Engine-generator set

Abstract

A generator support plenum and engine-generator set for installation on a pickup truck in an RV or on a boat, for example, sits in or under or forms a part of an enclosure for the engine-generator set and defines cool air flow paths into the set for cooling the engine and generator and aspirating the engine. The plenum also defines a warm air outlet duct for escape of the cooling air. In the outlet duct a diffuser couples to the exhaust of the engine to mix hot exhaust with the much cooler escaping cooling air that has passed over the engine and generator. The diffuser eliminates the effect of the extreme hot exhaust gas and muffles the engine sound. Insulation coating the internal surfaces of the plenum further suppresses engine noise.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . An engine-generator set installation including:
 (a) a plenum supporting the engine-generator set;   (b) air flow means within the plenum including:
 (i) means for directing cool air from atmosphere to the engine-generator set for cooling and combustion; and 
 (ii) means for directing warm cooling air away form the engine generator to atmosphere. 
   
   
   
       22 . The engine-generator set installation according to  claim 21 , further comprising diffuser means combined with the means for directing warm cooling air to admit hot engine exhaust with cooler escaping cooling air. 
   
   
       23 . The engine-generator set installation according to  claim 22 , further including an enclosure defining a location for the engine-generator set within, the means for directing cool air and the means for directing warm cooling air being in communication with the location for the engine-generator set within the enclosure. 
   
   
       24 . The engine-generator set installation according to  claim 23 , wherein the plenum is within the enclosure, and the means for directing cool air and the means for directing warm cooling air communicate to atmosphere through openings through the enclosure. 
   
   
       25 . The engine-generator set installation according to  claim 23 , wherein the plenum is external to the enclosure, and the means for directing cool air and the means for directing warm cooling air communicate to the location of the engine-generator set within the enclosure through openings in the enclosure. 
   
   
       26 . The engine-generator set installation according to  claim 25 , wherein the enclosure is supported by the plenum. 
   
   
       27 . A method of cooling and aspirating an engine-generator set comprising:
 (a) supporting the engine generator set on a plenum;   (b) directing cooling air through the plenum to the engine-generator set to cool the engine and generator of the set and to aspirate the engine thereof;   (c) directing warm cooling air through the plenum away from the engine-generator set to atmosphere; and   (d) mixing hot exhaust from the engine with the warm cooling air within the plenum.