Load management auxiliary power system

Abstract

An auxiliary power system for trucks, the power system having a small diesel engine coupled to an air conditioner compressor and an automotive style alternator. During hot weather the auxiliary engine rotates the air conditioner compressor to provide cool air to the truck and electrical power to truck accessories by load management controls. When peak loads occur, the voltage is reduced into the field of the alternator allowing the small engine to simultaneously operate the air conditioning compressor. During cold weather the engine coolant is used to cool the auxiliary engine and is circulated through a heat exchanger for warming of the truck interior. Full capacity of the alternator is allowed, accommodating the higher amp draws typical of cold weather diesel operation.

1 . An auxiliary power system for use in trucks comprising: 
 an auxiliary engine for selectively providing power to an electrical generation system and an air conditioning system, said auxiliary engine being sized so that it is incapable of simultaneous operation of said air conditioning system and said electrical generation system to their respective full capacities;    a control relay/regulator for reducing electrical power supplied by said electrical generation system during simultaneous operation of said air conditioning system, whereby power supplied by said auxiliary engine is maximized.    
   
   
       2 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said auxiliary power system includes a heating system.  
   
   
       3 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 2  wherein said heating system includes a water cooled auxiliary engine, a water pump and a remotely mounted heat exchanger, wherein said heat exchanger is mounted within a truck cabin area to selectively provide heat thereto.  
   
   
       4 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 3  wherein said water pump is mechanically driven by said auxiliary engine.  
   
   
       5 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 3  wherein said water pump is electrically driven, wherein said electrically driven water pump may be selectively operated.  
   
   
       6 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said electrical generation system includes an alternator, wherein said alternator is operably coupled to said auxiliary engine for rotation thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 6  wherein said alternator is capable of producing about 120 amperes.  
   
   
       8 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 3  wherein said electrical generation system includes a generator, wherein said generator is operably coupled to said auxiliary engine for rotation thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 6  wherein said generator is capable of producing about 120 amperes.  
   
   
       10 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said control relay/regulator is externally mounted with respect to said alternator.  
   
   
       11 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said control relay/regulator is constructed and arranged to reduce electrical production of said electrical generation system by about one half during operation of said air conditioning system.  
   
   
       12 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 11  wherein said control relay/regulator is constructed and arranged to reduce electrical production of said electrical generation system from about 120 amperes to about 60 amperes during operation of said air conditioning system.  
   
   
       13 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 10  wherein said regulator is a microprocessor controlled voltage regulator equipped with a half power temperature control circuit.  
   
   
       14 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 13  wherein said regulator is a BALMAR model no. MC-612.  
   
   
       15 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 13  wherein said relay is connected between a positive terminal and a negative terminal provided with said temperature control circuit of said regulator, whereby closing said relay causes said regulator to reduce a field current within said alternator thereby reducing output of said alternator.  
   
   
       16 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said air conditioning system includes a compressor operably connected to said auxiliary engine for selective rotational operation.  
   
   
       17 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 16  wherein said compressor includes a magnetic clutch for selective operation of said compressor.  
   
   
       18 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said air conditioner compressor produces about 12,000 BTU and said auxiliary engine produces about four horsepower.  
   
   
       19 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 18  wherein said engine is a four HP KUBOTA EL 300 AR.  
   
   
       20 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  wherein said air conditioner compressor produces about 16,000 BTU and said auxiliary engine produces about seven horsepower.  
   
   
       21 . The auxiliary power unit according to  claim 20  wherein said engine is a seven HP KUBOTA EA 300 NB.  
   
   
       22 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 16  wherein said truck includes an air conditioning system, wherein said auxiliary air conditioning system is connected to utilize at least a portion of said truck's air conditioning system.  
   
   
       23 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 22  wherein said truck air conditioning system includes an accumulator, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a condenser, wherein said auxiliary air conditioning system utilizes said truck accumulator, expansion valve, evaporator and condenser.  
   
   
       24 . The auxiliary power system according to  claim 1  including an electrical inverter, wherein said electrical inverter is constructed and arranged to provide alternating electrical power for operation of truck accessories.