U.S. patent application number 12/316577 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for air flow arrangement for two diesel generator sets in shipping container.
Invention is credited to Kent A. Lobsiger.
Application Number | 20090194041 12/316577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40756049 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090194041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lobsiger; Kent A. |
August 6, 2009 |
Air flow arrangement for two diesel generator sets in shipping
container
Abstract
A system includes a shipping container having air inlets at each
end and an air outlet at a top and approximate center. The system
includes two engines positioned one on each side of a center
region, with two generators--each positioned between one of the
engines and an end of the container. The center region includes a
fuel tank and an air director. An air flow path on each side flows
air in the air inlet, over the generator, over the engine, through
an engine radiator, mixes the air with exhaust from the engine, and
flows out the air outlet. The system maximizes an exhaust flow path
length back to the air inlet to prevent exhaust gas recirculation.
The system further configures the exhaust air to be heated and
released at a higher location than the inlet to minimize potential
exhaust gas recirculation.
Inventors: |
Lobsiger; Kent A.;
(Nashville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRIEG DEVAULT LLP
ONE INDIANA SQUARE, SUITE 2800
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-2079
US
|
Family ID: |
40756049 |
Appl. No.: |
12/316577 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61007336 |
Dec 12, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
123/2 ;
290/1B |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02B 63/044 20130101;
F02M 35/10013 20130101; F02D 29/06 20130101; Y02T 10/12 20130101;
Y02T 10/16 20130101; F02M 35/165 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
123/2 ;
290/1.B |
International
Class: |
F02B 63/00 20060101
F02B063/00; H02K 7/18 20060101 H02K007/18 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a shipping container having air inlets at
a first end, air inlets at a second end, and at least one air
outlet at a top of the shipping container; a first engine
positioned between a center of the shipping container and the first
end, a second engine positioned between the center of the shipping
container and the second end; a first generator positioned between
the first engine and the first end, and a second generator
positioned between the second engine and the second end; and an air
director structured to contribute a vertical component to each of a
first exhaust stream and a second exhaust stream, and further
structured to direct the first exhaust stream and the second
exhaust stream through the at least one air outlet.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one air outlet is
positioned at an approximate center of the shipping container.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first air path
comprising a portion in thermal communication with the first
generator, and a portion in thermal communication with a first
engine radiator, wherein the first exhaust stream flows in the
first air path; and a second air path comprising a portion in
thermal communication with the second generator, and a portion in
thermal communication with a second engine radiator, wherein the
second exhaust stream flows in the second air path.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first air path further
comprises a portion receiving at least a portion of a first engine
exhaust and wherein the second air path further comprises a portion
receiving at least a portion of a second engine exhaust.
5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a first air movement
device that forces air through the first radiator and a second air
movement device that forces air through the second radiator.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first heat transfer
means that transfers thermal energy from the first generator to the
first air path; and a second heat transfer means that transfers
thermal energy from the second generator to the second air
path.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first air path further
comprises a portion receiving at least a portion of a first engine
exhaust and wherein the second air path further comprises a portion
receiving at least a portion of a second engine exhaust.
8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a first air movement
device that forces air through the first radiator and a second air
movement device that forces air through the second radiator.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the air director comprises a fuel
tank.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the air director comprises a
diagonal portion and a vertical portion.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the vertical portion includes a
portion of a fuel tank.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the shipping container is an
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard
shipping container.
13. A method, comprising: providing a shipping container having air
inlets at each end and at least one air outlet at a top and
approximate center of the shipping container; flowing a first air
stream through the shipping container, wherein the flowing the
first air stream includes, in order: contacting the first air
stream with a first generator, flowing the first air stream through
a first radiator thermally coupled to a first engine, impacting the
first air stream against an air director, and flowing the first air
stream vertically through the at least one air outlet; and flowing
a second air stream through the shipping container, wherein the
flowing the second air stream includes, in order: contacting the
second air stream with a second generator, flowing the second air
stream through a second radiator thermally coupled to a second
engine, impacting the second air stream against an air director,
and flowing the second air stream vertically through the at least
one air outlet.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising mixing the first air
stream with a first engine exhaust stream before the flowing the
first air stream vertically, and mixing the second air stream with
a second engine exhaust stream before the flowing the second air
stream vertically.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising pressurizing the
first air stream before flowing the first air stream through the
first radiator and pressurizing the second air stream before
flowing the second air stream through the second radiator.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing a shipping
container having air inlets at each end and at least one air outlet
at a top and approximate center of the shipping container includes
providing the air inlets vertically lower than the at least one air
outlet.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing a shipping
container having air inlets at each end and at least one air outlet
at a top and approximate center of the shipping container includes
providing the air inlets and the at least one air outlet such that
a smallest distance between the at least one air outlet and a
closest one of the air inlets is maximized.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the providing a shipping
container having air inlets at each end and at least one air outlet
at a top and approximate center of the shipping container includes
providing the air inlets and the at least one air outlet such that
a distance between the at least one air outlet and a closest one of
the air inlets is approximately equal.
