Patent Publication Number: US-2017364113-A1

Title: System, method and computer program product for energy allocation

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     As energy prices continue to climb, conservation of energy resources becomes increasingly important. For example, resources such as waste vegetable oil produced by food processing facilities may be recycled and utilized for additional purposes. Further, use of renewable energy sources is sometimes desired to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind-based energy sources. However, many potential energy sources remain unutilized or under-utilized. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The system and process are configured with a base function of producing air conditioning and generating power both together and separately. The generator provides backup power during power outages as well as supplemental power throughout the day. A Blending module can split the generator head loads into AC and DC power allocations simultaneously, monitor rapid DC current fluctuations and compensate blending of solar and generator power. The system produces generator power combined with photovoltaic or wind DC power to sustain the continuous operation of AC power for both on and off grid consumption. A predictive algorithm is used to standby KW pricing for utilities real time market value. The system produces generator and blended power for the home/business electrical needs during local power outage, heavy loads or time pricing. The system produces generator and photovoltaic power for home&#39;s/business&#39; real-time needs while supplying excess generator/photovoltaic power to the electrical utility grid. 
     In order to produce finite BTU (British Thermal Unit) attenuation, the air conditioning system comprises a multi-speed condenser and fan setting controlled by preprogrammed software. This functionality lowers the system&#39;s overall power consumption by changing the condenser and fan&#39;s speed and frequency. 
     The blended functionality air conditioning system connects through a blending module which ties to the electric utility grid. This configuration enables the generator, along with photovoltaic string(s) the ability to sell power to the electric utility grid. 
     Programming code comprises instructions based on input sensors data, output commands, algorithms which in-turn respond to but not limited to sensors, environment variables allowing the fluctuation of output processes through a real-time and/or hysteresis based algorithm. logic, binary, compiled or precompiled language. The communication protocol for the blended functionality air conditioning system provides communication through wired or wireless (IEEE 802.xx) protocols. This enables both home owner/occupant and electric utility company the ability to remotely operate and control the systems components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present application, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an energy allocation system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a filtration system and a heating system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an energy output of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a an embodiment of a fuel enhancement system for the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exhaust cleaning system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a waste heat recovery system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an auxiliary fuel system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  for generating a low-temperature or chilled fluid stream in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  for generating a further reduced low-temperature or sub-chilled a fluid stream in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a waste heat recovery system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a heat pipe assembly of the waste heat recovery system of  FIG. 10  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a collection assembly of the waste heat recovery system of  FIG. 10  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of collection array of the waste heat recovery system of  FIG. 10  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a heat recovery system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exhaust cleaning system of the energy allocation system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a energy allocation system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a blending module of the system of  FIG. 16  according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of communications of the energy allocation system of  FIGS. 16 and 17  according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating programming functions for the energy allocation system of  FIGS. 16-18  according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a functional unit employing the energy allocation system of  FIGS. 16-19  according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, system and computer program product for energy allocation utilizing waste energy resources. For example, in some embodiments, for a food processing facility, an on-site energy allocation method comprises: filtering waste vegetable oil generated from an on-site food processing facility; operating an on-site engine with the filtered vegetable oil to drive a generator, the generator providing an alternating current (AC) power supply; and forming an elevated temperature fluid stream and a low-temperature fluid stream using exhaust heat generated by the engine, the elevated temperature fluid stream and the low-temperature fluid stream usable by the food processing facility. Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize waste energy resources generated by a particular facility and process and/or re-allocate such resources as a source of energy usable by the particular facility. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
     Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium may include a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with and instruction execution system, apparatus or device. 
     A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
     Aspects of the present disclosure is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     With reference now to the Figures and in particular with reference to  FIG. 1 , an illustrative embodiment of a system  100  for energy allocation is provided. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , system  100  includes an energy allocator  102  for converting waste resources and/or waste energy to a source of energy and allocating the produced energy to a desired use. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , allocator  102  is used as an on-site allocator  102  for a food processing facility  104 . However, it should be understood that allocator  102  may be used in connection with other types of facilities or resources. In some embodiments, various components of allocator  102  are provided as a modular unit to facilitate on-site location of the modular allocator  102  unit on and/or substantially near the premises of facility  104 . As will be described in further detail below, allocator  102  utilizes waste resources and/or waste energy, referred to generally by reference numeral  106 , generated by facility  102  to generate a power supply and/or provide a resource usable as an energy source or energy output(s)  118 , which may be used by facility  102  and/or various components of system  100 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , allocator  102  includes an engine  110 , a generator  112 , a filtration system  113 , a control system  114  and a power system  116 . Engine  110  is configured to operate on a variety of types of fuels. In some embodiments, engine  110  comprises a diesel engine and is operated using waste vegetable oil  120  generated and/or produced by facility  104 . For example, facility  104  may process various foods utilizing vegetable oil such that various amounts of waste vegetable oil  120  are produced. Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize the waste vegetable oil  120  produced by facility  104  for fueling and/or otherwise operating engine  110 . In some embodiments, filtration system  113  is used as an on-site filter for filtering and/or otherwise cleaning waste vegetable oil  120  produced by facility  104 . Engine  110  is coupled to and drives generator  112  to provide an alternating current (AC) output power supply. The AC power supply provided by generator  112  may be utilized by various components of system  100  and/or by facility  104 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , control system  114  includes a processor unit  130  and a memory  132 . Control system  114  may also include a bus or communications fabric which provides communications between processor unit  130  and memory  132  and/or other devices such as, but not limited to, persistent storage, communications units, input/output (I/O) units, and a display. Processor unit  130  serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory  132 . Processor unit  130  may be a set of one or more processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor unit  130  may be implemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor unit  130  may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. 
