Fuel tank design for engine-driven generator

Abstract

A fuel tank assembly for supplying fuel to an engine that drives an electric generator. The fuel tank assembly is incorporated in a power generation system comprising an internal combustion engine; an electric generator driven by the engine; and a support frame for supporting the engine, the fuel tank assembly and the generator. The fuel tank is supported at an elevation above the engine and is not mounted to the engine. One embodiment of the fuel tank assembly comprises a rotomolded plastic fuel tank having a lattice of stiffening ribs projecting from its bottom, a heat shield disposed between the engine and the fuel tank and in contact with the stiffening ribs, and a plurality of fasteners that fasten the heat shield to the fuel tank. The heat shield/fuel tank assembly is mounted to the support frame. The stiffening ribs prevent warping of the fuel tank bottom and, by raising the tank bottom away from the heat shield, provide air-insulated pockets that insulate the fuel tank from the heat generated by the engine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.