19. A system, comprising: a standard International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) shipping container having air inlets at a
first end, air inlets at a second end, and an air outlet at a top
and approximate center of the shipping container; a first engine,
having a rating below 1200 horsepower (hp), positioned between a
center of the shipping container and the first end, a second
engine, having a rating below 1200 hp, positioned between the
center of the shipping container and the second end; a first
generator positioned between the first engine and the first end,
and a second generator positioned between the second engine and the
second end; and an air director structured to contribute a vertical
component to each of a first exhaust stream and a second exhaust
stream, and further structured to direct the first exhaust stream
and the second exhaust stream through the air outlet.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one of the air
inlets includes at least a portion on a side wall of the standard
ISO shipping container.
21. The system of claim 19, further comprising: a first air path
comprising a portion in thermal communication with the first
generator, and a portion in thermal communication with a first
engine radiator, wherein the first exhaust stream flows in the
first air path; and a second air path comprising a portion in
thermal communication with the second generator, and a portion in
thermal communication with a second engine radiator, wherein the
second exhaust stream flows in the second air path.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the first air path further
comprises a portion receiving at least a portion of a first engine
exhaust and wherein the second air path further comprises a portion
receiving at least a portion of a second engine exhaust.
23. The system of claim 21, further comprising a first air movement
device that forces air through the first radiator and a second air
movement device that forces air through the second radiator.
24. The system of claim 21, further comprising: a first heat
transfer means that transfers thermal energy from the first
generator to the first air path; and a second heat transfer means
that transfers thermal energy from the second generator to the
second air path.
25. The system of claim 21, wherein the first air path further
comprises a portion receiving at least a portion of a first engine
exhaust and wherein the second air path further comprises a portion
receiving at least a portion of a second engine exhaust.
26. The system of claim 21, further comprising a first air movement
device that forces air through the first radiator and a second air
movement device that forces air through the second radiator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 61/007,336 filed on Dec. 12,
2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to electric power systems, and
more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to the packaging of
generator sets (engine and generator) in standardized shipping
containers.
[0003] Several challenges arise when packaging two or more
generator sets within a single shipping container. Standard ISO
shipping containers are available in varying lengths including at
least 20 ft, 30 ft, 40 ft, 48 ft, and/or 53 ft. When generator sets
are packaged within standard containers, the optimum design is
complex due to space constraints, recycle of exhaust gas into the
intake, maximum regulated noise levels, ease of assembly and
service access, and providing maximum fuel storage within limited
space. Meeting all of the constraints is more difficult when
multiple generator sets are installed in the same shipping
container, and when the shipping container is standardized and
provides little design flexibility.
