It seems that the desire to be free from parasitic electric companies has been present a long time.

Patent Number
GB151309

Title
SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY TO AN EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
WITHOUT RECEIVING ENERGY FROM EXTERNAL SOURCES


Complete Specification
We,  WILLIAM JAMES PARFITT of 20, Park Terrace, Charles VilI, Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Rope Examiner and Splicer, and ARTHUR JENKINS, Mining Engineer, of 32, Blaendare Road, Pontypool, Monmouthshire, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-

This invention has in view a system for supplying electricity to an external circuit without receiving energy from external sources. To effect this object, we provide a motor and generator which are both electrically and mechanically connected, there being in the electrical connection a storage battery for starting the system into operation.

By suitably dimensioning the pulleys which connect the motor and generator mechanically, and by providing a suitable starting switch in the electrical connection, we aim at obtaining from the generator not only sufficient current to drive the motor but also to supply continuously an external circuit conveniently connected to a distributor to which the dynamo terminals, through a main switch, are also connected.

We are aware that self driving electrical apparatus has been proposed, consisting of combined dynamos and motors with accumulators or other extraneous force for starting, and that it has been proposed to employ a motor whose armature is connected to an accumulator through same; with a return lead to said
armature, whilst the armature of the dynamo is connected to the said accumulator similarly, there being make and break switches in each circuit, the dynamo and motor being mechanically connected, but the present invention resides essentially in a system of the type specified in which the battery, motor, and generator are in series.

The storage battery and starting switch are arranged between the distributor and the motor terminals. The motor pulley is made larger than the generator pulley with a view to obtaining increased speed from the latter.

To start the system, the starting switch is operated, whereupon the storage battery supplies current to the motor. As soon as the main switch is closed, the generator may supply current and we hope in sufficient quantity not only to run the motor while preventing the storage battery from being exhausted, but also to supply the external circuit.

We append a diagram to explain the foregoing. In said drawing:-

1……   represents a storage battery.
2…..   a starting switch.
3…..   connection to an electric motor.
4…..   electric motor.
5…..   driving pulley.
6…..   belt.
7…..   dynamo.
8…..   pulley driven by belt 6.
9…..   current lead from dynamo 7.
10…   distributor.
11…   circuit to storage battery 1; and,
12…   lead for external use.

Although a belt drive is described and shown, better results may be obtained by the employment of gearing between the points represented by pulleys 5 and 8 as we attach Importance to this mechanical connection and the ratio therebetween.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is:-

A system for supplying electricity to an external circuit without receiving energy from external sources, characterised by the combination of a storage battery, an electric motor and dynamo. electrically and mechanically connected, and switches provided, all substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying diagram.

Dated the 18th day of December, 1919.