Domestic combined heat and power unit
US7459799B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/14
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A domestic combined heat and power (dchp) unit includes a Stirling engine 1 to provide heat for a domestic dwelling along with a source of electrical power. Under normal operation, the dchp is supplied with power from the national grid. When there is an interruption in the mains power from the grid, the dchp switches into a grid independent mode wherein power is generated by the dchp and is supplied to a controller 26 and to a water pump so as to maintain integrity of heat supply to the dwelling; the remaining power after that is supplied to selected domestic electrically powered equipment such as lights or television sets. The invention also discloses methods for black start of the dchp during a mains power loss, and also modification of the operating voltage on start up of electrical equipment during a power loss, to prevent the Stirling engine stalling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.