[0004] Thus, further contributions in this area of technology are
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0005] One embodiment is a unique system for installing multiple
generator sets in a standardized shipping container, while
minimizing external noise and exhaust recirculation issues. Other
embodiments include unique systems and methods to operate generator
sets in standard shipping containers. Further embodiments, forms,
objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become
apparent from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for
installing multiple generator sets.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air director.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container carrying a pair
of generator sets.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a partially diagrammatic, cutaway perspective view
of a container carrying a pair of generator sets.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view of a container carrying a pair of
generator sets.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a partially diagrammatic, top cutaway view of a
container carrying a pair of generator sets.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a partially diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of
a container carrying a pair of generator sets, consistent with a
cutaway taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of a container carrying a pair of
generator sets.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side view of a container carrying a pair of
generator sets, with a portion of the sidewall not shown.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a side view of a container carrying a pair of
generator sets, and is consistent with an opposite side view from
the side view illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a partially diagrammatic, side view of a
container carrying a pair of generator sets, and is consistent with
the side view of FIG. 10 with a portion of the sidewall not
shown.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of a procedure for
operating a pair of generator sets installed in a single shipping
container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the
described embodiments, and any further applications of the
principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as
would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
invention relates.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for
installing multiple generator sets 140, 142 in a standard shipping
container 102. In certain embodiments, the shipping container 102
is a standard sized International Organization of Standardization
(ISO) shipping container. In certain embodiments, the shipping
container 102 has a length of 20 ft, 30 ft, 40 ft, 48 ft, 53 ft, or
other length known in the art. The shipping container 102 includes
an air inlet 104 at a first end 108 and an air inlet 106 at a
second end 110 of the shipping container 102. The air inlets may be
screened or louvered, and may be at least partially defined through
a side wall of the shipping container (e.g. reference FIG. 3 and
related description). In the depicted embodiment, the system 100
includes an air outlet(s) 112 at a top of the shipping container
102. In some embodiments, the air outlet(s) 112 are screened or
louvered. In one variation of such embodiments, the air outlet(s)
112 include a coarse debris screen that allows air to exit the
shipping container 102 with minimal pressure drop, and the shipping
container 102 includes drain holes in a floor of the shipping
container 102 (not shown) such that precipitation entering the
shipping container 102 through the air outlet(s) 112 will not
collect in the shipping container 102, instead passing
therethrough.
[0020] The system 100 includes a first engine 126 positioned
between a longitudinal center 127 of the shipping container 102 and
the first end 108, and a second engine 130 positioned between the
longitudinal center 127 of the shipping container 102 and the
second end 106. System 100 further includes a first generator 124
positioned between the first engine 126 and the first end 108. The
first generator 124 is a unit that generates power for external
usage, storage, or for other purposes. The first generator 124
generates electric power having an AC or DC output type, and may
generate synchronous or asynchronous power. The system 100 further
includes a second generator 128 positioned between the second
engine 130 and the second end 110. In certain embodiments, the
positioning of the generators 124, 128 between the ends 108, 110
and the engines 126, 130 displaces the engines 126, 130 as far as
possible from the air inlets 104, 106 reducing the overall noise
generated by the system 100 and providing extra heat transfer
capability within the shipping container 102 to air inlet streams
120, 122. The first engine 126 coupled with the first generator 124
may be referred to as a first generator set 140, and the second
engine 130 coupled with the second generator 128 may be referred to
as a second generator set 142.
[0021] The system 100 further includes an air director 114 that
contributes a vertical component to each of a first exhaust stream
116 and a second exhaust stream 118, and directs the exhaust
streams 116, 118 through the air outlet(s) 112. In certain
embodiments, the air outlet(s) 112 are positioned at the
approximate center of the shipping container 102. Positioning at
the approximate center includes a position that intersects the
center 127, a position centralized around the center 127 but not
including the center 127 (e.g. two air outlets 112 close to the
center but spaced on each side of the center), positioning on the
shipping container 102 that is close to the center 127 but not
right on the center 127 (e.g. if some feature of the shipping
container 102 blocks a direct placement of the air outlet(s) 112 on
the center), or any other positioning on the shipping container 102
that is viewed as being centralized under the conditions present in
the particular embodiment of the system 100. In certain
embodiments, placement of the air outlet(s) 112 at the approximate
center of the shipping container 102 increases the exhaust flow
path length measured from the exit at the air outlet(s) 112 to the
entrance at the air inlets 104, 106, which helps reduce flow
recirculation of the exhaust streams 116, 118 to the inlet streams
120, 122.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the system 100 includes a first air
path 120 that includes a portion in thermal communication with the
first generator 124, a portion in thermal communication with a
first engine radiator 132, and the first exhaust stream 116 flows
in the first air path 120. Examples of thermal communication with
the first air path 120 include, without limitation, any
configuration wherein heat is exchanged between devices 124, 126,
132 and the first air path 120, including flow of the first air
path 120 over a device, over the device with heat exchange
enhancements (e.g. fins on the first generator 124), and/or flow
through a heat exchanger (not shown) structured to put the device
and the first air path 120 in thermal communication.
[0023] The system 100 includes a second air path 122 that includes
a portion in thermal communication with the second generator 128, a
portion in thermal communication with a second engine radiator 134,
and the second exhaust stream 118 flows in the second air path 122.
