Domestic Electric Generator and Steam Heating Plant

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a means of utilizing generated BTUs in oil and natural gas heating systems and more particularly to the conversion of BTUs to steam in order to drive a turbine-powered electrical generator.

It is an object of this invention to increase the use of fuel being used in a heating plant.

Another object is to decrease the amount of electricity being purchased from local power companies.

Still another object is to effect a negative usage of electricity and, in effect, "sell" excess internally generated power back to the local power company.

The above objects are accomplished by providing a steam generating system and a turbine-powered electrical generator. Specifically, the system includes a boiler, that when heated to the proper temperature, produces steam of sufficient pressure to operate a turbine connected to an electrical generator. The generator output is fed into the building's electrical service panel either closing off the incoming circuit and achieving internal electrical self-sufficiency or leaving the incoming circuit open, also achieving internal electrical self-sufficiency, and feeding unused generated power back into the local power grid.

The attached drawing is a schematic representation of the system. While reading the following description, reference to the schematic will provide a clear understanding of the operation and advantages of the invention.

Referring to the schematic, a conventional hot air furnace 1 is seen. Upon demand for heat, a building thermostat closes and activates a furnace controller 2. The furnace controller then activates a burner 3.

When a plurality of baffle plates 4 are heated to the required temperature, a blower 5 starts, sending heated air into the building.

Operation of currently installed systems allows the venting of many BTUs out of a flue pipe 6.

A boiler 7 is inserted into a combustion chamber 8 of the furnace. The water in the boiler converts to steam and the steam travels through a pipe 9 and turns a turbine-powered/generator 10 (for example, ONAN Model 3PL3P). Spent steam leaves the turbine/generator unit through a pipe 11 and enters a heating coil 12 in the furnace plenum, thus utilizing additional BTUs by further heating the forced air entering the building.

The steam continues, through a pipe 13, into a condensate tank/reservoir 14, located in the cold air return duct, where steam recapture is accomplished and additional BTUs are returned to the furnace. Water level is maintained in the reservoir 14 by a conventional water level and temperature controller mechanisms indicated at 15 (for example, Honeywell Model L4006A1371 "Aquastat" controller). If the steam does not condense quickly enough, for example, to a maximum of 180.degree. F., the controller 15 also allows cooling water in via a supply pipe 16. Water in excess of reservoir needs is discharged through a cooling water drain 17.

When the water level falls, a controller 18 (for example, Flowswitch by McDonald-Miller Model FS 4-3) activates a pump 19 and restores the proper water level from condensate tank/reservoir 14. Water is maintained in the boiler 7 by a check valve 20. When a predetermined pressure, for example, 15 psi steam pressure, is achieved, a steam controller 21 opens burner control 2, and activates a starter motor on generator (not shown in schematic), leaving sufficient steam in the system to continue heating the building and to drive the turbine. When the steam pressure drops to a predetermined level, for example, 5 psi, the burner 3 is again activated through control 2 by controller 21 (for example, Honeywell Model L 404 F 1060).

When the generator output reaches 220 volts, an electrical distribution center 22 opens a utility company circuit 23 and closes a circuit 24, thus achieving electrical self-sufficiency in the building. A plurality of leads 25 carry generated electricity and power company electricity throughout the building. An optional plan would leave circuit 23 closed, allowing generated power to feed into the local area grid for negative power usage by the building.

When the building reaches a preset temperature, burner control 2 opens to shut down the system.

A typical operation of the invention will be seen from the description set out below.

Any building heating system that utilizes an open flame to heat air, wastes many BTUs by venting the combusion chamber to the flue. By inserting a small boiler 7, as seen in the schematic, over the open flame, steam will be produced therein without substantially effecting the designed efficiency of the furnace system. Sufficient steam pressure will be achieved to power a small turbine/generator unit capable of a 220 volt output. The generated power will be fed into the building electrical distribution center and will supply at least some of the electricity needs of the building.

The turbine/generator unit 10 will vary in size depending on building requirements. This will result also in system rated steam psi variances to accomodate larger or smaller units.

Since the system is closed, recovery of the steam must take place within the confines of the system. To this end, the steam will leave the turbine/generator unit 10 and enter the condensate heating coil 12 in the plenum of the furnace. This coil, in addition to starting the condensation of the steam, will add additional BTUs to the air passing by. Steam will continue on to the condensate tank/resorvoir 14, located in the cold air return duct, where final condensation will take place. Water level in the system will be maintained by the condensate pump 19.

There will be times when the system electrical production will exceed building requirements. At such times, the excess electricity will flow back into the local power grid. This will produce a cost recovery of electrical units previously consumed during system non-operation.

While the invention has been described, it will be understood that it is capable of still further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention, following in general the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as to come within knowledge or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth and falling within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.