     In some embodiments, memory  132  may be a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. A persistent storage device may also be included and may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage also may be removable such as, but not limited to, a removable hard drive. Control system  114  may also include communications units for communicating with other data processing systems or devices such as, but not limited to, a network interface card. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network interface adapters. Communications may be enabled using either or both physical and wireless communications links. Input/output units enable input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to control system  114  such as, but not limited to, a connection for user input through a keyboard and mouse, output to a printer, or a display for providing a mechanism to display information to a user. 
     Instructions for an operating system and applications or programs may be located in persistent storage and may be loaded into memory  132  for execution by processor unit  130 . The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit  130  using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory  132 . These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit  130 . The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory  132  or persistent storage. 
     Program code is located in a functional form on computer readable media that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to control system  114  for execution by processor unit  130 . Program code and computer readable media form a computer program product in these examples. In one example, computer readable media may be in a tangible form, such as, for example, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage. In a tangible form, computer readable media also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flash memory that is connected to control system  114 . The tangible form of computer readable media is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. In some instances, computer readable media may not be removable. Alternatively, program code may be transferred to control system  114  from computer readable media through a communications link and/or through a connection to an input/output unit. The communications link and/or the connection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples. 
     The different components illustrated and/or described for control system  114  are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for control system  114 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , memory  132  includes an allocation module  134  and energy data  136 . In  FIG. 1 , allocation module  134  is illustrated as computer software that is accessible and executable by processor unit  130 . However, allocation module  134  may comprise software, logic and/or executable code for performing various functions as described herein (e.g., residing as software and/or an algorithm running on a processor unit, hardware logic residing in a processor or other type of logic chip, centralized in a single integrated circuit or distributed among different chips in a data processing system). Allocation module  134  is used to monitor and/or control various operating parameters of system  100 . For example, in some embodiments, allocation module  134  may monitor and record energy production values, temperature values (e.g., the temperature of waste vegetable oil  120 ), control the operating speed of engine  110 , monitor and control the levels of energy output(s)  118  and/or monitor and adjust operating parameters of system  100  based on various power inputs to allocator  102 . For example, in some embodiments, one or more direct current (DC) input devices  138  may be coupled to allocator  102  to provide DC voltage supplies. As will be described in further detail below, allocation module  134  monitors the level of DC power input and controls and/or adjusts various operating parameters of system  100  to efficiently utilize system  100  resources. Various types of operating parameter information and/or energy input/output information may be stored in memory  132  as energy data  136 . 
     Power system  116  is used to control a level of energy output by system  100  based on various operating parameters of system  100  and/or the levels of energy inputs to system  100 . For example, in some embodiments, power system  116  includes a rectifier  140 , a DC input combiner  142  and an inverter  144 . Rectifier  140  may be coupled to generator  112  to receive an AC output by generator  112  and convert the AC output from generator  112  to a DC output. DC input combiner  142  combines the DC output from rectifier  140  with DC inputs from one or more DC input devices  138 . For example, DC input device(s)  138  may include a solar energy device, a wind turbine device, or any other type of DC input power source. The combined DC inputs are output by DC input combiner  142  to inverter  144 , where the DC input is converted to an AC output. In some embodiments, allocation module  134  monitors the levels of the DC inputs from device(s)  138  and/or the AC level output by inverter  144  and modulates an operating parameter of system  100  such as, but not limited to, an operating speed of engine  110  or a fuel mixture delivered to engine  110 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , facility  104  includes an air conditioning unit(s)  150 , a cooling unit(s)  152  and a heating unit(s)  154 . Air conditioning unit(s)  150  may be any type of device for providing environmental heating and/or cooling for facility  104 . Cooling unit(s)  152  may comprise any type of device for providing a reduced temperature environment or resource such as, but not limited to, a refrigeration unit(s)  160  and a freezer unit(s)  162  (e.g., for maintaining perishable food items) or a device for providing reduced temperature water, such as a drinking fountain. Heating unit(s)  154  may comprise any type of device that provides and/or operates at an elevated temperature such as, but not limited to, a warming unit(s)  164  for maintaining cooked foods at a desired temperature, a cooking unit(s)  166  for cooking and/or otherwise preparing a food item, or a hot water heater. It should be understood that the types of units and/or devices employed by a particular type of facility may vary. As will be described in further detail below, energy output(s)  118  from system  100  may be used as a resource for operating various devices of facility  104  and/or waste energy may be captured from one or mode devices of facility  104  by system  100  and allocated as desired by system  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of filtration system  113  and a heating system  200  of system  100 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , filtration system  113  includes a filtration unit  202  for filtering and/or otherwise removing certain impurities from waste vegetable oil  120  in preparation for use as a fuel for engine  110 . In some embodiments, heating system  200  is used to pre-heat waste vegetable oil  120  in preparation for use by engine  110  and/or pre-heat engine  110 . For example, in some embodiments, system  200  includes a heating unit  204  for heating waste vegetable oil  120  contained in a waste vegetable oil reservoir  205  and a heating unit  206  for pre-heating engine  110 . Heating units  204  and/or  206  may comprise an electric heating loop, insulated jacket or other type of device for pre-heating waste vegetable oil  120  and engine  110 , respectively. In this embodiment, heating units  204  and  206  are used to heat waste vegetable oil  120  and engine  110  to a desired temperature before start-up of engine  110 . In some embodiments, heating units  204  and/or  206  are powered by an external power source, such as an AC power source. In some embodiments, system  100  may be configured to utilize an AC energy output  118  to power heating units  204  and/or  206 . For example, in some embodiments, heating units  204  and  206  may be initially operated using an external AC power supply then transitioned to an AC power supply provided as an output  118  by system  100 . Additionally, in some embodiments, after start-up and operation of engine  110  for a time period such that engine  110  is operating at or above a desired temperature, operation of heating unit  206  may be discontinued. 