Examples of thermal communication with the second air path 122
include, without limitation, any configuration wherein heat is
exchanged between devices 128, 130, 134 and the second air path
122, including flow of the second air path 122 over a device, over
the device with heat exchange enhancements (e.g. fins on the second
generator 128), and/or flow through a heat exchanger (not shown)
structured to put the device and the second air path 122 in thermal
communication.
[0024] In certain embodiments, thermal communication between the
air paths 120, 122 and the devices 124, 132, 128, 134 and the
engines 126, 130 (via the radiators 132, 134) provides cooling to
the devices 124, 132, 128, 134 and the engines 126, 130 and
provides heat to the exhaust streams 116, 188 to assist in driving
exhaust exiting the air outlet(s) 112 vertically and away from
recirculation to the inlets 104, 106. The first air path 120 has a
portion receiving at least a portion of a first engine exhaust and
the second air path 122 has a portion receiving at least a portion
of a second engine exhaust. The engine exhausts may be mixed with
the air paths 120, 122 inside the shipping container 102, or
outside the shipping container 102, for example just above the air
outlet(s) 112.
[0025] The system 100 further includes a first air movement device
136 that forces air through the first radiator 132 and a second air
movement device 138 that forces air through the second radiator
134. The air movement devices 136, 138 can be fans, blowers, or any
other air flow generating or air movement device. In certain
embodiments, the air movement devices 136, 138 force air through
the radiators 132, 134 by pushing air, pulling air, or pressurizing
and releasing the air. The air movement devices 136, 138 may direct
the air paths 120, 122 at the air director 114 in a manner
favorable to generation of vertical flow of the exhaust exiting
through the air outlet(s) 112. Pressurizing, as used herein, can
mean increasing pressure and/or decreasing pressure depending upon
the specific embodiment of the system 100 and the movement device
136, 138 equipment utilized.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the air director 114 is a fuel tank,
a portion of a fuel tank, and/or a portion of the air director 114
includes at least a portion of a fuel tank--for an exemplary
embodiment of an air director reference FIG. 2 and the related
description. In the depicted embodiment, the air director 114
includes a diagonal portion and a vertical portion. In certain
embodiments, the air director 114 includes a curved surface (not
shown) that favorably directs the exhaust streams 116, 118 into a
vertical flow. In other embodiments, director 114 may be different
shaped, contoured, or the like; and/or may be remote from the fuel
tank.
[0027] Each generator set (i.e. the first set 140 and the second
set 142) is positioned in a separate, self-contained compartment
within the shipping container 102. As depicted, each generator set.
140, 142 is positioned with the "front" of the generator set 140,
142 facing to the approximate center 127 of the shipping container,
where the front of the generator set 140, 142 is considered the
engine-side 126, 130 of the generator set 140, 142. A fuel tank 114
is positioned between the generator sets 140, 142, and the
radiators 134, 138 exhaust into the space between the generator
sets 140, 142. In certain embodiments, the roof portion of the
shipping container 102 is removed above the exhaust area and fuel
tank 114.
[0028] The air flow paths 120, 122 follow a pattern such that cool
air is drawn from the outside area at each opposing end 108, 110 of
the shipping container 102 thru the air ducts 104, 106. The
generators 124, 128, the engines 126, 130, and radiators 132, 134,
transfer heat to air as if flows along the paths 120, 122. The
heated air is drawn into and discharged (under pressure) from one
or more axial or centrifugal fans 136, 138 before it is directed
horizontally at the air director 114 (inconsistent use of 114) and
deflected upwards thru the air outlet 112 of the roof. Further,
this heated discharge air may be mixed with heated combustion gas
from the engines 123, 130. Thus, the discharge air is heated (less
dense than surrounding air) and forcibly discharged from the air
outlet 112 in the center roof section of the shipping container 102
into the atmosphere above. This flow pattern can be exploited to
create a "chimney effect" (low pressure, where cool air enters the
air inlets 104, 106 and heated, pressurized air is discharged at
the air outlet 112 of the shipping container 102) which promotes
effective movement of hot air and combustion gas flow away from the
shipping container 102 ref. no. The chimney effect promotes
efficient cooling and performance of the generator sets 140, 142 by
reducing the risk of hot air and exhaust contaminants from
re-entering the shipping container 102.
