connects torque multiplier  334  to alternator  340 . Automatic voltage regulator (AVR)  342  is electronically connected to alternator  340  and maintains a constant quality and voltage level in the AC current generated by alternator  340 . 
         [0056]    Still referring to  FIG. 6 , both motor  326  and alternator  340  are mounted on structures within frame  312 . Motor  326  is mounted on mounting plate  316 . Rubber mounts  328  are attached between mounting plate  316  and motor  326  and act as buffers to reduce noise levels and vibration when generator  310  is in use. Alternator  340  is mounted to end  322  of mounting frame  318 . Rubber mounts  344  are attached between alternator  340  and end  322  of mounting frame  318  and act as buffers to reduce noise levels and vibration when generator  310  is in use. Mounting plate  316  is mounted on end  320  of mounting frame  318 . Rollers  314  are fastened to frame  312  using fasteners  324 . In the present invention, the fasteners are wing nuts fastened to bolts extending from the top of rollers  314 . However, other types of fasteners, such as nuts or the like, may be used. 
         [0057]    In an alternative embodiment, renewable energy assembly  10  may be incorporated into a cogeneration system  500 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Electric power grid  510  provides power through incoming power line  512  to bidirectional meter  514  where a measurement of the incoming power is taken. Power, or electricity, then continues through cable  516  to control box  518 . Electricity then passes through conduit  522  via wires carried therein to motor  524  of generator  546 . The electrical current is converted into mechanical rotational energy by motor  524  and transferred along output shaft  26  through torque multiplier  532  which increases the torque output produced by motor  524  by a factor of three. The increased torque output is transferred through input shaft  538  to alternator  540 . 
         [0058]    Output shaft  526  of motor  524  is connected to torque multiplier  532  via coupler  528 . Input shaft  538  of alternator  540  is connected to torque multiplier  532  via coupler  536 . Output shaft  526  and input shaft  538  are supported by support  530  and support  534 , both positioned on opposite sides of torque multiplier  532 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0059]    Automatic voltage regulator (AVR)  542  is electronically connected to alternator  540  and maintains a constant quality and voltage level in the AC current generated by alternator  540 . Electricity generated by alternator  540  is then transferred to control box  518  via conduit  520  via wires carried therein. A portion of the electricity generated by generator  546  is then distributed to the home or business to meet the electricity demands of the consumer. Additionally, a portion of the electricity generated by generator  546  is directed to continue powering generator  546  via control box  518 . The excess power generated by generator  546  is then “returned” to the utility provider via cable  548  where the returned excess power first passes again through bidirectional meter  514  (where measurement of the outgoing power is taken) before the excess power is exported to and incorporated into electric power grid  510  for distribution to other customers. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows alternative embodiment cogeneration system  600 . A cogeneration system, as described herein, exists when energy generated by a utility provider and energy generated from a consumer using an electric generator are coupled together to provide sufficient power to meet electrical demands of the consumer and any power generated in excess of what is necessary to power the home or business of the consumer is returned to the utility provider. As shown in  FIG. 8 , electric power grid  610  transfers power generated by a utility service provider to bidirectional meter  614  of a user via bidirectional power line  612 . The power enters the main power switch  618  through bidirectional cable  616 . Power is then transferred via bidirectional cable  620  to control box  622 . Electricity is then sent to AC driver  624  via wire  626 . AC driver  624  turns on and controls the speed of motor  630  with the energy received from control box  622  which is then used to power motor  630  of generator  642  which rests on base  644 . 
         [0061]    Motor  630  converts the electrical energy into mechanical rotational energy which is then translated through output shaft  632  to torque multiplier  636  via coupler  634 . Torque multiplier increases the torque input threefold from the torque output generated by motor  630 . Energy is then translated to alternator  640  via input shaft  638 . Electricity generated by generator  642  is then directed to the home or business  646 . Excess energy is fed back through feedback loop  648  to control box  622  to repeat the energy generating process and continue powering generator  642 . Additional energy produced above and beyond what is required by the user is returned to main power switch  618  via bidirectional cable  620 . The excess power enters bidirectional meter  614  via bidirectional cable  616  where a measurement of the outgoing power is taken before the outgoing power is incorporated into power grid  610 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment  700  of the present invention. With one exception, described below, the majority of components are identical to and function the same as those described with respect to cogeneration system  600 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The same reference numbers are used for those components for convenience. The added component is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and its respective UPS control box which together provide an additional path in which the power generated by generator  642  may take. The UPS of the present invention is an online/double-conversion UPS from Industronic, Model UPS-IND 1346, though other similar devices are contemplated and may be used and still be within the invention as contemplated herein. 
