FLEXIBLE DRIVETRAIN FOR MOBILE GENERATOR
A mobile generator includes an engine and an alternator separately mounted on a substantially planar mounting surface, with a flexible drivetrain configured to transmit torque from the engine to the alternator. The flexible drivetrain, which may comprise a universal joint, allows the mobile generator to be transported without the need for re-alignment between the engine and alternator after the generator has reached its destination.
1 . A mobile generator comprising:
a vehicle comprising a substantially planar mounting surface;
an engine mounted on the mounting surface;
an alternator mounted on the mounting surface separate from the engine; and
a flexible drivetrain configured to transmit torque from the engine to the alternator.
2 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , wherein the flexible drivetrain comprises a universal joint.
3 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , wherein the flexible drivetrain comprises a constant-velocity joint.
4 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , wherein the flexible drivetrain comprises a double Cardan joint.
5 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , further comprising a gearbox disposed between the engine and the alternator, such that torque is transmitted from the engine to the gearbox and from the gearbox to the alternator.
6 . The mobile generator of claim 5 , wherein the gearbox is mounted on the mounting surface separate from the engine and alternator, and wherein the engine is connected to the gearbox by a rigid coupling.
7 . The mobile generator of claim 5 , wherein the gearbox is mounted on the mounting surface separate from the engine and alternator, and wherein the gearbox is connected to the alternator by a rigid coupling.
8 . The mobile generator of claim 5 , wherein the gearbox is mounted to the engine.
9 . The mobile generator of claim 5 , wherein the gearbox is mounted to the alternator.
10 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rubber mounting elements disposed between the engine and the mounting surface.
11 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , wherein the rated power of the engine is greater than 2.5 megawatts.
12 . The mobile generator of claim 5 , wherein the generator is configured to output electricity at a frequency of 60 hertz.
13 . The mobile generator of claim 12 , wherein the engine is configured to operate at 1500 RPM.
14 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle further comprises one or more axles and the engine is mounted on a portion of the surface substantially above one of said axles.
15 . The mobile generator of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle further comprises one or more axles and the alternator is mounted on a portion of the surface substantially above one of said axles.