[0029] In the depicted embodiment, two generator sets 140, 142 are
included in a shipping container 102 to develop a total needed
amount of power, In certain embodiments, the usage of two generator
sets 140, 142 allows the use of generator sets 140, 142 with lower
rated power settings than a single generator set would require, or
provides ready access to additional power when needed. In one
implementation, each generator set 140, 142 is rated less than 1200
peak horsepower (hp); however, other ratings may be employed in
different embodiments. The usage of lower rated power settings can
simplify the design of the system 100 in certain embodiments, for
example by allowing the use of standardized parts including
radiators, fans, turbochargers, and the like, rather than requiring
specially designed parts for generator sets having an unusually
high power rating.
[0030] While the above referenced embodiment was discussed relative
to using two generator sets 140, 142 within a container, it is
contemplated that the more than two generator sets 140, 142 could
be utilized. Further, while the arrangement focuses on a standard,
ISO container application, the inventive principles/aspects
described herein may be applied in connection with the container
types.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air director 114. The
air director 114 includes a diagonal portion 202 and a vertical
portion 204. In certain embodiments, the vertical portion 204
includes a part of a fuel tank 204. The fuel tank 204 may be
included as a part of the air director 114 as shown, or the fuel
tank 204 may comprise the entire air director 114. In certain
embodiments, the fuel tank 204 is equipped with a fueling access
point 206 that can be configured to be accessible from outside the
shipping container 102. The exhaust streams 116, 118 may be
directed at the air director 114 which turns the exhaust streams
116, 118 from a horizontal or partially horizontal stream
orientation to or nearly vertical stream orientation.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container 102 carrying a
pair of generator sets 140, 142. The view of FIG. 3 shows the air
inlets 104, 106, and illustrates an example pair of access doors
302 that can be used for maintenance and service for the engines
126, 130 and generators 124, 128. It should be appreciated that the
air inlets 104, 106 depicted in FIG. 3 are partially disposed on
the sidewalls 310 of the shipping container 102. In some
embodiments, the air inlets 104, 106 may be completely disposed at
the ends 108, 110 of the shipping container 102, for example as
depicted in FIG. 1. The view of FIG. 3 further shows a breaker box
access 306. In certain embodiments, a breaker box access 306 may be
included on each side of the shipping container 102, and in certain
embodiments, all electrical cables may be run to one end of the
shipping container 102 for access through a single breaker box
access 306. In certain embodiments, radiator fluid access points
304 are provided that allow checking and refilling of radiator 132,
134 levels without opening the shipping container 102. Referencing
FIG. 4, the view of FIG. 3 is shown with sidewalls 310 and the top
of the shipping container 102 cutaway.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a top view of the container 102 carrying a pair of
generator sets 140, 142. FIG. 6 is a top cutaway view of the
container 102 carrying a pair of generator sets 140, 142. The
shipping container 102 in FIG. 5 includes the air inlets 104, 106,
the air outlet 112, the air director 114, and radiator fluid access
points 304. The illustration of FIG. 5 shows a cross-section
reference line A-A. Referencing FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of
the container 102 carrying a pair of generator sets 140, 142,
consistent with a cutaway taken along line A-A of FIG. 5. FIG. 7
illustrates an embodiment having the first engine 126 and generator
124, the second engine 130 and generator 128, the air inlets 104,
106, the air divider 114, and the air outlet 112.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view of the container 102 carrying a pair
of generator sets 140, 142. The illustration of FIG. 8 includes the
breaker box access 306, and the access doors 302. FIG. 9 is a side
view of the container 102 carrying a pair of generator sets 140,
142 (ref no. ?) consistent with the illustration of FIG. 8, with a
portion of the sidewall 310 not shown.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a side view of the container 102 carrying a pair
of generator sets 140, 142 (ref no. ?), and is consistent with an
opposite side view from the side view illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG.
10 illustrates the fueling access point 206, and a fuel fill ladder
1002 allowing access to the fueling access point 206. The
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 further includes a roof access
ladder 1004. Referencing FIG. 11, a side view of the container 102
carrying a pair of generator sets 140, 142 is shown, and the
illustration of FIG. 11 is consistent with the side view of FIG. 10
with a portion of the sidewall 310 not shown.
