A power plant for generating electric power and pneumatic pressure includes an internal combustion engine, an electrical generator, and a compressor and pneumatic supply tanks. Both the electrical generator and the compressor are driven by the engine, however, the engine drive is so coupled and controlled that the engine drives the generator as its primary load, and the compressor as its secondary load and apportions the engine power between these units according to need. When the generator uses all the engine power, pneumatic power is supplied by the pneumatic supply tanks, permitting a smaller than normal drive engine. A quick start and quick kill mechanism is provided for the engine by using the air supply from the pneumatic supply tank and an air motor, and a time delay shut down relay when no power is being used. Also the generator can be used as an electric drive motor for the compressor in place of the internal combustion engine, where 110 volt power is available on the job site.
A self-contained, portable and fully integrated welder/generator and compressor unit including a housing sized to fit in the back of a pick-up truck, and an engine, an alternator and an air compressor arranged in alignment with one another within the housing. The engine drives the alternator directly, and a pulley arrangement is provided between a take-off shaft of the alternator to drive the compressor. The components within the housing are arranged to provide a storage space for welding tools, nail guns and the like and the like within the housing.
An electrical power source is described. The electrical power source derives input power from a compressed gas which is fed into a transducer, generating electrical power. The compressed gas may be delivered to the unit by several means including manual pumps, thermal, chemical, or ammunition based sources, or connection to pressurized canisters. Optional power converting and feedback circuits and pneumatic valves serve to convert the raw output power into useful AC and DC output voltages, and to match the rate of power delivery to the applied electrical load.
A machine including a fluid compressor; a generator; a prime mover operably connected to the compressor and the generator; a machine switching means for switching the machine to a first mode of machine operation where only the compressor is operable, to a second mode of machine operation where only the generator is operable, to third mode of machine operation where neither the compressor nor the generator are operable, or to a fourth mode of machine operation where both the compressor and generator are operable.
A portable power unit having an internal combustion engine, a tank for holding a supply of pressurized fluid, an electrical generator powered by the internal combustion engine, and a pump selectively powered by the internal combustion engine. An electro-magnetic clutch is energized by a pressure switch on the tank when the pressure in the tank falls below a predetermined value, and a cooling fan for the pump may also be energized by the pressure switch together with the clutch. A non-slip positive drive belt couples power from the engine to the generator. The generator is overdriven at a shaft rotation speed above that of the engine's shaft, and the pump is underdriven at a shaft rotation speed below that of the engine's shaft.
An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a reduced voltage motor starter, which transitions from a reduced voltage configuration to a full voltage configuration, to start a large horsepower electric motor for driving a machine.
