Control of power generation system having thermal energy and thermodynamic engine components
US8224495B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2196
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermal source provides heat to a heat engine and or one or more thermal demands, including space and water heating and heat storage. Additionally the output of the heat engine may be used for local in situ electricity needs, or directed out over the grid. A system controller monitors conditions of the components of the system, and operates that system in modes that maximize a particular benefit, such as a total accrued desired benefit obtained such as reduced electricity cost, reduced fossil fuel use, maximized return on investment and other factors. The controller may use past history of use of the system to optimize the next mode of operation, or both past and future events such as predicted solar insolation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.