[0036] The schematic flow diagram and related description which
follows provides an illustrative embodiment of performing
procedures for operating generator sets. Operations illustrated are
understood to be exemplary only, and operations may be combined or
divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or
part, unless stated explicitly to the contrary herein.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of a procedure 1200 for
operating a pair of generator sets installed in a single shipping
container, including, but not limited to, those described in
connection with FIGS. 1-11. The procedure 1200 includes an
operation 1202 to provide a shipping container having air inlets at
each end and at least one air outlet at a top center of the
shipping container, and an operation 1204 to flow a first air
stream through the shipping container. The operation 1204 includes,
in order: contacting the first air stream with a first generator
and flowing the first air stream through a first radiator thermally
coupled to a first engine. The procedure 1200 includes an operation
1206 to flow a second air stream through the shipping container.
The operation 1206 includes, in order: contacting the second air
stream with a second generator and flowing the second air stream
through a second radiator thermally coupled to a second engine.
[0038] The procedure 1200 includes an operation 1208 of mixing the
first air stream with a first engine exhaust stream and mixing the
second air stream with a second engine exhaust stream. The
procedure 1210 further includes impacting the first air stream and
the second air stream against an air director, and flowing the
first air stream and the second air stream vertically through the
air outlet(s). The procedure 1200 includes an operation 1212 to
pressurize the first air stream before flowing the first air stream
through the first radiator and to pressurize the second air stream
before flowing the second air stream through the second
radiator.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the operation 1202 of providing the
shipping container further includes providing a shipping container
having air inlets at each end, and the air inlets vertically lower
than the air outlet(s). In certain embodiments, the operation 1202
of providing the shipping container further includes providing the
air inlets at each end and configuring the air inlets and the air
outlet(s) such that the smallest distance between a closest air
inlet and air outlet is maximized. In certain embodiments, the
operation 1202 of providing the shipping container further includes
providing the air inlets at each end and configuring the air inlets
and the air outlet(s) such that the distance between a closest air
inlet and the air outlet(s) is approximately equal. Approximately
equal in the present context indicates that within the design
constraints of the system, a distance between a closest air inlet
and the air outlet(s) is about the same for each closest air inlet
to an air outlet path. In certain embodiments, approximately equal
comprises distances that differ within about a width of the
shipping container or less. In certain embodiments, the distances
are not approximately equal. In certain embodiments, the distance
between an air outlet and an air inlet is measured geometrically
(e.g. along a surface tracing of the shipping container), but may
be measured through any other means including at least a likely air
flow path.
[0040] Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated
herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present
invention and is not intended to make the present invention in any
way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or
finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word
preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above
indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it
nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same
may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, that
scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the
claims it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least
one," "at least a portion" are used there is no intention to limit
the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the
contrary in the claim. Further, when the language "at least a
portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item may include a portion
and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in
the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the selected embodiments have been shown
and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents
that come within the spirit of the invention as defined herein or
by any of the following claims are desired to be protected.
[0041] Many different embodiments of the present invention are
envisioned.
[0042] One exemplary embodiment is a system including a shipping
container having air inlets at a first end, air inlets at a second
end, and at least one air outlet at a top of the shipping
container. The system further includes a first engine positioned
between a center of the shipping container and the first end, a
second engine positioned between the center of the shipping
container and the second end, a first generator positioned between
the first engine and the first end, and a second generator
positioned between the second engine and the second end. The system
further includes an air director structured to contribute a
vertical component to each of a first exhaust stream and a second
exhaust stream, and further structured to direct the first exhaust
stream and the second exhaust stream through the at least one air
outlet.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the air outlet is positioned at a
center of the shipping container. In certain embodiments, the
system includes a first air path including a portion in thermal
communication with the first generator, and a portion in thermal
communication with a first engine radiator. The first exhaust
stream flows in the first air path. In certain embodiments, the
system includes a second air path including a portion in thermal
communication with the second generator, and a portion in thermal
communication with a second engine radiator. The second exhaust
stream flows in the second air path. In certain embodiments, the
first air path further includes a portion receiving at least a
portion of a first engine exhaust and the second air path further
includes a portion receiving at least a portion of a second engine
exhaust.
[0044] Alternatively or additionally, in still other embodiments,
the system includes a first air movement device that forces air
through the first radiator and a second air movement device that
forces air through the second radiator. The system further
includes, in certain embodiments, the air director including a fuel
tank. In certain embodiments, the air director includes a diagonal
portion and a vertical portion, and in certain further embodiments
the vertical portion includes a portion of the fuel tank. In
certain embodiments, the shipping container is an International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard shipping
container.