     In some embodiments, heating system  200  includes an engine oil loop  210  to provide waste heat energy from engine  110  as a heating resource for pre-heating waste vegetable oil  120 . For example, loop  210  may include a hot oil supply line  212  directing heated oil resulting from the operation of engine  110  to reservoir  205 , and a return line  214  for returning the oil to engine  110 . The waste heat energy captured from the engine oil is used to pre-heat waste vegetable oil  120 . Further, after start-up and operation of engine  110  for a time period such that the engine oil loop  210  is able to pre-heat waste vegetable oil  120  independent of another heat source, operation of heating unit  204  may be discontinued. As described above, various operating temperature parameters may be measured and monitored by allocation module  134  to control the operation of heating units  204  and  206  such as, but not limited to, the temperature of engine  110 , the temperature of engine oil loop  210 , and the temperature of waste vegetable oil  120  contained in reservoir  205 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating one type of energy output  118  from system  100  that may be provided to and utilized by facility  104 . In this embodiment, system  100  includes heat exchangers  302 ,  304  and  306  for providing three different temperature fluid streams as energy outputs  118  usable by facility  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, three heat exchangers  302 ,  304  and  306  are utilized and connected in series with one another; however, it should be understood that the quantity and arrangement of heat exchangers may be varied. In this embodiment, exhaust heat energy from engine  110 , represented by reference numeral  310 , is directed to heat exchangers  302 ,  304  and  306 . A fluid  312   1 ,  312   2  and  312   3  circulating through respective heat exchangers  302 ,  304  and  306  captures the waste heat energy from engine  110  to generate respective elevated fluid temperature streams  314   1 ,  314   2  and  314   3 . For example, fluid temperature stream  314   1  may be a high-temperature fluid stream provided to cooking unit(s)  166  of facility  104  (e.g., as a heat energy source for frying or broiling food items), fluid temperature stream  314   2  may be a medium or moderately high-temperature fluid stream provided to warming unit(s)  164  of facility  104  (e.g., for maintaining cooked food items at a desired temperature), and fluid temperature stream  314   3  may be a lower elevated temperature stream usable by facility  104  to provide warm domestic water. It should be understood that the different elevated temperature fluid streams may be used for different purposes. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  may further include a chiller  320  and a cooling tower  322  to provide an energy output  118  in the form of a chilled or low temperature fluid stream  330  usable by facility  104 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, fluid temperature stream  314   2  is directed toward chiller  320  from heat exchanger  304 . An elevated temperature stream  316  is directed toward chiller  320  from air conditioning unit  150 . Thermal energy received by chiller  320  from streams  314   2  and  316  is used as working energy to output a chilled or low-temperature fluid stream  330  which is directed toward air conditioning unit  150  (or another device of facility  104 ). Cooling tower  322  is used to exhaust thermal energy from chiller  320  to the environment via a fluid circulation stream  326 . It should be understood that various temperature and/or other operating parameters or conditions may be measured and monitored by allocation module  134  in providing elevated and/or cooled fluid temperature streams as energy outputs  118  usable by facility  104  such as, but not limited to, the temperatures of such fluid streams and the flow rates of such fluid streams. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a fuel enhancement system  400  for system  100 . Fuel enhancement system  400  may be used to boost or increase the operating performance of engine  110 . In some embodiments, system  400  includes a fuel mixer  402  and a biogas source  404  (e.g., natural gas or another fuel supplement). In operation, allocation module  134  controls the input of biogas source  404  and an air intake  406  to gas mixer  402  in combination with waste vegetable oil  120  as a fuel source for engine  110 . Allocation module  134  may also monitor and regulate the output of engine  110  and/or generator  112  (e.g., by controlling the operating speed of engine  110 ) to provide a desired output. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exhaust cleaning system  500  that may be included in system  100  to clean and/or reduce airborne emissions from the exhaust of engine  110 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , system  500  includes a cleaning tower  502  having an input  504  located at a lower end  506  of tower  502  for receiving waste exhaust energy  508  from engine  110 . In some embodiments, input  504  extends upwardly within tower  502  and includes a downwardly facing outlet  510  for reducing noise. Lower end  506  of tower  502  contains a fluid  512  for capturing emission particles from exhaust  508 . An upper end  514  of tower  502  includes an outlet  516  for emitting the exhaust to the environment. Within tower  502  near upper end  514  is a chilled fluid loop  520  for reducing a temperature of the exhaust emitted through outlet  510  and/or enabling condensation of fluid vapor within tower  502  (e.g., fluid  512 ) to further reduce the emission of particles from outlet  516 . Chilled fluid loop  520  may comprise a chilled temperature fluid stream as illustrated in  FIG. 3  (e.g., fluid stream  330 ) produced by system  100 . System  500  also includes an array of fluid misters/atomizers  530  located within a medial area of tower  502  to atomize and/or otherwise create a fine spray of fluid particles to remove pollutants in the exhaust stream. Fluid  512  located at lower end  506  of tower  502  may be circulated through a cleaning unit  534  (e.g., a centrifuge) to remove particulate matter therefrom and thereafter provided to misters  