Patent Publication Number: US-2011050018-A1

Title: Self sustaining generator system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a generator system and more particularly to a system which is used for generating power without the use of fossil fuels. Energy conservation is very important and of the utmost concern in today&#39;s society. This of course is because of the problems created because of society&#39;s ever growing seemingly unhealthy dependence on petroleum products. This is true even in the field of electric power generation and specifically with smaller systems such as generators. A good number of generators used today are those that require the use of fossil fuels such as, for example, petroleum products. These are generally high in fuel consumption, that is, they are not very fuel efficient. This of course can be very costly with the fluctuating cost of fuel. Additionally, these generators can have a deleterious effect on the environment. 
     Accordingly there have been a number of attempts to eliminate these concerns by designing more fuel efficient generators. Even this solution is still less than ideal because the generators still require the use of petroleum products. 
     Although there are a number of different generator arrangements there is an ongoing need to improve the generators and their efficiency as well as the need to minimize cost, complexity and the adverse effects on the environment. One way to address this need is to provide for a generator system that does not require the use of fossil fuels. This of course can minimize cost and complexity. Additionally, the concern for cost can be addressed by implementing a system having a self sustaining component. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Attempts have been made to provide generators that require no petroleum products. One such device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,110. This invention relates to a portable generator having a thyristor-based rectifier circuit and inverter circuit. The portable generator of this invention is a small generator for generating a single-phase AC voltage under PWN control which is subject to output fluctuations under a heavy load. The intention of this invention is to provide a portable generator which reduces the voltage fluctuation by rectifying an Ac voltage generated by an AC generator with a DC voltage generating circuit using a thyristor to charge a DC-power source unit and convert the output voltage of the DC power source unit with an inverter circuit. The inverter converts the DC voltage of the DC power source into a single-phase AC voltage to be supplied to the portable generator. The portable generator is also provided with a constant voltage control unit which effects control to keep the DC voltage of the DC power-source unit substantially constant by detecting the voltage of the DC power source unit, and controlling the continuity angle of the thyristors in the DC power source unit. Although devices such as these may achieve one of the desired result that is the elimination of the use of petroleum products, these arrangements may still be somewhat expensive because of the system complexity and because the system does not have a self sustaining component. 
     Another apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,095,126. This patent discloses an internal energy generating power source. The power source of this invention includes a battery which is used to initially supply power to an alternator and generator. Once the system is started the battery can be disconnected. The alternator and electric motor operate in combination to generate electrical power. The alternator supplies power to two inverters. One inverter output supplies part of its power to a lamp load device and part of its power to the electric motor/generator. The second inverter supplies power to the specific load devices that are connected to the system. This system does eliminate the use of petroleum products thus minimizing the adverse effects on the environment and to some extent it reduces cost. However although this system appears to have a self sustaining component a more efficient and cost effective system is desirable. 
     Therefore there is an ongoing need for a generator system that is petroleum free, uncomplicated, and cost effective while also being a self sustaining system. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     A self sustaining generator system is provided. The generator system of this invention includes a means for generating a direct current source of power. The direct current power source generating means is coupled through an output thereof to a means for converting the direct current power generated thereby to an alternating power source. The generator of this invention is also provided with a means for amplifying the alternating current power source. A generator is provided which is activated by the amplifying means. The generator provides a first predetermined power output for supplying power to external components and a second predetermined power output which is feedback to the direct current source generating means. This allows the direct current source generating means to be charged constantly so that the generator system is self sustaining. That is, the system can be sustained without any external power source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The details of the invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a self sustaining power generator system in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a self sustaining generator system is shown, generally designated, by the numeral,  10 . The generator system  10  includes a battery  12  which provides a direct current power source that is electrically coupled to an inverter  14 . The battery  12  supplies the initial power to the system to initiate operation of the inverter  14 . The inverter  14 , converts the direct current power source from the battery  12  to an alternating current power source. The alternating current power source from the inverter  14  supplies power to an electric motor  16 . The electric motor  16  amplifies or steps up the alternating current power from the inverter  14  thereby providing an amplified alternating current power source at an output thereof. The electric motor  16  supplies power to an electric generator  18 . The generator  18  provides a plurality of first predetermined power outputs at output terminals  20  thereof. The generator  18  is also provided with another output  22 . The output  22  provides an output signal which is feedback to the battery  12 . This signal provides a constant source of power to the battery  12  thereby allowing the battery to be continually charged. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when in use the generator system  10  is initiated by activation of the battery  12 . Once activated the battery  12  supplies power to the inverter  14  which in turn starts the electric motor  16 . Once the electric motor  16  is operational, the power generated by the electric motor is used to activate the generator  18 . Upon activation of the generator  18  power is provided at the output terminals  20  to facilitate what ever external electrical operation is desired. The output  22  of the generator  18  feeds an output signal back to the battery  12 . This is a key aspect of the present invention because the feedback signal from the generator  18 , to the battery  12  provides a source of available power internal to the generator system  10  to constantly charge the battery. This of course provides the self sustaining component of the system that enables it to continually generate while in use. 
     The power output of the generator system  10  can vary depending on the predetermined output requirements of the generation system  10 . This of course is ultimately determined by the specifications of the battery  12 , inverter  14 , motor  16  and generator  18  which can all be tailored to fit the desired system. 
     The invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. However, it should be recognized that changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.