[0045] One further exemplary embodiment is a system including a
standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
shipping container having air inlets at a first end, air inlets at
a second end, and an air outlet at a center top of the shipping
container. In certain embodiments, the system includes a first
engine, having a rating below 1200 horsepower (hp), positioned
between a center of the shipping container and the first end, and a
second engine, having a rating below 1200 hp, positioned between
the center of the shipping container and the second end. In certain
further embodiments, a first generator is positioned between the
first engine and the first end, and a second generator is
positioned between the second engine and the second end. In certain
embodiments, an air director contributes a vertical component to
each of a first exhaust stream and a second exhaust stream, and the
air director directs the first exhaust stream and the second
exhaust stream through the air outlet.
[0046] In yet other embodiments, at least one of the air inlets is
at least partially positioned on a side wall of the standard ISO
shipping container. In certain embodiments, the system includes a
first air path having a portion in thermal communication with the
first generator, and a portion in thermal communication with a
first engine radiator, where the first exhaust stream flows in the
first air path. In certain embodiments, the system includes a
second air path having a portion in thermal communication with the
second generator, and a portion in thermal communication with a
second engine radiator, where the second exhaust stream flows in
the second air path. In certain embodiments, the first air path
further includes a portion receiving at least a portion of a first
engine exhaust and the second air path further includes a portion
receiving at least a portion of a second engine exhaust. In certain
embodiments, the system further includes an air movement device
that forces air through the first radiator and a second air
movement device that forces air through the second radiator.
[0047] One other exemplary embodiment is a method including
providing a shipping container having air inlets at each end and at
least one air outlet at a top center of the shipping container. The
method further includes flowing a first air stream through the
shipping container, where the flowing the first air stream
includes, in order: contacting the first air stream with a first
generator, flowing the first air stream through a first radiator
thermally coupled to a first engine, impacting the first air stream
against an air director, and flowing the first air stream
vertically through the at least one air outlet. The method further
includes flowing a second air stream through the shipping
container, where the flowing the second air stream includes, in
order: contacting the second air stream with a second generator,
flowing the second air stream through a second radiator thermally
coupled to a second engine, impacting the second air stream against
an air director, and flowing the second air stream vertically
through the at least one air outlet.
[0048] In further embodiments, the method further includes mixing
the first air stream with a first engine exhaust stream before the
flowing the first air stream vertically, and mixing the second air
stream with a second engine exhaust stream before the flowing the
second air stream vertically. In certain embodiments, the method
further includes pressurizing the first air stream before flowing
the first air stream through the first radiator and pressurizing
the second air stream before flowing the second air stream through
the second radiator. In certain embodiments of the method,
providing a shipping container having air inlets at each end and at
least one air outlet at a top center of the shipping container
includes providing the air inlets vertically lower than the air
outlet(s). In certain embodiments, providing a shipping container
having air inlets at each end and at least one air outlet at a top
center of the shipping container includes providing the air inlets
and the air outlet(s) such that a smallest distance between the air
outlet(s) and a closest one of the air inlets is maximized. In
certain embodiments, providing a shipping container having air
inlets at each end and at least one air outlet at a top center of
the shipping container includes providing the air inlets and the
air outlet(s) such that a distance between the air outlet(s) and a
closest one of the air inlets is approximately equal.
[0049] In yet another example, a system comprises a shipping
container defining at least a first compartment and a second
compartment; a first generator set positioned within the first
compartment and extending between a front end and a rear end, the
first generator set including a first engine and a first generator;
a second generator set positioned within the second compartment and
extending between a front end and a rear end, the second generator
set including a second engine and a second generator; wherein the
first generator set and the second generator set are positioned
within the respective first and second compartments such that the
front end of the first generator set faces towards the front end of
the second generator set. In one form of this system, the shipping
container is of an ISO type and includes a third compartment
positioned between the first and second generator sets.
Alternatively or additionally, the system further comprises a fuel
tank positioned within the third compartment, the front end of each
of the first generator set and the second generator set is the end
of the generator set nearest the end of an engine crank shaft that
is not driving the generator, and/or the system further comprises a
plurality of air ducts coupled to each of a first end and a second
end of the ISO shipping container.
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