530 . Additional fluid may be provided to misters  530  (and to lower end  506  of tower  502 ) to accommodate fluid loss as needed. Thus, in operation, exhaust  508  from engine  110  enters input  504  and is discharged through outlet  510 . As the exhaust travels upwardly through tower  502 , misters  530  emit an atomized fluid mist to cause particulate matter to be caught therein and fall downwardly to be collected in fluid  512  located at lower end  506  of tower  502 . As the exhaust continues moving upwardly within tower  502 , chilled fluid loop  520  reduces the temperature of the exhaust and/or further condensates fluid vapor before the exhaust is discharged through outlet  516 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a waste heat recovery system  600  that may be included in embodiments of system  100 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , system  600  includes a waste heat recovery system  602  coupled to and/or in close proximity to heating unit(s)  154  of facility  104 . Heat recovery system  602  may include a heat exchanger or other type of device for capturing waste heat energy generated by one or more heat-generating devices of facility  104  such as, but not limited to, cooking unit(s)  166  and warming unit(s)  164 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a fluid is circulated through and/or near heating unit(s)  154  to capture waste heat energy via heat recovery system  602  and then transferred to chiller  320 . Chiller  320  may be coupled to a cooling tower (e.g., such as cooling tower  322 ) to discharge heat energy to the atmosphere. Further, chiller  320  generates a chilled fluid loop (e.g., such as chilled fluid loop  330 ) using heat energy received from unit  602 . In some embodiments, if the temperature level of the fluid provided to chiller  320  is insufficient to produce a desired low-temperature stream  330 , the temperature of the fluid provided to chiller  320  may be increased by a heating unit or other type of device. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an auxiliary fuel system  700  that may be included in embodiments of system  100 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , system  700  includes an auxiliary fuel reservoir  702  couplable to engine  110 . In some embodiments, control system  114  is configured to control actuation of valves  704  and  706  to control delivery of either waste vegetable oil  120  or an auxiliary fuel contained in reservoir  702  to engine. For example, an auxiliary fuel may be used to perform engine  110  cleaning to remove deposits that may accumulate from combusting waste vegetable oil  120 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of system  100  for generating a low-temperature or chilled fluid stream usable by facility  104 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , system  100  includes a compressor  802  driven by engine  110 . System  100  also includes heat exchangers  804  and  806  coupled to compressor  802 . Heat exchanger  804  is coupled to cooling tower  322 , and heat exchanger  806  is coupled to a device of facility  104  that may utilize a low-temperature fluid such as, but not limited to, cooling unit(s)  152 . System  100  includes a low-temperature fluid circulation loop  810  and a heat rejection fluid circulation loop  812 . In operation, fluid is circulated from compressor  802  to heat exchanger  804  where heat is dissipated from the circulating fluid via a fluid loop  814  utilizing cooling tower  322 . Fluid is received from heat exchanger  804  and directed to heat exchanger  806  via compressor  802 , where heat exchanger  806  absorbs heat energy received from fluid circulation loop  810 . Fluid circulation loop  810  circulates a fluid through heat exchanger  806  to produce a low-temperature fluid stream  820  that is directed toward cooling unit(s)  152  of facility  104 . Thus, in operation, heat exchanger  806  functions as an evaporator to collect heat energy and produce low-temperature fluid stream  820 , and heat exchanger  804  functions as a condenser to dissipate heat energy acquired from cooling unit(s)  152  of facility  104 . 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of system  100  for further reducing a temperature of a fluid usable by facility  104 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , system  100  includes compressor  802  driven by engine  110 , heat exchangers  804  and  806 , cooling tower  322  and a chiller  902 . Chiller  902  is used to reduce a temperature of a fluid circulating through and/or to cooling unit(s)  152  of facility  104  before being delivered to heat exchanger  806  such that heat exchanger  806  outputs a sub-chilled fluid temperature stream  904  usable by facility  104 , such as by freezer unit(s)  162 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of waste heat recovery system  602 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , system  602  is located above and in general close proximity to a heat-generating device of facility  104 , such as heating unit(s)  154 . In this embodiment, system  602  includes a waste heat collection array  1004  for capturing waste heat energy traveling upwardly from heating unit(s)  154 . In the illustrated embodiment, heat collection array  1004  is movably coupled to a vent hood  1006  via mounting assemblies  1008  to facilitate upward/downward movement of array  1004  relative to hood  1006 , thereby enabling array  1004  to be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes. However, it should be understood that array  1004  may be otherwise located and/or secured relative to heating unit(s)  154 . Mounting assemblies  1008  may comprise sliding bracket assemblies, scissor-hinged arm assemblies or other types of devices for enabling upward/downward movement of array  1004 . It should be further understood that array  1004  may be located above heating unit(s)  154  without upward/downward movement capability (e.g., mounted in a fixed position). 