Generating set

Abstract

 In a generating set (1) equipped with a casing (3) consisting of a plurality of panels (4), an internal combustion engine (5) and an alternator (6), the panels (4) define a box-shaped frame (7) that mounts the generating set (1) itself.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a generating set.

[0002] As is known, generating sets are used to produce electricity in places which are not reached by a distribution network or in emergency situations to compensate for temporary malfunctioning of the network.

[0003] Generating sets comprise a mounting frame, an internal combustion engine, an alternator and an electrical system for connection to the load. Usually, the engine has a manual or electric starter, or is started automatically in the event of a power failure, the alternator is of the synchronous type and the electrical system is provided with thermal, magnetothermal and differential devices to protect the load against overloads and short circuits.

[0004] The engine and alternator mounting frame usually consists of a plurality of tubular elements welded to each other to form a cage-like structure.

[0005] In some applications, for example, industrial and marine generating sets, the engine, alternator and electrical system are enclosed in a casing to protect them against corrosive agents in the surrounding environment. The casing usually consists of a plurality of panels screwed to the mounting frame during the final stages of assembling the generating set.

[0006] It is obvious, however, that assembling these protective panels increases productions costs both in terms of raw materials and labour.

[0007] This invention has for an aim to provide a generating set whose engine, alternator and electrical system are protected against external corrosive agents and which is relatively simple and inexpensive to make.

[0008] The invention accordingly provides a generating set comprising the characteristics defined in any of the appended claims.

[0009] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is an exploded view, with some parts not illustrated for clarity, of a generating set according to the invention;
• Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the components of Figure 1 in the assembled condition;
• Figure 4 is a front view of the generating set of Figure 1 in its entirety; and
• Figure 5 is a perspective view, with some parts not illustrated for clarity, of two generating sets like the one of Figure 1, mounted one on top of the other.

[0010] The numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings denotes a generating set comprising an electrical system 2 for connection to the load, a casing 3 consisting of a plurality of panels 4, and, mounted inside the casing 3, an internal combustion engine 5 and an alternator 6.

[0011] The panels 4 define a box-shaped frame 7 mounting the generating set 1 and having two open lateral faces 8, a base 9, two side walls 10 extending from the base 9, and a top 11 extending between the side walls 10. The top 11 has two handles 12 fixed to it.

[0012] The handles 12 are designed primarily for carrying the generating set 1 but also to allow the box-shaped frame 7 to be stacked on another box-shaped frame 7 substantially identical to it (Figure 5).

[0013] The panels 4 are provided with holes 13 affording means for fitting the panels to each other and for supporting the engine 5, the alternator 6 and a terminal board 14 forming part of the electrical system 2. More specifically, the panels 4 are assembled by means of matching profiles and screws. The panels 4 are also provided with openings 15 to facilitate cooling of and/or access to the engine 5 and alternator 6, it being understood, however, that in the case of a generating set 1 for marine applications, the openings 15 and the open faces 8 may be reduced in size and/or missing altogether.

[0014] The frame 7 described above has no welds in it, thus making it easy, quick and inexpensive to make. Another advantage of the generating set 1 as a whole is that its mounting structure, comprised of the frame 7, is stackable and can be at least partly pre-assembled and stored, with the engine 5 and/or the alternator 6 and/or the terminal board 14 or at least part of the electrical system 2 already fitted. The panels 4 can also be individually pre-assembled with the related components so they are ready in store when required. This is made possible by the fact that the panels 4 are interchangeable, that is to say, one panel 4 can be easily substituted with an identical panel 4 mounting a different component, or with a panel 4 differing from it only in the openings 15, offering obvious advantages in terms of versatility and re-configurability of products in stock.

[0015] Obviously, the edges made by the panels 4 and, more precisely, those made by the base 9 with the two side walls 10 extending from the base 9, and those made by the side walls 10 with each other and with the top 11 extending between the side walls 10, may be rounded or chamfered, unlike those illustrated in the drawings, in order to make it easier to handle the sides of the box-shaped frames 7.

Claims

1. A generating set comprising an electrical system (2) for connection to the load, a casing (3) consisting of a plurality of panels (4), and, mounted inside the casing (3), an internal combustion engine (5) and an alternator (6), the generating set (1) being characterised in that the panels (4) define a box-shaped frame (7) mounting the generating set (1) itself.

2. The generating set according to claim 1, characterised in that the panels (4) define a box-shaped mounting frame (7) having at least one open face (8).

3. The generating set according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the panels (4) define a box-shaped mounting frame (7) having a base (9), at least two side walls (10) extending from the base (9), and a top (11) extending between the side walls (10).

4. The generating set according to claim 3, characterised in that it comprises two handles (12) fixed to the top (11).

5. The generating set according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 4, characterised in that the panels (4) are provided with holes (13) affording means for fitting the panels to each other and for supporting the engine (5) and/or the alternator (6).

6. The generating set according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 5, characterised in that the panels (4) are provided with openings (15) to facilitate cooling of and/or access to the engine (5) and/or the alternator (6).

7. The generating set according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 6, characterised in that the panels (4) are assembled by means of matching profiles and/or screw fastening means.

8. The generating set according to any of the foregoing claims from 1 to 7, characterised in that the box-shaped frame (7) can be stacked on another box-shaped frame (7) substantially identical to it.

9. A generating set comprising an electrical system (2) for connection to the load, a casing (3) consisting of a plurality of panels (4), and, mounted inside the casing (3), an internal combustion engine (5) and an alternator (6), the generating set (1) being characterised in that the panels (4) define a box-shaped frame (7) mounting the generating set (1) itself; the box shaped mounting frame (7) having at least one open face (8), a base (9), at least two side walls (10) extending from the base (9), and a top (11) extending between the side walls (10); the generating set (1) further comprising two handles (12) fixed to the top (11); the panels (4) being provided with holes (13) that afford means for fitting the panels to each other and for supporting the engine (5) and/or the alternator (6) and with openings (15) to facilitate cooling of and/or access to the engine (5) and/or alternator (6); the panels (4) being, further, assembled by means of matching profiles and/or screw fastening means; and the box-shaped mounting frame (7) being stackable on another box-shaped frame (7) substantially identical to it.

Drawing