An external power source such as a battery is used to initially supply power to start an alternator and generator. Once the system has started it is not necessary for the battery to supply power to the system. The battery can then be disconnected. The alternator and electric motor work in combination to generator electrical power. The alternator supplies this electrical power to the two inverters. One inverter outputs part of its power to the lamp load device and part back to the electric motor/generator. This power is used to power the electric motor. The second inverter supplies power to the specific load devices that are connected to the system.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to and claims priority from provisional patent application No. 60/576,437 filed on Jun. 3, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
A power distribution system for retrofitting to a household or other building. The power distribution system includes a means for supplying energy to the power distribution system for an indeterminate period of time. The power distribution system further comprises a means for converting the energy supplied to the power distribution system into motion. A generator is operatively connected to the energy converting means and converts the motion produced by the energy converting means into an electric current. The electric current produced by the generator is used to power a high-load circuit. An alternator is also operatively connected to the energy converting means. The alternator is configured to convert the motion produced by the energy converting means into another electric current. The alternator transmits this electric current to a bank of batteries which stores the charge. An inverter is electrically connected to the bank of batteries and transmits an electric current from the bank of batteries to a low-load circuit.
A power distribution system for retrofitting to households and other buildings. The power distribution system includes a means for supplying energy to the power distribution system for an indeterminate period of time. The power distribution system further comprises a means for converting the energy supplied to the power distribution system into motion. A generator is operatively connected to the energy converting means and converts the motion produced by the energy converting means into an electric current. The electric current produced by the generator is used to power a high-load circuit. An alternator is also operatively connected to the energy converting means. The alternator is configured to convert the motion produced by the energy converting means into another electric current. The alternator transmits this electric current to a bank of batteries which stores the charge. An inverter is electrically connected to the bank of batteries and transmits an electric current from the bank of batteries to a low-load circuit.
In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing operating power to a complementary device to an induction device based uninterruptible power source (UPS) via a direct current (dc) bus. In one embodiment, the UPS includes a flywheel that stores kinetic energy during conventional operating conditions, e.g., external power is available. During such operating condition, the external power operates the induction device as an induction motor. However, when external power is lost, i.e., a transient operating condition, power conversion circuitry of the UPS provides ac power to the induction device such that the induction device operates above its synchronous speed and, as such, acts as an induction generator. However to improve the operating of the exemplary UPS, it includes second power conversion circuitry that converts both generated and received power to a power level that is desirable to complementary device cooperating with the induction device.