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a fluid is circulated through array  1004  to collect waste heat energy generated by heating unit(s)  154 . In  FIG. 10 , array  1004  includes an inlet  1010  and an outlet  1012  to accommodate connection of fluid-carrying tubes  1014  and  1016  to array  1004 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a heat pipe assembly  1100  of array  1004 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , assembly  1100  includes a base member  1102 , a handle  1104  coupled to base member  1102 , and heat pipes  1110  coupled to base member  1102 . In this embodiment, three heat pipes  1110  are illustrated; however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer quantity of heat pipes  1110  may be used. Each heat pipe includes an elongated portion  1120  and an enlarged, bulb-shaped reservoir  1122 . Each heat pipe  1110  contains a fluid medium for collecting heat energy. In  FIG. 11 , a uniform spacing is maintained between heat pipes  1110  using a spacing element  1126 . 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a collection assembly  1200  of array  1004 . In this embodiment, assembly  1200  includes a receiver assembly  1202  comprising one or more receiver elements  1204  for containing a heat-collecting fluid therein and having formed thereon one or more external surface cavities  1206  for receiving placement of reservoir  1122  ( FIG. 11 ) therein. For example, in some embodiments, cavities  1206  are formed and/or otherwise shaped to receive insertion of reservoir  1122  of heat pipe  110  therein, thereby enabling insertion and removal of heat pipe assembly  110 . Cavities  1206  are formed to preferably maximize surface area contact between an exterior surface area of reservoir  1122  and an interior surface area of cavities  1206 , thereby facilitating heat energy transfer from reservoirs  1122  to the fluid contained in elements  1204 . Elements  1204  may include elongated elements  1210  and directional elements  1212  to accommodate directional changes of assembly  1200  and/or to facilitate changes in length or position. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , assembly  1200  is configured to receive six heat pipe assemblies  1100  each having three heat pipes  1110 , where the heat pipe assemblies  1100  are positioned in two vertical rows with each row having three heat pipe assemblies  1100 . In  FIG. 12 , elements  1204  are arranged and/or positioned to form a vertical spaced-apart relationship between corresponding heat pipe assemblies  1100 . However, it should be understood that receiver assembly  1202  may be otherwise formed and/or configured. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of collection array  1004  of system  602  using two receiver assemblies  1202 . In the illustrated embodiment, receiver assemblies  1200  are located in a spaced apart relationship relative to each other and located on opposite sides of heating unit(s)  154 . Heat pipe assemblies  1100  are positioned such that reservoirs  1122  are located at an elevated position relative to respective base members  1102  to facilitate heat energy transfer upwardly toward reservoirs  1122 . Preferably, heat pipe assemblies  1100  are positioned laterally offset from each other to maximize exposure of heat pipe assemblies  1100  to heat energy radiating upwardly from heating unit(s)  154 . Thus, in operation, waste heat energy radiating upwardly from heating unit(s)  154  is captured by heat pipe assemblies  1100  and transferred to collection assemblies  1200 , where fluid circulating within collection assemblies  1200  removes the waste heat energy and transfers the waste heat energy for another use such as, but not limited to, providing an elevated temperature fluid stream for another device of facility  104 , such as a chiller or a warming unit. 
     It should be understood that multiple heat collection arrays  1004  may be coupled together, in series and/or parallel. For example, in some embodiments, multiple heat collection arrays  1004  may be connected in series extending from one heating unit  154  of facility  104  to another heating unit  154  of facility  104 . In some embodiments, the waste heat energy collecting fluid circulating through heat collection arrays  1004  flows in the direction from the lower temperature heat source to the higher temperature heat sources. In some embodiments, a temperature boosting device may be placed in the path of the circulating fluid to further elevate a temperature of the circulating fluid if necessary to obtain a desired temperature level of the fluid. As described above, control system  114  may monitor and/or record various operating parameters in connection with heat recovery unit(s)  602  such as, but not limited to, temperature levels at various locations and fluid flow rates. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a heat recovery system  1400  which may be included in system  100 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , system  1400  includes waste heat recovery systems  1402  and  1404 , a heat source  1406 , engine  110  and a working unit  1410 . Waste heat recovery systems  1402  and  1404  may comprise any device for capturing waste heat energy from one or more heat-generating devices of facility  104 . For example, waste heat recovery systems  1402  and  1404  may include a device or system such as waste heat recovery system  602  ( FIG. 10 ). In  FIG. 14 , two waste heat recovery systems  1402  and  1404  are shown; however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer quantity of waste heat recovery systems may be used. 
     Heat source  1406  may include any type of device for increasing a temperature of a fluid loop  1420  circulating through system  1400 . For example, in some embodiments, heat source  1406  may include a solar device for capturing solar energy and transferring resulting thermal energy to fluid loop  1420 ; however, it should be understood that other types of devices may be used for increasing the temperature of fluid loop  1420 . Working unit  1410  may comprise any device for taking heat energy supplied by fluid loop  1420  and utilizing the heat energy to produce a desired result, such as chiller  320  ( FIG. 3 ) for producing a low-temperature fluid stream that may be utilized by an air conditioning unit of facility  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, fluid loop  1420  is also connected to and/or otherwise captures thermal energy generated by engine  110  (e.g., via a heat exchanger, such as heat exchanger  302  ( FIG. 3 ) of other type of device). 
     In operation, a fluid collection medium contained by fluid loop  1420  is configured to increase in temperature as the fluid loop  1420  collection medium reaches working unit  1410 . For example, in some embodiments, waste heat recovery system  1402  may be associated with the lowest temperature heat source of facility  104  (e.g., warming unit  164 ) while waste heat recovery system  1404  may be associated with a higher temperature heat source of facility  104  (e.g., cooking unit  166 ). Thus, as the fluid loop  1420  collection medium flows from the lower temperature heat source(s) of facility  104  to the higher temperature heat source(s) of facility  104 , the temperature of the fluid loop  1420  collection medium increases. 
     If the temperature of the fluid loop  1420  collection medium received from facility  104  is insufficient to perform the work desired (e.g., a large enough temperature differential), heat source  1406  and/or engine  110  may be used to further increase the temperature of the fluid loop  1420  collection medium to obtain a desired temperature differential in connection with working unit  1410 . Thus, in some embodiments, control system  114  (e.g., allocation module  134 ) monitors the temperature at various stages or points along fluid loop  1420  and may control the utilization of heat source  1406  as needed and/or may cause the fluid loop  1420  collection medium to capture thermal energy from engine  110  as needed (e.g., via control of a bypass valve). Further, control system  114  (e.g., allocation module  134 ) may monitor and control a flow rate of the fluid loop  1420  collection medium to increase the efficiency of heat collection (e.g., increasing or decreasing the flow rate to increase the efficiency of heat collection based on the temperature of the various heat-supplying resources). Thus, system  1400  may be configured to enhance heat recovery and utilization from heat-generating devices of facility  104  to produce a desired energy output  118 . 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exhaust cleaning system  1500  that may be included in system  100  in accordance with the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , system  1500  includes a cleaning assembly  1502  comprising a housing  1510  having an outer wall  1512 , an inlet  1514  for receiving exhaust from engine  110 , and an outlet  1516  for discharging the cleaned exhaust to another unit, such as heat exchanger  302  ( FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, outer wall  1512  is configured having a double-wall construction to reduce sound emissions; however, it should be understood that housing  1510  may be constructed using a variety of different techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly  1502  includes a number of mesh or gas-permeable containers  1520  located within an interior area  1522  of housing  1510 . The quantity of containers  1520  may be varied depending on the size and/or shape of housing  1510 . Containers  1520  include a cleaning medium  1530  disposed therein for absorbing and/or otherwise capturing emission particles from the exhaust of engine  110  as the exhaust travels through housing  1510  from inlet  1514  to outlet  1516 . In some embodiments, lava rock or another type of porous material may be used as cleaning medium  1530 ; however, it should be understood that other types of cleaning medium types may be used in containers  1520 . 
     Containers  1520  are configured to extend inwardly into interior area  1522  a sufficient distance to cause a substantial portion of the exhaust from engine  110  to pass through cleaning medium  1530  without impeding the performance of engine  110 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , containers  1520  are spaced apart from each other and arranged in an alternating offset position relative to each other to cause a substantial portion of the exhaust from engine  110  to pass through cleaning medium  1530  contained in each container  1520 . In some embodiments, housing  1510  is configured having openings in wall  1512  to facilitate the insertion and removal of containers  1520  relative to housing  1510  to enable replacement of cleaning medium  1530 . 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of an energy allocation system  2000  according to the present disclosure.  FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a blending module  2120  of the system  2000  of  FIG. 16  according to the present disclosure.  FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of communications of the energy allocation system  2000  of  FIGS. 16 and 17  according to the present disclosure.  FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating programming functions for the energy allocation system  2000  of  FIGS. 16-18  according to the present disclosure.  FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a functional unit  2500  employing the energy allocation system  2000  of  FIGS. 16-19  according to the present disclosure. 
