Gas compressor dual drive mechanism

Abstract

A dual drive mechanism for a gas compressor includes a pulley and belt drive system to provide power to a gas compressor using either an electric motor or a reciprocating engine. The source of the power can be chosen by the operator of the system depending on a number of variables, including the cost of electric power.

1 . In a dual-drive system for operating a natural gas compressor using a natural gas engine, an electric motor, or both to redundantly and alternatively drive the natural gas compressor, the improvement comprising: retro-fitting a pre-existing natural gas compression system that includes a natural gas engine and a natural gas compressor operably connected to each other by a main drive shaft, said retro-fitting being effected by providing an electric motor operably connected to a second drive shaft and means to operably connect said second drive shaft to the main drive shaft so that the electric motor can drive the natural gas compressor.  
   
   
       2 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein the means to operably connect said second drive shaft to the main drive shaft is a pulley and belt drive system.  
   
   
       3 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein the main and second drives share load.