         [0063]    During normal use, some power is transferred from control box  622  to UPS control box  652  and routed to UPS  656  which continuously charges a battery (not shown) therein. In the event there is an interruption of the power being transferred from electric power grid  610  (which would shut down the cogeneration system), UPS  656  receives a signal from UPS control box  652  automatically causing UPS  656  to supply sufficient energy to control box  622  via UPS control box  652  to maintain power to generator  642 . At this point, output energy from generator  642  is diverted into 3 distinct paths: the first is to provide sufficient energy to satisfy the energy demands of a home or business; the second is to provide energy via feedback loop  648  to control box  622  to continue powering generator  642  via AC driver  624 ; the third is to provide power back to UPS control box  652  which is then transferred to and powers a battery (not shown) within UPS  656 . This process continues until such time as power is restored from electric power grid  610 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  depicts an alternative embodiment  800  of the present invention. As the majority of components are identical to and function the same as those described with respect to cogeneration system  600 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , the same reference numbers are used for those components for convenience. In this embodiment, there is no cogeneration system. Instead, the system functions independently of any electric power grid. Generator  642  is powered through the use of UPS  656  which replaces power from an electric power grid. Energy from UPS  656  is routed to the main switch box  618  via bidirectional cable  616 . Electricity is then transferred to control box  622  via bidirectional cable  620 . Energy generated from generator  642  is directed to home or business  646  sufficient to meet the power demands of the user. A portion of the energy generated by generator  642  is fed back via feedback loop  648  to control box  622  to continue powering generator  642  via AC driver  624 . This embodiment has its application in a rural setting where there is no electric power grid and the present invention functions as an independent power generation plant. In this embodiment, the amount of energy produced to be consumed is less than the amount of energy produced to cogenerate. Where the generator will be required to work continuously for 24 hrs, this will diminish its life span. In this scenario, three (3) generator systems may be coupled together (in parallel) to provide the necessary energy to be consumed. 
         [0065]      FIG. 11  is a graphical representation (graph)  900  of the return on investment by the consumer over time using the present invention. The x-axis  910  represents the recovery time (in months) the consumer needs in order to recoup his or her investment. The y-axis  908  represents the investment cost (in dollars) to the consumer. 
         [0066]    Investment cost points of graph  900  correspond to expenditures (money paid) by the consumer at any given month. Recovery time points correspond to the amount of time passed during which a consumer sees a reduction in expenditures as compared to earlier months. For example, for an urban commercial setting  904 , for an initial investment of about $22,710, the consumer would see a reduction in cost of about $7,570 within about 12 months. An additional reduction cost of about $7570 (or totaling a cumulative reduction in cost of about $15,140) would be seen in about 18 months. 
         [0067]    Similarly, for urban residential setting  906 , with an initial investment cost of just over $15,140 the consumer would see a reduction of approximately half (or $7570) after about 12 months. In another about 6 months, the consumer would recoup their initial investment. Conversely, with no initial investment (zero dollars) using solely utility provider  902  and without the present invention, a consumer&#39;s energy consumption costs by the utility provider are approximately $7570 in the first year. Expenditures reach over $15,000 within about 18 months of initiating service and will continue to rise thereafter. 
         [0068]    This graph  900  demonstrates the reduction in payments (and financial savings) by the consumer over time until such time as the cost for power to the consumer becomes nominal. With the application of the present invention, the use of an embodiment of the present invention in an urban residential setting  906  allows the consumer to recoup his or her investment in as little as 18 months. The total recoupment time for an urban commercial setting  904  is approximately 30 months. The result of the implementation of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 11 , confirms that without the present invention, a consumer continually pays utility provider  902  for the delivery of power to the consumer at an increasing amount over time. 
         [0069]    The various embodiments described herein may be used singularly or in conjunction with other similar devices. The present disclosure includes preferred or illustrative embodiments of specifically described apparatuses, assemblies, and systems. Alternative embodiments of such apparatuses, assemblies, and systems can be used in carrying out the invention as claimed and such alternative embodiments are limited only by the claims themselves. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims.