MULTIPLE POWER SOURCE UNIT

摘要

A power unit including multiple generators supplies power to a load or loads that may be variable. The generators can differ, e.g., in generating capacities, rates at which their outputs can be changed, maintenance requirements, and/or different energy-conversion efficiencies. A control unit throttles the generators independently according to a digitally implemented algorithm that may, but need not, use the difference(s) in supplying power to the load. In some cases, the controller regulates monitored power delivered to the load or loads. A power combiner is connected to the outputs of the generators. If desired, a buffer can be used between the generators and the load or loads to provide energy storage that can allow for the load or loads to change at a faster rate than the generators are throttled and for peak loads that temporarily exceed the capacity of the generators.

主权项

1. A machine which independently and cooperatively throttles each of a plurality of generators in combinatively supplying electrical power to a load or loads, the machine comprising:
a plurality of generators, each of the generators having a capacity to produce electrical power, wherein
the generators are joined or interconnected together so as to operate as a single unit,the generators use an energy source to each produce the electrical power, andat least two of the generators are each comprised of a hot emitter and a photovoltaic cell that converts emitted radiation from the hot emitter into said electrical power; a power combiner located to deliver the electrical power from the generators to one or more loads; an energy buffer positioned between at least one of the generators and said one or more loads; and a controller configured to implement an algorithm which independently and cooperatively throttles each of the generators in combinatively supplying the electrical power to the load or the loads.