Compact power generation apparatus and method of generating energy

A method of generating energy in a vehicle with a mobile compact power generation apparatus, comprising the steps of:

• combusting a fuel from a fuel source in an air cooled internal combustion engine,
• converting potential energy of the fuel into mechanical power, along with generation of heat,
• converting said mechanical power into electrical power in a generator, and into an air flow through an air inlet and through and around the generator and the engine,
• absorbing the heat generated by the combustion in the engine and the generator in at least a part of the air flow, and
• extracting the heat in heat exchanging means and passing said heat on to a utility medium for utility purposes.

A method of automated power management of a mobile compact power generation apparatus by carrying out the following steps:

• sensing a load on an air cooled internal combustion engine,
• registering demand for electrical and mechanical power in power-consuming facilities in a vehicle,
• feeding these measurements to a power management system including computer means connected to regulation means, and
• regulating power generation and distributing available power according to the registered demand for electrical power and mechanical power, respectively.

A mobile compact power generation apparatus mountable on a vehicle for the generation of energy for powering appliances in mobile facilities, comprising:

• a housing accommodating an air cooled internal combustion engine and including an exhaust system;
• a generator driven by the engine for the generation of electrical power;
• an inlet communicating with an outlet and flow generating means for circulating a cooling air flow through and around the generator, the engine and the exhaust system;
• and
• a power management system sensing a load on the engine in order to distribute power according to actual demands for electrical power or heat in the mobile facilities.