NRG Energy has been granted a patent for a generator set system that includes a primary module with an engine and generator, and a secondary module with various components such as a heat recovery module or a solar power module. The system also features automatic electrical or fluidic coupling between the modules upon assembly. The primary frame conforms to a standard intermodal shipping container size, and the couplings are designed for easy electrical connection. GlobalData’s report on NRG Energy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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Generator set system with automatic coupling between primary and secondary modules
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11746692B2) describes a generator set system that includes a primary module and a secondary module. The primary module consists of an engine, a generator, and a primary frame that conforms to the size of a standard intermodal shipping container. The secondary module can be any one of several components such as a heat recovery module, an exhaust module, a cooling system module, a fuel system module, a solar power module, a battery module, an electrical system module, an air intake module, or an air outlet module.
The primary and secondary modules are designed to automatically couple electrically or fluidically when assembled. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling on the primary module and a second coupling on the secondary module. These couplings are positioned in such a way that they engage with each other upon assembly. In the case of electrical coupling, one coupling has a male connector while the other has a female connector, and they engage in a spring-loaded fit to establish an electrical connection. Alternatively, they can engage in a friction fit or lock to each other upon coupling.
The generator set system can also include fluid couplings, such as for fuel lines, exhaust conduits, heat exchanger working fluid lines, or air conduits. These fluid couplings are designed to automatically couple upon assembly and may include sealing features to ensure a fluid-tight connection.
The primary frame of the generator set system is constructed with eight beams and heavy-duty castings at each corner. The beams include bottom and top side rails, a front top rail, a back top rail, a front sill, and a rear sill. This design provides structural support for the engine and generator.
The patent also describes a method for assembling the primary and secondary modules of the generator set system. Upon assembly, the first and second couplings automatically establish electrical or fluidic connections between the modules. The method follows the same principles as described for the system.
Overall, this patent presents a generator set system with a modular design that allows for easy assembly and automatic coupling of primary and secondary modules. The system can be used in various applications, including power generation, heat recovery, and solar power generation.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