     In  FIG. 16 , the system  2000  includes a power source power system  2116  (e.g., such as system  116 ), a DC energy device  2110  (e.g., a series of solar and/or photovoltaic cells), a generator  2112 , an air conditioning unit  2114 , and a blending module  2120 . In  FIG. 16 , system  2116  is electrically coupled to DC energy device  2110 , generator  2112 , air conditioning unit  2114 , and blending module  2120 . Blending module  2120 , in turn, is electrically coupled to a local electric energy grid  2118  and a local electrical system  2122  (e.g., a home or business local electrical system). Blending module  212  is also communicatively coupled to DC energy device  2110 , generator  2112 , and air conditioning unit  2114 . Thus,  FIG. 16  illustrates the inter-connectivity of a blended functionality air conditioning system&#39;s electrical connection and network communications. In the described embodiment, a solar DC energy source is used (e.g., solar cells for DC energy device  2110 ); however, it should be understood that other types of alternative DC energy sources may be used (e.g., wind-based devices). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, generator  2112  may operate using propane, natural gas, gasoline, or other type of fuel. Generator  2112  may be operated as a standby/backup generator or may be operated when desired (e.g., in non-standby/backup applications, such as when efficiency, power rates or other factors indicate preferred use of generator  2112  instead of and/or in addition to other power sources). Air conditioning unit  2114  comprises a DC voltage-based compressor and fan (e.g., an AC to DC high torque variable speed compressor drive). Power system  2116  is used to control a type and level of energy output by system  2000  based on various operating parameters of system  2000  and/or the levels of energy inputs to system  2000 . For example, in some embodiments, power system  2116  may include a DC input combiner and one or more rectifiers/inverters (e.g., similar to system  116  described hereinbefore). A rectifier may be used to receive an AC input (e.g., from local electric utility grid  2118 ) and convert the AC input to a DC output, and an inverter may be used to convert a DC input to an AC output. The DC input combiner may combine the DC inputs from multiple sources (e.g., generator  2212 , solar energy device  2110 , and/or an AC input converted to a DC output). 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of blending module  2120 , and  FIG. 18  illustrates the communication connectivity between the blending module  2120 &#39;s devices, a household electrical panel  2140  (e.g., part of local electrical system  2122 ), and local electric utility grid  2118 . Similar to allocation module  134 , blending module  2120  may comprise computer software that is accessible and executable by a processor unit (e.g., such as processor unit  2130 ) and embedded hardware. However, blending module  2120  may comprise software, logic and/or executable code for performing various functions as described herein (e.g., residing as software and/or an algorithm running on a processor unit, hardware logic residing in a processor or other type of logic chip, centralized in a single integrated circuit or distributed among different chips in a data processing system). Blending module  2120  is used to monitor and/or control various operating parameters of system  2116 . For example, blending module  2120  may monitor an efficiency parameter of the compressor of air conditioning unit  2114  and adjust an operating speed of the compressor based on the efficiency parameter. In  FIG. 17 , blending module  2120  may comprise and/or be coupled to an electrical transfer switch  2200 , include various communication switching devices  2202  and voltage output switching devices  2204 . Blending module  2120  also sends and/or receives various sensor inputs  2206  to control and/or regulate power generation, usage and distribution. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , blending module may communicate with the DC energy device  2110 , generator  2112  and/or the air conditioning system/compressor  2214  to send/read voltage, current and wattage values. 
     The blended functionality air conditioning system with VDC compressor and fan of system  2000  enables variable speed output in a diabatic closed loop system. The variable speed functionality allows for finite BTU attenuation lowering overall consumption of energy, thus increasing efficiency. The system  2000  with built-in power generator combining solar energy (e.g., via DC energy device  2110 ) connects to the blending module  2120  working in concert with local electrical utility grid  2118 . System  2000  and its processes are configured with the functionality of load-carry, load-balance, and load-shed of both consumed and generated power with electrical utility grid connectivity and communication, such as:
         Demand response: ability to reduce electric grid  2118  power usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates brought on by market supply and demand;   Grid sell-back: ability to generate power with the function and purpose of supplying the local electrical utility grid  2118  with power generated on-sight;   Load-shed: ability to generate power with the function and purpose of supplying air conditioning and/or household electrical needs, thus reducing the demand of power from the local electrical utility grid  2118 ;   Strike-price: ability for the blending module  2120  to analyze, process and execute set parameters with the intent to generate power for the use of the electric utility grid  2118  enabling set monetary parameters to sell generated power back to the electrical utility grid  2118 ;   Programming code functionality to offload partial or whole power produced from the system  2000  and other power storage or producing entities tied to blending module  2120  to electric utility grid  2118 ;   Split system generator head between electric utility grid  2118  and household electrical use; and   Programming function governs AC and DC voltage fluctuations in accordance with sensor temp and continuity to increase or decrease VAC and VDC.       

       FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of communications of the energy allocation system  2000  according to the present disclosure. Hardware and software may be combined to communicate through wired or wireless (IEEE 802.xx) with electric utility company (e.g., local electric utility grid  2118 ) for the purpose of demand response, grid sell-back, load-shed, and strike-price sell, thereby enabling both home/business owner/occupant and electric utility company the ability to remotely operate and control the system  2000  components. Sensor input data  2206  may be provided to the local electric company or grid  2118  and to processor  2130 . Processor  2130  may provide a digital output  2142  (e.g., based on sensor input data  2206  or other information) to the local electric company or grid  2118  as well as to local electrical panel  2140  (e.g., to control actuation of transfer switch  2200 ). The processor  2130  may be an embedded or stand-alone microprocessor, microcontroller or PLC-based unit allowing a sequence of operations to be executed. Programming code may comprise executable logic instructions based on real-time input sensors, output commands, and algorithms which in-turn respond to but not limited to sensors, environment variables allowing the fluctuation of output processes through a real-time and/or hysteresis based algorithm. The blending module  2120  may comprise software, logic and/or executable code for performing various functions as described herein (e.g., residing as software and/or an algorithm running on a processor unit, hardware logic residing in a processor or other type of logic chip, centralized in a single integrated circuit or distributed among different chips in a data processing system). 
       FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating programming functions for the energy allocation system  2116 . The functions may include a power on operation  2300 , followed by a boot sequence  2302 , and I/O system check  2304 . The processor  2130  may then enter a native operation mode  2310  (e.g., set to initialize using power drawn from the local electric utility grid  2118 ), load various programming code  2312 , receive input variables from various sensors  2314 , and provide communication output  2316  to output physical terminals associated with other system  2000  devices. 
     Thus, the system  2000  and its processes are configured with a base function of producing air conditioning and generating power both together and separately. The generator  2112  provides backup power during power outages as well as supplemental power throughout the day. The blending module  2120  can split the generator head loads into AC and DC power allocations simultaneously, monitor rapid DC current fluctuations and compensate blending of solar and generator head power. The system  2000  produces generator  2112  power combined with photovoltaic or wind DC power to sustain the continuous operation of AC power for both on and off grid consumption. A predictive algorithm is used to standby KW pricing for utilities real time market value. System  2000  produces generator and blended power for the home/business electrical needs during local power outage, heavy loads, or time pricing. The system  2000  produces generator and photovoltaic power for home&#39;s/business&#39; real-time needs while supplying excess generator/photovoltaic power to the electrical utility grid  2118 . 
     In order to produce finite BTU (British Thermal Unit) attenuation, the air conditioning unit  2114  comprises a multi-speed condenser and fan setting controlled by preprogrammed software. This functionality lowers the systems  2000 &#39;s overall power consumption by changing the condenser and fan&#39;s speed and frequency. The blended functionality air conditioning system connects through the blending module  2120  which ties to the local electric utility grid  2118 . This configuration enables the generator  2112 , along with the solar or DC energy source device  2110 , the ability to sell power to the local electric utility grid  2118 . 
     Programming code comprises instructions based on input sensors data, output commands, algorithms which in-turn respond to but not limited to sensors, environment variables allowing the fluctuation of output processes through a real-time and/or hysteresis based algorithm. logic, binary, compiled or precompiled language. The communication protocol for the blended functionality air conditioning system provides communication through wired or wireless (IEEE 802.xx) protocols. 
     As an example, in operation, system  2000  may initially operate air conditioning unit  2114  and/or other home/business electric devices via AC power drawn from the local electric utility grid  2118 . As a source of DC power increases (e.g., a solar power increase as the day progresses), blending module  2120  may receive communications from solar energy device  2110  as to its power capability and begin reducing operation of such devices from grid  2118  AC power and increase operation using DC-based power (e.g., from solar energy device  2110 ). Blending module  2120  may cause DC voltage to air conditioning unit  2114  and convert the DC input from solar energy device  2210  to an AC output to power various home/business electrical devices  2122 . Thus, as the availability of DC power increases, blending module  2120  may reduce power consumption from grid  2118 . In the event of a local electric utility grid  2118  outage or disruption, transfer switch  2200  may be actuated, generator  2112  initiated, and air conditioning unit  2114  and/or local electric system  2122  may be powered by generator  2112  (e.g., 240 VAC fed directly to transfer switch  2200  and VDC power fed to air conditioner unit  2114 ). Further, DC power provided by solar energy device  2110  may be fed to air conditioning unit  2214  to reduce power reliance from generator  2112  and/or the local electric utility grid  2118 , thereby resulting in reduced fuel consumption by generator  2112  (e.g., matching engine speed to current draw). For example, DC power from DC energy device  2110  may be fed into the power system  2116 , and then the power system  2116  reduces or increases the speed of the generator  2112  based on the DC voltage and current of the DC energy device  2110 . When grid  2118  power is restored, generator  2112  may be shut down, and power usage/regulation may be returned to normal. 
       FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a functional air conditioning unit  2500  employing the energy allocation system  2000  according to the present disclosure. Functional unit  2500  is configured to be a unitary, self-contained air conditioning device that, in some embodiments, is configured to function as and/or replace a standard home/business air conditioning unit (e.g., such as an A/C unit placed outside the home). For example, in the illustrated embodiment,  2500  includes an enclosure  2502  housing an air conditioning fan  2504 , generator  2112 , an AC/DC interactive grid rectifier  2506 , a DC/AC interactive grid inverter  2508 , a DC compressor  2510 , a natural gas inlet  2512 , a refrigerant inlet  2514 , a refrigerant outlet (purge)  2516 , and a refrigerant coil radiator  2518 . Air conditioning unit  2500  may also include various components/circuitry associated with power system  2116  and/or blending module  2120  to facilitate power usage/delivery, monitoring and adjustment processes as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, unit  2500  consumes and provides power through existing utility lines of the home/business. Since generator  2112  is located inside of the enclosure  2502  or unit  2500 , existing AC power line infrastructure may be used to supply AC power to the unit  2500 . In the illustrated embodiment, unit  2500  includes an on-board, backup generator  2112  that may be powered using natural gas, propane or another type of fuel (e.g., via natural gas inlet  2512 ). Power system  2116  is connected to transfer switch  2200  to facilitate the supply of AC power to the local electrical system  2122  (e.g., in the event of a disruption of AC power from the local electric utility grid  2118  or otherwise). 
     Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air conditioning unit for producing air conditioning and generating power both together and separately. The generator  2112  provides backup power during power outages as well as supplemental power throughout the day. The blending module  2120  can split the generator head loads into AC and DC power allocations simultaneously, monitor rapid DC current fluctuations and compensate blending of DC and generator power. The system can produce generator power combined with photovoltaic, wind or another DC power to sustain the continuous operation of AC power for both on and off grid consumption. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     The block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures or corresponding description. For example, two blocks shown or described in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks/functions may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.