US6232679B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electricity generator and heat source for vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1999-10-05
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Granted: 2001-05-15
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Expires: 2019-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A combined heat and electricity generating unit is suitable for use in class 8 trucks and the like. When it is operating it provides heat for keeping the engine and cabin warm and electricity for use by the electricity consuming devices in the cabin. It is a closed cycle system that includes a radial inlet turbine driven by a low pressure vaporized and superheated working fluid, an oil fired heater for vaporizing the working fluid, a pump for pumping condensed working fluid, a heat exchanger for heating engine coolant with heat from the condensing working fluid and an electric generator for converting energy produced by the turbine to electricity.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Norton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:29
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01D; F01D15/00; F01D15/10; F01K; F01K25/00; F01K25/08; F01P; F01P2060/00; F01P2060/08; F01P2060/18; F01P2060/185; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E20/00; Y02E20/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A cogeneration system for providing heat and electric power to a vehicle such as a truck having an engine cooled by a liquid engine coolant when said engine is not operating comprising: a working fluid a turbine having a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet, an electric generator coupled with said turbine for being driven thereby, a fuel burning heater for vaporizing said working fluid for supplying vapor to said turbine inlet, a condenser for receiving spent said working fluid vapor from said turbine outlet and condensing it to be liquid working fluid, a first pump for pumping said liquid working fluid from said condenser to said heater be heated and vaporized, a second pump for pumping said engine coolant through said condenser for heating said coolant with heat from said spent working fluid vapor, and a control means for controlling said fuel burning heater, said first pump and said second pump to operate at certain times.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A cogeneration system for providing heat and electric power to a vehicle such as a truck having an engine cooled by a liquid engine coolant when said engine is not operating comprising: a working fluid a turbine having a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet, an electric generator coupled with said turbine for being driven thereby, a fuel burning heater for vaporizing said working fluid for supplying vapor to said turbine inlet, a condenser for receiving spent said working fluid vapor from said turbine outlet and condensing it to be liquid working fluid, a first pump for pumping said liquid working fluid from said condenser to said heater be heated and vaporized, a second pump for pumping said engine coolant through said condenser for heating said coolant with heat from said spent working fluid vapor, and a control means for controlling said fuel burning heater, said first pump and said second pump to operate at certain times.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as define d by claim 1 wherein: said heater comprises a catalytic combustor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said means for driving said first pump is an electric motor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said first pump is a gerotor pump.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said means for driving said second pump is an electric motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said second pump is a centrifugal pump.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said working fluid when vaporized and entering said turbine inlet is pressurized to a pressure below atmospheric pressure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said working fluid is decane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said working fluid is aniline.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said generator is a permanent magnet generator, and said control means also controls said generator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-05-14 | 2004-11-13 | 2005-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-14 | 2008-11-13 | 2009-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-14 | 2012-11-13 | 2013-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |